Speech

The Appointment Ceremony was something Izuna and the Daimyo had discussed long ago.

The Daimyo delivered a speech, expressing his anticipation for the establishment of the Konoha Special Administrative Region.

After the speech, the Daimyo personally handed Hashirama a straw Hashirama with the character "fire" written on it and announced the establishment of the Konoha Special Administrative Region.

Hashirama a speech outlining Konoha's beliefs and plans.

The speech was held on a rooftop, allowing the Envoy to observe everything up close.

The rooftop of the Hokage Building is spacious enough to accommodate all the invited guests.

The Delegation members were led to one side of the rooftop, a spot reserved specifically for them.

On the other side of them were high-ranking members of Konoha.

One person in particular attracted everyone's attention.

He was a handsome man in a magnificent kimono, with a sharp, cold edge to his appearance. His long hair was combed back, and a dark blue Haori was draped over his shoulders, with a red and black kimono underneath.

The wide sleeves of the Haori are trimmed with red and gold stripes, hanging down like two battle flags poised for battle, and she wears black hakama trousers underneath.

His long, slender, fair fingers were smoothing his clothes, tidying his appearance.

Seeing them looking at him, he paused slightly, turned his head, and smiled at them.

The smile looked gentle, but its arrogance remained undiminished.

An incredibly handsome man.

What kind of beauties haven't they seen? The elegant young men dancing gracefully at court banquets, the young generals in silver armor riding white horses on the battlefield, and the noble young men holding fans and laughing lightly at tea parties.

Both plump and slender women have their own merits.

But they'd never actually seen this type before.

The face had the rugged features of a military general, yet the eyebrows and eyes were exceptionally handsome. The black hair that covered half of the face did not diminish its color in the slightest; on the contrary, it made the exposed eye appear even more profound.

He smiled, but the sharpness in his eyes didn't diminish; instead, it shone like a polished knife reflecting light, dazzling for a moment.

Wakako let out a soft "Wow!"

Yuan Yusheng couldn't help but lower his voice and ask Izuna, "Who is that?"

"Hmm?" Izuna followed his gaze. "My brother, Madara Uchiha. Didn't the Daimyo- sama meet him?"

Yuan Yusheng fell silent.

The others also fell silent.

Madara Uchiha?

That ninja Asura of the Ninja World surveyed the battlefield with awe, that Uchiha Clan Head considered a calamity by all nations, is actually this beautiful??

Yuan Yusheng stared at that profile for several moments, trying hard to recall what Madara Uchiha looked like during the last Spring Festival.

I remember now, he hadn't styled his hair up; it was unkempt and half his face was hidden under his high collar, making him look gloomy.

At the time, he only felt that the other side was pitch black and looked somewhat scary.

During today's "celebration," he still had the same image in his mind as before. He even had the feeling of making a deal with ghosts and gods back then, but now, all he wanted to do upon seeing him was ask questions.

Who are you, handsome guy?

The others were also in a state of shock and disbelief.

Before today, they had only heard of the name of the Asura of the Ninja World and his battle record.

In my mind, I either see horned Ghosts and Monsters or burly, strong men.

Who would have thought that this Asura of the Ninja World would be so handsome? Who was the fool who came up with such a misleading name?!

This person is more worthy of being called the Rose of the Shinobi World!

No... his Strength is indeed terrifying... but Shura is also a bit...

Just then Izuna pretended to be distressed and said, "Sigh, you guys don't know, I had to persuade him for a long time before I got this. Even so, Madara still refused to show the other half of his face. He has such a handsome face, sigh, what a waste."

Everyone: We're so curious! The whole face!

However, the main character today is not Madara, but Hashirama Senju, so everyone's attention shifted to the front.

The crowd below was still buzzing. Looking down from above, the top of the crowd looked like a dark wave, stretching from the center of the square all the way to the street corners on both sides.

In the distance, the flags of the Commercial Street fluttered in the wind, and further away, the Tower of the Sealing Squad stood quietly on the horizon, its pointed top reflecting small highlights in the sunlight.

Yuan Yusheng walked to the Amplification Array in the center of the rooftop.

