บท 32: The Path to Peace
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Despite his body suffering serious damage, Hashirama relied on his own secret technique to maintain the appearance of health and retain his strength. However, each extensive use of chakra would further shorten his life until death became inevitable.
After battling the Nine Tails, Hashirama discovered that his Wood Release could suppress the power of the tailed beasts, but truly restraining them required the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques. Therefore, Hashirama did not intend to capture the tailed beasts alone; he wanted to act with other members of the village.
In numerous meetings, Hashirama discussed the capture of the tailed beasts with the ninja clan leaders and devised various plans. For the ninja clans, capturing these legendary creatures seemed an incredible feat. When they learned that Mito could control the power of the Nine Tails, some proposed keeping all the tailed beasts within the village, opposing the idea of distributing them to other countries.
Hashirama, however, argued that this was impractical. Although the Uzumaki clan could adapt to the sealing of tailed beasts, Mito herself suggested that even within the Uzumaki clan, only those with exceptional talent could perfectly suppress a tailed beast. Using a tailed beast against its will required a higher level of skill and power.
Furthermore, it wasn't easy to find someone from the Uzumaki clan willing to serve as a jinchuriki—the term for a person who seals a tailed beast within themselves. The Uzumaki clan, unlike other ninja clans, were not originally part of Konoha. They had established their own country overseas and were recognized as its rulers. Preferring autonomy over subordination, they were reluctant to become mere members of Konoha Ninja Village.
Thus, Konoha only established diplomatic relations with Uzushio Village, founded by the Uzumaki clan. Konoha had no authority to direct Uzushio Village, and the Senju family, being distant relatives, couldn't force the Uzumaki clan to comply. Their cooperation was essential for using their members as containers for the tailed beasts.
Even if Uzushio Village agreed to provide members for this role, it would face the issue Mito highlighted. Not everyone could perfectly suppress a tailed beast, much less wield its power like Mito. As a princess of the Uzumaki Kingdom, Mito's bloodline was top-tier, far superior to that of ordinary Uzumaki members.
From Hashirama's perspective, those unable to become combat-effective jinchuriki would be useless and only provoke fear and hostility from other nations. Initially, Konoha might face one or two countries, but monopolizing all the tailed beasts would likely unite the other four great nations against Konoha.
Despite Konoha's abundant talents, other nations were not weak. Without the combined strength of Hashirama and Madara, Konoha might struggle to defend against a coordinated attack from four countries. Even if Hashirama and Madara ensured victory in local battles, they couldn't protect the entire village from destruction.
With Madara gone and Hashirama nearing the end of his life, capturing the tailed beasts would further shorten his lifespan. Attempting to keep all the tailed beasts would only antagonize other nations and bring about more conflict.
Therefore, Hashirama advocated for distributing the tailed beasts among the nations to maintain a balance of power. This way, no single nation would become too strong and draw the ire of others, facilitating easier conflict management.
Hashirama's argument was well-reasoned and convincing. The ninja clan leaders, not inclined to invite trouble, agreed that monopolizing the tailed beasts would be problematic and approved the distribution plan. This proposal would also be presented to the Fire Daimyo for formal confirmation.
As the village patriarchs focused on capturing the tailed beasts, Fumori Masaki and Uchiha Kagami, being young, were not tasked with such difficult missions. Instead, they managed rear operations, while experienced older ninjas handled the actual capture efforts.
Fumori Masaki acknowledged the inevitability of the tailed beast plan and supported Hashirama's judgment. While maintaining balance through tailed beast distribution seemed the best immediate solution, Masaki understood that true peace required more than just equilibrium; it needed additional factors and a holistic approach.
Masaki reflected on the ideas of peace proposed by Uchiha Madara and Nagato. Madara's vision of an infinite Tsukuyomi and Nagato's idea of using an ultimate weapon to enforce peace both sought to end conflict permanently. However, Masaki believed that shortcuts often led to deviation from the righteous path.
While he disagreed with Madara's infinite Tsukuyomi, Masaki saw some merit in Nagato's concept. Inflicting pain could make people value peace, and an ultimate weapon might suppress conflict. Yet, the question remained: who would restrain Nagato himself?
If Nagato's ideas were combined with Hashirama's balance of power, a more feasible and longer-lasting peace might be achievable. However, Masaki knew he couldn't influence these matters until he attained a position of authority, such as Hokage, enabling him to address international issues directly.
For now, Masaki focused on immediate concerns, like mastering his unique form of senjutsu. Unlike the established techniques of Mount Myoboku, Ryuchi Cave, and Shikkotsu Forest, his senjutsu lacked a specific method. By exploring and refining his own style, Masaki hoped to contribute to Konoha's strength and stability.
With determination, Masaki continued to hone his skills, preparing for the challenges ahead. He understood that achieving true peace required both strength and wisdom, and he was committed to upholding Hashirama's vision for a prosperous and harmonious Konoha.
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