"Turning against your own people, the strong oppressing the weak... It's not a good reputation to have..." The Third Kazekage looked at Souya meaningfully, but there was not the slightest trace of worry on his face.
"They're grabbing the village's resources just to satisfy their own selfish desires!"
"Only those who share the same convictions can unite in purpose, and only those united in purpose can work toward the same goal!"
"These people, who are working against the development of our village, have long since become estranged from us."
"With different hearts and different aims, how can we call ourselves one family? And what kind of 'superiors' are they?"
"We have to make them understand who this village belongs to... Anyone who infringes on Sunagakure's interests cannot be forgiven."
"Only a lesson written in blood will truly sink in!"
"People are like trees. The more they want to reach upward, toward the light, the deeper their roots must go—down into the soil, into the darkness, into the depths, toward evil..." Souya's eyes grew distant as he spoke in a somber tone.
At that, the Third Kazekage's expression turned solemn.
"So, Teacher, you should invest more in training the Anbu. There will always be things that need to be done out of sight. The Kazekage, meanwhile, should stand at the very top, in the bright sunlight, admired and revered by everyone, bringing them prosperity and hope..."
Souya laid bare everything he had been thinking, without the slightest attempt to conceal it.
"Hmm..."
A moment later, the Third Kazekage leaned back in his chair. His formerly rigid posture finally relaxed, and he let the full weight of his body sink into the seat beneath him.
"Souya, you've grown up..."
"It's my honor to have you as my pupil, and the village's honor