Shisui's words startled Ren, who looked at Shisui with curiosity.
"Ren, from childhood to adulthood, you've always been better than me in every way, whether it's strength or intelligence."
Shisui spoke with a look of reminiscence, then continued.
"But, Ren, haven't you noticed you've changed? I can clearly feel that you're different from before. Don't deny it, I can never argue with you, but my feelings are never wrong!"
Upon hearing this, Ren remained silent and fell into deep thought.
Shisui, the enemy has changed, so I must change accordingly. This time, the enemy is beyond your imagination.
Unable to find the so-called backpack, Ren lacked confidence in facing future enemies.
Ren is even starting to have trouble figuring out exactly who his enemy is!
Ren didn't say anything, choosing to remain silent, telling Shisui that it would do no good except to make him worry as well.
Shisui interpreted Ren's silence as an admission of his statement.
Encouraged, Shisui continued.
"Do you remember the disdainful tone you used when you talked about the Third Hokage and Shimura Danzō? You're slowly becoming the very thing you once despised, Ren!"
Seeing Shisui's somewhat misunderstanding Shisui, Ren couldn't help but rub his forehead and say something.
"Shisui, I know exactly what I'm doing. You can just tell me directly. There's no need to joke about Dōjutsu, and besides..."
Again!
Before Ren could finish speaking, Shisui interrupted him.
"During the Second Shinobi World War, the Third Hokage and Danzo were equally aware of what they were doing, but what was the result? Ren, do you remember your assessment back then? You said that power is like poison, capable of completely changing a person without them even realizing it."
Shisui paused slightly before continuing.
"Also, Ren, did you know that Aunt Mina and Natsuri secretly talked to me? It's clear that it's not just me; everyone has noticed the change in you!"
Ren was taken aback by what he heard.
Is it Natsuri?
Because of what happened at the Ninja Academy last time?
Wrong!
If that were all, Natsuri wouldn't have included Mina.
Finally, Ren began to seriously examine himself. Had he really changed?
Shisui noticed the change in Ren's expression, and Shisui initial worry eased a little.
"As for Kotoamatsukami Ren, he's just a technique. No matter how important he is, he can't compare to you. Only in this way can I make you take me seriously, instead of just brushing me off every time."
Ren was immediately at a loss for words, wondering what was going on.
Shisui, who was constantly watching Ren's expression, quickly added.
"Ren, you're welcome. We're friends!"
Ren, who had been about to say something, found his words stuck in his throat. Had his lines been stolen?
At this point, Ren just wanted to get rid of Shisui as soon as possible. Once he confirmed that it wasn't Kotoamatsukami's fault, but rather Shisui's deliberate act, there was no need to continue spouting nonsense.
Just as Ren was about to speak, Shisui spoke again.
"Alright, Ren, that's enough. If there's nothing else, I'll be going. Think it over carefully."
After saying this, Shisui disappeared.
I...
Looking at the room where he was all alone, Ren wanted to complain but had no one to talk to, and he felt extremely frustrated.
And somewhere tens of kilometers away.
Shisui's figure appeared out of Shisui, his face beaming with immense joy, not only because Ren had finally faced his own problems.
More importantly!
Ren, you finally understand what it feels like to have something to say but can't express it, right?
In a small town hotel.
Ren, who had been wearing a constipated expression, suddenly broke into a smile.
Shisui, you seem to have grown up too.
But as he was laughing, Ren's smile suddenly vanished, and he became extremely serious.
Is it really because power has gone astray?
Even Mina could sense that something was wrong, and you have to understand, Mina isn't even a ninja!
Carefully recalling the events of this period, Ren began to review them bit by bit.
First, there's the arrangement regarding Hiruzen Sarutobi and Itachi. Although it was planned in advance, and because Black Zetsu was also watching from the sidelines for the latter half of the story...
It's acceptable if it has a slightly performative element.
Secondly, regarding the handling of Tobirama Senju, since Izumi appeared and Tobirama Senju was already dead, he should be made to die completely so he wouldn't cause trouble in the Shinobi World.
It's somewhat different from my previous style, which can be explained, albeit somewhat.
Finally, there's the issue of Jiraiya. It's true that I don't get along with Jiraiya, and I really wanted to give him a talking-to.
However, Ren realized something was amiss when he realized he had killed a completely unrelated woman without hesitation.
Although Ren doesn't consider the people of the Shinobi World to be human, he wouldn't intentionally kill insignificant people. What was the reason for that at the time?
Then Ren closed his eyes and recalled his state at that time over and over again.
What was my mindset yesterday afternoon?
What is the motivation?
What would be the benefit of killing this person?
Even as dawn broke outside, Ren was still unable to accurately describe the motivation behind his actions at that time.
Countless reasons came to mind, but none of them could convince Ren.
Because there's absolutely no benefit to it!