Yanbai turned to stare at Izuna.
The pitch-black eyes beneath Izuna's hood stared fixedly at Yanbai.
They stood on high ground in Konoha Shinobi Village, with a clear view of most of the detached homes below, but none of the clans' old compounds.
From here, they could see another side of the village, one that could neither be seen nor imagined from Konoha's lowest ground.
Yanbai looked up. The daylight was fading, and night was quietly approaching.
Yanbai did not insist on entering the Uchiha Clan's grounds. Instead, he smiled and said, "All right, let's look around somewhere else. Then you can tell me what you've thought of today's Konoha over the past few days."
Yanbai's compromise made Izuna breathe a sigh of relief.
The two changed direction.
As they walked, Izuna said quietly, "I've just been observing in silence. The residents' lives have changed somewhat, and the amenities are much more convenient than before, but there are far fewer smiles on their faces. They're clearly further removed from war and happier than before, yet the pressures of life seem greater too."
"That can't really be helped." Yanbai looked at Izuna helplessly. "During your time in office, most people had lived through war and knew how hard-won happiness was. They'd never experienced the convenience of these amenities, so naturally, they treasured that hard-won happiness all the more."
"Every peaceful day they lived was a hard-won blessing to them. They were in good spirits and happy."
"But the younger generation was born in a happy era. They've had convenient amenities since birth. They set their sights higher and are less 'content' than the older generation. They want more."
"Once what you want exceeds what you can achieve, of course you'll feel immense pressure. How much happiness in this world comes without