"Good question," Shinki said, snapping his fingers. "The reason we chose the Land of Rain is because Rain Village has been increasingly restless. After the First Ninja World War, while most villages focused on recovery, the Rain Village seized the opportunity to grow. Their leader, Hanzo of the Salamander, is powerful and ambitious. He aims to elevate the Rain Village to be on par with the five major ninja villages."
"The leader of the Rain Village wants to become the Rain Shadow?" Nawaki exclaimed in surprise.
"Yes," Shinki confirmed with a nod. "Hanzo is formidable and driven. With the Daimyo of the Land of Rain supporting the village's growth, Rain Village quickly became the strongest force outside of the five major villages."
"The rise of Rain Village encroached on the interests of the larger villages, and none of them would allow it to continue unchecked."
"So that's why the village chose to enter the Land of Rain instead of the Land of Rivers? To pull Rain Village into the conflict?" Minato asked, his eyes wide with realization.
"Exactly. By making the Land of Rain a battlefield, we force Rain Village to engage in the war. If they don't, they risk being overwhelmed when it's too late," Shinki explained.
Nawaki's face fell as he tried to process this. "But... do we really have to drag them into it?"
"Yes, we do," Shinki said firmly. "If Rain Village is allowed to develop unchecked, they'll eventually become our enemy. It's not just a matter of if, but when."
"Can't we all develop peacefully without resorting to war?" Nawaki's voice shook with frustration.
Shinki's smile was knowing, almost weary. "In an ideal world, yes. But this isn't an ideal world. Konoha, blessed with resources, can develop peacefully. But other villages, like the Sand Village, are not so fortunate. Their resources are scarce, which stifles their growth."
Seeing their confused faces, Shinki drew an imaginary circle in the air. "Think about it. If Sand Village remains peaceful, they stagnate while Konoha grows stronger. War is their only way to break out of this cycle and take resources from the Land of Fire."
"War isn't just about power—it's about survival. The Sand Village watches us, so does the Rock Village, and even Rain Village isn't exempt. Now, do you still think the Rain Village is innocent?"
The two boys fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in.
"Remember this: don't sympathize with your enemies on the battlefield. When you do, think of the bodies in the morgue. Those were our comrades, our friends who sacrificed themselves for the village."
"It's their sacrifices that let those back home live in peace. If you were civilians, this might sound cruel, but as shinobi, you don't have the luxury to be sentimental."
Shinki stood up and clapped his hands. "That's enough for today. Keep my words in mind, rest up, and be ready to work again tomorrow. There are no idle hands in the camp."
The lesson weighed heavily on them, but it helped ease the trauma from their time in the morgue. The harsh realities of war were clearer now, and Nawaki and Minato's thoughts drifted away from the grotesque images that had haunted them.
Because of Shinki's guidance, they slept more soundly that night.
The following morning, Shinki pulled them out of bed early, fed them breakfast, and sent them back to the morgue. Though still queasy and their hands shaking, Nawaki and Minato managed to work through their tasks. By the second day, they could hold themselves together better, though their spirits were still worn.
On the third day, the nausea lessened, and by the fourth, they were accustomed to it.
Two weeks passed before Shinki finally released them from morgue duty.
After breakfast, the boys stood to head to the morgue out of habit, but Shinki called them over. "You don't need to go to the morgue today. Change into clean clothes and report to the medical room instead."
"Really? No more morgue?" Nawaki said, eyes wide with relief. "The old ghost will be disappointed."
"Watch your mouth!" Shinki snapped, giving Nawaki a playful smack on the head. "Stay away from him. He survived a traumatic experience that left him... different. That's why he works there. You were sent to the morgue for training, not to pick up strange habits."
"Ow!" Nawaki winced, rubbing his head.
Minato took a careful step back, thankful he hadn't spoken up.
Nawaki's curiosity got the better of him. "Why is the old ghost so strange, Shinki?"
"He suffered severe psychological trauma. You could say he was deeply scarred by what he experienced," Shinki explained, putting down his breakfast dishes and gesturing for Nawaki to wash up. "It's your turn today."
"So, he's... kind of a—"
"Don't say it," Shinki cut him off with a chuckle. "You're not wrong, but it's disrespectful. He's a senior who deserves respect, so be mindful."
Nawaki and Minato left their work at the morgue and switched to helping in the medical room. While not as gory, the sights they witnessed there were no less impactful.
>>>>>
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