Chapter 157: The Hidden Sand Has No Soil for Heroes

Words : 1305 Updated : Sep 23rd, 2025

At night, Pakura leaned against a tree, gazing at the scattered starlight, her mind blank. She no longer had any ambitions. Whether she lived or died, it didn’t matter to her. However, she glanced at the masked Anbu ninja not far away. He was manipulating chakra in his hands, seemingly trying to practice or develop some kind of ninjutsu. Pakura couldn’t help but feel curious. "I’d like to ask a question." "You can ask, but whether I answer is up to me," Kyohiko replied casually, all while engrossed in studying his Smoke Transformation Jutsu. During the day, he had attempted to use the Smoke Transformation Jutsu to control an enemy, but undoubtedly, it had failed. So now, he was contemplating how to further develop and apply his Smoke Transformation Jutsu. "I never saw Senju Hashirama or Uchiha Madara in their youth, but I imagine they weren’t much different from you at this age. You’re already incredibly strong," Pakura said, a puzzled look on her face. "Why do you still have the drive to become even stronger? You’re not old; normally, at your age, you’d have already achieved a tremendous record." Pakura was inwardly puzzled. Back then, this ’child’ before her had only been seven, eight, or nine. At that age, in any village, most would be content with the title of ’genius’ and the adulation that came with it. But this young man was different. He was constantly improving. Even now, as they traveled, he was trying out and researching new ninjutsu. He didn’t seem to waste a single minute. Why? Why work so hard? She couldn’t understand it, couldn’t comprehend how a youth could possess such a resolute heart. Kyohiko glanced at her. After a few seconds of silence, he said, "Before I was seven, I was like most people, no different..." He began to speak of his past. Pakura sat up straighter. Shiranui Genma and the others also turned to look. Everyone in Konoha had heard bits and pieces about Kyohiko’s past, but by now, the stories had become increasingly fantastical and exaggerated, making it hard to discern truth from fiction. This was the first time he was recounting it himself. "War." Pakura looked up at the night sky, silent for a moment. The reason for his change was war, the loss of his parents and relatives. Her mind couldn’t help but drift to Sasori of the Red Sand. They had similar backgrounds. In fact, Sasori’s situation was far more fortunate than Kyohiko’s. At least Sasori had his loving grandmother, Chiyo. As Elder Chiyo’s grandson and the descendant of a village hero, Sasori had basically never suffered any hardship growing up; all his needs for ninjutsu and training were met. And Kyohiko? He had nothing. Even his family’s belongings had been taken. Yet, in such an environment, Kyohiko had risen against the odds to become the world-renowned genius he was today. It was nothing short of a miracle. In comparison, everyone in the Hidden Sand knew what kind of person Sasori of the Red Sand had become. She sighed deeply. "People from every village experience the pain of war..." "That’s just how it is. War is the fastest path to promotion, but many also die in it," Kyohiko said lightly. "One man’s enemy is another man’s hero. Most things in this world aren’t simply black and white." Pakura fell silent. She couldn’t refute his words. To Konoha, Kyohiko and Namikaze Minato were undoubtedly heroes. To the Hidden Sand, many wished they could curse the two to death every day, especially after the Third Kazekage’s demise. But as Kyohiko said... Where in the world is there absolute right or wrong? There is only perspective. She sighed and said softly, "Thank you for your answer." After speaking, Pakura didn’t intend to ask any more. She could face her own death calmly, but against Kyohiko’s abilities, even suicide might be impossible. Just then, Kyohiko spoke, "I don’t think the ninja world should be like this." "Hmm?" Pakura opened her eyes and looked at Kyohiko strangely. What was he trying to say? Kyohiko said earnestly, "Today you attack me, tomorrow I attack you. Hatred is passed on and accumulates, and in the end, war can never be eliminated." "The Land of Wind only has desert oases and a small area in the south where we can cultivate, develop, and build towns. Does that mean we deserve to be poor?" Pakura snorted coldly, then continued, "It’s just a matter of different perspectives. Or are you saying you think this will convince me to help you?" "Neither the Hidden Sand nor the Hidden Leaf is lacking a Scorch Release ninja. And Konoha would never let a Sand ninja onto its battlefield," Kyohiko replied calmly. Pakura was stunned for a moment, then couldn’t help but wonder... What exactly was this guy trying to do? Moreover, she had a feeling that her emotions were being guided or interfered with. Genjutsu? Pakura was alarmed. She immediately tried to use her chakra and discovered that there was indeed a genjutsu active, but its effect seemed only to be making her emotions more positive. Beyond that, it had no other effect. Her eyes showed her confusion. "What exactly are you trying to do?" This was the same question Kakashi and the others wanted to ask. An elite Jonin like Pakura would never defect to the enemy. Keeping her alive would only require effort to guard her. Normally, killing her would be the correct decision. "To explore a path to peace." Kyohiko looked up at the sky, his expression serious. "Some things, someone has to do them, to explore them, otherwise, we’ll never move forward. And you..." He smiled. "You can consider yourself a test subject for my attempts at communication and experimentation." Pakura was stunned. In the moonlight, Kyohiko, dressed in Anbu attire, his age and build obscured, seemed to possess an added air of authority. She stared, transfixed. Then, she let out a chuckle. "You? Peace?" "Yes. Like you said, Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara were probably at my level of strength at this age," Kyohiko said calmly. "If they could achieve peace for a generation, why can’t I?" At that moment, the youth before her seemed to be glowing, radiating a sacred and clear aura. Pakura looked at him, speechless for a long time. She sighed inwardly— Why couldn’t a hero like this be from the Hidden Sand Village? Then, she couldn’t help but give a wry smile. "The Hidden Sand Village could never produce someone like you." "Why?" Kakashi asked, curious. At this moment, he was beginning to understand what Kyohiko was trying to do. Dialogue, communication. Just as Kyohiko himself had said, it was an attempt on the path to peace! Just like their teacher had saved Yahiko and the others. Kakashi’s thoughts drifted. Kyohiko was about to continue speaking when he heard a notification. [As Hokage, without deliberately trying to win hearts, you have nonetheless gained the complete trust of your subordinates through your astounding personal charisma.] [Reward: Flying Thunder God Formation Jutsu enhanced.] Shiranui Genma, Namiashi Raido, and Yamashiro Aoba? Kyohiko observed them discreetly. Sure enough, the gazes and emotions of the three were completely different from before. Even Kakashi and Pakura seemed affected. He hadn’t aimed for this at all; it was a pleasant surprise. At this, Pakura glanced at Kakashi. She wasn’t sure of this Anbu’s identity, but he couldn’t be very old, or he wouldn’t have asked such a question. After a second or two, she answered, "Because, from the moment we start school, we have to strive and struggle just to survive." "From the highest echelons to the lowest ranks, we are all constantly thinking about how to lead the Hidden Sand out of its current predicament, how to make the village stronger."

Chapter 157: The Hidden Sand Has No Soil for Heroes

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