"But these two people cannot die, and I will not kill them."
Uzumaki Raiden looked at Uchiha Itachi and Kakashi, who were sitting cross-legged in front of him, and expressed the thoughts buried in his heart. Uchiha Itachi looked puzzled upon hearing Raiden's words, while Kakashi showed a knowing expression, unsurprised by what had been said.
"Why, Master? Aren't they our enemies?"
Uchiha Itachi had never been exposed to these matters before and was somewhat naive in this regard. Raiden glanced at him, then turned to Kakashi, who was seated beside Itachi, and asked with a smile:
"Kakashi, what do you think? Tell me your thoughts."
Kakashi nodded. He knew that Raiden was guiding him, offering him an opportunity to prove himself.
"I think it must be the identity of the other party that makes Master Raiden hesitate," Kakashi replied.
"The Raikage and his younger brother, Killer Bee, hold high positions in the Cloud Village, and I've heard that their Yeyue clan is the most powerful family there. Their family has produced two consecutive Raikages, making their influence within the Cloud very strong."
"Based on what was discussed in the meeting earlier, although the Raikage and his brother personally went to the battlefield in Cloud Village this time, their purpose may not be solely to invade the Land of Fire."
"If their intent was invasion, the current strength of our border troops would be insufficient to stop the Cloud forces led by the Raikage. However, so far, they haven't made any significant moves—only eliminating our scouts."
"Their real goal is likely reconnaissance."
After finishing his analysis, Kakashi looked at Raiden. He had deduced why the reckless Raikage and his forces had only targeted Konoha's reconnaissance team—their true purpose was to confirm whether the man standing before him had really arrived on the front lines.
The Cloud's actions might seem reckless, but in reality, they were calculated.
"Heh, not bad. As expected of you, Kakashi," Raiden said approvingly.
"The Cloud's current approach is actually quite restrained. They fear the presence of your master—me."
"They aren't fools. They don't want a full-scale war with Konoha. Instead, they seek to leverage their position for benefits through intimidation."
"But if your master were to kill the Raikage and Killer Bee, then even if the Cloud doesn't want a war, they would have no choice but to fight us."
"Itachi, as a leader of Konoha, you must never allow personal emotions to cloud your judgment in assessing the bigger picture."
"Passionate love and hatred may sound thrilling, but a true leader does not act on such impulses."
"A leader carries the weight of many lives, not just one or two."
Raiden's words made Kakashi's expression grow solemn. It reminded him of an event from his childhood—when his father abandoned a mission to save his teammates. That decision had directly contributed to the tragic later stages of the Third Ninja War.
Now, with his current status in Konoha, Kakashi fully understood the consequences of that mission. He no longer resented those who had criticized his father back then.
Raiden sighed softly, ruffled Itachi's hair, and continued, "As for why the Cloud wants to invade Konoha?"
"Itachi, no matter what kind of person you are, you will always yearn for a better life."
"Of course, what defines a good life differs from person to person. Some seek perfect love, some desire absolute power, and others crave endless authority."
"Humanity's pursuit of a better life turns into insatiable desires, driving the progress of society."
"And at its core, war is nothing more than the manifestation of human desire."
"As long as desires exist, conflicts will never cease."
"Our role is to keep growing stronger—so that those who attempt to fulfill their ambitions at the expense of others will hesitate before taking action."
Raiden's words left a profound impact on the young Uchiha Itachi. Even Kakashi was silent for a long time, lost in thought. He had never considered things from this perspective before, and hearing it now gave him a new understanding.
"Master, is there truly no way to end the conflicts between people?"
After a long pause, Uchiha Itachi raised his head, his eyes flickering with contemplation.
"Heh, there might be," Raiden replied with a smile. "When there are enough resources to meet everyone's needs, true peace will come."
"However, this isn't something that can be achieved in a single generation. At the very least, my generation will not live to see it."
"Itachi, this task falls to you."
Raiden smiled as he spoke, pointing the way to peace for Uchiha Itachi. He had high hopes for his disciple and wished for him to walk the right path. Itachi, initially deep in thought, now nodded firmly, his voice low yet resolute:
"I will definitely fulfill Master's wish!"
"Don't put too much pressure on yourself," Raiden reassured him. "If you cannot finish this task, pass your expectations and knowledge on to your children and disciples so they can continue. As I said, this is not something one generation alone can accomplish. Peace must be inherited."
He gently patted Itachi's head, then stood up and addressed Kakashi and Itachi.
"You two haven't eaten yet, have you? Go and eat first."
"I'm heading out tonight and may not be back for a few days."
"Kakashi, inform Rin and Obito that the two Mist Ninja captives I took will be sent back to the village. Stay alert for any potential incidents."
Raiden picked up his long sword, checked his scrolls, and prepared to leave the camp after giving a few final instructions. After the meeting, he had only taken the time to explain matters to Kakashi and Itachi. Now, he had to carry out an urgent mission—one that would shape Konoha's future.
"Master, are you going to find the Raikage and his brother?" Itachi suddenly asked, a flash of realization in his eyes.
Hearing his question, Raiden was momentarily stunned before bursting into laughter. "Smart kid. This mission is dangerous, so I won't be taking you with me."
"Once this is all over, I'll take you on a journey around the ninja world."
With that, Raiden walked out of the room, leaving Itachi gazing after him with admiration. His master was both gentle and powerful—Itachi aspired to become someone like Uzumaki Raiden.
The winter night fell quickly, the temperature dropping as darkness blanketed the land. It was a clear night, and the stars shone down upon the advancing forces of the Uzumaki troops, illuminating their path through the night.
(End of Chapter)