Uchiha Kai's tone was calm and steady.
Yes.
The whole lecture about the academy had only been a starting point — what he truly wanted was for Rin to grasp the core essence of Konoha itself.
And he had succeeded.
Hearing his words, Rin was utterly dumbfounded.
Her face went blank.
She had never imagined the truth could be like this.
The village she had once thought worth laying down her life to protect… turned out to be nothing more than this?
She wanted to argue.
But Kai's reasoning was solid, every point well-founded, leaving her with no room to refute.
Could it be that her "selflessness," her inner struggles and torment… were nothing more than a laughable illusion?
After a long silence, she gave a bitter smile.
"This is… hard to believe."
"Even though I still can't accept it, you're a member of the Uchiha leadership — you've seen more than me. Maybe you really are right."
"But… I just can't accept it."
Yes.
The lessons of the Will of Fire were something she had been taught practically since birth.
Now, hearing Kai say these things, it made her past beliefs feel like a joke.
Kai only replied faintly.
"It's really not that hard to understand."
"As long as you understand human nature, everything follows naturally."
"The shinier something looks on the surface, the dirtier its core tends to be."
"Let me give you a simple example. If we had children someday — would you be willing to let them give up all of the Uchiha clan's resources and training?"
"From childhood, you teach them nothing, send them into the academy like any civilian child. Then, armed with nothing but the basic Three Techniques, you send them onto the battlefield with a kunai in hand — to risk their lives for merits, just to exchange them for jutsu from the Hokage's office?"
Hiss—
Hearing this, Rin froze.
Clearly.
She had never thought about it like that before.
But now, hearing it… she immediately understood.
Of course she wouldn't be willing!
The battlefield was a place where you could die in an instant.
If she had the ability to let her child receive the best teachings from a young age, learn higher-level ninjutsu, and enjoy the best resources… she would.
Only then would her child have the greatest chance to survive.
But—
Thinking that way meant she was consciously cutting herself off from the civilians.
"I…"
Rin let out a long sigh.
Kai, however, only shrugged.
"Looks like you understand."
"Human nature is selfish. No one is an exception."
"Have you thought about where clans get their money, jutsu, secrets, and resources from?"
"The ninja world is only so big, and resources are limited."
"If I take more, others get less."
"Why do I get more? Because I'm stronger. Because my fist is harder. If you don't agree, I'll beat you down."
"The Senju clan controlled the agricultural estates of the entire Land of Fire. The Uchiha controlled half of its weapons trade, taverns, and hot springs. The Sarutobi clan monopolized its mines. The Nara clan ran its medicinal herb trade…"
"Every clan's wealth was fought for with strength. And where does that strength come from?"
"Power. Influence."
"The Sarutobi's mines exist because Hiruzen Sarutobi sits as Hokage. The Uchiha's industries thrive because of the Sharingan and our inherited secret arts."
"This is reality."
"Only the wealth and foundation accumulated by your ancestors can give the next generation a better chance."
"You are like this. The clans are like this."
"Once you understand this, when you look at Konoha again, you'll see it differently."
"The so-called Will of Fire? At its core, just a slogan to fool people."
"So don't take it seriously."
Rin's lips twitched.
If before she had still wanted to argue, now she was simply crushed.
Kai was right.
And she had to admit…
Once she accepted the truth of human selfishness, looking at the clans and the leadership suddenly made everything fall into place.
But…
Even she couldn't bring herself to let her own child start at the same line as a civilian.
So what about everyone else?
After a long silence, she finally let out a breath.
Then, with a serious nod, she spoke firmly.
"Alright. I understand now."
"I won't talk about suicide anymore. From here on, I need to focus on training, on learning from Kushina-sensei how to use the Three-Tails inside me."
"For the village? No. Not anymore!"
"I'll do it for myself. For my future children!"
Yes.
Rin was truly convinced.
Especially as she said those words, her tone grew solemn and resolute.
She wasn't stupid.
Her willingness to sacrifice for the village before had only been for the sake of peace.
But now?
After truly understanding what the village was, that thought had been extinguished.
Kai was also pleased.
Rin's clarity was progress in his eyes.
After all,
The last thing he wanted was for, when the Uchiha finally clashed with the village, Rin to stand with Hiruzen out of some "lofty ideal."
"Good. That's very good."
"Being able to see clearly is a blessing. Now, eat your meat."
"We're finally out here to relax — don't think about so many troublesome things."
Kai smiled lightly.
Rin nodded.
Having completely let go of the idea of suicide, she felt much lighter, her smile blooming even brighter.
The two stayed by the river until nightfall, when Kai escorted Rin back to Minato's home. Then he returned to the clan compound, looking completely at ease.
…
At Minato's house.
Not long after Rin returned, Obito dragged himself inside, looking miserable.
Clearly.
He had been following her again today.
Of course Kai had noticed, but he hadn't bothered to say anything.
A lovesick fool was nothing unusual.
Minato looked at Obito with a complicated expression, sighing inwardly before turning his gaze to Rin.
He was perceptive.
In an instant.
He realized Rin's entire mindset had changed.
Thinking this, he couldn't help but ask: "Rin, have you figured things out?"
Rin blinked at him.
Then.
She smiled faintly and nodded.
"Yes. I've figured it out."
"I know I've worried you these days. But today, thanks to Kai-kun's words, I've truly thought it through."
"I won't seek death anymore!"
Minato's first reaction was joy.
But right after, he froze, stunned, before awkwardly asking: "Rin… how did you know?"
"Hehe, I'm not stupid." Rin said with a playful smile. "I also know that Kai-kun's confession to me was actually forced."
"At first he wanted Obito or Kakashi to speak up. But since neither of them had the courage, Kai-kun had no choice but to step forward himself."
"Am I right, sensei?"
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