Sora had been in the prisoner-of-war camp for nearly half a year since the battle at the hoarding field. Initially, she was prepared for brutal torture, vowing to reveal nothing under any circumstances. She believed she could endure any physical pain, and her mental defenses were protected by a seal to block psychic interrogation, making it impossible for even the Yamanaka clan to extract information without sacrificing her life.
However, to her surprise, Konoha's ninja never resorted to such drastic measures. After realizing she wouldn't talk, they simply placed her in the prisoner-of-war camp. This unexpected treatment left Sora bewildered and unsure of how to react.
Sora speculated that Konoha had likely concluded it wasn't worth trying to break her will at the cost of her life. Though spared from torture, she braced herself for harsh conditions in the camp, expecting little mercy from her captors.
But once again, she was wrong. While the camp was no haven, the basic necessities were provided. Kumo ninjas weren't singled out for cruel treatment, and any injuries were tended to with simple medical care.
Though this care was minimal, it was far better than what Sora had imagined. Kumo's prisoner-of-war camps, after all, were notorious for being far less forgiving.
It wasn't long before Sora learned from other captured Kumo ninjas that conditions had improved only recently. The camp was originally more like the ones in Kumo, but changes began shortly after she was captured. For a time, she thought her status as a high-ranking prisoner might have played a role in these improvements. However, she soon discovered that wasn't the case.
From conversations between Konoha guards, Sora eventually learned that the changes were due to a suggestion made by Fumori Masaki.
Hearing that name sent a jolt through her. She hadn't forgotten Masaki since their first encounter. In Kumo Ninja Village, Sora was considered a prodigy, her talents recognized even by the formidable First Raikage's right-hand man, who took her under his wing. For someone of his caliber to acknowledge her skills filled her with pride.
But after facing Fumori Masaki in battle, Sora realized the limits of her strength. He had defeated her twice with a single blow each time. The fact that he also injured Ginkaku only served to emphasize the vast difference between them.
In Kumo, where strength was revered, Sora couldn't help but respect Masaki's power, even though he was an enemy. His strength left a deeper impression on her than that of her fellow Kumo ninja, a memory that would never fade.
That such a man would advocate for kind treatment of prisoners astonished Sora. According to the Konoha guards, both Masaki and the Second Hokage believed Konoha had no desire to continue the war beyond defending their home. They bore no ill will toward Kumo ninjas. While Sora knew this view wasn't universally accepted among the guards, it demonstrated the upper leadership's mindset—a mindset driven by figures like Masaki and the Hokage.
Sora couldn't fully understand their approach, but the repeated exposure to these ideas forced her to reconsider the purpose of the war. Was it really necessary? Was it worth so much bloodshed? She wasn't alone in these thoughts. Many other Kumo ninjas, especially those recently captured, began expressing their own war-weariness as news of the conflict's progress trickled in.
When Sora learned of the First Raikage's death, the full toll of the war became apparent. Victory seemed impossible, and the losses too severe. She began to believe that ending the war as soon as possible was the best course of action. Fortunately, her teacher—the newly appointed Second Raikage—was a discerning leader. She trusted he would make the right decision for Kumo.
Sora's trust proved well-placed. After taking the title of Second Raikage, her teacher began working to end the war. With the backing of the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning, he suppressed the pro-war faction within the village, and peace negotiations with Konoha progressed rapidly.
It wasn't long before Sora and the other Kumo prisoners heard that peace will be negotiated. The war was finally over.
During this time, Sora once again heard the name Fumori Masaki. Masaki had played a crucial role in containing Ginkaku and Kinkaku, helping Konoha execute a successful ambush. Sora's feelings toward Masaki grew more complicated. He seemed to be growing stronger with each passing day.
As part of the peace agreement, the Kumo prisoners were to be returned to their village after the signing of the treaty. Sora and the others will be transported to a location near the negotiation site, ready to be handed over. To her surprise, Fumori Masaki was part of the escort team.
Seeing Masaki, Sora felt an urge to speak with him. After a moment of hesitation, she approached. One of the Konoha guards moved to stop her, but Masaki noticed and gestured for them to stand down. He turned to Sora and said, "Congratulations. This meaningless war is over, and soon you'll be able to go home."
"Meaningless?" Sora echoed. "Do you really believe this war was pointless?"
"Absolutely," Masaki replied. "What has this war achieved? Civilians were displaced, countless lives were lost, and the country's resources drained. The only thing it demonstrated is what should be protected and what should be avoided."
Sora knew Masaki was referring to the concept of a just war, a notion she had heard discussed among the Konoha guards in the camp. "So, you think we're the villains in this war?"
"In the end, yes," Masaki said bluntly. "Why did the Land of Lightning start this war? It wasn't for survival. Your country isn't impoverished or overpopulated. The truth is, it was for expansion and conquest. If you want to compare, the Land of Wind and the Land of Water have far more justifiable reasons for war—extreme poverty and harsh environments. The Land of Lightning? No such excuse."
Sora found herself at a loss for words. She couldn't deny that her country had started the war out of ambition rather than necessity.
Masaki continued, "Your Daimyo's sought conquest, but look at what it cost. Countless lives. Imagine what might have been if there had been no war."
As Sora stood in silence, Masaki smiled slightly and added, "At least now we'll have peace. Who knows? Maybe one day we'll fight alongside each other rather than against."
Sora immediately bristled at the idea. "I hate you. I'll never fight alongside you!"
Masaki chuckled. "You never know. Fate has a way of surprising us."
"Absolutely not!" Sora said firmly, her resolve unwavering.