"If one could let go of so many complicated obsessions and become without desires, naturally one would attain liberation, gaining transcendent vision on par with yours."
"But in an era like this, people's vision is inevitably fixed on the trivial matters before them. Even if it makes their spirit humble, they must."
"Survive. Let those close to you survive too. And if possible, live a bit more easily—those exhausting every effort just thinking about this have no obligation to understand others."
"Do you consider understanding an 'obligation'?"
When Hii Kōri finished, Bunpuku calmly asked, "To understand, to feel, to love—these should be human abilities. This old monk believes so."
"Of course, of course. But abilities also deteriorate, don't they?"
"Like our hands—to more flexibly grip tools, their original 'weapon' function degenerates accordingly."
Hii Kōri extended his hand, pressed down with his fingers one by one, then reopened. "In our species' overall directionality, undoubtedly a success. Mastering tools gave us far more convenient weapons."
"Understanding—same principle, Master Bunpuku."
"As part of society, understanding and integration with others—unavoidable."
He interlaced his fingers before him, calmly elaborated. "But as relationships grow complex, 'understanding' becomes basic social entertainment for personal comfort."
"Common, no? Break unspoken rules, face village eight points ostracism."
"Follow the social atmosphere, fit in. If everyone does it, no matter how cruel, one can easily participate. Push it far enough, 'understanding' is just blind."
"Yet calling this mere inertia isn't quite right. Stretching perspective to nations and villages, it's clearer. Even if someone genuinely harbors peace ideals and disarms, other nations won't believe it."
"No one can afford the price of misplaced trust. So perpetual armed. Fight, slaughter, fight, slaughter—a marathon run bleeding, unable to stop."
"Until all others kneel and fall, or a new enemy emerges capable of destroying the old order. Then the victor enjoys peace, and the weak fearing annihilation join forces."
"Ultimately, this world only just emerged from the Warring States Period. Without external force, clearly distinguishing 'you' from 'me' between nations and villages is impossible..."
Here Hii Kōri paused.
He'd nearly said: if Hashirama Senju had lived longer, deeper exchanges between nations might have occurred, slowly forming stable alliances.
Hashirama may not have systematically studied governance, but his existence alone held value.
But thinking—telling Bunpuku meant Shukaku would hear. Even if originally in Wind Country, never beaten by Hashirama, probably wouldn't enjoy hearing about the guy who played basketball with all other tailed beasts.
Might trigger SRS (Senju Reality Shock). Basic communication guidelines—better not.
"Compared to strangers, worry more about acquaintances. Compared to acquaintances, worry more about friends. Compared to friends, worry more about family... Social circles aren't black and white, but within radiating relationships, limited care naturally prioritizes the closest."
Past experience schmoozing idiot-questions-asking "moneybags" proved useful. He cleared his throat, pretended to organize thoughts, and continued.
"To deem this basic friendship degrading and imperfection would be cold-blooded. So from this angle, rather than 'understanding others' degrading, the world hasn't yet evolved to afford trusting others with ease."
"I don't completely deny your view. But even you, I imagine, go to great lengths to establish friendly relations with Shukaku."
"Using love to infect and pacify long-standing troubled times—the order itself is wrong. Only when this turbulent era is completely settled, creating a world where enlightenment can endure, does love and enlightenment become "Meaningful."
"...It should be so."
Unable to deny Hii Kōri's words, Bunpuku pressed his palms together in silence.
An eight-year-old spouting such a long discourse was strange. But a monk of Bunpuku's level wouldn't judge by age.
Early awakening, innate wisdom—the world lacked not such geniuses. Even claiming his eyes couldn't see that much, Bunpuku could be certain Hii Kōri's words held no falsehood.
He'd experienced, contemplated, and concluded.
Moreover, before Shukaku's implantation, before imprisonment, Bunpuku had witnessed the chaos of the world.
Having taken decades to become kindred spirits with Shukaku, he couldn't deny Hii Kōri's argument was valid.
"Tough, isn't it, young man?"
For this reason, Bunpuku's gaze held added tenderness.
He didn't expect this young man to become the realization of his ideal. world person. Having such insight at this age meant he'd experienced many complications.
As long as his eyes still held bright light, at least live for his own happiness.
As Hii Kōri said, in this era, not a sin, nor selfish.
"Me? Not so bad. Found family love, made friends. Crazy busy, but overall trending positive... I'm quite content~"
Realizing what Bunpuku meant, Hii Kōri laughed, scratching his hair.
But to keep researching peacefully, I'll have to crush all things that get in the way. He left that unsaid.
Regardless, it had nothing to do with this old monk.
***
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***
Dive deeper into the story with 30+ advance chapters, available now on Patreon!
patreon.com/CNBLUE
If you're enjoying the novel, please consider leaving a review. Your support is crucial and helps the story grow immensely. Thank you!