Outside Konoha

As the largest village in the Ninja World, Konoha had an environment and climate exceptionally suited for living. From the moment they passed through Konoha's gates, the outskirts were filled with dense, towering trees. It was said that the forests outside Konoha had been created by the First Hokage using Wood Release, but Neji knew that this was likely more than just a rumor.

After passing through the forest, a vast green plain opened up before them.

"Konoha's surroundings always make people feel at ease," Tsunade sighed softly. Her gaze swept across the expansive land, and a hint of contentment flashed in her eyes.

Konoha's prosperity was reflected not only in the strength of its ninja, but also in the people living on this land. They had no worries about food or clothing, lived comfortably, and wore happy smiles on their faces.

"That's because Konoha has an excellent geographical location. It's protected by mountains and forests on all sides, and it has fertile land for cultivation," Neji explained in a calm, analytical tone. "Konoha's prosperity comes not only from the strength of its ninja, but also from the richness of this land."

"You're right." Shizune nodded, her gaze falling on the distant fields, where farmers bustled about and children's cheerful laughter rang out. "The people of Konoha live very happily."

However, as they gradually moved farther away from Konoha, the surroundings began to change. There were fewer and fewer signs of human habitation, and the land became increasingly barren. They passed through village after village, where the people no longer possessed the prosperity and peace of Konoha's residents. In its place were the shadows of hunger, poverty, and disease.

"Why is it... so poor here?" Xiao Xi's voice carried a trace of shock. She looked at the ruined village before her, her eyes full of confusion. As a girl who had grown up in the Hyuga Main Estate, the sight before her was beyond anything she understood.

"This is reality, Sister Xiao Xi," Neji said softly, a complicated emotion flashing through his eyes.

"The farther from Konoha you go, the scarcer the resources become and the harder life gets. The Ninja World's prosperity belongs only to a handful of places, while most regions struggle just to survive."

Tsunade silently watched it all, her brows slightly furrowed. As an experienced ninja, she knew the true face of the Ninja World well. Yet seeing the suffering of these people still left her at a loss. The Ninja Training Manual had never taught her how to deal with such matters. After all, Konoha was only a semi-militarized organization.

"Why is the Ninja World like this?" Shizune could not help asking. "Why is there such a huge gap between prosperous places and poor ones?"

"This is where the Ninja World's problems lie," Neji said calmly. "Its problems are not limited to war. They also lie in the unequal distribution of wealth and resources. Konoha is prosperous because it has gathered a great number of talented people and resources, while other places have been neglected."

Tsunade's gaze fell on Neji. She had never expected a child to possess such a deep understanding of the Ninja World's problems. In a low voice, she asked, "Neji, how do you think the Ninja World should change this situation?"

Neji smiled faintly, determination glinting in his eyes. "Teacher Tsunade, I believe the Ninja World's problems are not limited to war. They also lie in insufficient economic development and productivity. Ninja power is too concentrated in individuals and has not truly driven social development. Systems, classes, the ninja system... all these factors affect one another, resulting in resources being distributed irrationally and too little economic growth."

Tsunade raised her brows slightly. She had never considered the Ninja World's problems from that perspective. "You mean the Ninja World needs a reform?"

"Yes." Neji nodded. "The Ninja World needs a real reform. Either one nation unifies the entire Ninja World and achieves a rational distribution of resources, or an overwhelmingly powerful figure emerges to change the status quo."

Tsunade fell into deep thought. She had never imagined that a child could have such profound insight. Neji's words were like a bolt of lightning, illuminating the confusion that had lingered in her heart for so long. She realized that the Ninja World's problems were not limited to war, but extended to the very foundations of society.

"Neji, your ideas shock me," Tsunade said softly, her tone carrying sincere praise. "You've shown me another side of the Ninja World's problems."

"But you should understand what reform means..." Tsunade's tone was bleak.

"What does it mean?" Shizune asked curiously, while Xiao Xi beside her also looked at Neji with curiosity.

"It means war!"

Looking at the two girls with their obedient, innocent expressions, Neji smiled and continued, "It means endless killing, death, and hatred..."

"Ah! Why would it be like that? Isn't there a way to satisfy everyone?"

Neji looked at the two naive girls and shook his head with a smile. "People's hearts are fickle. Nothing in this world is harder to grasp than the human heart. Environment, upbringing, unexpected changes, and countless other things can alter a person's thoughts. One person says only his world is right, another says the future he creates is peace. If more people like that appear, who are you supposed to listen to?"

Neji continued, "These people firmly believe that only their own path is right, and they will not sit down to negotiate. So in the end, whoever has the bigger fist gets to decide. Well, it doesn't really matter. The common people's situation could hardly get any worse than this."

Neji seemed to think of something, then shook his head and smiled.

"Young Master, do you also want to change the world?" Xiao Xi asked curiously.

"Perhaps... but as for me, I'm naturally not part of any reformist camp," Neji said with a laugh.

"Why?" Tsunade and Shizune both looked at him.

"Because reform must either rise from the bottom up or descend from the top down, while I belong to neither," Neji answered with a smile.

"All right, enough of that. Thinking too much about it is depressing. We don't have the power to change anything right now. If you're not in that position, don't concern yourself with its affairs. Let the important people worry about such things! By the way, what are we having for dinner? Grilled rabbit? Grilled frog?" Neji said, looking at the sunset on the horizon as he changed the subject.

"Neither. We want miso soup!" the two girls said at once, shaking their heads.

"Then miso soup it is!" Neji shrugged helplessly.

Ever since the others had tasted his dark cuisine, every suggestion he made had been rejected. But he had clearly tried his best. He had even activated his Byakugan while grilling meat to observe the changes in its texture. Unfortunately, it was either undercooked or burnt every time, which dealt Neji a heavy blow.

If cooking also required talent, then Neji clearly had none.

Night fell quickly. Since the group had not reached a village or town where they could stay, they had no choice but to camp in the wilderness.

Neji set up everyone's tents. Tsunade and Shizune shared one, while he and Xiao Xi shared another. Watching everyone bustle about, a long-lost happy smile appeared on Neji's face. Even his fractured ribs did not hurt quite as much.

So I still can't let go of these so-called bonds, can I? Then I won't let them go.