Invasion War (2)

Within the undulating, transparent arc-shaped barrier, Nawaki watched the middle-aged ninja die before his eyes with a complex expression, his lips pressed slightly together.

"Brother Aizen, is war a necessary means?"

Nawaki asked in a soft voice.

Hearing his words, Aizen, who stood within the barrier, felt a faint smile flicker in his eyes as he spoke softly.

"Do not let the death of one man shake your convictions, Nawaki. War will inevitably bring suffering, but at the same time... for us, it also nurtures hope."

Nawaki's eyes were slightly clouded with confusion, unable to grasp the meaning, until Aizen spoke again in a low voice.

"War exists between all living things. Since the dawn of humanity, war has accompanied every era. Countless people have died in war, so there is no need to lament the death of a single individual."

"It is not just the era of ninjas... the Warring States period, the Kamakura period, the Nara period of the past—war existed in all these times. It is unavoidable. One could say that humans in every era have endured such painful times."

Hearing Aizen's words, Nawaki's eyes grew sorrowful as he whispered.

"Then... can we really end this suffering?"

As if he had inherited the benevolent heart of Hashirama, Nawaki always harbored a compassionate view toward such painful matters.

Aizen did not rebuke Nawaki. Looking at the boy who was now nearly as tall as himself, he tapped his fingers together and, seeing Nawaki's dejected expression, gently flicked him on the forehead.

Nawaki's face froze in surprise.

Aizen, however, wore a faint smile at the corner of his lips as he said softly.

"What a kind child you are. But kindness cannot save this world; only power can allow people to escape their suffering, Nawaki."

As he said this,