The growth of strength is a gradual process, especially for some younger ninja. Due to the limitations of physical development, achieving a rapid leap in power in a short time is extremely difficult. Following a systematic training schedule is what ninjas of this age group should do.
But on the other hand, some aspects of growth cannot be improved solely through so-called training. Combat experience is a crucial part.
Why were ninja from the Warring States period generally stronger than those of the new era? The reason is simple: during the Warring States period, there were numerous examples of five- or six-year-old ninja going to the battlefield.
Through the tempering of the battlefield, every ninja who reached adulthood possessed rich combat experience. Even prodigies of the Warring States period like Madara Uchiha could easily kill most ninja using just Taijutsu and ordinary Ninjutsu, relying on combat experience that others could hardly match.
The number of Jutsu Hyūga Shinichi currently mastered is not small. During his training, he has gradually become proficient in the succession and use of various techniques. However, Shinichi knows that this level is far from enough.
The training environment is completely different from the battlefield. Whether Shinichi can still use his Ninjutsu as skillfully in a life-or-death battle as he does in training is an open question. Shinichi needs certain battlefield experience to assist his continued improvement.
The Kirigakure ninja Ao, whom the Hyūga clan is currently heavily pursuing, is, in Shinichi's view, an excellent test opponent. Without a doubt, Ao is an Elite Jōnin, and as a ninja from Kirigakure, his combat experience is rich.
He is a difficult enemy to deal with. Defeating such an opponent tests Shinichi's comprehensive quality: combat ability, intelligence gathering, planning, and more.
All these abilities must surpass the opponent's to kill this "Byakugan Hunter." The process of pursuing Ao will temper Shinichi's various skills. If Shinichi can successfully deal with such a figure, it will undoubtedly be of tremendous help to his growth.
Upon receiving a letter from Hyūga Hiashi, Shinichi is moved by the thought of going to the battlefield. He knows he is still young, and even without taking such risks, there is significant room for his power to grow. However, the current situation in Konoha Village presents the best opportunity for Shinichi to gain combat experience outside the village.
From a strategic perspective, the Third Great Ninja War is undoubtedly drawing to a close. Although the Cloud Ninja Village (Kumogakure) is making aggressive noises, judging from the current situation, they probably lack the capacity to initiate a war with Konoha.
After all, Kumogakure does not have Konoha as its only enemy; Iwagakure (Stone Village) is also watching menacingly. The Fourth Raikage clearly has no intention of risking a surprise attack by completely breaking ties with Konoha.
Within Konoha Village, Danzō Shimura and his Root organization have been sent to the Kumogakure front by Minato. In this regard, Shinichi trusts Minato completely. With Danzō and Root out of Konoha, Shinichi does not have to worry about anyone in the village taking this opportunity to assassinate him.
Once the Third Great Ninja War is completely over, the ninja world will enter a long period of peace. Gaining combat experience during that stage would be nearly impossible. Neither the quality nor the quantity of opponents would compare to the elites of the war era.
Another consideration is that Shinichi does not want to become a stationary target. If someone intends to harm him, rather than staying home and making it easy for the enemy to find him, it would be better to go to the front lines, making it impossible for the enemy to pinpoint his accurate location.
Benefits and risks are always tied together. To gain combat experience, one must operate on the front lines of the war. This is a fate no ninja can escape. Compared to Shinichi, Itachi Uchiha, who is the same age, already has several experiences of drawing blood and killing others.
Moreover, unlike Shinichi, Itachi was taken to the battlefield by his father at the age of four, where he witnessed the brutality of war. Of the people present, Shinichi has been the most protected, having never yet witnessed a true ninja battlefield.
"Are you planning to go to the battlefield?"
Itachi Uchiha listened to Shinichi's words, and his mind seemed to recall some unpleasant memories, as he asked with a frown.
"Yes, I have this plan."
"Training is, after all, only training. Excellent ninjas are ultimately tempered through battle and blood."
Shinichi's goal is clear. Everything he prepares to do is to become stronger so that he may have the ability to protect himself when facing powerful enemies in the future.
"Conflict, huh..."
"I have never understood why people fight."
"Why can't everyone just live in peace?"
Itachi Uchiha listened to Shinichi's words, his eyes suddenly losing focus. He seemed immersed in his own memories, recalling the terrible scene of his first time on the battlefield, asking a question for which he had not gotten an answer from Fugaku.
