The meeting continued, and Asura and Hiruzen Sarutobi raised their hands at the same time.
Naruto glanced at Asura, then gestured for Hiruzen to speak.
Hiruzen's gaze was downcast and troubled as he slowly voiced a question that had left many of them at a loss. "What I would like to discuss is how ninja should find their place after this war."
A long silence fell over the hall.
This war had shaken their understanding of the world to its foundations.
No matter how hard they tried, there were some beings they could never defeat.
Some had even begun to question the convictions they had once held as ninja.
"..." No one could offer an answer. Perhaps the very premise was contradictory.
Could they really expect everyone to become as powerful as Naruto and the others, strong enough to confront the Ōtsutsuki head-on?
That was impossible.
Then should they completely deny the value of ninja themselves?
Similar thoughts crossed people's minds to varying degrees, but no one could bring themselves to say them aloud.
"Should ninja leave the stage of history altogether, with only a handful of the strongest fighters remaining? Is that what you're all thinking?"
Naruto surveyed the hall, his eyes gleaming as though he could see into their hearts.
"..." Many people, even former Kage, lowered their heads.
Naruto had voiced the reality they dared to think about but not speak of!
"That is... wrong!" Naruto abruptly raised his voice, his conviction compelling. "Ninja are nowhere near as useless as you think!"
A timid voice rang out from the edge of the hall, anxious for an answer. "What... makes you so certain?"
It was a question shared by many of those present.
Naruto spoke slowly, his voice low. "All right. I'll explain. Let's leave matters of conviction