Looking out at the sea of people below, Jinghang couldn't help but swallow nervously. Not even when facing the vast armies of Iwagakure had he felt this tense.
The main attendees of this summit were the Kage of the five great ninja villages, their accompanying guards, and the Daimyo and upper-class elites of the Five Great Nations. Since this summit presented an opportunity to promote the Yuexi Peninsula as a symbol of peace, invitations were extended to every country with a ninja village. On top of that, countless commoners from nearby regions came to witness the event. According to the statistics from Hiraki Kanzaburo's team, the Yuexi Peninsula's visitor count had already exceeded 1.2 million.
The hotel district was fully booked. Many residents who owned homes in the area rented out their extra rooms, but it still wasn't enough. Some people even pitched tents outside the city!
This was a gathering of unprecedented scale in the history of the ninja world.
As the host, Jinghang decided to make the opening ceremony unique. He set the venue at Peace Plaza, the largest outdoor square on the Yuexi Peninsula, capable of accommodating 50,000 people. Additionally, the Golden Sands Entertainment Group was tasked with putting together a grand opening performance. And, of course, delivering a speech at the opening ceremony of the Five Kage Summit was a necessity.
Fortunately, the weather was perfect—clear skies and bright sunshine.
Jinghang cleared his throat, and his voice immediately echoed across the entire plaza. The chakra-powered sound system installed by the Golden Sands Entertainment Group was working perfectly.
At the same time, several ninja from the Yuki Clan activated their Ice Release Secret Technique: Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals. By ingeniously refracting light, they created a massive projection screen overhead, allowing everyone to see the commanding presence of the Third Kazekage.
Jinghang steadied himself, calmed his nerves, and began his address to the nearly 50,000 attendees.
"Honored guests! Friends! Welcome to the Yuexi Peninsula!"
Jinghang raised his voice, prompting a wave of enthusiastic applause from the audience.
He waved his hand in a show of grandeur, then gestured for silence. As the crowd gradually quieted down, he continued.
"Over a thousand years ago, the Sage of Six Paths founded ninshu. His actions, like the light of a beacon, brought hope to countless people suffering under the merciless forces of nature. It was like the joyous dawn ending the long, oppressive night that had bound the world.
However, over a thousand years later, we must face the truth: our crises still persist. In the past six years, the ninja world has been plagued by endless bloodshed. Nations have been mired in the quagmire of war, countless lives have been lost, entire villages reduced to ashes, and immense wealth destroyed. The fields are littered with bones, and not even a rooster crows across a thousand miles…"
Jinghang delved into the horrors of war with impassioned words, his tone brimming with emotion and conviction. His speech moved the audience, many of whom were visibly touched. Then, he shifted his tone.
"Today, as we gather here, it is to remind the world that the time is urgent. This is no moment for idle talk or hesitation. Now is the time to fulfill the promise of peace made at the First Five Kage Summit. Now is the time to climb out of the dark valley of war and ascend the bright path of peace and freedom. Now is the time to open the door to peace for all the sons and daughters of the ninja world.
I hope that this summit will plant a seed of peace in the ninja world. I know that its growth will face countless obstacles—hegemonies, greed, prejudice, selfishness, ambition… Each of these could strangle this seed in the soil. But I hope all of you here can recognize that endless war and slaughter cannot resolve all disputes and conflicts. Instead, they will only doom the future of humanity across the ninja world. My friends, it is time to reflect!
I understand that the road to peace will be fraught with thorns and hardships. No matter how unified our thoughts may seem, a thousand people will have a thousand minds, and ten thousand people will have ten thousand ideas. Gaining universal acceptance of the concept of peace will be incredibly difficult. Yet, I remain hopeful for a brighter future. Because war has already brought us too much pain and suffering. Because I firmly believe that peace will always be the main theme of the world.
I hope that in the future, all ninja villages can set aside their disputes and abandon war. I hope that all conflicts can be resolved amicably at the negotiation table, rather than with swords drawn.
I hope that our children can hold hands and play together, learn in bright and clean classrooms, and march toward a promising future.
I hope that farmers can till their fields in peace, merchants can conduct their trade without fear, workers can labor in factories without worry, and ninja can take on missions without dreading the uncertainty of tomorrow's survival.
I hope that valleys will rise, mountains will lower, and rugged paths will become smooth roads. I hope the light of peace will shine upon the world.
My friends, today I say to you: in the present and the future, despite the difficulties and setbacks we face, I still hold onto a hope for peace. And this hope requires all of us to work together to achieve it! I firmly believe that peace and love are eternal convictions in the hearts of humanity.
I believe that the small seed we plant today will one day grow into a towering tree!"
Jinghang's vivid depiction of a beautiful future and his vision of peace captivated everyone who heard him. Most of this generation had grown up amidst war and bloodshed; true, lasting peace was something that hadn't been seen since the days of Hashirama Senju.
As ordinary citizens, who wouldn't want to live a peaceful life? Only the power-hungry, the ruling elite, or the cruel and twisted sought bloodshed and slaughter.
The crowd erupted like a pot of boiling oil, their cheers and applause roaring like waves. People even threw their hats into the air in celebration.
Even the five Kage, known for their stoicism, stood up to applaud. It made sense—after all, the current Kage, including Hiruzen Sarutobi, Purple, A, and Yagura, were either conservatives or doves. Perhaps this speech could indeed extend the fragile peace for a few more years. (Despite his rugged appearance, Third Raikage A was actually mild-mannered and not particularly warlike.)
"I hereby declare the Second Five Kage Summit officially open!"
Countless ceremonial cannons fired, and the sky was filled with colorful ribbons, fluttering down like petals in a breathtaking spectacle. The crowd's enthusiasm was reignited, and the cheers and applause lasted for over ten minutes, even after Jinghang had left the stage.
As the applause gradually subsided, a melodious tune began to play.
Hmm? Was there more to the program?
A platform slowly rose, revealing three beautiful women standing atop it.
"Wow! They're stunning!"
Jiraiya, watching the projection screen, was utterly mesmerized, his face filled with infatuation.
**"This group is called Ninja Girls. They're quite famous, especially the one in the center, Akira," said Hiruzen Sarutobi, his face slightly flushed as he stared, unable to look away.
Today, the Ninja Girls weren't performing in their usual flashy outfits or energetic dances. Instead, they wore pure white robes, adorned with flower crowns, and smiled serenely. Surrounded by children holding bouquets, the entire scene exuded an air of sanctity and purity.
The center vocalist, Akira, began to sing, her voice clear and ethereal:
"Gently, I cradle your face,
Wiping away your tears.
This heart belongs to you forever,
Tell me you're no longer alone.
Deeply, I gaze into your eyes,
No words are needed anymore.
Firmly, I hold your hand,
This warmth remains unchanged.
We share joy,
We endure pain,
We hold the same hope in our hearts…"
Accompanied by the serene and harmonious melody of "Let the World Be Filled with Love", the Five Kage Summit officially commenced.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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