Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
Over the past three days, discussions about Shira have been like a never-ending wind sweeping through every corner of Sunagakure.
Genin, Chunin, Jonin, and even ordinary villagers were all talking about the twelve-year-old boy who had returned after being missing for four years, made a name for himself, and skipped the Chunin to Jonin.
On the morning of the third day, the plaza in front of the Kazekage Building was specially cleared, and a simple yet solemn platform was erected. The flags of Sunagakure fluttered in the dry wind.
As dawn broke, a dense crowd spontaneously gathered around the square. Ninjas, civilians, the elderly, and children all eagerly awaited their arrival.
For the vast majority of Sunagakure, this was the first and perhaps only time they had ever witnessed a ceremony in which a " Genin " was directly promoted to Jonin ".
This broke too many conventions and ignited too much curiosity.
"Is this an even bigger celebration than the one for repelling the Iwagakure ambush?"
A middle-aged villager, squeezed into the crowd, peeked out and muttered to the person next to him, "Isn't promotion to Jonin usually just an internal announcement? Why is there a special ceremony? I remember that only when a new Lord Kazekage takes office, or when a unit returns victorious with great achievements, is there such a scene."
What do you know?!
Beside him stood an elderly man with gray hair and old scars on his face, clearly a retired ninja. His cloudy eyes gazed at the high platform with a sigh, "I've lived most of my life, spent forty years in Sunagakure, and I've never seen anything like it! Jumping directly from Genin to Jonin —have you ever heard of such a thing? No! Let alone this child being only twelve!"
"A twelve-year-old Jonin? My God, isn't that even more than Sasori back then..." A young woman covered her mouth, her eyes filled with shock.
"Shh! Don't mention that name!" Someone immediately whispered to stop them, but their eyes also held a complex expression.
"They're different."
The old man shook his head, his voice low but clear enough for those around him to hear, "Scorpion is a genius puppeteer, who rose through the ranks from Chunin at the age of twelve, following the proper path."
"But Shira..." He paused, his gaze sweeping across the crowd, as if searching for the figure about to appear.
"I heard he doesn't know any Ninjutsu or Genjutsu, but he Jonin becoming a Jonin through sheer physical strength and his self-created breathing technique!"
"On the day of his test, Jonin Baki and four other strong Jonin teamed up to test him. He defeated two of them, and finally forced Jonin Baki use one of his ultimate techniques to test his true strength! This kind of approach is unprecedented since the founding of Sunagakure!"
"Relying solely on Taijutsu? That must be incredibly arduous..." someone exclaimed in astonishment.
"It's not just hard work, it's like risking your life!"
The old man sighed, a hint of pride in his voice, "But it also shows that we in Sunagakure don't only rise to prominence through Kekkei Genkai and family secret techniques! As long as you're willing to fight hard and think things through, even a golden monkey can spring from a stone!"
"This ceremony isn't just for him, it's for the whole village, especially for those children without connections or talent—the path is right under your own feet!"
The crowd whispered among themselves, comparing and marveling.
Many parents with children pointed to the platform and whispered something to their children, their eyes filled with expectation.
Some of the younger Genin and Chunin even gathered together, their eyes burning with eagerness and a competitive spirit, staring intently at the empty platform.
They wanted to see for themselves what this legendary Shira was all about.
At the front of the crowd were Shira's family and friends. Shiya and Rira stood close together, Rira's eyes were a little red, and she held her husband's hand tightly, both excited and nervous.
Asuka, Sasori, and Sada stood together. Asuka looked around excitedly, Sasori Sada beside Sada, who leaned on his cane with a smile on his face.
Captain Reppu stood a little behind, arms crossed, looking pleased.
Further away, Ameno and the others stood to the side.
Granny Chiyo, accompanied by Ebizo, appeared in a corner of the viewing area, smiling as she looked towards the podium.
Gaara stood alone in an inconspicuous corner, with Yashamaru beside him, and he smiled as he looked up at the high platform.
As the sun rose higher, it illuminated the square. The doors of the Kazekage Building slowly opened.
Led by Rasa, and surrounded by Baki and several other high-ranking Jonin and elders, they slowly walked out.
Rasa was dressed in formal Kazekage robes today, his expression dignified.
He walked to the center of the platform and stood still, his gaze slowly sweeping over the now quiet crowd below.