He stopped, looked around, and the rooftop fell silent; the buzzing noise from downstairs also disappeared.

He spoke, and his voice, amplified through the Voice Transmission Array, was neither too loud nor too soft, but clearly reached everyone's ears.

"Gentlemen, I stand here today to witness the formal establishment of the Konoha Special Administrative Region."

"Konoha has been established for less than a year, yet I have already witnessed scenes I never imagined."

"Ninjas and commoners lived side by side, and the various clans put aside their old grudges and built homes together on this land."

"This path won't be easy, but you've taken the first step."

He paused slightly, "The Konoha Special Administrative Region is part of the Land of Fire, and more importantly, it is the common home of all Ninjas. I look forward to your continued protection of this land, and I also look forward to Konoha bringing new prosperity to the Land of Fire."

"Hereinafter, I hereby confer upon Hashirama Senju the position of District Chief of the Konoha Special Administrative Region."

He took the hat with the character for fire on it, symbolizing power, from the attendant beside him and handed it to Hashirama, who had just stepped forward.

"Hashirama Senju," Yuan Yusheng said to him, "You united the hundred clans with your benevolence, and built a peaceful home for Ninjas and commoners alike with your sincerity. Today, I bestow this hat upon you, hoping that you will never forget your original aspirations in the years to come. May Konoha become a home for all, and may the Kakkō on this land illuminate the path for those who come after."

Hashirama bowed in gratitude and put on the red straw hat.

Applause surged up from downstairs, like the rising tide in the distance, one wave after another.

After Yuan Yusheng left the stage, it was Hashirama's turn to go on Hashirama and say something.

Hashirama nervously swallowed and strode towards the podium.

After he stopped, he looked down.

Ninjas, civilians, the elderly, children, comrades who have fought since the Warring States Period, enemies, and even the little ones born after the founding of Konoha.

Among the crowd, some wore Forehead Protector with the Senju hand seals, some had the Uchiha clan crest embroidered on their backs, and many more Shinobi Clans were dressed in the clothing that best represented their status.

Although they were all standing below, they were grouped together in family-like formations, with a considerable distance between them.

Even the children who used to play together quietly stood beside their parents, only daring to greet their friends in hushed tones.

Hashirama looked at all this, raised his head, and said the words that he had memorized and rehearsed a thousand times in his mind over the past few days.

"My beloved people—no, my fellow Ninjas."

After uttering the first sentence, he paused and took a deep breath.

"Today marks the official establishment of the Konoha Special Administrative Region, and the day when we Ninjas truly have a place to call home."

"We Ninjas have fought continuously in this chaotic world, enduring a thousand years of strife. Now, we are finally able to gather together and establish our own home—this in itself is no easy feat."

The wind blew in from the distant mountain pass, making the flags in front of the Hokage Building flutter in the wind.

"Here, I ask you all: Why is this?"

Why has it taken until today for us to lay down our swords and unite?

"Is it because of livelihood that we have to sell our lives to earn a living? Is it because we don't yearn for peace enough? Is it because we don't want our descendants to live a peaceful and tranquil life?"

His voice rose higher and higher with each sentence, as if he were peeling away layers of something.

"Is it because of the divisions among the nobles? If we are unwilling, those tricks won't fool us at all. Is it because we are foolish? Every single one of the hundreds of Ninjutsu we have studied in our lives is the culmination of our painstaking efforts?"

The Envoys glanced sideways, and the Daimyo seemed to be deep in thought.

Indeed, after interacting with these Ninjas, although their ideas were somewhat naive, they were certainly not stupid.

Some people's ideas and decisions are so brilliant that even their Daimyo deserve a remark.

Moreover, they possess overwhelming military strength, making Izuna's ambition to become king not an impossible goal.

"Why is that? We Ninjas possess the wisdom to break any complex Barrier Ninjutsu and the power to destroy a town, so why have we fought endlessly for thousands of years, only to finally usher in peace today?"

Hashirama speaking, he lowered his eyes, and his voice suddenly became somber, as if each word was being dug out from the deepest part of his chest.

