Naruto looked at Neji's unmarked forehead, his straight back, and the brilliant light burning in his Byakugan now that he had broken free of his shackles.
After a brief moment of surprise, Naruto broke into a bold grin.
Now this was a huge surprise!
Good.
The first "example," and the most symbolic and impactful one, had stepped forward in the most stunning way possible.
But that was not enough.
Konoha's "men"-or rather, the core of its new generation, those willing to face challenges and take responsibility-could not consist of just one person.
Naruto's gaze began sweeping quickly across the seats occupied by the younger generation.
His smile remained.
Instead of addressing the entire room again, he began calling out names.
"Shikamaru."
Shikamaru smiled helplessly, then stood.
The moment Naruto brought up the final topic, he had known the guy would call on him.
What can I do? He knows I'll play along!
"Choji."
Naruto turned his gaze toward the slightly bewildered chubby boy beside Shikamaru, Choji Akimichi.
Choji instinctively puffed out his chest.
We're buddies. Naruto wouldn't screw me over, would he?
"Shino."
In a corner, Shino Aburame adjusted his sunglasses. His eyes behind the lenses remained as placid as a still well, but he slowly rose to his feet.
I'll walk through fire for you, Naruto.
"Kiba."
Kiba Inuzuka had long since grown restless. At the sound of his name, he sprang up, his face brimming with eager excitement, as though ready to charge out and throw himself into action at any moment.
"Sasuke."
Naruto's gaze settled on the figure sitting quietly in his seat.
Sasuke slowly removed the bandages over his eyes, revealing a pair of scarlet eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
"Rock Lee."
Finally, Naruto looked at Rock Lee, who had just been fired up over Guy-sensei and had