Without any unnecessary formalities, Rasa spoke directly, his voice amplified by Chakra, clearly resounding throughout the entire plaza:
"Today, we are not here to celebrate victory or hold a grand ceremony. We are here only to announce that a new Jonin of Sunagakure has been born, through his undeniable strength, unwavering will, and unwavering loyalty to the village!"
He turned slightly to the side, his gaze fixed on the entrance of the Kazekage Building.
" Shira, step forward."
All eyes turned to the figure who slowly emerged from the shadows and stepped onto the high platform steps.
He was still wearing that simple dark gray training uniform, with a sword at his waist.
But today, his straight back, steady steps, and clear, determined eyes in the sunlight all seemed to be coated with a radiance different from the past.
Shira walked up to Rasa and knelt on one knee.
Rasa took a brand-new Sunagakure Jonin Forehead Protector that gleamed with a cold metallic light, and a neatly folded Sunagakure Jonin uniform vest from the tray held by Baki beside him.
He handed the Forehead Protector to Shira. Shira took it with both hands and solemnly tied it on her forehead.
From then on, his headband was no longer an ordinary Forehead Protector representing Genin, but Jonin's badge symbolizing the Sunagakure's top combat strength and responsibility.
Next, Rasa Jonin the Jonin vest over Shira's shoulders.
The dark green vest, bearing witness to the glory and bloodshed of countless powerful Sunagakure warriors, now rests on the shoulders of this twelve-year-old boy. It is slightly oversized, yet it seems to fit his tall and upright figure in a strange way.
"From this day forward, you are Sunagakure, Shira of Jonin."
Rasa said in a deep voice, "I hope you will remember this day, take it as your duty to protect the village and shelter your companions, forge ahead with determination, and live up to this name and this armor."
"Yes! Shira will remember Lord Kazekage's teachings and vow to protect Sunagakure!" Shira raised her head, her voice clear and powerful, echoing in the sky above the plaza.
Rasa nodded slightly and took a step back.
This means that the time ahead belongs to Shira, to this most unique newly promoted Jonin in the history of Sunagakure.
Shira slowly stood up, walked to the front of the platform, and faced the dense, countless gazes that were focused on him.
There was curiosity, scrutiny, envy, anticipation, and also resentment.
The sunlight was a bit too bright, and the wind swept across the square, carrying dust with it.
He took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart. This was not a battle, yet it stirred his emotions even more than a battle.
He knew that at that moment, he represented more than just himself.
He spoke, his voice not loud, but exceptionally steady and clear, reaching everyone's ears.
"Fellow villagers, respected elders, and fellow travelers."
"My name is Shira. Not long ago, I was just an ordinary Genin Sunagakure. Today, I stand here."
He paused, his gaze slowly sweeping across the crowd, over those familiar and unfamiliar faces.
"Many people are curious, many people are puzzled. What makes a twelve-year-old child stand here, wearing this Forehead Protector and this vest? Someone who doesn't know any Ninjutsu, doesn't understand any Genjutsu, and only knows the most clumsy and arduous Taijutsu?"
His voice gradually rose, taking on a rock-like quality.
"My answer is: With my fists, with my scars, with my indomitable spirit that will get me up the ten thousandth and first time, even if I fall ten thousand times!"
"Yes, I don't have Kekkei Genkai, I don't have any family secret techniques, I can't learn complicated Hand Seals, and I can't understand the runes of Genjutsu. In many people's eyes, I'm probably a 'talentless' idiot."
"But I want to say that talent may determine your starting point. But what determines where you go, what determines who you become—is sweat! It's blood! It's the pain you grit your teeth and swallow in the dead of night when no one can see you! It's the last bit of unwillingness and perseverance you squeeze from your bones when you're on the verge of despair!"
His fists clenched unconsciously, and the smooth muscle lines on his arms tensed slightly.
"The environment in Sunagakure is harsh. Sandstorms are frequent, water is scarce, missions are difficult, and enemies are fierce. It seems we're inherently lacking something compared to others."
"But it is precisely because we have so little that we cherish it all the more! It is precisely because the road is difficult that we take each step with greater firmness!"
"The ninjas of Sunagakure are tough and upright, not because we are born stronger than others, but because the wind, the sand, and this cruel world have repeatedly forged us into who we are!"
Shira suddenly raised her arm, pointing towards the training ground and the boundless desert surrounding the village.
