Naruto Shadow Emperor - Chapter 27
“An individual’s talent is innate. At the moment of their birth, everything about them is already decided! Only a select few can become Hokage, and those who do are born with that destiny. It’s not because they want to; it’s because fate has already decided it. This is reality!”
Under the blue sky and white clouds, Neji Hyuga, with his pure white eyes, explained his view of reality with an indifferent expression: “People are different and can only live within the currents they can’t defy… There is only one destiny that is equal for everyone – ‘death’.”
The crowd, inside and outside, fell silent.
Yukigetsu scoffed. This guy is full of negativity. Even though what he says is true, I don’t accept it. So, I must deny this theory forcibly. After all, life is already tough enough. Promoting positive energy brings more motivation and makes life more enjoyable…
Yukigetsu sighed inwardly and stepped forward, standing two steps away from Neji. With everyone’s eyes on him, he spoke slowly and firmly, “I admit, at the moment of a person’s birth, everything about them is decided!”
What?!
The crowd was in an uproar.
Everyone expected Yukigetsu to refute Neji’s statement, but he agreed instead. Many people looked confused. If a person’s fate is truly decided at birth, then what is the point of effort?
The Third Hokage furrowed his brows. He didn’t expect this sudden development, and he sensed that if this issue wasn’t handled well, it could have significant consequences.
There were too many villagers present. If this idea spread and everyone in the village started to live carelessly, it would be disastrous for Konoha!
Hiruzen Sarutobi took his pipe out of his mouth, wanting to say something to counter this, but he found himself stuck. Maybe it’s because of old age, he thought to himself mockingly…
At that moment, Yukigetsu looked toward the Hokage Rock and spoke, “Yes, birth is decided… But that is just the starting point. If we categorize a person’s birth into four levels: A, B, C, and D, some might be born at A-level, while others spend their whole lives at D-level. The gap between them is so vast that a lifetime of effort might not bridge it.”
Many people in the crowd nodded in agreement.
“But…” Yukigetsu’s lips curved upward, “The meaning of effort is that even if a person born at D-level never reaches A-level, they can become C-level or even B-level, just like Rock Lee…”
He paused, turning to look at Rock Lee, who was wearing his green training suit. Unexpectedly, even Lee looked somber, seemingly affected by Neji’s words. It wasn’t until Yukigetsu mentioned him that Lee looked up.
Everyone followed Yukigetsu’s gaze to the green-clad boy.
“Lee can’t use any ninjutsu; he can only rely on taijutsu. According to your theory, Neji, his fate was sealed at D-level from birth, and he would never achieve anything. But…”
Yukigetsu smiled slightly, “He is now definitely at C-level and even chasing after B-level. Maybe you, Neji Hyuga, born as A-level, might reach the pinnacle of A-level with your efforts. But Lee, who might only reach B-level at most, is still more remarkable than you!”
Many people seemed thoughtful, and the Third Hokage nodded, smiling in relief. This kid… not bad!
“The value of life lies in how many levels we can climb. The significance of effort is that we can determine our own future!”
Yukigetsu spread his hands and declared, “Maybe you were born at the mountaintop while others, through a lifetime of struggle, only reach the mountainside. But at least they can overlook the place they started from. Their descendants, carrying their will, start from the mountainside. Generation after generation, they will reach the mountaintop and even surpass it…”
Yukigetsu looked directly at Neji, “How do you know that where you stand isn’t just another foothill?”
Everyone fell silent, digesting the theories they had just heard. The entire scene was quiet, only the breeze bringing a sense of coolness.
These words would undoubtedly spread throughout Konoha after today, significantly increasing Yukigetsu’s reputation. He would become a pioneer in fighting against fate, inspiring many to follow.
Yukigetsu smiled inwardly. The vision was grand, but turning fame into followers wasn’t that easy. It required proving that what he said was true and achievable. And to prove it, it would fall on the shoulders of the boy before him…
Neji didn’t disappoint. He listened to Yukigetsu’s counter without a change in expression, still indifferent. “I admit there is some truth in what you say, but it’s just empty talk. Even Lee is still far from me…”
Lee awkwardly scratched his head. This guy isn’t giving any face at all, even though we’re teammates…
Yukigetsu chuckled, looking Neji in the eyes. “I will prove it to you, in my own name.”
“Prove it after you earn the qualification to challenge me,” Neji replied coldly.
Yukigetsu shrugged nonchalantly. “What qualification?”
“Complete a B-rank mission!”
The crowd exchanged excited glances. The conflict with Sasuke had just settled, and now there was a challenge with the Hyuga prodigy. This guy sure attracts a lot of whirlpools.
But everyone found it entertaining. Besides, the previous fight with Sasuke only caught the village’s attention. This fate debate had now elevated to the entire village’s interest.
Everyone was eager to see what would happen next, especially those who knew the Chunin Exams were approaching. They wondered if Yukigetsu could complete a B-rank mission in time, a difficult task. First, he would need to complete ten consecutive C-rank missions.
Even C-rank missions aren’t easy. Fresh graduates usually spend a month or two on D-rank missions before getting to C-rank ones.
Yukigetsu understood the difficulty of completing a B-rank mission quickly, but he shrugged. “Then just wait and see.”
Neji didn’t say more, nodding and turning away. No one knew the turmoil in his heart after hearing Yukigetsu’s words.
I hope you can prove that effort is meaningful and that fate can be changed…
Maybe then, I will have a slight hope…
To break free from this cage of fate…
And see the world outside…
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