"Indeed, I don't quite understand the pain you're going through now. Why does a loving family have to divide into the Main Family and the Branch Family, and why does the Main Family enslave the life and death of the Branch Family? And unfortunately, you are one of those being enslaved."
"..."
Ayane bit her lip, stubbornly meeting Hakushi's gaze, fearless.
"So, think a bit deeper, how do you feel about this village?"
"Village?"
"Simply put, do you think the village's current actions are right? Is the Will of Fire correct?"
"Are you an idiot? The Will of Fire is of course correct, it's the seed of will spread by the First Hokage-sama."
Ayane answered bluntly.
To those who grew up in Konoha Village, the First Hokage is a very great and remarkable ninja.
He ended the chaos of the Warring States and established the system of One Country, One Village.
Konoha's current glory is inseparable from the outstanding contributions of that First Hokage.
Ayane's words made Hakushi clap his hands in applause, seemingly cheering for Ayane's answer.
"Really? That God of Ninja is indeed a remarkable man. But, why does the Will of Fire mention protecting young children, yet now sends children under ten to the battlefield? Isn't this very contradictory?"
"Of course it's..."
At this point, Ayane couldn't answer.
Instead, she froze.
Although she wanted to refute, what Hakushi said didn't seem to be mere strong words.
Because such things truly happen within Konoha Village.
"Can't see the truth yet? Then let's look from another angle. The Will of Fire, which strives for equality and mutual love within, why does your Hyuga Family tradition continue? Can you really go on loving someone after being labeled as a 'slave'? Look at the Main Family that enslaves you as family? If you can, you're really remarkable. You shouldn't be so low as to fall to dust?"
After hearing Hakushi's rebellious argument, peeling away the layers of the 'Will of Fire', Ayane's eyes suddenly became complicated. Leaning against the tree, unable to say anything, her heart fell into struggle.
Upon closer thought, what Hakushi said isn't crooked, but the plain truth in front of everyone.
True, being marked with the Caged Bird Cursed Seal by the Main Family, labeled as 'slave', what is there in the Hyuga Clan for one to love deeply?
The constantly preached Will of Fire promotes mutual love and family unity but condones the brutal tradition of the Hyuga Clan. Why hasn't the Hokage restricted and abolished it?
Are the Branch Family members naturally born to be slaves of the Main Family?
Is the life and dignity of the Branch Family members so insignificant?
How can they justify this?
Is treating clansmen as 'slaves' the way a family should act?
All Ayane sees at this moment is the cold and ruthless side of the family.
Ayane suddenly realizes that the 'Will of Fire' she learned is so hypocritical and laughable.
Gradually, everything about this village begins to feel filthy and repulsive.
"What... do you plan on doing? I don't believe someone hiding their strength at school doesn't have undisclosed motives?"
Ayane hesitated for a moment, asking quietly.
"There are motives, but calling them undisclosed is a bit much. Do I seem more hypocritical to you now than the Hyuga Clan or Konoha?"
Hakushi laughed slightly as he spoke.
Ayane's words he couldn't agree with.
He wasn't doing anything shifty.
He was merely showing Ayane the truth, helping her emerge from despair and regain strength.
And this truth, Ayane couldn't refute and didn't need to refute.
Because everything Hakushi said was based on the foundation of truth; no matter how much it's covered or smeared, this is an undeniable fact.
Hakushi stepped back, releasing Ayane's body, his steady smile contained an undeniable force, making Ayane instantly spellbound:
"I simply find this village, and this world, quite boring. Whether it's the ongoing war or the village's adherence to the Will of Fire, it's all just exceedingly dull to me."
Hakushi didn't think his stance arrogant; he was merely expressing his honest thoughts.
Though the Will of Fire was established by the God of Ninja, Hakushi believes that anyone with enough societal awareness would disapprove of this void, hollow will.
This will has no pride-worthy aspect.
Not just emptiness in content, but even those inheriting it cannot fully implement it.
This is the greatest sorrow.
Ultimately, it's the difference in the level of understanding of society and the world between Hakushi and residents of the Ninja Realm that cause this ideological divergence.
"So, Ayane, place all your hatred and grievances in your heart onto me. I'll endure this pain with you, for we are the ones who've truly understood the truth of the Will of Fire now."
Hakushi spoke with a gentle voice, steadily extending his hand.
Ayane unconsciously extended her hand too, feeling at this moment that her future days would be entirely dominated by this boy in front of her.
Yet she felt no regret.
She hated her family.
And started to dislike this hypocrisy-filled, emptiness village.
She wanted to live more authentically, with blood and flesh.
She didn't want to be anyone's slave, she wanted to live happily and freely.
Hakushi placed his other hand on Ayane's face, gently wiping away the tears at the corner of her eyes.
"That's enough, let me wipe away your tears. Remember one thing, always show hatred towards the Main Family in your eyes, because the more you hate them, the more they'll trust you."
"...Yes, I got it, Hakushi-kun. To be honest, I didn't expect you to be such a terrifying person..."
Ayane pressed her black hair, showing a sigh of laughter, her face stained with a faint blush.
"Terrifying?"
Hakushi heard Ayane's comment and shook his head with a smile:
"What are you saying? I'm not even a ninja yet, just a nobody in the Ninja Realm. Remember that, Ayane."
Hakushi looked up at the moon rising in the night sky, its gentle and quiet glow adding warmth to the dark woods.
"Tonight's moonlight is truly beautiful, looks like tomorrow will be a sunny day..."
"Yes..."