As Shunsui was declared winner, Hiruzen stepped onto the balcony overlooking the arena.
The Third Hokage looked out over the large crowd that filled every seat in the stadium. The deafening cheers slowly quieted as thousands of spectators turned their attention toward the Third Hokage.
Everyone wanted to hear what the leader of Konoha had to say after such an exciting final match. Hiruzen smiled warmly.
"Today..." he began. His voice carried effortlessly throughout the arena thanks to the skilled use of chakra. "...we have witnessed something truly special."
"Victory and defeat are temporary. They last only until the next mission... the next battle... the next examination."
"But the courage and skills the genins displayed today in their battles... that is something no defeat can ever take from you."
A round of applause echoed through the arena. The crowd clapped loudly to show their agreement. "Every single genin who stepped into this arena deserves recognition."
Hiruzen continued speaking with kindness in his voice. "They managed to reach the large round among so many participants. You fought with determination. You fought with conviction. And above all... You fought as shinobi."
The applause grew louder as people cheered for the young fighters. Hiruzen chuckled lightly. "Now... I admit I may be just a little biased."
"As Hokage, perhaps I should remain perfectly impartial." He placed a hand over his chest with exaggerated innocence. "...Unfortunately, I am also a citizen of Konohagakure."
"So allow this old man one moment of pride." He turned toward the Konoha competitors. "Our young shinobi have made this village proud today. They demonstrated not only strength... but compassion. Not only talent... but hardwork. They reminded me why so many have willingly entrusted their lives to the next generation." Hiruzen spoke from the heart about the qualities that made the genin special.
His expression softened, "The Will of Fire is often misunderstood. Some believe it is merely loyalty to one's village. They are mistaken. The Will of Fire is the belief that every child born into Konoha deserves someone willing to protect them."
Hiruzen explained that it was not just about fighting for the village but about caring for the future and protecting innocent lives everywhere.
Shunsui thought 'Here we go again with the propaganda. Dude does not forget about it one bit. But I guess I should not be mad about it. He is after all a village leader and we are in war. Hiruzen is using this to raise morale of our people. I should be glad that we have such a competent village leader.'
Shunsui understood why the Hokage gave this kind of speech. It helped keep the village strong during difficult times. Even if it felt like propaganda to him, Shunsui respected the effort Hiruzen put into inspiring everyone.
"It is the conviction that today's children will one day surpass those who came before." Hiruzen continued. "It is planting a tree whose shade you may never live long enough to enjoy. And yet... We plant it anyway."
Silence filled the arena as people listened carefully. Many veterans lowered their heads. They understood those words better than anyone because they had lived through many wars and sacrifices.
Hiruzen's voice became heavier with emotion. "We live in an age of war. Many fathers stand upon distant battlefields. Many mothers wait anxiously for letters that may never arrive. And many children dream of the day peace will finally come."
His eyes wandered across the young genin below. "When I look upon all of you... I see that hope. I do not see weapons. I do not see tools. I see the future that all of us have sacrificed to protect." Even the visiting shinobi listened quietly.
Then Hiruzen smiled once more to lighten the mood. "Of course... I also saw several of you trying to kill each other today."
"I would appreciate it if we could save at least some of that enthusiasm for the enemy."
"To our honored guests from Kirigakure, Kusagakure, Amegakure, Takigakure, and every other village that accepted our invitation..." He bowed respectfully. "...thank you. You entrusted your young shinobi to compete on our soil. You honored this examination with your presence. Though our villages may not always stand on the same side of history... today our children stood beneath the same sky. For a few precious days, they competed instead of waging war. They shook hands instead of drawing blood. If only for a little while... that alone is worth celebrating."
The arena erupted into applause once more.
Hiruzen looked toward the sky before continuing. "The First Hokage dreamed of an era where children would inherit peace instead of battle. That dream has not yet been realized. But as long as there are shinobi willing to protect those precious to them. As long as the Will of Fire continues to burn, I believe that day will come."
He raised one hand toward the roaring crowd. "Until then, Let today's generation grow stronger. Let today's friendships become tomorrow's alliances. Thank you all for attending. And may your journey home be a safe one."
He paused, smiling one last time. "...Unless you're one of the repair crews." He glanced at the cratered arena. "They're going to have a very long week."
Shunsui thought,'He also made sure to give the idea of alliance to other villages. I am sure that Kiri would not accept it but I can't say the same about the smaller shinobi villages.'
The stadium erupted with laughter and thunderous applause as the Third Hokage stepped back.
Shunsui was sure that he heard the matron shouting from somewhere in the stands. "Hokage samaaa, Shunsui was raised by me in my orphanage. I raised him under your will of fire teaching!!"
The old woman's voice was loud and full of pride. She stood up and waved her arms excitedly to get attention. Some even pointed toward Shunsui with big smiles on their faces.
The matron continued calling out happily. "He is a good boy, Hokage sama! He learned everything from your teachings! Look how strong he became!"
Shunsui cringed as he used his straw hat to hide his face. He pulled the hat down low to cover his eyes and tried to look smaller.
-------Author Notes--------
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