The two walked side by side, heading back along the road they had come on.
They were in no hurry this time.
Their steps slowed, their breathing eased, and they finally had time to take in their surroundings.
The scenery in the Land of Fire really was beautiful.
Rolling farmland stretched along both sides of the road, golden ears of rice swaying in the breeze like a sea of gold.
There were mountains in the distance, trees on the mountains, birds in the trees, and birdsong in the air.
The sunshine was lovely, the breeze gentle, and the air smelled of earth and fresh grass.
With the best geographical conditions in the Naruto world, the Land of Fire was the most suitable country for people to live in.
Uchiha Makoto took a deep breath and felt his whole body relax.
Now this was what life in another world should be like.
Enjoying the scenery, milking a few opportunities.
All that fighting and killing was far too disruptive.
He suddenly spoke. "Kakashi, tell me, why do ninja have to fight and kill?"
Kakashi turned to look at him, a flicker of confusion passing through his dead-fish eyes.
"What?"
"I mean..." Uchiha Makoto thought for a moment. "Look, wouldn't it be nice if everyone just farmed, grew flowers, and enjoyed the sunshine? Why insist on fighting each other? You kill my whole family today, I wipe out yours tomorrow. What's the point?"
Kakashi was silent for a while.
"For their interests."
"Their interests?"
"Land, resources, population, hatred... lots of things." Kakashi's voice was flat, but Uchiha Makoto heard a trace of weariness in it. "Ninja are just tools. Tools don't need to think about why. They only need to carry out their missions."
"What about you, Kakashi?" Uchiha Makoto asked. "Do you