"Because we are Ninjas."

"Because we are the strong, wielding swords and blades, and can do as we please."

"The determination to avenge family and friends, fueled by overwhelming force, has transformed into a curse passed down through generations, compelling us to draw our swords even when we know it's a trap."

He raised his hand and placed it on his chest. "This is the heart of guardianship. We fight to protect the name of the deceased, and to protect the responsibility of the living."

"This sentiment itself is neither right nor wrong. But it is precisely because of this that we are trapped."

"Trapped in a cage called the past, yet driven by a determination to protect, they race wildly toward the abyss of revenge."

He said sternly, "That's why we've ended up in this ridiculous situation where, despite being Ninjas with the power to change the world, we're killing and fighting each other!"

The square was deathly silent.

Those who had been secretly sparring with their mortal enemies, standing among their respective tribes, were stunned. They looked up helplessly at the man with flowing black hair.

The man frowned and shouted, "We all have our own ideals, we all have things to protect! Look at the people around us! Look at those so-called other races! They are just like you! They have families, friends, spouses, and children behind them!"

"Look at them! Tell me, what's the difference between them and yourselves!"

We all stand under the same sky, sharing the same joys and the same sorrows.

"Why are we still so foolish! So stubbornly trying to keep each other in check, hostile to each other simply because of the other's surname!"

"Because we are Ninjas." Hashirama's voice suddenly calmed down. "Because each of us has the blood and tears of others on our hands. We are inherently burdened by the lives of those who have died. We cannot be forgiven by anyone, nor can we forgive those whose hands are stained with blood, just like our own."

"People like us will probably all go to hell after we die."

Ōnoki stood below, and slowly lowered his head as Hashirama spoke.

Yes, that's what we are...

So even in such a clean and newly reborn Konoha, they couldn't escape their predetermined fate?

So... what should we do next?

The atmosphere froze.

A heavy atmosphere filled the air; no one spoke, only the rustling of leaves in the wind.

Just then, Hashirama suddenly spoke:

"Gentlemen, answer me. Why are your heads bowed?"

Ōnoki was stunned. He looked up and found that everyone around him looked just as dejected as he did.

Hashirama's voice rose again, "I'll ask you one more time, why are you bowing your head!"

Everyone gradually raised their heads.

"Yes! We are Ninjas!"

"Whether in the past or present, it remains the same. This is a fait accompli, and it cannot be changed!"

"This power is rooted in our blood, enabling us to do things that ordinary people cannot. Yet, for thousands of years, our power has never been truly understood by outsiders, or even by ourselves."

"They only see the Kunai in our hands and the hand seals we make, but they can't see what supports all of this."

"That unwavering determination to give everything for someone important."

Hashirama couldn't help but laugh. "In the past, this obsession led us to draw our swords against each other."

"Today, this same conviction allows us to stand shoulder to shoulder!"

"Because I think you understand as well. True power never lies in destruction itself, but in choosing how to use it."

He raised his hand and formed a hand seal.

In an instant, the ground began to shake violently, and the forest to the west slowly shifted under Hashirama's powerful Earth Release manipulation.

The Daimyo and his Envoys discovered that the towering cliffs that had stood before them had vanished. Only the gate, adorned with a huge lantern and inscribed with the words "Amusement Park Tour," remained standing on the ground.

Although there are still high walls protecting it, the Amusement Park is now fully visible.

That's impossible for people today; a paradise built purely for pleasure comes into view.

Blue skies, white clouds, fragrant grass, and blooming flowers—the vibrant colors painted on the Amusement Park's facilities appeared even more intense under the Ninja's excellent eyesight, stretching all the way to the horizon, a truly magnificent sight.

They then discovered that the forest on the Rear Mountain the Amusement Park actually formed an enormous Chinese character.

[Tolerate].

The word stunned everyone, leaving them momentarily speechless and only able to stare blankly at the miraculous scene before them.

How can this word, so steeped in blood and tears, coexist with those beautiful scenes?

But another voice rose from the depths of their hearts: Why not? Aren't we living in paradise right now?

Only children have pure curiosity and longing for it.

