Fire

Three years passed promptly and Zeus had finally turned five. Over these years, Zeus had perfected all the basic ninjutsu techniques, even including the dreadful transformation one. When he was god, shapeshifting didn't require so much strain and sweat.

Additionally, Zeus learned more about the world. Essentially, it was divided into numerous different countries, with the biggest one being the land of fire. Each country had its own hidden village, which was ruled by the respected kage. Through millennia of bloodshed and wars, five hidden villages came up on top, becoming like the capitals of their countries.

However, in recent years, small nations started rising up again, causing skirmishes and tension in the borders. All this anxiety and greed for resources generated hatred between countries, as they finally entered the Third Shinobi War. Zeus was quite excited about joining the fray between countries, but it seemed like the war was slowly reaching its destined end.

Over these few years, Zeus had also created a few ninjutsu of his own, which greatly increased his battle power. By leaving his clone in his bed, Zeus would sneak out at night and experiment with his ninjutsu. Hiruzen and others had noticed that he was quite abnormal for his age, as he spoke and thought like a mature man.

However, Zeus decided that it was better to be low-key right now. He had met some kids his own age, and they barely knew anything about chakra. Right now, Zeus just didn't see the point in exposing himself. He would probably get much more attention and surveillance, with everyone deeming him a genius, but it was also going to gather a lot of jealousy.

He felt like he was too frail yet to properly fight someone. In fact, as long as he felt like he couldn't defeat Asuma, he didn't really want to disclose himself. However, Zeus felt like that wasn't going to be the case for long.

"Zeus, you seem like something has been on your mind lately. Would you mind sharing?" Hiruzen asked, continuing to walk with slow steps.

"It's nothing, old man," Zeus answered, looking around. Hundreds of graves entered his sight, each of them flawlessly taken care of. The rays of sunlight hindered his view for a moment and he squinted with his eyes.

"It's good that there is nothing on your mind." Hiruzen stepped beside him, looking straight at the sun. "Tell me, Zeus, what do you feel when you look at this cemetery?"

Zeus thought for a moment, then looked at Hiruzen. "Nothing? Why would I feel anything about this?"

"Don't you feel some pity or even sadness?" Hiruzen retorted, still staring at the sky. "They have all once been great shinobi, had their own families and people they wanted to protect, yet now they lie here, completely forgotten."

"I don't, old man," Zeus answered promptly and silence settled between them. Sighing, Zeus understood that Hiruzen wanted him to elaborate. "The death of others doesn't concern me in any way, because it is just a natural thing."

"That's an interesting take." Hiruzen glanced at Zeus with a smug on his face. "So, since it is a natural thing, then should the people who ignite hatred and war feel responsible for their actions?"

'Is this some kind of philosophical class?' Zeus thought, staring back at Hiruzen with serious eyes. "Wars and hatred are inevitable, but that doesn't mean that people shouldn't feel responsible for their actions. I believe death is simply a crossroad that determines whether the person will suffer for eternity or prevail with longevity. Hence, to answer your question, leaders who ignite war should feel responsible...but that doesn't mean they will, for such is human nature."

Hiruzen raised his eyebrows, then put them back down. Stroking his little beard, Hiruzen once again turned to Zeus. "I honestly didn't expect to hear such a profound answer. You continue to amaze me, but I will still ask you one last question."

"If you had the opportunity to stop the war with another nation, even though they have killed and tortured our shinobi, would you do it?"

"Personally, I wouldn't do it." Zeus's eyes suddenly grew cold. "I would rather suffer in eternal hell than forgive my enemies."

"So, you would rather spread violence and more death than forgive?" Hiruzen asked, his voice wonderous. "Besides, the outcome of war can't even be sure..."

"Forgiving is just but a coward's way to escape the conflict. Imagine how many families had been broken due to this war, and now you are implying that exonerating the other side is a better option." Zeus grew more agitated, completely disagreeing with the old man's thinking. "They have ravaged our land, killed our brethren, and kidnapped our kids, and now you're pondering about forgiving them because you are afraid of shedding more blood? Or is it just that you aren't sure of your own power?"

Zeus finished talking and then understood that he had said too much.

Judging from Hiruzen's face, he did go overboard. However, the old man didn't seem like he had taken any of this to heart, as he smiled. "I don't necessarily agree with you, but your thinking reminds me of my sensei. Alright, Zeus, let's go. I have one more place I wanted to show to you."

Zeus followed the old man from behind, feeling the warm wind pressing onto his face. For a moment, he closed his eyes, merging with nature, enjoying its warm embrace.

"Open your eyes, Zeus," Hiruzen said.

Zeus did so, seeing a huge sculpture at the front. There were huge letters engraved in the middle of it, and he read them carefully. 'Fire Shadow? Sounds quite menacing.' Zeus thought to himself.

"This is a statue that represents the Will of Fire of the entire village." Hiruzen smiled pitifully as if looking at an old friend. "A Will of Fire symbolizes one's devotion to the village and how much they want to protect fellow citizens."

"So," Hiruzen put his hand on Zeus's head, patting him with more strength than needed, forcing him to lower his head in defeat. "Even if you grow up extremely strong, don't forget to keep that fire burning in your chest."

***

Insert Gif: Hiruzen.