In Konoha's grand plaza, the Third's voice rang out like thunderous war drums, echoing in every ninja's ears and stirring the warriors about to depart.
"Where the leaves dance, the fire burns on! Today, you are not fighting only for yourselves, but for everyone in the Land of Fire—for the families waiting for you in Konoha! Behind you are the lights of countless homes!" The Third's words were like the toll of morning bells and evening drums, shaking everyone to their core.
Yet beneath the stage, the members of Hatake Sakumo's squad were whispering among themselves, their attention seemingly not fully focused on the Hokage's mobilization speech.
"Liuxia, why do wars happen? I still don't understand." Nawaki quietly asked Liuxia beside him, his voice carrying a trace of confusion and curiosity.
Liuxia had been lost in thought, but Nawaki's question pulled him back to reality. Before he could answer, Uchiha Yan beside him had already cut in.
"Isn't it obvious? Other countries are jealous of the Land of Fire's resources. This time, we're going to break their hands for good." Uchiha Yan's voice carried anger and fighting spirit. Clearly, his view of war was quite direct.
Having endured a life-and-death crisis together, the members of the squad had grown closer, becoming more candid in sharing their thoughts.
"Yan has a point. What do you think, Suzuran?" Liuxia nodded and turned toward Suzuran, who had been intermittently watching him. His voice was gentle, carrying a hint of concern.
"I don't understand these things, but I think war might happen because of inequality." Suzuran was startled by Liuxia's sudden question. Her voice trembled slightly, but she still expressed her thoughts seriously.
"Inequality?" Nawaki scratched his head, sounding puzzled.
In Konoha's grand plaza, Suzuran's voice carried a trace of solemnity, her words revealing