Chapter 5

Hidden Mist Village.

Ninja Academy.

"Now that you've introduced yourself, let me tell you about some Shinobi regulations you must never breach."

"First and foremost, never give up on a mission; through deception, poisoning, or any other means, finish the job."

"Second, as a Shinobi, you don't need feelings of pity or kindness; you are tools to be exploited by the Village."

"Third, and most importantly, never let your Village's information get into the hands of the enemy."

"For the sake of the Village, even if it means sacrificing the lives of your comrades, don't be afraid."

"This is the path of the Shinobi, a path full of sorrow, pain, and despair."

"Make yourself strong, for if it's for the sake of the Village, I won't hesitate to kill you myself."

Daikichi explained the Village's brutal regulations to the three people who stood before him.

"Un."

Mei and Ichiro nodded, their faces expressionless, as if these terrible regulations didn't bother them in the least.

All they've known since they began training is to battle and never jeopardize their clan's or the Village's reputation.

"Is... this... Mist?"

Even if he had the memories of Kuzan, Aokiji wasn't him, since his entire body shivered at hearing the restrictions.

He knew there were such laws based on his comprehension of the plot, but seeing it and facing it are two different things.

These restrictions simply eradicate feelings of empathy and compassion, transforming a person into a mindless killer.

He wasn't like Mei or Ichiro, who were just youngsters who could be sculpted into whatever shape the higher-ups desired.

But he was different; he could consider the implications of following these norms.

Following these guidelines would result in loneliness, no one to call a friend, and no one he could trust.

"He appears to be the weak link."

Daikichi, who was paying attention to the three, spotted Aokiji's worried gaze and recognised right once that this boy was experiencing those unwelcome feelings.

But he didn't mind because his job is to just guide them; no matter how talented they are, those with a weak will are eventually gone.

"Don't be late tomorrow morning at 7 a.m. to the training ground beside the Rokko mountains."

Thud...

Daikichi reminded the three of them and turned into water falling down.

Mei and Ichiro both left the classroom without saying anything, leaving Aokiji alone in the classroom.

Aokiji, who had been left in the empty classroom, sat at his desk and absentmindedly glanced out the window with his hand supporting his chin.

It was still early afternoon, and the sky was clear as the slow floating clouds soothed Aokiji's worried heart.

Sigh...

"I think I now understand Pirates' feelings."

A strong breeze caused Aokiji's silver hair to sway in the air as he sighed and reminisced the carefree Pirates in memory of Kuzan.

Pirates were not constrained by rules and had complete freedom, whereas he, as a Shinobi, was.

With a determined expression on his face, Aokiji rose from his seat and began walking towards the exit to return home.

He has to face these rules; only then can he survive in this cruel world.

He can only modify the rules if he has enough strength.

Aokiji, who had only intended to live a tranquil existence unintentionally, began to drift away from that aim and toward something far more important.

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Mizukage Office.

A tall and slim man sat in the Mizukage seat.

His hair was long and blonde, and it was brushed back.

He sported a triangle goatee, a tiny moustache, and no brows, and he was dressed in a high collared grey kimono with a dark green suit underneath.

Gengetsu leaned back in his chair, his hands at the back of his head, lost in meditation as he gazed at the ceiling.

"Sigh...

"This is a difficult task; old man Byakuren really put me in a jam."

Gengetsu cursed the First Mizukage, who had appointed him as his successor; he is a lazy and easygoing individual, whereas that cold fellow Daikichi was far better fit for the role.

Gengetsu concluded that he was unfit to govern such a village; it had been two years since he became Mizukage, yet he alone couldn't make a difference.

Even though Gengetsu was from the Hozuki Clan, he understood the value of emotions, but others did not.

He and Daikichi were Byakuren students; he acquired kindness and compassion from him, whereas Daikichi merely strove to become stronger.

He is the Mizukage, yet no matter how hard he tries, he cannot modify the merciless rules established by the forefathers.

The Kaguya Clan, Yuki Clan, and certain members of his own clan would never agree to amend the rule, and if he insisted, the Village would become unstable.

As a result, Gengetsu regretted accepting the post of Mizukage; if he wasn't the Mizukage, he wouldn't be held responsible for those who perished at the hands of their own comrades.

Knock...

While he was buried in thought, the door was pounded, and then it was pushed open, and Daikichi entered the room with his customary chilly expression.

"You constantly have the "as if everyone owes you money" expression; you should laugh more; maybe then you'll be able to become a parent, Haha!!!"

Gengetsu, noticing Daikichi, advised he be joyful as he laughed loudly, but his joke was too lame as Daikichi's countenance stayed unchanged.

Despite having two wives, Daikichi Yuki, the Chief of the Yuki Clan, was never able to become a father.

Perhaps this is why he never felt tenderness in his heart; even a violent animal loves its children, let alone a person.

"I'll take them outside the Village tomorrow to gather experience; give me that task scroll."

Daikichi disregarded Gengetsu's laughter and extended his hand, demanding the mission scroll.

"Sigh... you are no fun"

Gengetsu shook his head, picked up a scroll, and handed it to Daikichi, who didn't stay any longer and departed immediately.

"I'm completely useless; another generation is poised to become mindless killers."

As Daikichi walked away, Gengetsu looked at the form on which the names of Aokiji and his companions were written.

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