It is hard to imagine such a question coming from the mouth of a ninja. However, considering the person asking the question is the young Itachi Uchiha, everything suddenly becomes understandable. A naive question, yet many people fail to think of the correct answer in their entire lives.
"Living in peace..."
Kakashi Hatake, the oldest person present, seemed touched by the topic, a hint of recollection in his eyes. He became an orphan at a young age; his father and his best friend left him.
Even though Konoha's White Fang committed suicide, the most fundamental cause was still the war. Kakashi's life, up to this point, has practically been destroyed by war.
Ever since killing Rin with his own hands, Kakashi has been bound by painful memories, remaining so even now, never fully healed.
He had never even considered the question Itachi asked. Since his earliest memories, training and fighting have permeated his life.
"People fight for many reasons: for honor, for money, to compete for resources, for living space..."
"In short, different people have different reasons."
Although Shisui Uchiha is also young, he already has his own thoughts on this question.
"Shinichi, then what is your reason?"
Itachi Uchiha turned his head and pressed Shinichi for an answer. In his view, Shinichi, as a Hyūga Main House heir, has had everything since birth. Itachi believes Shinichi does not need to go to the battlefield and fight others. If that is the case... why fight?
Noticing Itachi's gaze, Shinichi looked back at Itachi. He vaguely sensed that his answer might influence Itachi's life. After a moment of thought, Shinichi spoke:
"To make myself stronger so that when facing powerful enemies, I can protect everything I care about."
"Going to the battlefield is not the goal. The true goal is to accumulate combat experience and make myself stronger."
"This world is vast, with far too many powerful individuals."
"Only by becoming the strongest person can we protect the things we cherish."
Shinichi's vision is simple: he just wants to live well. However, due to differences in perspective, Itachi and Kakashi probably cannot truly comprehend Shinichi's sense of urgency. Shinichi's strength has indeed grown to a good level, but when facing Six Paths-level powerhouses, he is like rootless duckweed. Ultimately... he is too weak.
Shinichi's answer made Itachi fall into silence again. Shinichi gently patted Itachi's back and asked, "Itachi, what do you cherish most?"
After a moment of contemplation, Itachi Uchiha smiled and replied:
"Family and friends, and... the village."
The young Itachi is already deeply indoctrinated by the Will of Fire.
"If you had to choose one between family and village to protect, which would you prioritize?"
Shinichi suddenly thought of something and pressed Itachi.
"This...."
"The village, I suppose...."
Itachi Uchiha isn't entirely sure, only subconsciously voicing the answer that came to mind. This question is one he has never truly considered.
"The village?"
"Wouldn't that be putting the cart before the horse, then..."
"The very existence of the village is not just to protect the people within it?"
Shinichi shook his head, smiling as he countered. However, Itachi only looked down in thought, offering no response. Instead, Shisui Uchiha spoke to refute him:
"But if the village is destroyed, could we, as members of the village, easily survive?"
"Don't you understand the saying: 'When the country falls, the home is ruined,' Shinichi?"
Shisui Uchiha clearly agrees with Itachi's viewpoint. Unlike Itachi's current confusion, Shisui has already formed a complete ideological logic.
"I certainly understand such a simple principle."
"But if the price for the village's continued existence is the destruction of the Hyūga clan, then what meaning does such a village hold for my Hyūga clan?"
Shinichi looked deeply into Shisui's eyes, asking again. His words caused Shisui's brows to furrow in annoyance: "Are you denying the heroes who sacrificed themselves for Konoha?" It's not that Shisui is deliberately misinterpreting him, but Shinichi's words certainly give that impression.
"You missed my point."
"The sacrificing heroes did not only sacrifice for the village; their sacrifice was so that their parents, children, and friends could live well."
"It is merely a coincidence that their parents, children, and friends happen to be Konoha residents."
"My great-uncle and father went to the battlefield not for the sake of 'Konoha,' but for me... and for the Hyūga clansmen living in the village."
"Including your Uchiha clan, the Military Police Force protects the Konoha villagers, yes, but isn't the most important thing to protect your Uchiha clansmen?"
"The Sarutobi clan has been expanding rapidly in recent years. Hmm... their ninja numbers already exceed those of my Hyūga clan."
"It is clear that the Third Hokage-sama fully understands the difference between protecting the clan and protecting the village."
"Perhaps you should all learn from the Hokage-sama."
Having finished speaking, Hyūga Shinichi slowly rose and walked into the dojo.
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