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Chapter 291: Build With Your Ninjutsu and Power
Shizune stood behind Tsunade, her face as pale as paper.
She wasn't one of their strongest fighters, but the oppressive pressure she endured was no less than anyone else's. Her legs felt weak, barely able to support her weight, yet she stubbornly held on, refusing to collapse.
Tenten stood next to Rock Lee, her lips pressed tightly together and her face equally pale. She had no weapons in her hands, but even if she did, she knew clearly that they would be entirely useless. In the face of this kind of overwhelming power, all weapons, all ninjutsu, and all tactics were utterly meaningless.
Rock Lee was one of the few who showed no outward signs of fear. His willpower was more resilient than anyone else's. His body trembled and sweat beaded on his forehead, but his gaze remained resolute.
He stared fixedly at Hinata, teeth gritted, using every ounce of his strength to stay standing. He refused to buckle. He refused to yield.
Only a single thought echoed in his mind.
Is this a realm that hard work simply cannot reach?If so, then what was the point of his youth, his hot blood, and his day-and-night training? His eyes grew slightly red. He just stood there, using his last remaining ounce of stubbornness to resist the despair-inducing force.
The oppressive aura lasted for only a few breaths, yet it felt as long as a century.
When Hinata finally retracted her aura, heavy pants echoed across the plaza. Some slumped to the ground, others braced their hands on their knees while gasping for air. Faces were pale, and bodies were drenched in cold sweat.
No one spoke.
A deathly silence hung over the entire plaza. Everyone looked at Hinata—the formerly gentle, soft-spoken eldest daughter of the Hyuga Clan.
She stood there, her long, purplish-black hair fluttering gently in the wind, a faint blue light shimmering within her pure white eyes. She looked just as gentle and quiet as she always had.
But everyone from Konohagakure knew. She was no longer the Hinata they recognized. She was a powerhouse beyond their comprehension.
Tsunade took a deep breath, finally finding her voice. It came out slightly hoarse, carrying an unconcealable sense of shock. "Hinata..."
She opened her mouth, but didn't know what to say.
Question her? She had no right.
Praise her? That felt entirely inadequate.
Envy her? Tsunade didn't even know what she would be envying.
In the end, she just offered a bitter smile, shook her head, and said nothing.
Shikaku Nara furrowed his brow, remaining silent, but his mind was racing. A power greater than that of Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha. No... perhaps even more than that. His gaze fell upon Hinata, a sudden realization dawning on him. Hinata's transformation definitely had to do with the two leaders of Akatsuki. Just what kind of method could allow a mere Chunin to attain the power to bring everyone to their knees in such a short amount of time?
Orochimaru was the only one who actually laughed. His hoarse, low chuckle sounded exceptionally jarring in the silent plaza.
"Magnificent... truly magnificent..." he murmured, his golden snake-like eyes gleaming with a feverish light. "Is this... the answer I've been searching for?"
His gaze moved past Hinata, looking up at the Sky Fortress hovering high above. Just what exactly... happened to you all?
Hinata stood in the center of the plaza, her calm gaze sweeping over the crowd. She offered no words, no explanations, and no boasts.
She just stood there, quietly watching everyone, exactly as she used to. But this time, no one dared to look her directly in the eyes.
"Everyone here was once a ninja, possessing strength and power far exceeding that of ordinary people. Now, Lord Alex has temporarily returned these powers to you. He hopes you will use them to build, rather than to destroy."
Her voice wasn't loud, but it echoed clearly in everyone's ears.
"Please use your respective specialties to contribute to the construction of the Holy City."
The plaza remained quiet for a moment.
Shikaku Nara was the first to step forward, a wry smile on his steady face. "I never thought I'd see the day where I'd be using ninjutsu to build houses."
"Isn't it quite interesting?" Inoichi Yamanaka laughed. "Using Earth Release to dig foundations, Water Release to supply the water, and Fire Release to bake bricks... It's a lot more fun than fighting a war."
Choza Akimichi patted his belly and let out a hearty laugh. "You said it! I've always wanted to try using the Multi-Size Technique to move materials!"
Tsunade took a deep breath, burying her complex emotions, her face turning expressionless as she stayed silent. Even with their power returned, she couldn't change the current situation. She could only take it one step at a time.
Orochimaru licked his lips, an excited glint flashing in his golden eyes. "Then... may I research the optimal ratios for building materials? Using ninjutsu for scientific research is quite a novel idea."
The crowd broke into chatter, the atmosphere gradually warming up. The frustration and powerlessness of losing their abilities had been completely replaced by the joy of regaining it. Under Hinata's calm watch, everyone appeared highly motivated, itching to get to work immediately.
Hinata watched the scene, a gentle smile lifting the corners of her lips.
She turned to look at Shion, Ryuzetsu, Honoka, and Samui beside her, then at Mei Terumi, Ino, Mabui, and Kaguya. Finally, she looked toward Kameda. "Let the construction of the Holy City begin."
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