"I must admit, I don't fully grasp the depth of your current emotional pain. Why would a family, supposedly built on love, separate its members and subject them to enslavement? And what's even more unfortunate is that you are one of those who have been enslaved."
"..."
Ayane clenched her teeth and stubbornly stared at Shiraishi, unafraid.
"In that case, think deeply. What are your thoughts about this village?"
"The village?"
"To put it simply, do you believe the village is doing the right thing? Is the Will of Fire truly correct?"
"Are you an idiot? Of course the Will of Fire is correct. It's the enduring legacy passed down by the First Hokage-sama."
Ayane replied bluntly.
For those who grew up in Konoha Village, the First Hokage was a highly revered and remarkable ninja. He had brought an end to the conflicts during the Warring States Period and established the system of one country, one village. Konoha's current glory was inseparable from the remarkable contributions of the founding Hokage.
Ayane's words prompted Shiraishi to clap and applaud, seemingly appreciating her response.
"Indeed? Thhe god of ni ja was truly an incredible man. However, let me ask you this: If the Will of Fire clearly states the protection of young children, why are children under ten years old being sent to the battlefield? Isn't that a blatant contradiction?"
"Well..."
Ayane hesitated. She couldn't come up with an answer. Instead, she was left speechless.
Although she wanted to refute, Shiraishi's argument seemed unassailable. After all, such incidents were happening within Konoha Village.
"Haven't you seen the truth? Let's look at it from a different perspective. In their attempt to maintain equality and love within the village, why does your Hyuga clan's cruel tradition persist? Are you expected to love those who have labeled you as a 'slave'? Are you supposed to consider the clan that enslaved you as family? If so, you must be truly remarkable. You shouldn't degrade yourself to such an extent."
Upon hearing Shiraishi's unconventional perspective on the "Will of Fire," Ayane's eyes became filled with complexity.
Upon careful consideration, she realized that Shiraishi wasn't arguing in a twisted manner, but rather speaking the undeniable truth that was evident to all.
Indeed, she had been marked with the Caged bird seal and labeled a 'slave' by her clan. What was there for the Hyuga clan to love?
While preaching friendship and mutual assistance, everyone advocated the Will of Fire, yet they allowed the cruel traditions of the Hyuga clan to continue. Why didn't the Hokage restrict or abolish these practices?
Were those who were born into separate families destined to be slaves to the clan?
Were the lives and dignity of these isolated families truly so worthless?
Why was this happening?
Is this how a so-called family should treat its members as 'slaves'?
In that moment, Ayane only saw the heartless and ruthless side of her family.
Ayane also suddenly realized how hypocritical and ridiculous the "Will of Fire" she had learned was.
Gradually, everything in the village began to feel disgustingly filthy to her.
"What... What do you plan to do? I don't believe that you, who has hidden your true abilities in the academy, have no ulterior motive."
After a brief hesitation, Ayane asked in a low voice.
"There is indeed a purpose, but it's an overstatement to say that I have no idea about it. In your eyes, can I be more hypocritical than the Hyuga clan and Konoha?"
Shiraishi smiled and responded.
He couldn't agree with Ayane's assessment.
He wasn't engaged in anything deceitful.
He was simply revealing the truth to Ayane, helping her overcome her despair and regain her footing.
And the truth he spoke couldn't be refuted by Ayane, nor was there a need to refute it.
Because everything Shiraishi said was rooted in the truth. No matter how one tried to hide or throw dirt, the facts remained.
Shiraishi took a step back and released his hold on Ayane's body. His calm smile conveyed an unquestionable power, instantly overwhelming Ayane's mind.
"I simply find this village and the world to be boring. Whether it's the ongoing war or the Will of Fire within the village, it's all just monotonous to me."
Shiraishi didn't consider his demeanor arrogant. He was merely expressing his genuine thoughts.
Although the Will of Fire was created by the god of ninjas, Shiraishi believed that anyone with sufficient knowledge of society would disdain this illusory and empty concept.
There was nothing praiseworthy about it.
Not only was the content vague, but even those who inherited the Will of Fire couldn't fully uphold it.
This was the greatest tragedy.
Ultimately, it was the differing perceptions of society, the world, and the realm of comprehension between Shiraishi and the inhabitants of the ninja world that led to this ideological deviation.
"So, Ayane, direct all the hatred and grievances in your heart toward me. I'm here to bear that pain with you, for now, we are the ones who truly understand the truth behind the Will of Fire."
As he spoke in a gentle tone, Shiraishi extended his palm steadily.
Ayane involuntarily reached out her hand. In that brief moment, she felt as though her future would be guided by the boy in front of her.
Yet, she had no regrets. She despised her family. And now, she began to detest this village, filled with hypocrisy and emptiness.
She desired to live a genuine life, one filled with flesh and blood.
She refused to be anyone's slave. She wanted to live happily and freely.
Shiraishi placed his other hand on Ayane's face, gently wiping away the tears from the corner of her eyes.
"That's it. I'll wipe away your tears. Remember, always let your hatred for the clan show in your eyes. The more you hate them, the more reassured they will be by you."
"...Yes, I understand, Shiraishi-kun. Honestly, I didn't expect you to be such a terrible person..."
Ayane brushed her long black hair aside, smiling with a sigh, her face slightly flushed.
"Terrible?"
Upon hearing Ayane's remark, Shiraishi shook his head and smiled.
"What are you saying? I'm nothing more than an unknown person in the shinobi world, I'm not even a shinobi yet. Remember that, Ayane."
Shiraishi looked up at the moon, now shining in the night sky. The moonlight was gentle and serene, casting a warm radiance upon
the dark woods.
"The moonlight tonight is truly beautiful. It seems tomorrow will be a sunny day..."
"Yes..."