Even though they were separated by ethnic groups, they couldn't help but share their joys and dreams of being able to visit and have fun there someday.

Seeing this, Hashirama's smile deepened.

"Everyone, didn't we do a good job this time? The construction of Konoha Amusement Park wouldn't have been possible without the efforts and support of each and every one of you."

Every single person?

Those who refused the Construction Mission the Amusement Park believed it was all just a Suigetsu.

Or perhaps they simply feel that using their abilities for this is a waste of their talents.

Even those who had hoped to see them make a fool of themselves now felt incredibly guilty; they opened their mouths, but couldn't utter a single word.

"I am grateful to you all."

Izuna was taken aback. This wasn't in his manuscript. Hashirama changed it?

Just when everyone thought it was just empty talk, Hashirama's resolute expression slowly swept across everyone's faces.

As if speaking to the very soul of each person, he said, word by word, "I sincerely thank you, and I still hold onto hope."

In an instant, everyone's heart surrendered to those words.

The man who uttered those words, the God of the Shinobi World, Hashirama Senju, truly became a king in their hearts, a king they were willing to give up their lives to follow.

After a moment of stunned silence, Izuna couldn't help but raise the corners of his mouth in a smile.

This is... Hashirama Senju!

No wonder he's my idol! Awesome, no explanation needed!

"Then let me repeat myself!" Hashirama raised his voice once more, but this time his voice was full of high spirits.

"We are Ninjas!"

Those deep-seated hatreds will not disappear, and those unforgettable losses cannot be erased. But precisely because we understand the meaning of protection better than anyone else, we should strive to create a future for the living that will not repeat the same mistakes!

He paused again, then took a deep breath. "No matter the era, those so-called strong who are consumed by hatred and content with the past will ultimately be abandoned by the times. But we will not be them!"

"It is precisely because we bear the heavy burden of the past that we cherish this gathering even more; it is precisely because we have tasted the bitterness of war that we yearn for the preciousness of peace even more!"

He slowly scanned each face in the audience.

"I, Hashirama Senju, as the First Hokage of the Konoha Special Administrative Region, hereby declare!"

Just as Hashirama was about to deliver his declaration, beams of white light appeared from everyone.

He was stunned.

The Ninjas below erupted in commotion, and then they saw their respective Clan Crests appear on their chests.

Everything happened very quickly. The instant they could see the Clan Crest, it had already taken to the air and arrived in front of Hashirama, converging into a single point with a burst of rainbow light.

The Konoha symbol is clearly visible within.

Some of the more perceptive individuals immediately realized it was Genjutsu, but upon seeing the leaf-like symbol, none of them intended to unravel it; instead, they all quieted down once more.

They gazed at the shimmering white leaves, their expressions filled with unprecedented pride.

The Daimyo and his Envoys were all stunned.

They had never seen such a scene before.

The will of the people is what matters.

These are words of praise that repeatedly appear in memorials to the throne and are used by ministers in the imperial court.

In the past, they had only considered this as a slightly more significant compliment. The common people were too far removed from them, and the country was ultimately led by them, the nobles; the so-called popular support was merely icing on the cake.

They thought that if the people paid less tax, their own pockets would be fuller, and that was all.

But it wasn't until they witnessed this scene that they truly understood what it meant to be the will of the people, and why some people would be willing to sacrifice everything for the common good.

Because this radiance is the answer.

Madara couldn't help but glance at Izuna beside him.

When he saw that the other man was just smiling, he also curled up the corners of his mouth.

Honestly... my younger brother always makes such a big fuss!

Hashirama! Snap out of it! This is the momentum Izuna built for you! If you dare not catch it, just wait and see how I deal with you later!

Hashirama understood that this was what Madara had just told him. He quietly exhaled, suppressing his excitement, and continued the conversation.

"We will be born as Ninjas, fight like Ninjas, and then, like Ninjas, use our own hands to protect the future that is truly worth protecting! Just as in the past, so it will be in the future!"

"Admit it! We are Ninjas! Born into the quagmire of war, we are Ninjas who can lead the world to peace!"