Naruto: The Hyuga Mastermind

Chapter 189: Mutual Understanding? Utterly Ridiculous

Was Naruto satisfied with the future Hyuga Fuji had created?

Of course not!

"In your quest to destroy the system of one nation, one village, and to push the nations to change their systems, you triggered increasingly frequent wars, causing untold deaths and suffering for countless civilians."

Naruto's voice was low, recounting Hyuga Fuji's atrocities one by one. "You even researched forbidden jutsu, resurrecting the dead to send them to battlefields, desecrating their memories, all to unify the ninja world under your rule. And as if that weren't enough, you plan to implement the Alaya Project, to forever stand above all life in the ninja world as an immortal god…"

"With all this, I don't see anything good about the future you created!"

The Alaya Project?

Pakura, Kakashi, and the others ignored Naruto's accusations against Hyuga Fuji. Instead, their attention was drawn to terms like "Alaya" and "god."

'When did this plan begin?' Kakashi frowned deeply.

'Did Lord Fuji ever mention such a plan?' Pakura was equally puzzled but quickly dismissed her doubts. To her, Hyuga Fuji was already a being who commanded life and death—a god who needed no plan to achieve such a status.

For her, a plan Hyuga Fuji might be considering was irrelevant; she was merely a tool to carry it out.

Hyuga Fuji, meanwhile, did not deny Naruto's accusations. Instead, he looked at Naruto with an amused expression, as though observing an experiment. "If you think my future is so terrible, then what kind of future do you envision?"

Naruto didn't attack immediately. He knew the man before him was elusive, with multiple spatial techniques. Instead, he responded solemnly:

"Over time, the nations of Fire, Earth, and Lightning have come to understand that war only brings pain and death. It spreads suffering across the land. That's why we formed the United Nations—to help each other, to support weaker nations."

"Hatred only leads to more pain and war. Letting go of hatred, understanding, and forgiveness is the only correct path forward!"

Naruto's voice was firm, his conviction unwavering.

Hyuga Fuji glanced at the determined Naruto, then at the future Kitsuchi, who was looking visibly uncomfortable. He raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Is that your personal belief? Or the shared belief of the three great nations?"

As expected, awakening Asura's chakra had greatly influenced Naruto's personality.

Despite all the changes Hyuga Fuji had set into motion, they hadn't altered Naruto's worldview. That must have been due to the full awakening of Asura's chakra, shaping Naruto's values before they could fully form.

"Of course it's the belief of all nations! It's in the United Nations charter!"

Naruto lifted his head proudly, oblivious to the future Kitsuchi, who was holding his head in exasperation. He continued passionately:

"As long as we strive to understand one another, we can move toward a peaceful future together!"

Kakashi glanced at Naruto, inwardly labeling him a fool.

On a national level, declarations to the people were naturally full of lofty ideals. But Naruto had grown up in the Land of Fire, a nation that had started wars, and he was a soldier himself. To still cling to such naïve beliefs… What else could he be but a fool?

'Father said this is my student? How could I have taught such a foolish disciple? He's just like… just like…'

The image of a certain Uchiha flashed through Kakashi's mind, causing him to stop that train of thought and refocus on the present.

Hyuga Fuji: "I see. If you believe mutual understanding can lead to peace, why are you standing here now?"

Naruto replied instinctively, "Because you—"

He paused, catching sight of Kakashi's exasperated expression. His words faltered.

"Because you can't," Hyuga Fuji said with a faint smile. "You can't understand me or my subordinates. That's why you never even tried in the future. And now that you've returned to the past, you've initiated combat without hesitation."

Naruto clenched his fists, struggling to respond.

"Or do you think mutual understanding means imposing your views on others when you're in a position of strength? Are you planning to defeat us first and then preach your ideals?"

Hyuga Fuji's tone remained calm, almost indifferent. "If that's the case, then I've misjudged you. No matter how beautiful the words, the law of the jungle is the most fundamental principle of this world. As the victor, you would naturally have the right to impose your beliefs. In that moment, you'd be correct."

Naruto had once convinced Nagato and Obito because he had defeated them.

If Nagato or Obito had won, the narrative would have been entirely different.

Survival of the fittest. The victor dictates what is just.

From that perspective, Naruto wasn't wrong.

But could Naruto accept that logic himself?

"I'm not like that!" Naruto shouted angrily at Hyuga Fuji.

Even if Hyuga Fuji had outright denied his beliefs, Naruto wouldn't have been this angry. But to be accused of pursuing peace through such a savage, hypocritical mindset—he couldn't tolerate it.

"It's because I know your subordinates are loyal to you, so I—"

Naruto hesitated, stumbling over his words as he tried to explain himself.

Had he not intended to subdue Sakumo first and then persuade him?

Kakashi was his teacher, and Sakumo was Kakashi's father. If it were possible, Naruto would naturally have tried to mediate. But voicing this aloud only confirmed Hyuga Fuji's accusation.

"You're wrong! I'm just…"

Watching Naruto fumble for words, completely forgetting they were on a battlefield, Pakura chuckled softly. "Lord Fuji hasn't denied your statements. He's calmly discussing them with you. But you? All you care about is arguing, without truly listening to others. So much for mutual understanding."

Turning to Naruto, who looked increasingly frustrated, Pakura added a pointed question:

"Mutual understanding requires empathy—putting yourself in someone else's position. But who in this world can truly empathize with another?"

"Different births, different environments, different educations… Of course everyone is different."

"Mutual understanding? Letting go of hatred? I admire your audacity to say such things so boldly. What about someone whose loved ones were chopped into pieces and served as someone else's meal? Do you expect them to understand the one who ate their family? Or are you asking them to let go of their hatred?"

"I…"

Naruto was momentarily silenced.

He wanted to say that the example was too extreme, but Pakura's first remark had struck a chord, leaving him unable to refute her.

"Mutual understanding? Utterly ridiculous!" Pakura sneered, her voice dripping with disdain.

Of everyone present, she probably despised the concept of mutual understanding the most.

Even people from the same village couldn't understand each other, often betraying one another. Talking about mutual understanding was nothing but an unrealistic fantasy.

"Naruto, acknowledging your flaws and ugliness is essential. That's simply human nature," Hyuga Fuji said calmly, watching Naruto hang his head.

"Anyone can say nice things like, 'No one will die,' or 'No one will suffer.' Mutual understanding. Peace. Beautiful words, but who can actually make them a reality?"

Naruto retorted impulsively, "The First Hokage let go of his hatred and brought peace!"

(End of Chapter)