Chapter 462: People-Centered Approach
At the same time, on Earth, outside the supergravity space.
The Sage of Six Paths looked at Haneda, who had just been granted power, and asked, "Why didn't you take action yourself?"
Haneda retorted, "Didn't you choose to stand by as well?"
The Sage of Six Paths chuckled and explained his reasoning:
"It's an old story. Because of my unfair treatment of them, Indra fell into darkness."
"This time, I chose to treat both of my children equally."
Haneda speculated that the Sage of Six Paths might have been unwilling to confront his mother, which was why he distributed power to Naruto and Sasuke.
However, that was only part of the reason.
Every decision is influenced by multiple factors.
Haneda then answered the Sage of Six Paths' previous question:
"I didn't take action because there's an underdog who wants to be a real hero."
"I'm too strong, and it would easily overshadow him."
"Besides, there's still a small gap between Obito and Kakashi."
"But, as men, one good fight between them should resolve that."
"And just now, Obito happened to save Naruto, which could be seen as a form of atonement."
The Sage of Six Paths listened to the word "atonement" and looked at Haneda thoughtfully.
After he and his brother sealed their mother, the Earth suffered severe destruction.
Even to this day, traces of that time remain in some places.
Later, as he traveled across the land, mountains, and oceans, he helped people along the way.
Eventually, feeling that personal strength was too small, he created the ninja sect in a chance attempt.
This was also his path to atonement.
He could deeply empathize with Haneda's mindset of atonement for Obito.
The Sage of Six Paths said, "Uchiha Haneda, to be honest, your existence surprises me."
"I see a destiny in you and your soul that does not belong to the ninja world or Earth."
"When you awakened those eyes and harnessed the power of all creation, I silently watched you."
"Perhaps you sensed it, or perhaps you didn't."
"All in all, I understand you quite well."
"You seem to have a profound understanding of the ninja world's destiny, the future of the world, and societal changes."
"I see an aura in you that doesn't belong to this era, or even this world."
"But your existence doesn't seem to be a mistake, at least from the perspective I observe."
"You walk a different path from mine, yet you arrive at the same destination. Although you have your own selfish desires, as I did, we are both different and similar in our ways."
Haneda was quite interested in the Sage of Six Paths but somewhat repelled by his rambling.
This made it hard for him to discern the Sage's true intentions through words alone.
Fortunately, with his current power, Haneda was qualified to stand on equal footing with the Sage of Six Paths, or even above him.
Haneda directly interrupted, "So? You must be asking me something with all these words. Why not just get straight to the point?"
The Sage of Six Paths couldn't help but laugh when he heard the word "So."
No wonder Naruto, the reincarnation of Asura, found him so annoying with his endless talking.
Turns out, he had a role model.
The Sage of Six Paths nodded slightly, "You're right, I do have something to ask you."
"It concerns the future of the ninja world, humanity, and even this planet…"
"I had to stay behind to remind you…"
Blah, blah, blah…
After listening for almost half a minute, Haneda really wanted to punch the nagging old Sage to death!
Couldn't he just get to the point?
Was it because he had been stuck in the Pure Land for hundreds or thousands of years, and now he had a lot to say?
Or was it that old age made him like this?
No wonder Naruto found him annoying when he didn't give him any boosts!
After rambling for so long, the Sage of Six Paths finally revealed his purpose.
"Mother has always been wary of something, possibly threats from the distant Ōtsutsuki clan in the stars."
"You are currently the strongest in the ninja world. What you've done so far and your ideal goals qualify you as a guardian of humanity."
"You should know, right? Chakra originates from the God Tree, and the God Tree's power comes from natural energy, which is from this planet."
"When the God Tree descends again, the Ōtsutsuki, who have no affection for Earth, will undoubtedly destroy it."
"This is the instinct of all living beings to act in their own favor."
"I want to confirm whether you have the courage and determination to face these potential crises in the future."
Haneda replied without hesitation, "Of course. If friends come from afar, no matter how far, they must be punished!"
"Any enemies who attempt to destroy this beautiful place will die!"
"I have the power and means to ensure that!"
The Sage of Six Paths asked, "Even enemies you cannot face?"
Haneda paused for a moment and replied, "As long as people are alive, anywhere can be home."
"To me, what's most important is not Konoha, not the Land of Fire, not even this planet, but its people."
"As long as we can move people to a suitable planet before the crisis comes, anywhere can be a new home."
"I won't sacrifice substance for form."
Seeing the Sage of Six Paths remaining silent, Haneda added:
"I'm telling the truth. You can tell, and I have no need to lie to you."
Suddenly, the Sage of Six Paths laughed, and he laughed for a long time:
"Hahaha, young one, can I trouble you with something?"
Haneda asked, "What is it?"
The Sage of Six Paths said, "If an unbeatable crisis arises, help me relocate a certain group."
"That group you should know, on Mount Myōboku. The leader there is called Gamamaru, now referred to as the Great Toad Sage."
Haneda nodded, "The Three Great Sacred Grounds? Sure."
"For most powerful beings, they tend to favor places that are profitable."
"The planet beneath our feet is far more valuable than humans and the creatures living here."
"I'm confident I can lead them away from here."
With his answer, the Sage of Six Paths said no more and, like Haneda, gazed up at the distant world closely connected to this one.
In Kaguya's world, the powers representing Haneda—Rinnegan from the Sage of Six Paths and Tenseigan from Ōtsutsuki Hamura—fought Kaguya to a standstill.
At the same level, even a weaker ninja is stronger than the battle-inept Ōtsutsuki!
When Obito and Kakashi touched Kaguya, the powers of Hagoromo and Hamura combined once more.
Super Six Paths — Chibaku Tensei!!!
Kaguya was inevitably sealed again.
Naruto and Sasuke, watching helplessly as these events unfolded, lowered their heads to look at the yin and yang powers in their palms, deep in thought.
Weren't they supposed to be the saviors?
Why does this script feel off?
Wasn't this supposed to depend on us?
Huh???
They exchanged glances again and, in the end, simply smiled, relieved.
No matter what, the problem was solved!
It didn't matter who the savior was, as long as it wasn't either of them…
That was enough!
...