The streets were somewhat desolate.
Pedestrians were few, coming and going hurriedly, each seemingly preoccupied with worries. Even shopkeepers appeared absent-minded.
However, on rooftops, Shinobi could be seen shuttling back and forth frequently.
Once again, Ryuji couldn't help but sigh. "The harm war inflicts on people is truly immense."
When he first arrived in Konoha the day before yesterday and saw this scene, he thought the residents were being vigilant in peace, worried about the uncertain future of the war.
But after walking around the commercial district, he realized it wasn't that at all.
Perhaps some with strong crisis awareness might think that way.
But most people lacked such awareness.
Their anxiety wasn't due to the uncertain war situation but the prolonged war affecting every aspect of their lives.
The most direct impact was rising prices.
Because the war affected border regions, residents in the Land of Fire struggled to produce.
Lower output naturally led to higher prices.
Additionally, many, unable to produce and lacking food, were forced to become refugees or bandits, spreading inland, worsening public security.
Merchants needed to hire Shinobi for protection during transport.
Increased transportation costs naturally raised prices.
Local Konoha specialties became difficult to sell due to declining living standards outside.
Income decreased while expenses rose, making life difficult for everyone.
Shinobi household incomes did increase.
But with rising prices, their actual living standards didn't improve. Plus, the war's intensity led to many casualties or permanent disabilities, worsening already struggling families.
These were the directly felt impacts. Many indirect effects existed, making the villagers' anxiety and pessimism understandable.
Aka silently watched without speaking.
Although she could sense the anxiety and sorrow in these people's hearts, she herself felt nothing.
For her, her Master's existence surpassed all else.
If her Master was happy, she was happy. If her Master was sad, she felt anger or sorrow.
All her meaning was bestowed by her Master; her value for existence was to serve her Master.
"Let's return. I'm not in the mood to stroll anymore."
Ryuji tightened his collar and turned back.
Aka silently followed.
As they left the commercial street, the roads gradually narrowed, and houses became fewer.
Suddenly, cheerful noises came from afar.
Both looked up to see two people doing handstand runs on an open grassy field by the roadside.
These two had high recognizability.
One with center-parted hair, the other with a bowl cut.
Both had large noses, thick eyebrows, big eyes, and wore green spandex suits.
Running on their hands, they shouted passionate slogans, drawing curious onlookers.
"It's them!"
A faint smile appeared on Ryuji's face.
Seeing this, Aka was puzzled.
She had cared for her Master's life for nearly three years and understood his character well. He wasn't interested in show-offs.
But the two training on the grass, aside from their bizarre outfits and passionate slogans attracting attention, seemed ordinary.
No, 'ordinary' was putting it mildly.
From Aka's perspective, these two seemed utterly worthless.
As Shinobi, they lacked astonishing Chakra Reserve and didn't exhibit physical prowess far beyond ordinary people, yet dressed so conspicuously. Besides being show-offs, she couldn't think of any other description.
Aka wasn't a gossipy person and normally wouldn't inquire about her Master's affairs.
But this was an opportunity to understand her Master's preferences, so she ultimately couldn't resist asking, "Why is Master interested in them?"
"Because they possess more perseverance than ninety-nine point nine percent of people in this world."
Ryuji replied lightly, then withdrew his gaze and continued towards the Sunagakure's delegation residence.
Aka followed closely.
After about three to five steps, Ryuji continued, "They lack talent but possess unparalleled perseverance and an optimistic, upward-striving mindset. Therefore, they will also surpass ninety-nine point nine percent of people in this world."
"They are that remarkable!?"
Aka was somewhat surprised.
She knew her Master's standards were high. The Five Kage, considered the strongest in the Shinobi World by most, were merely 'skilled' in his eyes.
Only extreme power bursts like Nagato's or Madara's were considered truly strong.
Yet these two, who looked unreliable and showed nothing extraordinary, received such evaluation from her Master.
"If they have such potential, why doesn't Master collect their DNA?" Aka pursued.
Ryuji looked back, amused. "Collect their DNA for what?"
"Aren't they excellent physical material?"
"Just ordinary, average-strength genes… how are they considered good?" Ryuji chuckled lightly, continuing back.
As he walked, he said, "Their achievements have nothing to do with physical talent; they are solely forged by their positive optimism and never-give-up perseverance."
In fact, the moment Ryuji gained Touko's knowledge, he considered obtaining Might Guy and Duy's genes to create clones.
At the time, he imagined using an army of clones activating the Eight Gates to overwhelm Kaguya.
But as he learned and understood more, he gradually abandoned this idea.
Because it was simply impossible to succeed.
Even with their genes and creating clones, so what?
They'd just be ordinary people with below-average talent. Without corresponding personality and perseverance, they could never master the Eight Gates Formation.
Rather than creating clones of Might Guy and Duy, it would be better to create someone with innate talent but the same personality.
If naturally talented and equally hardworking, wouldn't their achievements surpass future 'Guy the Taijutsu Master'?
But this was also just wishful thinking; actual implementation was impossible.
Because personality is formed through nurture, involving cause and effect, and isn't static after formation.
Even if you set them with a never-give-up, optimistic mindset, without the environment and experiences shaping that personality, they couldn't persist in daily training exceeding their limits.
Instead, they'd become disillusioned.
This was like the Mangekyo Sharingan requiring tragedy to awaken, yet no Uchiha ever used Genjutsu to create fake tragedies for artificial awakening.
Fake is fake.
Having memories without firsthand experience only leaves emptiness.
Especially when facing experiences contradicting those memories, the sense of emptiness and unreality intensifies.
Training beyond one's limits creates fatigue exceeding bodily endurance, breaking the personality constructed by false memories.
Therefore, creating an Eight Gates Formation army was fundamentally impossible.