Chapter 33: Whirlpool Country's destruction

Double release today. Enjoy!

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"Anger, my friend, is the most budget-friendly method for releasing pent-up frustrations onto others. Each of us carries around a load of negative emotions just waiting for a release, and anger conveniently steps in to offer that much-needed outlet," Tatsuma expressed with a hint of resignation. It appeared that, be it in past or present lives, this facet of existence remained consistent. Tatsuma sighed and carried on, "Allow me to illustrate with an example; maybe it will resonate with you."

"If one day, strolling down the street, you come across someone less fortunate accusing an eccentric-looking individual of stealing not just any money, but the life-saving funds of a family, how would you react?"

"I would... I would be furious at the thief, undoubtedly," Minato replied. Then, raising his head abruptly, he stated, "I see it now. In reality, I'm completely in the dark about the truth of the matter. I'm just a pawn, easily swayed by emotions, blindly pointing fingers, and unjustly labeling him as a thief without having any proof."

Observing Minato's prompt response, Tatsuma nodded in satisfaction and pressed on, "Allow me to present another scenario showcasing how the collective will of a group can be manipulated and inflamed. 

Picture this: a Nin-Dog from the Wind Country breaches the borders of the Land of Fire and bites a ninja cat native to the Land of Fire. In retaliation, the owner of the ninja cat eliminates the Wind Country's Nin-Dog. 

Subsequently, the Wind Country insists that the Land of Fire surrender the ninja responsible for the Nin-Dog's demise, allowing the Wind Country to administer justice. Now, put yourself in the shoes of the Hokage. How would you navigate this delicate situation?"

Minato pondered for a moment and responded, "In that scenario, the Land of Fire would assert that the Nin-Dog initially posed a threat by harming the ninja cat, prompting our ninja to act in self-defense to protect the cat. We would firmly reject the notion that this was a targeted assault against the Wind Country's Nin-Dog and, consequently, decline to surrender the responsible party."

"Now, what if the Wind Country contends that they invested significant resources and funds in cultivating that Nin-Dog? With a more assertive stance, they demand not only the apprehension of the culprit but also seek compensation from the Land of Fire, citing the expenses incurred in nurturing the Nin-Dog."

Is this not simply inviting trouble? Minato pondered silently, but swiftly grasped that Tatsuma's illustration aimed to act from the perspective of the wind's country and elevate it's position for greater compensation. 

Confronted with this predicament, Minato contemplated how he, as the Hokage, would navigate the situation.

"If a Nin-Dog commands such a significant investment, it surely isn't an ordinary one. Its mission in infiltrating the Land of Fire couldn't be as trivial as biting a ninja cat; there must be underlying motives, albeit foiled in advance.

In such a scenario, I would accuse this Nin-Dog of espionage and condemn the Wind Country for employing the Nin-Dog to steal classified information from our nation. Consequently, I would insist on compensation from them."

"But suppose, by some twist of fate, the news leaks in the Wind Country, and even their grassroots ninja and civilians learn that the Land of Fire was responsible for the demise of one of their Nin-Dogs. Instead of offering an apology and compensation, we assertively demand both from the Wind Country. How do you anticipate the outcome?"

At this juncture, Minato unexpectedly felt uncertain about how to proceed as the situation had swiftly transformed from a straightforward incident involving a Nin-Dog and a ninja cat into a grave diplomatic affair.

Minato could envision that, in Tatsuma's hypothetical scenario, emotions in the Wind Country had likely been stirred up collectively. Even though he couldn't shake off a sense of being the harbinger of troubling news, the undercurrent of anger had evidently taken root.

Whether the information leaked accidentally or intentionally was now irrelevant. What mattered most was that the Wind Country, using a ninja cat as a pretext, had issued a warning of war.

The most "prudent" course of action would involve avoiding excessive rigidity, aligning with the sentiments of the Wind Country, surrendering the perpetrator of the Nin-Dog, and providing compensation. However, once word spread about the compensation, collective sentiments within the Land of Fire would also surge.

At this juncture, the choices were to either stand resolute or yield further, insisting on confidentiality regarding the incident. Regardless of the chosen approach, the Land of Fire would inevitably incur losses.

Minato now comprehended the purpose behind Tatsuma's example – to demonstrate that in conflicts between nations, when one party deliberately instigates war, the other party is inherently passive from the outset.

To avert the outbreak of war, yielding to the other party's demands seems inevitable, but the consequence is an undeniable exploitation, as they will continually test your limits. Ultimately, war becomes unavoidable, either spurred by intolerable circumstances or desperate actions.

In response, Minato inquired, "So, how can we bring an end to a war?"

"Inducing joy, sorrow, or fear – any of these dominant emotions within the masses would be sufficient" Tatsuma explained.

For instance, aiming to halt the war through joy implies achieving a complete victory, and the downside of such triumph is the opponent's utter defeat, resulting in sorrow, rage, or fear.

In a scenario where both sides share sorrow, the firepower is evenly matched, fostering mutual unresolved enmity. The conflict persists until both parties are depleted, and those not on the battlefield experience sorrow, leading to a precipitous conclusion for both sides.

Regarding fear, its effectiveness dies with the source just like dring Hashirama's reign.

Regardless of the chosen emotion, however, they can only bring about a temporary cessation of hostilities, not enduring peace.

Tatsuma concluded his remarks with a nonchalant shrug, and Minato lapsed into silence. After a brief contemplation, he sighed and expressed, "I truly wish to discover a method that could lead to lasting peace."

"My capabilities have their limits; it hinges on whether you might come up with any ideas in the future."

Having rested sufficiently by now, they both listened to the tranquility of the training ground. Tatsuma broke the silence, saying, "Go get some rest. We'll resume training tomorrow."

"Alright."

Minato, gathering his resolve, rose from the ground. The joy of victory from their match had completely dissipated during their conversation. Both departed with a certain weightiness lingering until they went their separate ways.

...

Under Tatsuma's influence, Minato still didn't immediately submit his graduation application. It wasn't until half a year later, just after the New Year, two and a half years into Tatsuma guiding Minato's progres. An unexpected piece of news cast a shadow over the entire Konoha village.

The Whirlpool Country and its Hidden Village, found themselves under siege by the combined forces of the other four major nations. Countless casualties ensued, and ultimately, the Uzumaki Clan, famous for their sealing techniques that could even seal the strongest of tailed beasts decided to fight to the death against their enemies.

However, the outcome was bleak. The Uzumaki Clan, couldn't handle the overwhelming attack of 4 major ninja villages.

By the time Konoha's reinforcements arrived, the Whirlpool Hidden Village wasin ruins, strewn with corpses, and not a single surviving Uzumaki clan member could be found. Even the cherished possessions of the Uzumaki Clan had vanished without a trace.

Tatsuma learned that Sarutobi Hiruzen had officially issued a letter of condemnation to the four major nations, but as of now, there were no further developments.

On the inaugural day of the new school term, Tatsuma and Minato promptly made their way to the school. However, on the opposite side, where Kushina Uzumaki's seat was designated, an empty space greeted them.

Even as the class progressed, Kushina remained conspicuously absent. At that moment, Sarutobi Atoma entered the classroom and announced, "Everyone, engage in self-study this morning. Sakamoto Tatsuma, Minato Namikaze, both of you, accompany sensei for a second"

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