The True Ninja
When Shirō and the others stopped to rest at noon, Shikamaru took the opportunity to explain the mission arrangements.
"First, let me make this clear: although our mission is primarily a rescue, intelligence reports indicate two potential enemies—shinobi from Kusagakure and Takigakure."
"Which means combat is unavoidable. Instead of waiting for them to strike first, we should eliminate them before they can react."
"This way, they won't have a chance to cause trouble. Once it's done, we can ride the giant bird straight back to the village, and Shirō can conceal our mission's true objective at that time."
"Most importantly, our presence must remain hidden. We cannot afford to attract attention. So if anyone—no matter who—spots us before the operation begins…"
Shikamaru's tone hardened.
"…they cannot be allowed to live."
---
Nakamura glanced at him in surprise, but stayed silent. As a commander, one needed to have this mindset: mercy cannot lead troops. He had originally thought Shikamaru would need more field experience before reaching this level of awareness. Yet, here he was, already considering things like a true leader.
Still, Shikamaru alone wasn't enough. Nakamura's gaze shifted to Shirō and Taiyi.
Compared to Shikamaru, both were clearly hesitant. They could accept the logic of striking first, but the idea of silencing anyone who might stumble across them was harder to accept.
"Isn't that going too far?" Shirō asked quietly. "What if I use my Sharingan to put them under hypnosis? It would have the same effect."
Taiyi nodded. "Or I could use a clan technique to alter their memories. Killing ordinary people just for seeing us feels… unnecessary."
Shikamaru's eyes narrowed. "If it can be altered, then it can also be undone. This mission is too important—especially for you, Shirō. Are you willing to risk everything for sentimentality?"
"No. We must eliminate every factor that could jeopardize us. For the mission, sacrifices are necessary."
His words silenced them both. In this world, ninja were not noble heroes; everything was for the mission. Ruthlessness wasn't optional for a commander—it was a requirement.
---
Shirō and Taiyi fell quiet, each lost in thought.
For Shirō, it was deeply conflicting. In his past life, he had been just an ordinary person—he had barely fought, let alone killed. Since becoming a shinobi, he had accepted killing, but always with the justification that his targets were rogue shinobi or bandits with blood already on their hands.
Now, though, they faced the possibility of silencing ordinary people. How could he reconcile that?
Taiyi wrestled with similar doubts. Though the Uchiha were feared for their blood-red eyes, the clan's teachings emphasized love as the source of their strength.
If the enemy was a shinobi—even a child—Taiyi could raise his blade without hesitation. But ordinary civilians? That was far harder.
The two of them weren't ready to cross that line. But Shikamaru had already spoken his piece. What remained was team coordination, and they all knew what to do without needing more words.
Nakamura chose not to intervene. This was an important turning point. He had once struggled with the same dilemma—it had taken him years to accept the darker reality of being a ninja. For Shirō and Taiyi, the process would be no different.
Shikamaru had grown up with the Nara clan's education. Even branch members were taught early on that strategy and ruthless decision-making were essential. For him, this was ingrained. For the others, it was an inner battle.
---
As they traveled, Shirō and Taiyi unconsciously moved with extra caution, suppressing their footsteps and making less noise. In truth, their chosen route was remote enough that even shinobi rarely passed through, let alone ordinary hunters.
But their caution revealed their inner turmoil. They hadn't rejected Shikamaru's logic entirely, but they weren't ready to embrace it either.
Shirō reflected bitterly. In his past life, he had heard countless motivational speeches and "deep" monologues about willpower, but when reality struck, they were meaningless. Self-deception could never change the truth.
In the end, he made up his mind.
As long as the people he cared about survived, that was enough. He wasn't a saint—he couldn't protect everyone. His hands were already stained with blood. Whether his victims had deserved it or not no longer mattered.
I'm no longer the person I once was. I am Emiya Shirō now.
Whether delusion or determination, he had chosen his path. Anything that stood in his way could be discarded—even his bottom line.
Nakamura noticed the change in Shirō's gaze, from hesitation to cold resolve. He smiled faintly. Whatever choice Shirō had made, the fact he had made it firmly was what mattered.
Taiyi, however, still faltered. His heart clung to compassion, and his blade remained heavy. Even after they left the Land of Fire, he still hadn't resolved himself.
Nakamura considered stepping in to guide him, but fate intervened first.
---
They made a rookie mistake.
A hunter spotted them from afar.
The worst possible situation.
"…Tch." Nakamura exhaled sharply. "Get ready. If word spreads, we'll be in danger."
The three younger shinobi froze, their expressions conflicted as they looked at him. They weren't fools. Even ordinary people could become risks if they carried news to the wrong ears.
The pity was, now they had no choice.
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