"One country, one shinobi village—this is indeed a peaceful future worth longing for. But the method you chose is destined to be a path drenched in blood and chaos. Countless people will wail and weep amid suffering. Even if you truly unify the entire shinobi world in the end, can you ensure that this world will remain one country and one shinobi village after you die? Shōji, just as you said, I truly was too naive back then. After my death, the shinobi world did indeed develop in the direction I never wished to see. Three Shinobi World Wars plunged countless nations and shinobi villages into raging flames. The peace we established back then truly became false—but what about your peace?"
Though Hashirama could not move, his eyes still revealed deep sincerity as he looked at Shōji, who had approached him, and spoke.
"What will you use to ensure that, after you die, this world will not once again descend into the chaos of war? The flames of vengeance will eventually destroy this world again, won't they?"
"That is precisely why reform is needed, Lord Hashirama. Unifying the shinobi world is merely the first step toward creating peace. Of course, it is also the most important step, because only by establishing a unified nation and shinobi village can war truly be eliminated. After that, reforms must be carried out in every aspect—politics, the military, the economy, ideology, and culture. While completely overthrowing the decayed old society, we must establish a brand-new and correct social order! The new society I envision is one where everyone is equal, where everyone can live in peace and harmony. That is the goal we must strive toward!"
Shōji stared deeply at Hashirama Senju before him and spoke each word with deliberate emphasis.
"And even if