When Shinichi finished speaking, the hall remained silent for a long time.
Many people realized that what they had just heard was not merely a discussion about peace.
It might well be a strategic blueprint for fundamentally reshaping the future of the shinobi world.
Child of Prophecy.
Those three words exploded through Jiraiya's mind like thunder.
He stared blankly at the young man before him.
A boy whose calm demeanor concealed ambitions as vast as the stars and the sea.
For a brief moment, Jiraiya even wondered whether the Great Toad Sage's prophecy had pointed in the wrong direction from the very beginning.
Could it be that the Child of Prophecy—the one destined to guide the world's transformation—was not the disciple he had spent so many years searching for and nurturing?
Could it instead be the eleven-year-old standing before him?
Higashino Shinichi.
A boy who had already displayed peerless talent, extraordinary wisdom, remarkable courage, and a vision grand enough to encompass the entire world.
The thought flashed through his mind and vanished just as quickly.
Jiraiya soon regained his composure and focused on what truly mattered.
The boy had drawn the blueprint.
He had pointed out the direction.
He had even dissected the contradictions and obstacles standing in the way.
But how should they begin?
Where was the first step?
What methods should they use?
The practical path forward remained an unexplored wilderness.
Suppressing the turbulent emotions within him, Jiraiya fixed an even more fervent gaze upon Shinichi and urgently asked: "Then tell me, Shinichi!"
"What exactly should we do?"
"How do we take the first step?"
Under Jiraiya's expectant gaze, everyone else in the hall unconsciously held their breath as well.
They waited for the answer that would finally point the way forward.
Yet once again, to everyone's surprise, Shinichi gently shook his head.
"Jiraiya-sama..."
"I don't know."
"I have the blueprint in my heart."
"I have a vague vision of what the future of shinobi could become."
"I have many conclusions about what ought to be done and what must be done, based on my analysis of the current situation."
"But..."
Shinichi paused briefly before continuing.
"A blueprint is still only a blueprint."
"The world itself is fluid, complicated, and filled with countless unknown variables and deeply rooted contradictions."
"Based on what I've seen, what I know, and what I've learned so far, I am still far from being able to provide a complete, reliable solution that can withstand the test of reality."
Shinichi's gaze slowly swept across everyone present as he spoke calmly.
"Perhaps one day in the future, after the flames of war sweeping across the shinobi world have finally subsided, I will do as our ancestor, the Sage of Six Paths, once did."
"I will leave the village."
"I will step beyond this familiar environment and set foot upon the vast lands of the shinobi world."
"I want to see with my own eyes just how barren and unforgiving the deserts of the Land of Wind truly are."
"I want to personally experience how deeply the people there yearn for water and oases."
"I want to feel the rugged mountains of the Land of Lightning and the resilience of its people."
"I want to understand how those who live beyond the stone cliffs of the Land of Earth view the world."
"I want to see the lives and beliefs of those living on the islands of the Land of Water."
"I want to listen to the stories of every nation, every village, and even every ordinary person."
"I want to understand their joys, their suffering, their fears, and their hopes."
As he spoke, Shinichi's gaze grew distant.
It was as though he had pierced through the barriers of time itself and arrived in that primitive, untamed age.
"Perhaps..."
"Only by doing that—only by measuring with my own feet the same land that the Sage of Six Paths once walked in his attempt to save the world—only by using my own eyes and heart to observe and understand how he viewed humanity during his travels..."
"Only by understanding the state of mind with which he witnessed countless conflicts and endless suffering, and what ultimately led him to found Ninshū, spread chakra throughout the world, and seek to connect people's hearts..."
"Perhaps only then will I truly understand how the first step should be taken."
"Only then will I be able to find the key that belongs to our era—the key that can transform ideals into reality."
His eyes swept across the hall before finally returning to Jiraiya's face, where a multitude of emotions had gathered.
Shinichi bowed his head slightly.
"So, Jiraiya-sama, I apologize."
"As for the question of exactly what we should do, I do not yet have an answer."
"All I can offer is a direction."
"And a promise—one that may require years of walking, observing, and reflecting before it gradually becomes clear."
When his words ended, silence filled the hall.
Jiraiya could not help feeling a trace of disappointment.
Yet he also understood.
This was the ultimate problem that had troubled countless generations throughout the shinobi world.
How could an eleven-year-old boy, no matter how brilliant, possibly produce a perfect answer so easily?
The fact that he could see a direction, dare to propose such a blueprint, and willingly shoulder such a sincere and weighty promise was already astonishing beyond measure.
It surpassed anything Jiraiya, who had spent most of his life drifting without clear answers, could have imagined.
He let out a quiet sigh and was about to speak.
But then the young man's voice rang out once more.
"However, Jiraiya-sama, and everyone here..."
