The Heart of Prevention

A perfectly self-consistent theory was not necessarily correct. If the foundation of its premise contained errors, then every result built upon it was worthy of doubt.

Although Mizuki believed there was a high chance his discovery was the truth, it was not foolproof. And was the method he had developed truly the best choice?

"Looks like even you have moments of indecision! If you don't act now, the Shinigami will disappear."

Mizuki shook his head.

"It's not indecision. I'm just a little disappointed that even I could be fooled by a mental blind spot."

At this point, there was no turning back. The Fourth Shinobi World War was imminent, and everything had to be centered on defeating Madara Uchiha and Kaguya Otsutsuki. Mizuki knew what took priority. How could he change course just because of a few words from Orochimaru?

"So what if I insist on going my own way? The Shinobi World may not need an overly forceful savior, but it certainly needs a hero who can lead it out of danger at a critical moment..."

Saviors and heroes might seem alike, but there was a vast difference between them.

Saving the world was an act led by oneself.

To become a hero, one had to earn the recognition of others and do things that convinced them.

Mizuki had no interest in, nor any need for, anyone else's recognition. From the very beginning, he had only sought to protect himself, his family, and his children.

It was merely that, as his strength grew, he had built his defensive fortress ever larger and dug its moat ever wider.

"Perhaps being a little more selfish, like you, would make things easier. No need to think so much—just do whatever you want!"

"Do we really need to envy each other?"

Orochimaru curled