"Look at the land beneath our feet! Look at our comrades beside us! Sunagakure's achievements today are not due to the sudden emergence of any genius, but to the generations of ninja who fought with their lives and shed their blood to carve out a home on this seemingly barren land!"
"I, Shira, am merely a slightly luckier grain of sand on this land. There are people more talented than me! And there are even more people who work harder than me!"
"I simply seized my opportunity a little earlier than them. But I believe that after me, many more outstanding comrades will step forward! Many more Sunagakure children who refuse to accept fate and refuse to give up will tell the world in their own way— the Sunagakure is not just about sandstorms, but also about burning passion and indomitable spirit!"
His voice grew increasingly impassioned, and his eyes seemed to burn with fire.
"In recent years, the village's situation has improved considerably compared to the past. But can we relax? Can we rest on our laurels and get complacent?"
"Cannot!"
He practically roared those two words, his voice booming like thunder, echoing across the square.
"The outside world is teeming with predators! The stones of Iwagakure are still grinding against our borders! The prosperity of Konoha, the strength of Kumogakure, the mystery of Kirigakure —aren't they all watching us? Aren't they all eager to tear a piece of our flesh?!"
"The peace of Sunagakure has never been a gift from others! It is a wall we built ourselves with our fists, our blades, and our countless lives!"
He suddenly opened his arms wide, as if to embrace the entire plaza and the entire Sunagakure.
"Therefore, I stand here not only as a Jonin, but also as a Sunagakure ninja, to loudly proclaim—"
"From this day forward, I will no longer become stronger just for myself! I will become stronger for my parents and family who believe in me and support me! I will become stronger for my comrades who fight alongside me and entrust me with life and death! I will become stronger for Sunagakure that gave me life, raised me, tempered me, and gave me a sense of belonging!"
"One person's strength is limited, but when we all unite as one, when every villager contributes to making the village better, when every ninja fights with all their might to protect this land—"
His gaze swept across the entire arena like lightning, and finally, with all his might, he let out a deafening roar:
"Let us tell the entire Shinobi World together— the Sunagakure of the Land of Wind is not to be underestimated! The ninjas of the Land of Wind stand tall and proud! The will of the Sunagakure, like the ancient sands, will never be extinguished!"
"Damn it! Let the four great nations see just how tough the bones of the Land of Wind really are!"
The final, rough yet incredibly direct and cathartic roar was like the fuse that ignited an explosive.
silence.
The next second--
"Boom!!!"
The entire square erupted in cheers!
"Well said!!"
"Fuck him!!"
Sunagakure!!
" Shira Jonin!! I love you, I want to have your babies!"
"Let those bastards see what we're made of!!"
The young Genin and Chunin, their faces flushed and necks red, raised their arms and shouted, their eyes burning with fanatical flames, as if their blood had been ignited!
Although the older ninjas were somewhat reserved, they couldn't help but nod vigorously, clenching their fists, their long-dormant heroic spirit rekindled.
The ordinary villagers were so moved that tears welled up in their eyes. They didn't understand the profound Ninjutsu, but they understood the determination to protect their homeland and the indomitable courage!
The Asuka jumped up and clapped frantically like horses, their voices hoarse from shouting.
Ameno covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes, as she looked at the figure on the high platform that seemed to be glowing.
Many, many people had tears in their eyes...
Rasa stood at the back, looking down at the crowd that had been completely ignited, and at the tall figure on the platform who, though young, already possessed the aura of a leader. Finally, a very subtle, almost imperceptible smile appeared on his usually cold face.
Baki gazed intently at Shira's retreating figure.
This young man brought more than just a powerful Jonin Sunagakure.
Granny Chiyo clicked her tongue and whispered to Ebizo, "That kid Shira's got a lot to say. But while his words may be rough, the point is valid. Sunagakure lacks that kind of reckless stubbornness and ruthlessness."
Ebizo smiled but didn't say anything, only squinting at the bustling square under the sunlight.
Shira stood on the high platform, surrounded by shouts as loud as a mountain collapsing and a tsunami crashing in her ears, her chest heaving violently.
He looked down at the excited faces below, feeling the powerful will that had gathered together, a will known as " Sunagakure ".
He knew that from this moment on, the burden on his shoulders was even heavier.
But he was fearless.
Because he wasn't fighting alone.
Behind him stood the entire Sunagakure.
The wind howled, whipping up the Sunagakure's banners, making them flutter loudly...