The meeting was extremely efficient and the agenda was advanced quickly and decisively.
It took less than half an hour to reach the last topic.
When Naruto announced that it was entering the last topic, the atmosphere at the venue was slightly relaxed as the previous topics had settled.
However, Naruto's next opening remarks were like a basin of ice water, waking everyone up instantly.
He did not directly state the content of the issue, but asked a question that seemed simple but pointed directly to the soul:
"Everyone..."
Naruto's voice was not high, but it carried a strange penetrating power and clearly echoed in the silent venue.
"Do you want real peace?"
True peace?
This question stunned most of the people present, with confusion and confusion appearing on their faces.
Isn't Konoha currently in peace?
Third Shinobi World War has been over for more than ten years. It cannot be said that peace has lasted for a long time, but it can also be regarded as a stable life.
"Do you think there is peace without large-scale war?"
Naruto looked around the audience, like a lion patrolling its territory, scanning every face that was confused, thoughtful, or disapproving.
"Wake up!"
Naruto's voice suddenly became heavier:
"Look at the world we live in! Look around Land of Fire!"
The screen behind him changed to the Shinobi World map.
"The rest of Four Great Nations are like four hungry tigers, and they have never stopped coveting and eyeing Land of Fire, the most fertile land!
Under the surface agreement, there is an undercurrent of arms race, intelligence infiltration, and the ambition to tear up the treaty at any time!"
He drew out the Yasohinokami and drew the tip of the knife across the Small Countrys sandwiched between the big countries on the map:
"And those Small Country are like hyenas wandering on the edge of the liger battlefield.
They may seem weak, but they are always waiting for opportunities. Once Land of Fire shows any signs of weakness or weakness, they will pounce on us without hesitation and try to take a bite out of our 'nurturing land'!"
But it's not over yet.
Naruto's words became more specific and more impactful. He began to turn over old scores, and pointed directly at Konoha's most humiliating and unbearable scars:
"Let's not mention the distant past. As far as I know, it was in the not-too-distant past.
As far as I know, Land of Lightning sneaked into Konoha at least twice to carry out kidnappings. The first time was to kidnap my mother, but was stopped by my father.
The second time was when he wanted to kidnap Hyuga Clan's Eldest Daughter, but the owner of Hyuga killed the spy of Kumogakure.
But what was Konoha High Command's response?
I didn't find out the result of the first time. The second time was when Third wanted to confront Kumogakure, but Hyuga Clan secretly killed Ninja Hizashi Hyuga in the village.
Is this peace?
"Other countries can run rampant in Konoha unscrupulously, and can openly sneak in and try to kidnap our most important companions and seize our most precious blood heirs!
And we can only swallow our anger and even sacrifice the corpses of our own compatriots to please the enemy?
In the whole Konoha, isn't there a man?"
Naruto looked at Neji.
"Neji."
Naruto called his name, the voice was not loud, but it clearly penetrated the solemn air of the venue.
Neji Hyuga, who was suddenly named, suddenly stiffened!
At that moment, he felt as if all the blood in his body was rushing to the top of his head, and his brain buzzed, becoming instantly congested with blood.
The usual calmness on his face was completely broken, replaced by a mixture of shock, confusion, and a burning feeling.
Naruto did not give Neji any buffer time. His questions were direct and sharp, like sharp arrows hitting the bull's-eye:
"Tell me..."
Naruto looked directly at Neji's pair of Byakugan that were trembling slightly with excitement, and asked word by word:
"Hyuga Clan, is there a man?"
"I..."
Neji opened his mouth, but found that his throat was too dry to make a complete sound.
He only felt a mixture of the shame of his family's past, the grief and anger of his father being forced to die, the depression of being Branch Family, and the joy of Uncle leading himself to kill his enemies...
And at this moment, the unprecedented bloodiness and unwillingness aroused by Naruto's fiery gaze and words...
All kinds of emotions were rushing and boiling in his chest like volcanic lava!
He couldn't think or organize words.
He could only follow his body's most instinctive reaction.
A "swish" sound!
Neji Hyuga suddenly stood up from his seat.
All the eyes of the audience were focused on Neji.
Hyuga Prodigy, who was usually quiet and reserved, now became the absolute focus of the entire Konoha core meeting room.
Neji can clearly feel the weight of hundreds of gazes.
There is curiosity, scrutiny, expectations, the passionate resonance of fellow young people, and the complex gazes from family elders...
The pressure came like a landslide and a tsunami.
Neji's body was shaking uncontrollably.
The knuckles of his hands clenched into fists were white from excessive exertion and they were trembling slightly.
The pursed lips were also trembling uncontrollably.
He's not afraid.
He is excited!
Hyuga Clan, Is there a man?
Naruto's words were like thunder, exploding in his mind over and over again.
Although Hiashi told him privately that he would be the future Hyuga Clan Heir, did he really want to announce it at this time?
Naruto's eyes were filled with scrutiny and expectation. Neji bit his trembling lips. He really wanted to respond to this expectation!
Under this suffocating silence and countless gazes, Neji Hyuga slowly raised his right hand while his body was shaking uncontrollably.
His arms were stretched straight, and his fingers were tightly pressed together, as if he wanted to condense all his strength, all his determination, and all his accumulated emotions into this simple movement.
He raised his head and faced Naruto's burning gaze, as well as the gaze of everyone in the audience.
The originally trembling lips tightened tightly, and then opened suddenly, using up all the air and power in the chest, he made a sound belonging to Hyuga.
His voice was hoarse due to excitement, but it was clear, firm and decisive:
"Yes!"
He paused, took a deep breath, and Byakugan burst out with an unprecedented light that broke free from all restraints, and almost roared:
"I am! I am Hyuga Clan Man!"
The Forehead Protector on the top of the head was taken off, revealing a smooth forehead under the surprised eyes of everyone.
Caged Bird Seal... disappeared?
The Cursed Seal who accompanied Branch Family member throughout his life until his death... actually... disappeared from Neji Hyuga?
How is this possible?
What does this mean!
Countless gazes, of horror, doubt, inquiry, ecstasy... all turned to Hyuga Hiashi, the head of the Hyuga Clan's family, in an instant.
Hyuga Hiashi nodded towards Neji, showing a smile of approval.