"I also understand that one person's wisdom is limited, while many minds together can achieve far more."
"No matter how grand a blueprint may be, it still requires collective thought, the collision of different perspectives, and the gathering of many people's wisdom."
"So I'd like to take this opportunity to establish an open, unofficial, and non-governmental society dedicated to discussion and research."
"This society will not concern itself with political positions, whether inside or outside the village."
"It will not involve any specific strategic objectives."
"Its sole purpose will be to pool ideas and jointly explore the possibilities I spoke about tonight."
The moment those words were spoken, many people's eyes immediately lit up.
"We will explore how the power of shinobi can be applied beyond combat."
"We will seek new ways for our abilities to serve creation and development."
"We will discuss how, from theoretical, technical, and even institutional perspectives, we can gradually transform the way people perceive the shinobi profession."
"We will explore how to return to the original ideals of the Sage of Six Paths and, from the most fundamental level, search for possible paths toward lasting peace."
"Here and now, I sincerely welcome any fellow shinobi of Konoha who are interested in these ideas."
"No matter your seniority."
"No matter your background."
"You are welcome to join us."
"Let us discuss together, learn together, and inspire one another."
"And perhaps..."
"If circumstances allow and the time is right in the future, I hope this society's doors can one day open to the entire shinobi world."
"I hope to welcome those from other nations and villages who are equally weary of endless killing and equally eager to find a new path forward for shinobi."
"The exchange of ideas knows no borders."
"And the desire for peace is a feeling shared by all humanity."
"Perhaps only when such dialogue and consensus begin to grow on a broad scale before political and military confrontations take place..."
"...can the seeds of hope truly be scattered across the world."
After outlining his vision for the society, Shinichi suddenly showed a hint of embarrassment and smiled.
"That said..."
"I still haven't come up with a name for it."
"I feel it should have a name that reflects both its spirit of open discussion and its broader goals."
"Does anyone have any suggestions?"
The words had barely left his mouth when Shizune—who had been listening intently, her eyes growing brighter and brighter throughout the discussion—blurted out her answer without a moment's hesitation.
"Why not just call it the Shinichi Society?!"
"Since you're the one who first proposed these ideas, Shinichi, and since you're the one organizing it..."
"And since the entire purpose of our discussions revolves around the future vision you've described..."
"Wouldn't it be the most natural and appropriate thing to name the society after you?"
"The Shinichi Society."
"Gathering companions under the name of Higashino Shinichi to discuss the future together!"
Good!
Wonderful!
Shizune, I absolutely love you right now!
"Uh..."
Shinichi froze for a moment.
Clearly, he hadn't expected Shizune to say that.
Nor had he expected her to nominate his own name.
But before he could react—
"I think Shinichi Society is a great name!"
"Very good! Simple, direct, and meaningful!"
"I agree! That's the one!"
"Exactly! Captain Shinichi came up with the idea in the first place. Using his name is only natural!"
"Right! Everyone will immediately know who's gathering people and what the discussions are about!"
"Shinichi Society! It sounds like it has real unity behind it!"
"I support it!"
"Me too!"
The members of Shinichi's unit were the first to respond enthusiastically.
Then, one after another, many of the shinobi who had been deeply moved by Shinichi's words that evening also voiced their support.
For a time, the name Shinichi Society received almost unanimous support.
Shinichi shook his head slightly, as though unable to resist everyone's enthusiasm, and finally relented.
"Since everyone seems to approve, we'll use that name for now."
"When the society eventually establishes its core principles and long-term direction, we can give it a new name—one that better represents its mission and spirit."
Of course, Shinichi was only saying that.
The founder of the Shinichi Society was him.
The creator of its guiding philosophy was him.
The one who would plan and execute its future direction was also him.
Realistically, nobody was likely to suggest changing the name unless Shinichi himself wanted to.
Seeing the crowd grow even more excited, with many people already eager to declare their membership on the spot, Shinichi smiled and raised a hand, gently motioning downward.
"Everyone, let's eat first."
"The food will get cold, and that would be a waste of such good cooking."
"As for joining the Shinichi Society, there's no need to rush."
"Take some time after you go home to think it over carefully."
"You can also reflect on your own ideas regarding this direction, any questions you may have, or even opinions that differ from mine."
"Write them down."
"Then, when the opportunity arises, we can gather again, speak freely, and exchange ideas at length."
"Wouldn't that be better?"
As his words settled, the crowd indeed stopped pressing the issue.
Yet the light in many people's eyes burned even brighter than before they had arrived at the banquet.
It was as though an inextinguishable spark had been lit within their hearts.
The atmosphere in the hall gradually relaxed once more.
The sounds of chopsticks and bowls returned.
Conversations resumed.
Voices praising the delicious food filled the room.
But now those sounds carried something new—a sense of contemplation and hope.
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