"Tell me, why had the Yunyan Ninja Village invaded Konoha?"
Qu Zhen froze. He had never thought about that question.
Then he stiffened his neck and said, "Was I supposed to care why invaders invaded?"
"Of course. Konoha had been at war ever since it was founded. Aside from the brief peace during Hashirama's time, it had fought constantly. Shouldn't we reflect on that?"
Qu Zhen stared at him. Hoshino Maki continued, "If we don't figure this out, then even if we repel Yunyan's attack this time, Konoha will still be caught up in war again."
Qu Zhen wiped the tears from his face and protested indignantly, "Why do we have to think about it instead of them? Are we supposed to be invaded just for living our lives?!"
"Because Konoha has too many resources. It's like a group of hungry people finding a cake, and the biggest one immediately taking eighty percent. How could the others not resent him? Just because they don't show their resentment right away doesn't mean it'll disappear. Understand?"
"During the First Hokage's time, Konoha could rely on Hashirama Senju's prestige to make the others submit. Now, Konoha doesn't have that kind of power."
Qu Zhen clenched his fists and said nothing. He had never met the First Hokage or lived through Konoha's golden age. He'd only heard stories, but he knew Konoha had once been glorious, and that things were very different now.
"Why are you telling me this? Are you saying you can bring the First Hokage back to life?"
Qu Zhen snorted and turned away. After waiting a while and getting no response, he sneaked a glance back, watching from the corner of his eye. Hoshino Maki was looking at him with a smile, raising the cigarette between his lips toward him.