Pakura looked utterly frenzied at this moment.
But thinking about it, it made sense—after a series of brutal blows, it was normal for someone so young to crack under the pressure.
It was like a once-great empire: the emperor dies in war, the crown skips the rightful heir and falls to a prince who was previously idle and carefree.
Taking up the mantle seemed simple at first, but once the responsibilities piled up, so did the calamities. This flourishing dynasty was on the verge of collapse in his hands.
Who could stay composed under such circumstances?
So Yuki Seisui could understand Pakura.
But understanding didn't mean mercy—the fight had to continue.
These two things were separate.
At that moment, Yuki Seisui had deactivated the Nine-Tails Golden Body Mode. Just as he was about to leave, a voice came from behind.
"Seisui-sama!"
He squinted to see who it was, the figure still far away.
Damn, I should have carried those glasses with me. My vision has worsened; I can't even see someone far off clearly.
…But this voice feels familiar.
As the figure drew closer, Seisui recognized them.
"Seisui-sama, your eyes!"
"Oh my God, Seisui-sama… you bled for us!"
"Now it's our turn to protect you!"
"We should be ashamed for letting Seisui-sama face such monsters alone!"
The group was none other than Asami Kumo and Seisui's personal support team.
Seeing Asami Kumo made Seisui twitch the corner of his mouth involuntarily.
Although he knew their propaganda about his achievements was useful, he still wanted to avoid them.
Every encounter was awkward, forcing him to endure their flattery that made him feel embarrassed just listening.
"Seisui-sama, it's our turn to protect you!"
"You even shed blood for us!" Asami Kumo wept openly. "No, Seisui-sama! We aren't worthy of this!"
Seisui said nothing.
Despite his silence, Asami Kumo continued sobbing.
Being remembered by Seisui-sama… it feels incredible!
"Don't worry, Seisui-sama, we will follow your steps!"
"Yeah! Seisui-sama is our idol, our ultimate goal!"
"No one like him—strong, kind, caring for even the lowest-ranked ninja—we only have Seisui-sama!"
"The Hokage is similar, maybe that's what Seisui-sama is!"
"Yes, he will become the Fourth!"
The group's excitement grew, and Seisui couldn't help but smirk.
Do they really think I'm this righteous and magnificent?
How did I never realize how grand and loving I am?
It must be Minato's fault!
Seisui indulged in a bit of self-admiration, then looked at the cheering group and smiled faintly.
But… I am not the saintly person you all claim I am.
Being truly virtuous is hard.
Following one's own heart is his path.
Acting without method, guided only by intuition—that is Yuki Seisui.
Not the glorified hero that Asami Kumo and the others envision.
The difference between doing something for an ideal and doing it because you want to is fundamental.
If I were in a cultivation world, I'd probably be on the demonic path.
Seisui chuckled to himself. But even the demonic path is still a path.
In a cultivation world, given a choice between a righteous path and a demonic path, he'd likely choose the demonic one.
Cultivation seeks longevity. Unless one is gifted beyond reason, most people's aptitude is average or below. The righteous path likely leads to a lonely, short life. The demonic path, however… even a shortcut extends survival.
"My heart, my way—clear as a mirror. All I do is justice."
"Heh, who can say what I do isn't justice?" Seisui whispered, then broadcasted the thought.
"My heart, my way—clear as a mirror. All I do is justice!"
The words echoed across the battlefield, reaching every ear.
Seisui reappeared atop Kurama's head. His Mangekyo Sharingan glinted, and Shukaku's eyes reflected the same pattern instantly.
"Kurama, Shukaku, Tailed Beast Balls!"
His gaze remained calm, devoid of ripples, with only the crimson of his Mangekyo Sharingan visible.
His eyes then shifted toward the Sand ninja who had separated from Konoha forces.
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Completed version available on Patreon P@treon(.)com/Veltoria