The Clan Elders' enthusiasm flared anew, and they immediately began discussing the banquet's details, from the guest list to the dishes, from the decorations to the guards. Every one of them looked animated, as though they were preparing a grand celebration that would determine the clan's future for the next hundred years.
Hyuga Hiashi sat in the seat of honor, watching these Clan Elders who had gone from arrogance to deference, their faces now burning with fervor. The last shred of reverence he had for them dissolved amid their noisy discussion.
So-called rules and traditions proved utterly fragile in the face of overwhelming power and profit.
He even found it a little funny.
The authority that had once left him struggling to breathe now seemed like nothing more than a ridiculous farce.
When Toru Kujyo emerged from the Hokage Building, he was greeted by a surging crowd and a deafening roar.
The sunlight was dazzling, but even more dazzling were the countless eyes fixed on him, brimming with fervor and hope.
"It's Lord Toru Kujyo!"
"Wood Release! I saw it with my own eyes! It was Lord First's Wood Release!"
"We're saved! Konoha is saved!"
"Please, Lord-to-ru-Ku-jyo! You have to protect Konoha!"
The villagers gathered around of their own accord, reaching out as though they wanted to touch a miracle. Relief at surviving the disaster mingled with fervent hope for the future on their faces. Their almost worshipful enthusiasm reminded Toru Kujyo of a scene from his memories of his previous life: that golden-haired figure being tossed high into the air by the entire village after defeating Pain.
Being treated as a hero always carried such a heavy weight.
"Tch. What a pain." Toru Kujyo curled his lip. Chakra surged beneath his feet, and an invisible current of air lifted