His voice was quiet, but everyone could hear him clearly.
"The celebration should be just about over now."
A chorus of reluctant sighs rose from the audience.
Genya raised a hand and gently pressed it down, quieting the crowd once more.
"But!"
He paused.
"Before we end, I'd like to say a few words."
Tens of thousands of eyes watched him.
"Konoha wasn't always a good place."
His voice was calm and clear.
"Some people were ostracized. Some were sacrificed. Some were forgotten. There was hatred, prejudice, and far too much that should never have belonged here."
Some people in the audience lowered their heads.
"But that wasn't all there was to Konoha."
Genya's gaze softened.
"Konoha was founded by the First Hokage. So many people gave their lives to protect it. It's a home shared by everyone who lives here."
His gaze passed over Hashirama, the Third Hokage, Tsunade, and every villager.
"This home isn't perfect. It has flaws. It makes mistakes. There are times when it disappoints us. But it's worth protecting. Because here, we have-"
He pointed at the blond boy in the crowd.
"A fool who wants to become Hokage."
Naruto froze, then scratched his head sheepishly.
He pointed at the silver-haired Jonin standing at the edge of the crowd.
"An elite who carries on his father's ideals."
Leaning against a tree, Kakashi opened his dull eyes a little wider, then turned his face away.
He pointed at the Uchiha in the crowd.
"A clan that has gotten back on its feet."
Fugaku drew a deep breath. Mikoto wiped away her tears, Shisui smiled, and Itachi gave a slight nod.
He pointed toward the Hyuga Clan.
"Brave souls who broke free of their fate."
Hiashi nodded slightly. Neji lowered his eyes and clenched his fists. Hinata