Chapter 271: Chapter 271: Discussing the Flaws of the Infinite Tsukuyomi
Chapter 271: Chapter 271: Discussing the Flaws of the Infinite Tsukuyomi
After finishing his conversation with his grandfather, Akira turned around and went back to his room to rest.
Honestly, he didn't expect his grandfather to have such a serious attitude, almost like he was reprimanding him. But when he thought about it more deeply, Akira could understand.
There's an old saying: when others are concerned with how high you can fly, only those who truly care about you worry about how tired you are. Everyone else was in awe, seeing him soar through the sky as a majestic dragon-astounded that a creature from myth had appeared in reality. But to his grandfather, Akira was still his beloved grandson, so his concerns lay more with Akira's bloodline.
Was Akira abandoning his humanity and choosing to live as a dragon?
It was all because of his grandfather's love for him, and this realization touched Akira deeply.
After all, in the world he came from, the concept of filial piety was paramount, especially in the Dragon Kingdom where the classics like the Four Books and Five Classics, including the Book of Filial Piety, were core teachings.
So when his grandfather, with a stern face, told him to kneel, Akira didn't hesitate for a second before dropping to his knees.
What did it matter that he was the Head of the Anbu or the most powerful shinobi in the world? Titles like that were meaningless at home-they didn't matter here.
Akira had barely settled back in his room, ready for a well-deserved rest, when a knock at the door interrupted him.
It was Konan: "Still awake? Want to come out for a drink?"
"Sure, if you're buying," Akira replied, then climbed onto his rooftop.
Under the night sky, with stars scattered above, it was a beautiful evening. Akira and Konan sat on the rooftop, with some sake and snacks laid out beside them.
Akira didn't hold back, grabbed a bottle, and took a swig. Not bad.
"Did you just want to drink, or is there something else?" After having a few drinks and noticing that Konan hadn't said much, Akira asked.
"Nothing in particular. Just wanted to chat," Konan responded.
"Alright, then. What do you want to talk about? Speak freely," Akira nodded, signaling her to go ahead.
"First off, is it too late to express my amazement?" Konan asked, after a brief pause.
It was obvious she was referring to Akira's transformation into a dragon.
"It's never too late. I'm a simple man; I like hearing compliments," Akira responded nonchalantly.
"Alright, then. I still can't believe it—you actually turned into a dragon! Incredible. Is your power as a dragon just like the legends say?" Konan nodded, pretending to be in awe.
"Okay, cut it out. You're overdoing it—it looks fake now!" Akira chuckled, clearly not intending to reveal all the specifics about his dragon abilities. He changed the subject by teasing her exaggerated expression.
The conversation flowed easily between them, the atmosphere light and natural.
After a while, Konan spoke again, this time more casually, "It seems like the shinobi world will be peaceful for a good while after this."
"What makes you say that?" Akira asked, pouring himself another drink as he raised an eyebrow.
"Your power-and your dragon form-will make it impossible for anyone in the shinobi world to challenge the Leaf Village. With you suppressing everything, the world will naturally be much more peaceful," Konan explained.
"Hmm, that makes sense. But you should probably be telling this to Nagato, not me," Akira nodded in agreement before pointing out.
"To Nagato?" Konan paused, her mind racing at Akira's words.
Was he suggesting she should persuade Nagato? Convince him to abandon the ideals he's held for so long? Just because the shinobi world might enjoy a temporary peace?
As Konan thought about it, she wondered how much success she could realistically have in swaying Nagato.
But after a few moments of reflection, she shook her head and said, "It won't work. Even if I tried to persuade him, Nagato wouldn't change his mind."
"Why not? Isn't the Akatsuki's goal to bring peace to the shinobi world?" Akira asked.
"Yes, but the peace you can offer is temporary, even if it lasts for decades or a hundred years," Konan replied. "The Akatsuki seeks eternal peace."
"I understand," Akira said, nodding thoughtfully.
It's true—just like the First Hokage before him, Akira's presence might suppress conflict across the shinobi world. But if he were to die, war would surely break out again.
The Akatsuki's "Eye of the Moon" plan, however, aimed for permanent peace.
The Infinite Tsukuyomi would pull everyone into a beautiful dreamlike world. Wouldn't that be the most wonderful kind of peace?
Honestly, if people could live their entire lives in bliss, does it really matter if it's a dream or not?
In theory, Akira didn't harbor much moral outrage toward the idea of the Infinite Tsukuyomi. He shared his thoughts openly, giving his own take on the plan.
"Oh? You're not totally against the idea of the Infinite Tsukuyomi?" Konan looked at Akira, surprised by his response.
She had expected him to give a moral lecture, tearing the plan to shreds.
"Actually, there's a saying that 'life is suffering,'" Akira sighed. "Even in the Leaf Village, the most powerful of the Five Great Nations, there are countless tragedies. And in the more remote parts of the shinobi world, ordinary people struggle just to survive."
"If people could spend their entire lives feeling happy, even in a dream, is that really so bad?" Akira reflected.
Before Konan could say more, Akira continued, "However, in my view, there's a huge flaw in this 'Eye of the Moon' plan- a flaw that's impossible to fix."
"Oh? And what flaw would that be?" Konan asked, her expression becoming more serious.
"The issue is with future generations."
"If the Infinite Tsukuyomi succeeds, and everyone lives in a dream world where they experience an ideal life, how will future generations be born?"
"Even if people marry and have children in the illusion, it's still just part of the dream. In
reality, everyone's stuck in the genjutsu."
"So, what happens in a few decades, or even a hundred years from now?"
"When everyone trapped in the Infinite Tsukuyomi dies, won't the shinobi world become a barren wasteland?" Akira explained his thoughts.
In the original series, everyone caught in the Infinite Tsukuyomi was wrapped in cocoons, hanging from the God Tree.
In that state, they couldn't possibly have children, right?
"So..." Konan trailed off, her voice faltering.
She wanted to respond, but found herself at a loss for words.
Yes, if the entire shinobi world were trapped in the genjutsu, no children would be born. When those caught in the illusion eventually died, wouldn't that mean the extinction of humanity?
That part hadn't been considered at all!
"Exactly. If you could somehow solve that issue, then honestly, there's nothing inherently wrong with the Infinite Tsukuyomi," Akira continued.
"The Akatsuki could then implement a more flexible policy, giving people the choice of whether they want to live in the dream world or not."
"I think many people would willingly choose to enter the Infinite Tsukuyomi!" Akira added.
"This would be the right way to guide people toward peace, rather than forcing them ton/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
accept a version of peace you think is best."
Seeing Konan fall silent, lost in thought, Akira smiled. He had laid out a clearer path for the
Akatsuki's vision of peace.
And he wasn't lying.
The Infinite Tsukuyomi wasn't all that different from the Matrix, after all.
Given the choice between the red pill and the blue pill, how many people would knowingly
stay in the Matrix?
Plenty of people would probably choose to remain in the comfort of the simulated world,
rather than face a harsh, cold reality.
Similarly, if the problem of human reproduction could be solved, many civilians who suffered
in a cruel world would likely choose the Infinite Tsukuyomi, enjoying its peace and beauty.
Even if they knew that peace and beauty were illusions.
Seeing Konan deeply contemplating his words, Akira smiled. He didn't say anything more, leaving her to her own reflections.
With the beautiful night sky above them, sipping sake and enjoying some snacks, the time
passed quickly.
Once the drinks were nearly gone and Konan still seemed lost in her thoughts, Akira smiled again and quietly slipped down from the rooftop, heading back to his room for some rest. And honestly, after a few drinks, Akira felt like he would sleep even better tonight...
POWER STONE!!!
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