"…."
Uzumaki Mito's heart skipped a beat.
The Nine-Tails' answer, resonating from within her, was harsh—harsh yet painfully honest. It reflected a truth that Mito had never dared to confront: why should Konoha expect the kindness of a saint who remained indifferent even to the Sage of Six Paths?
"Sir Emiya…"
After hearing the Nine-Tails' candid words, Mito felt a surge of humility. She bowed slightly, a sense of shame welling within her.
"I… I'm truly sorry… My question was abrupt…"
Even as the words left her lips, she felt a pang of guilt. The Nine-Tails' explanation made her reflect on her own audacity. She had asked what she thought was a simple question, but now it felt almost trivial—petty compared to the wisdom of those who had walked before her.
Yet… the answer from the Nine-Tails carried weight. It reminded Mito that she—and perhaps the people of this era—could barely hold their heads high in front of Emiya Shihara.
"Mito's perception must be mistaken!"
Hashirama Senju, sensing his wife's unease, hurried to defend her. He had long admired Emiya Shihara, and even now, he struggled to fully comprehend the depth of the man's insight.
"The first time you harness the Nine-Tails' chakra, it's only natural to…"
"No mistake."
Emiya Shihara's smile was calm, magnanimous. He waved his hand with a casual air, as if dismissing the gravity of the moment.
"The question you asked… it seems familiar. Someone asked me that long ago," he said softly.
"…."
Mito felt her cheeks warm with embarrassment. The Nine-Tails had indeed asked that very question before, and the answer had been etched in history. She had unknowingly stumbled into a conversation that had shaped the bond between Emiya Shihara and the Nine-Tails.
The beast's chakra pattern could perceive good, evil, and hostility in humans. Emiya Shihara had foreseen the risks, taking measures to prevent future complications. He had never expected the question to arise centuries later, now being posed to him by Uzumaki Mito—a testament to the enduring trust forged with the Nine-Tails.
"Your attitude is not abrupt," Emiya Shihara said gently. "In fact… it's almost too mild." His voice cooled slightly, carrying an undertone of weight. "You may sense that I harbor more than goodwill… perhaps even a hint of disgust."
!!!
The statement hung in the air, stunning everyone present.
"It is not resentment toward you for shattering my body, or destroying the crystal coffin I left for future generations of medical ninja. Nor is it anger for disturbing the peace of my soul. In truth, I am grateful to have returned to the living world," Emiya Shihara continued, his hands raised, open, contemplative.
"If only I hadn't discovered during the battle that the forbidden technique used to return me required the sacrifice of a living soul…"
"Tobirama…"
Hashirama's eyes softened as he glanced at his brother.
"It's my fault," Tobirama replied, his tone calm and unconcerned by guilt. "The difference between the ninjas of our era and Lord Emiya's is clear. Our generation treats enemies harshly, exploiting lives as if they were tools…"
Emiya Shihara shook his head slightly. The contrast between eras was evident.
"Perhaps," he murmured. "Perhaps I am overly sensitive. But to create a technique that requires a living human sacrifice… that is an act devoid of respect for life itself."
A subtle unease crossed Tobirama's face.
"Perhaps I am being too harsh…"
"I… I kind of hate this era," Emiya Shihara admitted, his voice calm yet tinged with sorrow. "As a medical ninja, preserving life is sacred. But for the shinobi of your era, killing is as natural as breathing—a concept I cannot comprehend or accept."
He turned his gaze to the slightly ashamed Hashirama, then to Mito, and finally to Tobirama, whose expression was solemn.
"If you believe I bear ill will toward you, or feel disgust at your actions… do not be surprised."
With that, Emiya Shihara bowed slightly to Mito, offering an apology for his honesty.
No one could doubt him now.
The issue was not Emiya Shihara's disposition. Rather, the fault lay in the era itself.
Mito took cautious steps back, her humility deepening.
"This isn't Lord Emiya's fault," Hashirama said quietly, a trace of shame coloring his voice. "It's the fault of our era. We, who live in it, should be most ashamed…"
Tobirama frowned but did not speak excuses. He exhaled slowly. "Now is the best time in a thousand years," he murmured.
"Humph… just listen to him," Hashirama added softly. "He always prioritizes the sick and the weak."
Within the sealed space of Mito's body, the Nine-Tails grinned slyly, unseen.
"That man is naive," the beast muttered. "There are countless people who deserve death, and yet Shihara Emiya clings to the foolish idea of respecting life… So naive… So reckless. In ancient times, he saved many who should have perished, while the slug I followed eliminated those truly evil."
Mito frowned, instinctively defending him. "It's not his fault to respect life…"
The Kyuubi snorted. "He's far too soft-hearted! When I suggested he become a Jinchūriki, it was to teach him the necessity of killing. A good man like him… he is destined to be exploited by the wicked."
He pointed subtly to Tobirama as evidence. "Even now, his soul cannot rest in the underworld because of the Konoha people. Isn't that true?"
"…."
Shame deepened in Mito.
"Tobirama," Hashirama said quietly, his voice firm. "Unlock Emiya-dono's Impure World Reincarnation. The people of our time must no longer disturb his soul. Bringing him back is a defilement."
The calmer Hashirama appeared, the more resolute he became.
"Hashirama…" Mito murmured, concern etching her features.
"Brother!" Tobirama interjected, attempting to temper Hashirama's resolve. "The village situation remains unstable. Other nations constantly observe the Land of Fire…"
Hashirama's gaze was unwavering. "If I fail to change the ninja world before I die, that failure is mine."
"And Uchiha Madara remains a threat," Tobirama added, yet Hashirama's focus did not waver.
"I will resolve Madara's threat before my death," Hashirama stated.
Emiya Shihara remained silent for a moment, observing the extraordinary resolve of these two brothers.
"Alright," Tobirama said slowly, forming a hand seal. "Even if Konoha falls and the world returns to chaos, I would risk everything…"
"That is unnecessary," Emiya Shihara intervened quickly, offering a subtle escape for Tobirama.
Perhaps there was an almost telepathic understanding between them. Emiya Shihara sensed it as his eyes softened.
"The First Hokage of Konoha," he said. "Your life is tied to the peace of this era. Stay a while longer, see if your actions can shape it. And know this: my perception of good and evil is not your concern. I will act as I see fit."
Mito reflected on the depth of his insight. The ability to perceive good and evil—an extraordinary gift—was both a blessing and a burden.
Her journey, and the journey of all who served this era, was far from over.
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