As Shen activated his genjutsu, Nayou offered no resistance, leaving her inner world completely open to his manipulation.
"This secret must not be known by too many people." Relaxed and at ease, Shen stood beside a river.
Nayou instantly recognized it as the Nama River — flooded with memories they once shared.
"Why did you choose this place?" A nostalgic expression appeared on her face.
"Because this is where I made my decision."
After glancing sideways at him several times, Nayou realized he was standing in the exact same spot as that day.
"So… 'true peace' then? Is it because war is coming that you've changed so much, Shen?"
"That's right." Shen nodded, revealing a hidden truth from deep within his heart. "This war started because of me."
"That's impossible!" Nayou blurted out, but quickly understood. "Is it because of what you brought to Konoha and Sunagakure?"
Shen didn't say anything — he simply nodded.
"So you think it's your responsibility?"
He nodded again, confirming everything was exactly as she had said — explaining why he had become this way.
Nayou locked eyes with him, stepping forward slowly but surely.
Standing directly in front of him, she lifted her small hand and grabbed his collar, her voice slightly trembling. "Shen Uchiha, don't be so conceited. The shinobi world doesn't revolve around you!"
"But this is an undeniable fact," Shen lowered his head, unwilling to meet her worried gaze.
Nayou released her grip. Indeed, this was an undeniable fact.
The shinobi world followed the law of the jungle — only the strongest survive. When new resources appear, struggle for dominance is inevitable.
Good things rarely stay with their creators — history remembers the victors. Tesla was the genius who invented alternating current — a system that was infinitely safer and more reliable than direct current. If he hadn't made his patents public, who knows what might have happened to him?
Edison, on the other hand, was purely a businessman. Being an inventor was likely just one of many pursuits among his countless interests.
Their stories illustrate the point well — one became a forgotten truth buried in oblivion, while the other was celebrated in textbooks as a great achievement.
Idealism always bows to reality.
In truth, when Shen learned someone would invade Konoha, he already had thoughts forming.
And when he finally understood why the Third Hokage had given him the power of choice, he felt utterly disappointed with the shinobi world.
Once, he had been an unyielding idealist.
Just because Sunagakure had formed a friendly alliance, he assumed other countries could similarly resolve conflicts through the same method.
But now, the situation was different. Other ninja villages dominated by greed and desire were simply beyond reason.
Therefore, Shen decided he would inflict heavy losses on them during this war, making them dare not even contemplate challenging Konoha again.
And as the winner of the war, he would be the one setting the terms for peace.
"Shen, you're not alone. I've always been standing behind you."
Nayou leaned in and locked eyes with him again.
"I know. And I also know that you'll keep this secret for me, right?" Those slightly red-rimmed Byakugan eyes made Shen Uchiha momentarily forget all his concerns.
"Yes. I will always believe in Shen Uchiha."
"And I will always believe in Hyuga Nayou."
Back in reality, an employee saw the two locked in a long, deep gaze for over half an hour—and couldn't help but wonder just how mature today's kids had become.
"Should I take a photo?" After struggling internally, she ultimately picked up her camera.
Meanwhile, the Asura Express had already safely arrived at Sunagakure village.
Thanks to modern communication within the shinobi world—other than Konoha and Sunagakure, many other regions still remain underdeveloped—a large group of Kage leaders disembarked, chatting and laughing amicably.
At least on the surface, no matter their individual intentions.
But the Third Tsuchikage was different.
As he stared at the sculpture at Sunagakure's east gate, his face darkened.
Iwagakure specialized in earth manipulation—quite literally masters of earth techniques.
This sculpture, which seemed flawless at first glance, deeply wounded his pride as the Tsuchikage.
By unfortunate coincidence, the leader of Yugakure—a man known for his peaceful nature—loudly praised both the appearance and meaning behind this artwork.
The Third Tsuchikage's face immediately turned grim.
"Let me take a closer look at this so-called masterpiece."
He subtly reached out and quietly channeled a thin stream of chakra into the sculpture.
"Huh? I can't even penetrate its interior?"
This outcome stunned him.
Originally, channeling his chakra into it had been an attempt to mess with the sculpture's internal fulcrum—destroying its core support so it would naturally collapse after a few days.
It would bring Sunagakure some amusement while really getting under Konoha's skin, causing both the Kazekage and Hokage some embarrassment.
But reality struck hard—this mighty Tsuchikage could not even handle one sculpture, no matter how large it was.
The Third Tsuchikage suddenly said, "Hokage, who created this sculpture? The lines are remarkably perfect."
"Oh? This one? Actually, it was made by a child, saying it was a symbol of the alliance between Suna and Konoha." As he spoke, the Third Hokage recalled the scene.
"I really want to meet this kid sometime," said the Third Tsuchikage, instantly wiping all smugness from his face.
"There's something wrong here," the Third Hokage keenly realized his oddity.
The creator of this sculpture—Shen Uchiha—would certainly have placed adequate protective measures on his own work.
If even a small sealing scroll carried multiple layers of sealing formulas, then such a grand sculpture definitely wouldn't lack careful precautions.
As the host, the Third Kazekage began apologizing to the group: "I'm truly sorry for taking a day out of your busy schedules to join us for the rail line opening ceremony alongside Konoha."
Then, with a slightly apologetic expression, he issued a subtle dismissal toward certain people: "Unless you're in a rush to return, please feel free to stay—we Sunagakure shinobi have always been warm and hospitable."
Being hospitable depends on who the guests are.
Besides a few village leaders from shinobi villages that had expressed interest in cooperation with Konoha and Sunagakure, others who harbored ulterior motives quickly departed after merely greeting their host.
These people had already been too afraid to spend a night in Konoha; naturally, they were even less willing to take risks out here in the desert.
The Yugakure Leader and Kusagakure Leader who remained both approached the Third Hokage, expressing interest in the alliance proposal.
"Here's what I suggest: both of you have traveled great distances. Why don't you rest first, and we can discuss business tomorrow?"
After dismissing them with this suggestion while harboring private doubts, the Third Hokage raised his hand and channeled chakra into the sculpture.
"Oh no, Tsuchikage must've figured something out."
How could it be impossible to detect the inner structure of a sculpture built by just a child?
Any normal person would find this kid suspicious.
Considering all the mysterious new technologies already present in Konoha, whoever made this sculpture must have some secrets.
Either he knows the inventor behind these technologies—or he himself is the real mastermind.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
Want to read the subsequent content in advance?
Please follow my Patreon:patreon/Tansnovel
Tans Novel - The Fastest-Updating Naruto Fanfiction Account
Read 100+ chapters in advance, with at least 3 new chapters updated every day! More free chapters! 20+ Naruto fanfictions!
Just three steps:
1. Download and open the "Patreon" app
2. Search for "Tans Novel"
3. Click on the collection and enjoy to your heart's content
<><><><><><><><>