Naruto: Passerby and Returnee

Chapter 498 We Talk About Jinchuriki

As a storm of rebellion brews in Kawakami, the world of ninjas is also undergoing an unprecedented transformation.

With the fourth war about to begin, the assembled 80,000 troops were showing signs of internal strife, which was a very ominous sign.

Gaara, who had been observing from the stage for a long time, finally made his move. He used sand physics to stop several pairs of people who were fighting fiercely, and began his long-prepared pre-battle speech.

"For the sake of their respective countries and villages, ninjas hurt and hated each other during the long wars from the first to the third. This hatred craved power, which led to my birth." As a Jinchūriki, as someone who has tasted all the bitterness of the world, Gaara has the right to say such things. Deep communication between people always needs a trigger, and empathy is the best stepping stone.

Gaara stated frankly, "I used to be hatred, power, and a Jinchūriki. I also hated this world and everyone, and I wanted to destroy everything, just like what Akatsuki is planning to do now."

This powerful declaration silenced the whispers below, for the ninjas of the five great nations had all witnessed the immense power of the tailed beasts, and they had no doubt that Gaara truly possessed such power.

"But! A ninja from Konoha stopped me!"

Even though they could no longer fight side by side, Naruto's voice and smile remained vivid in his mind. Gaara said, "He stabilized the seal for me, who was his enemy; he treated me, who tried to harm Konoha, as a friend; he did everything in his power to take me back from Akatsuki; he saved me!"

“We were enemies, but he was also a Jinchūriki, sharing the same pain. There was no resentment between us because we understood each other!”

As ninjas who have survived three wars, almost none of them are truly happy. They have all lost something precious to them in war, and are thus consumed by hatred, unable to let go. But if we could truly put ourselves in their shoes, what is the root of this hatred? This is perhaps not something we can delve into now. War is imminent, and only a common enemy can forge a genuine alliance.

"There are no enemies here and now! Because everyone is carrying the pain left behind by Akatsuki!"

Sunagakure needs no introduction; even Gaara, the Kazekage himself, was captured by Akatsuki. Deidara, responsible for this disaster, showed no mercy even to his own home, planting a terrifying bomb on its site before his defection. Konoha had just been invaded by the leader of Akatsuki; without the assistance of Akatsuki, it would have suffered heavy losses. Kirigakure was even worse off, with the Mizukage under their long-term control, creating the horrifying "Bloody Mist Era." Kumogakure's two Jinchuriki were highly respected figures. When Yugito was captured, Kumogakure managed to suppress the news, but after Killer Bee was attacked, they could no longer remain silent, with the Raikage leading the charge.

“The Hidden Sand Village, Hidden Rock Village, Hidden Leaf Village, Hidden Mist Village, and Hidden Cloud Village do not exist here.”

"The only ones here are ninjas!"

"If you still can't forgive Sunagakure even after this, then wait until the war is over and cut off my head!"

The deafening sound struck the hearts of every ninja, and their expressions changed from hatred to shock, and then gradually calmed down, as if they had made some kind of decision.

"Now, the enemy is trying to take away the friend who saved me. If the enemy gets him, this world is doomed! I want to protect my friend, and I want to protect this world!"

"But I am too young and inexperienced to do such a thing, so... please help me!"

The crowd responded with deafening cheers, and from that moment on, the Allied Shinobi Forces were truly assembled. Temporarily setting aside their hatred, the ninjas understood each other and offered apologies. Their boosted morale significantly accelerated the speed of the allied forces' movements. A truly effective army needs this kind of united will.

This speech was not only a pre-battle mobilization, but also a sign of Gaara's growth. Those who cared about him were amazed that Gaara had grown up, while the Allied Forces captain and the other four Kage who were listening silently behind the stage were impressed by this young man.

The Jinchūriki who unfortunately missed the scene are still studying the magical waterfall on Turtle Island.

After Fu went up first, the second one to go up was Lao Zi.

He was already an old ninja, well past fifty, and had only just learned the name of the Four-Tails. He wasn't prone to any unwarranted competitive spirit; he was simply curious about what his dark side was like. However, he woke up with a start shortly after sitting down, and his expression didn't suggest he had passed.

"Don't be nervous. Not many people pass the trial on their first try. I tried several times back then, but Lord Killer Bee passed it on his first try." Yugito comforted her at the right time, but it was Fu who replied first.

"Really? Is this actually that difficult?"

"This is the 'True Waterfall,' where we need to confront the deepest, most authentic desires buried in our hearts. Overcoming oneself still requires courage, and Fu is amazing."

Yugito failed to comfort Rōshi. He quickly left that spot and walked silently to the farthest place, as if he were trying to avoid something.

The taciturn giant Han quietly moved over and stood next to Lao Zi. This kind of silent comfort seemed to be more effective for a middle-aged ninja. Lao Zi took a few deep breaths and regained his composure.

The commotion in the corner didn't end the trial; this time, it was Yu Gao's turn. He had been in a state of inner turmoil after resolving his inner conflict, but now he had figured things out, so he actually passed the trial on his first try, putting the pressure on the remaining two.

Sasuke glanced at Han and Roshi in the corner and figured they probably wouldn't be coming anytime soon, so he had no choice but to go himself.

He didn't really want to participate. He could probably imagine what his true self was like, and it was definitely something Naruto wouldn't want to see...