461. A Better World

"By allocating resources through a joint government, we can avoid conflicts..."

Danzō's voice was low yet powerful, each word carrying a penetrating force.

His eyes shone with an undeniable light as he passionately elaborated on his seemingly grand plan, completely captivating Yahiko and the others.

Over the years, Yahiko and his companions had gained considerable experience while governing the Land of Rain.

However, faced with Danzō's proposal of a groundbreaking political system, they still found themselves momentarily overwhelmed.

After nearly ten minutes of contemplation and understanding, they finally regained their composure.

The three exchanged glances, sensing each other's thoughts. They had to admit that Danzō's words held some truth.

However, after much deliberation, Nagato raised a crucial question about Danzō's plan.

"If, as Lord Danzō suggests, the entire ninja world is to be managed and governed by a joint government, how can we ensure fairness in the process of governance?"

His voice was slightly hoarse but carried a firm resolve.

His lavender eyes, glowing with intelligence, fixed on Danzō, as if trying to discern the feasibility of the plan from his response.

Hearing this question, Yahiko and Konan nodded vigorously like chicks pecking at rice.

Naturally, they yearned for the future Danzō had described—a world where everyone understood each other, resources were allocated fairly, and all could enjoy the benefits of technological progress.

They had dreamed of such a scenario countless times: a ninja world without war, hunger, or suffering.

But ensuring fairness was the most critical issue.

After all, humans are inherently selfish, and desires and conflicts could easily plunge the ninja world back into division.

To this, Danzō's response was concise and powerful:

"Systems."

He slightly raised his head, his gaze deep and distant, as if envisioning a peaceful ninja world maintained by systems.

"Human nature is unreliable. Therefore, only a well-designed and rigorous system can ensure fairness, justice, and long-term stability in the ninja world."

Danzō's answer surprised Nagato.

He had expected Danzō to use phrases like "mutual understanding among people" or "love and peace" to persuade him.

While such passionate rhetoric could indeed move people, and they had shouted these slogans countless times in the past while fighting for their ideals, Nagato found Danzō's cold, systematic approach more reliable.

After all, human hearts are fickle, and mere passion cannot truly change the world.

Danzō's response didn't end there.


Seeing the three lost in thought once more, he continued:

"Of course, no system in this world is absolutely perfect."

"No matter how well-designed, every system has its flaws."

At this point, Danzō couldn't help but sigh. But soon, his gaze sharpened again, as if piercing through everything.

"Therefore, we must continuously improve it through reforms!"

His voice grew louder, filled with inspiring power.

"Only by daring to reform and innovate can we ensure our vitality and competitiveness."

These words plunged Nagato into deep thought once more.

His mind filled with images of past conflicts in the ninja world—innocent lives lost in the flames of war, countless families torn apart, wives separated from husbands, children from parents.

After a long silence, he finally looked up and asked:

"But what if one day we lose the courage to renew ourselves, and the ninja world falls into division again?"

Nagato's eyes revealed deep concern.

He feared that the peace they were striving for might only be fleeting.

Facing Nagato's worries, Danzō smiled with a sense of liberation. He gently patted Nagato's shoulder and said:

"This is inevitable, Nagato."

Danzō showed no trace of despair at this harsh reality; instead, he seemed full of acceptance.

"Long division leads to unity, and long unity leads to division."

"This is an inevitable trend in the course of the world's development."

"We can only live in the present, striving to maintain peace for now. As for the future, let the people of the future decide."

"If one day 'we' lose the support of the people, naturally, a new 'we' will rise and sweep the relics of the old era into the dust."

Danzō's voice wasn't loud, but his words struck Nagato with immense force.

It was a profound shock, like a sword cutting through a heavy chain that had bound his heart.

"Long division leads to unity, and long unity leads to division..."

Nagato murmured these words, his eyes gradually clearing.

"The future belongs to the people of the future..."

He seemed to glimpse the infinite possibilities of the ninja world's future.

"A new 'we'..."

His lingering doubts and obsessions began to dissipate at this moment.

"The relics of the old era..."

At this moment, Nagato seemed to understand something. His long-closed heart suddenly opened up.

He opened his eyes, his gaze burning as he stared at Danzō, his lavender eyes alight like two flames.

"I understand!" His voice was filled with joy and determination.

"If that's the case, then let's leave the future to the 'us' of the future."

"For now, let's focus on the present!"

Hearing Nagato's response, Danzō smiled faintly, then turned his gaze to Yahiko and Konan.

After all, the future of the Land of Rain wasn't determined by Nagato alone.

Yahiko and Konan, as fellow leaders, were equally important.

Under Danzō's gaze, Yahiko, who had been silent throughout, scratched his head and smiled.

"Although I don't fully understand what you were discussing just now..."

"I trust you!"

The leader of the Land of Rain flashed a radiant smile in the sunlight.

"Since Lord Danzō and Nagato believe this will benefit the people of the entire ninja world, I support it too!"

With that, Yahiko thrust out his hand.

"Me too!"

Konan's eyes were also filled with trust and determination. She followed Yahiko's lead, placing her hand firmly on top of his.

Seeing this, Nagato also extended his hand.

Finally, Danzō.

He looked at these three young, idealistic, and passionate individuals, a gratified smile on his face.

Slowly, he reached out his hand, placing it atop theirs.

At this moment, an invisible force seemed to bind them tightly together.

"Then let us welcome a better world together."