"At the end of the day, what I want to tell you is this: as ninjas, loyalty to the village naturally comes first. But only when all of you grow into towering trees will you be able to protect the village better. And the only way to become strong is to fulfill your own tolerance."
"The Ninja Way is not the shadow of fire, not something given to you by a teacher, nor by anyone else. It comes from within your heart."
That concluded today's lesson.
Mirai's voice faded, and the students below in the arena burst into applause. The crisp clapping echoed throughout the academy for a long while.
Elder Mirai is so smart!
Not only is he smart, he's handsome too!
Outside the field, many girls chatted among themselves, including a cute little girl with short hair and another with shoulder-length hair.
Shizune, Kurenai Yuhi...
Mirai looked over the immature yet familiar faces one by one, feeling both pleased and wistful.
As the Fourth Huo Ying, he had fought to protect this village. One important part of that was protecting these budding children, who would one day become the trees that supported the leaves.
This was what inheritance meant.
After the speech ended, Mirai gave a brief farewell before vanishing at a speed no one noticed.
Ninja Academy, principal's office.
The Third Hokage withdrew his gaze from the crystal ball before him and glanced slightly to the side. Mirai had already appeared behind him.
"What sharp insight."
With a chuckle, the Third Hokage knew that Mirai had completely mastered Sage Mode. He also had an estimate of Mirai's current strength in his heart.
It might not necessarily be inferior to his own.
"Lord Huo Ying, were you satisfied with my speech just now?" Mirai chuckled. Strangely, the