Shinichi looked around the hall, his gaze finally returning to Jiraiya’s face, which was filled with complicated emotions, and slightly bowed his head: "So, Jiraiya-sama, everyone... I’m sorry, but regarding the question of exactly how this should be done, I still do not have the answer."

"What I can provide is only a vague direction, and a promise that may require a long passage of time spent walking, observing, and thinking before it can gradually become clear."

As his words fell, the hall sank into silence.

Hearing this, although a trace of disappointment inevitably flashed through Jiraiya’s heart, he also understood that this ultimate problem, which had troubled the Shinobi World for countless generations, was not something an eleven-year-old boy could easily provide a perfect answer to, no matter how monstrously talented he was.

The fact that he could already see a direction, dare to propose a blueprint, and even be willing to make such a heavy yet sincere promise was already shocking enough, far beyond the imagination of someone like him who had muddled through most of his life.

He let out a light sigh, just about to say something, when the boy’s voice rang out once more.

"However, Jiraiya-sama, everyone, I also understand the principle that one person’s thoughts are limited, while the wisdom of many can achieve far more. No matter how grand a blueprint is, it still requires collective discussion, the collision of different perspectives, and the gathering of wisdom."

"So, I plan to take this opportunity to establish an open, unofficial, and informal exchange and research society."

"This society will not involve political positions inside or outside the village, nor will it be mixed with any concrete strategic missions. Its sole purpose is to gather collective wisdom and jointly explore the possibilities I mentioned earlier."

As soon as these words were spoken, many people’s eyes immediately lit up.

"To explore how the power of us ninja can, outside of battle, discover more applications that serve creation and development. To discuss how, from the levels of theory, technology, and even systems, we can gradually promote a transformation in the understanding of the ninja profession, returning to the Sage of Six Paths’ original ideal, and thereby fundamentally think about various potential paths toward lasting peace."

"Here, I sincerely welcome everyone who is interested in this and has thoughts on the matter. Regardless of seniority or background, all may join to discuss together, learn together, and inspire one another."

"And even... If conditions permit in the future, when the time is right, I hope the doors of this society can open to the entire Shinobi World, welcoming those insightful individuals from other nations and ninja villages who are equally tired of endless slaughter and equally eager to find a new path for ninja, so they may join our exchange of ideas."

"The collision of ideas knows no borders. The desire for peace is a shared human emotion. Perhaps only when such exchanges and consensus sprout and grow on a broader scale before political and military confrontation can the seeds of hope truly be spread."

After describing the society’s vision, a slight troubled expression appeared on Shinichi’s face as he smiled and said, "However, I haven’t yet decided on a name for this society. I feel it needs a name that can both reflect its spirit of open discussion and somewhat indicate the direction of our goals. Does anyone have any good suggestions?"

"Why not just call it the Shinichi Society?!"

The moment Shinichi’s words ended, Shizune, who had been listening attentively with eyes growing brighter and brighter, spoke almost without thinking.

"Since you, Shinichi, were the first to propose these ideas and are the one organizing it, and since the purpose of the study and discussions is centered around the future blueprint you described, then naming the society after you isn’t the most natural and suitable thing possible? The Shinichi Society, gathering companions under the name of Shinichi Higashino to discuss the future together!"

Good! Good! Good! Shizune, I seriously love you to death!

"Th-this..."

Shinichi froze for a moment, seemingly not expecting Shizune to say this, nor to nominate his own name. However, before he could react...

"I think the name Shinichi Society is excellent!"

"Very good! Simple and direct, with a clear meaning!"

"I agree! That’s the one!"

"That’s right! Captain Shinichi proposed it in the first place, so using his name is only natural!"

"Exactly! With this name, everyone immediately knows who is gathering people and what the discussions are about!"

"Shinichi Society! It sounds very cohesive!"

"I support it!"

"I think it works too!"

The members of Shinichi Battalion were the first to respond enthusiastically, and immediately afterward, many ninjas, deeply moved by Shinichi’s speech tonight, also began voicing their support.

For a time, the name Shinichi Society received almost overwhelmingly one-sided approval.

Shinichi slightly shook his head, as though unable to resist everyone’s enthusiasm, and compromised as he spoke: "Since everyone thinks it’s acceptable, then let us call it this for the time being."

"When Shinichi Society has completely established its ideological principles and operational direction in the future, we can then give it a new name that is even more fitting and representative of its mission and spirit!"

Of course, Shinichi was merely saying that casually. In the future, the founder of the Shinichi Society would be him, the creator of its ideological principles would be him, and the executor and planner of its operational direction would also be him.

Presumably, no one would tactlessly propose changing the name unless Shinichi himself wanted to change it.

Seeing everyone’s emotions grow even more excited, with many already eager to immediately express their desire to join, Shinichi smiled and raised a hand, gently pressing downward as he loudly said: "Everyone, eat first! It would be a waste to let the food grow cold. As for the specific matters regarding joining the Shinichi Society, everyone may as well go back and think about it carefully afterward."

"There’s no need to rush. You can also carefully think about what ideas, questions, or even differing opinions you may have regarding this direction, and write them down."

"When the time comes, we can find another opportunity to gather together, speak freely, and slowly exchange thoughts. Wouldn’t that be even better?"

As his words fell, the people present did indeed stop speaking so urgently, but the light in many of their eyes had grown even brighter than before they attended the banquet, as though an inextinguishable spark had been ignited within their hearts.

The atmosphere inside the hall gradually relaxed once more. The sounds of bowls and chopsticks, conversations, and praise for the delicious food rose again, but now they carried an additional sense of contemplation and longing unlike before.