Mizuki finally got what Jiraiya meant. Powerful individuals with strong self-awareness had an intense desire to preserve their own will.
"It seems humanity is dead set on going down the rebellious road to the very end."
Though he'd long realized humans were not favored by this world, and that unexpected divisions had formed between mankind and the ninja world's will, after acquiring Chakra—the power to control nature—humans refused to remain on equal footing with roadside stones. Gradually, within the Collective Unconscious, the desire for autonomy grew stronger.
"So essentially, reclaiming Chakra benefits the world itself. What Kaguya Otsutsuki seeks to accomplish actually aligns with the world's will. The only difference is that Kaguya Otsutsuki herself is even less tolerated than humanity as a whole."
"Then, does our future work revolve around battling for dominance over Chakra?"
"In fundamental terms, yes indeed. Acquiring more Chakra and controlling it—that is precisely our purpose. Sage Mode emerged exactly for this reason. Using one's own Chakra to manipulate natural energy has proven so far to be the most effective method besides tailed beast Chakra, unfortunately…"
"Sage Mode grants us immense power, yet it carries its own dangers. Natural energy constantly invades us. This risk of merging with nature is where the danger lies. While we utilize natural energy, can't we also say that natural energy gradually changes us in subtle ways?"
"Fighting against an enemy of unknown identity really is quite troublesome work. Lord Jiraiya, have we achieved anything significant so far?"
"Significant results? Haven't you already seen them yourself?"
"Seen them?" Mizuki was momentarily puzzled, then suddenly realized, "Ah, I see! You mean the Jinchuriki. How typical—miss the forest for the trees. Right before our eyes all along, yet habitually overlooked."
Such massive sources of Chakra ended up in human hands: nine immortal beings capable of eternal rebirth as long as humans existed. And the Jinchuriki became humanity's leverage.
This reflection made Mizuki recall the original purpose behind the Sage of Six Paths' separation of the Ten-Tails. It had been created as humanity's guardian deity. However, driven by greed and deep-seated flaws, humans chose a much more violent approach to achieve this goal, employing these creatures recklessly in internal conflicts among themselves.
"You've got it. Talking with someone intelligent like you isn't difficult at all. If this were Naruto, who knows how much effort it would take to make him understand."
"You're too kind."
Jiraiya's mention of Jinchuriki also clarified things for Mizuki regarding why the Uzumaki clan's unique physique compatible with tailed beasts was held in such high regard—not merely due to their terrifying vitality and exceptional sealing techniques, but because of deeper significance. Tsunade, for example, was willing to overlook many of Mizuki's past transgressions simply because he had helped recover a young girl carrying the Uzumaki bloodline.
"I benefited greatly from today's conversation with Lord Jiraiya. Thank you sincerely."
Jiraiya waved his hand dismissively. "No need for formalities. Understand this—on the surface, humans maintain a silent balance among the Five Great Ninja Villages, but in the shadows, fighting unseen enemies has always been understaffed. Plus, everyone's got a big ego and rarely gets along with each other. So having a capable partner is truly fortunate."
"In that case, please guide me from now on."
"Hmm, any other questions?"
"Just one last thing: regarding the Summoned Beasts' sanctuaries—for example, Mount Myōboku—what are their positions?"
"They?" Jiraiya hesitated slightly before replying. "They can be trusted, but not entirely relied upon."
It seemed Jiraiya clearly didn't want to elaborate further. "Since you're asking about them, I suppose you've noticed something yourself. But let me assure you responsibly—they hold no ill intentions toward us right now. These sentient non-human species have been of tremendous help to humankind—for instance, [Sage Mode]. And certain techniques they use concerning the [Summoning Contracts] can be seen as the price we pay them. Even if they pull some underhanded tricks behind our backs, as long as it doesn't go too far, we might just choose to look the other way."
"I see. Though you didn't give details, their current attitude seems clear enough. In other words, at least for now, we can still count them as allies."
"Precisely. They also need us."
"I get it. When the sky falls, it's the tallest one who bears the brunt first."
"Huh?" At first puzzled, Jiraiya quickly grasped the meaning. "That analogy is indeed quite fitting. When the sky begins to collapse, the tallest shoulders the burden first. And we humans are exactly the tallest—taller than all other races combined. They won't allow us to fall first."
This complicated relationship could actually be perfectly expressed by an old saying from past lives: "When the prize is up for grabs, everyone joins the race." The God Tree's intrusion caused the ninja world to lose total control, with Chakra being a manifestation of that loss. Sentient beings once completely powerless found themselves empowered after gaining Chakra Control abilities, giving rise to additional ambitions. Once part of the world's Chakra control was lost, reclaiming it wouldn't be easy. Primarily affected were humans—the most unruly representatives—who suffered the strictest restrictions, making [Sage Mode] cultivation surprisingly difficult. Other intelligent races, due to shared interests, temporarily allied themselves with humanity. Though not entirely reliable, they would remain close comrades-in-arms—at least until humans either fall or emerge victorious.
"Well then, what Lord Jiraiya must be concerned about now is the matter involving Akatsuki."
"Hmm," Jiraiya nodded solemnly. "An organization directly targeting tailed beasts and Jinchuriki has stood against us from the beginning."
"I understand. As long as Mizuki stands firmly with us against the Akatsuki, the Hokage faction led by Tsunade and Jiraiya will definitely serve as my strong backing."
No longer was this merely a war among humans. The Akatsuki organization, whose very purpose was to hunt down the Nine Tailed Beasts and their Jinchuriki hosts, had now become the common enemy of all mankind.
Mizuki and Jiraiya talked for quite a while. In the past, due to differences in rank and perspective, the two rarely found common ground in conversation. But this time, when it came to topics like Natural Energy, Sage Mode — an ancient form of martial cultivation — and Sage Art techniques, they unexpectedly hit it off.
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