"..."
"Because of the existence of shinobi, people cannot unite in friendship or coexist peacefully."
Itachi nodded.
The shinobi's skill at structurally dismantling organized groups was simply too much for ordinary people to handle.
A group was something that could only truly display its strength when united.
Even shinobi were stronger when united.
To ordinary groups of people, shinobi were monsters profoundly opposed to unity.
Shinobi were more likely to provoke conflicts between people.
Itachi felt that he had seen through this.
He seemed to have found the root of why this world was so chaotic. It was all because of shin—
A hand rested on his head.
"Of course, even without shinobi, some tragedies that should happen would still happen. All one can say is that the existence of shinobi further damages the possibility of harmony, unity, and friendship among people, pushing this world toward greater disorder. In truth, all conflict begins with the desires in people's hearts. Even without shinobi, conflict would still arise."
Hearing that, Itachi froze for a moment. He then considered it carefully and nodded.
"Thank you for your guidance, Jiraiya-sama," he said gratefully.
Without Jiraiya's guidance, his train of thought just now might have gone astray.
"It's nothing. You're a junior from the village, and Orochimaru's disciple besides. By the way, how is the old man doing?" Jiraiya asked with a smile.
The old man naturally referred to the Third Hokage.
Of course, Itachi would not shout about the Third Hokage the way Jiraiya did.
He answered seriously, "Lord Third is doing very well."
"How is Naruto being cared for?"
"Very well. Nonō-sama has been caring for him attentively, so please do not worry."
"...How is Tsunade?"
"...I vaguely heard that Tsunade-sama is very busy now."
"What about Orochimaru? How is he?"
His attitude