vstars Chapter 884 Speak Up
Chapter 884 Speak Up
“Mei Terumi,” Zhang Hai finally spoke, his tone softening, “you know I can’t let you stay here any longer. The situation in Konoha is becoming increasingly dangerous; you should go back to Kirigakure and stay safe.”
Mei Terumi's eyes instantly became complicated. She slowly walked to Zhang Hai's side and whispered, "But I don't want to leave you. Nothing... nothing has changed between us, why do you want me to leave?"
Zhang Hai felt a pang of sadness, but he remained calm. "This isn't just a problem between you and me, but a much greater responsibility. War is inevitable, and I can't let you get involved. You should understand that behind all of this lies not only our personal feelings, but the fate of the entire ninja world."
A flicker of pain crossed Mei Terumi's eyes. She lowered her head, her hands gripping the hem of her dress tightly. "But if you leave, won't the war in Konoha break your heart? You once told me that ideals shouldn't be destroyed by war, so why... are you choosing to let the war continue?"
Zhang Hai's eyes sharpened; he knew Terumi Mei was right. Ideals and beliefs—those things that had once inspired him—now seemed to have been drowned out by the reality of war. He felt a pang of doubt, but quickly regained his composure.
“Mei Terumi, only the strong have a voice; the weak can only be dominated by others.” Zhang Hai’s voice was deep. “That’s the rule of the ninja world. Only those as strong as Hashirama and Madara have the right to end the war and change the rules. As for me… I’m not strong enough.”
A bitter smile appeared on Mei Terumi's face. She raised her head, her gaze firm: "Lord Zhang Hai, I know what you're saying. The rules of the ninja world are cruel. But I firmly believe that if everyone gives up their ideals and the courage to change, then the war will never end."
Zhang Hai's heart skipped a beat. Looking into Mei Terumi's resolute eyes, a wave of emotion surged within him. Her words were like a thorn, piercing the depths of his heart, forcing him to re-examine his choices. However, as a Konoha ninja, he understood that sometimes setting aside personal feelings and ideals was for a greater responsibility and mission.
“Mei Terumi…” Zhang Hai’s voice was somewhat low, “I know you don’t want to leave, but it’s for your own safety and for the future of Konoha. I must stay here and continue to shoulder my responsibilities.”
A tear welled up in Mei Terumi's eyes. She looked deeply at Zhang Hai and finally nodded silently. "I understand, Lord Zhang Hai. Whatever decision you make, I will support you."
She turned to leave, but suddenly, Zhang Hai's voice came again: "Wait a minute."
Mei Terumi stopped and turned to look at him. Her eyes were filled with confusion and reluctance: "What's wrong?"
Zhang Hai walked to her side and whispered, "If one day we stand on the battlefield and become enemies, I hope you can understand that I am not intentionally making you my enemy."
Mei Terumi's eyes flickered. She took a step closer, her voice trembling slightly: "Zhang Hai... you don't have to say that."
Zhang Hai's eyes deepened; he knew this relationship could no longer continue. He had poured all his emotions and responsibilities into those words, his heart filled with reluctance, yet he had no choice but to bear this heavy burden. He gave Terumi Mei a long look, then turned and left the room.
The Third Hokage showed no surprise as Zhang Hai walked into his office. He lifted his gaze from his desk, calmly observing Zhang Hai, as if he had known Zhang Hai would come. The fate of Konoha seemed inseparable from Zhang Hai's decisions, and every step Zhang Hai took was within the Third Hokage's calculations.
"Zhang Hai, what brings you here all of a sudden?" the Third Generation asked in that familiar tone, seemingly unsurprised.
Zhang Hai smiled slightly, walked to the Third Hokage's table, and said in a low voice, "Hokage-sama, I've come to volunteer for battle."
"Volunteer for battle?" The Third Hokage raised an eyebrow, a thoughtful glint in his eyes. "You have already rendered outstanding service to Konoha, are you still not satisfied?"
"The threat from Iwagakure has reached a point where it cannot be ignored," Zhang Hai said calmly and without hesitation. "In this battle, Konoha's advantage has gradually been lost. Iwagakure's fighting strength is too strong; their 'Will of Stone' is almost impenetrable. And we are currently at a disadvantage in the face of their attacks."
The Third Hokage was silent for a moment, then nodded: "You're right. Kirigakure didn't launch a second attack; instead, they maintained a period of calm with us. But I suspect they may have found a new ally. As for Iwagakure, their military strength is indeed not to be underestimated."
Zhang Hai gently pushed aside the map on the table, pointed to the location of Iwagakure, and analyzed in a low voice: "Iwagakure's fighting strength is not only reflected in its numbers, but more importantly in its fighting spirit and unwavering 'Will of Stone.' This is far more difficult to shake than their military strength. Our disadvantage on the Iwagakure battlefield is no longer a small problem."
The third generation gazed at Zhang Hai, their eyes filled with trust and approval. "So, what is your suggestion?"
“Kannabi Bridge.” Zhang Hai pointed to an important node on the map. “This bridge is the key to Iwagakure’s connection with the outside world. Destroying it will cut off Iwagakure’s supply line and directly affect their ability to continue fighting. As long as we can successfully destroy this bridge, Iwagakure’s logistics will be disrupted, and the battle situation will change dramatically.”
The Third Hokage didn't answer immediately. He paused for a moment, a hint of surprise and approval flashing in his eyes. "You've considered everything very thoroughly. I know you and Minato have a deep partnership, and this plan was jointly decided by you. In that case, I support you. Zhang Hai, go."
Zhang Hai lowered his head slightly, feeling the Third Hokage's silent encouragement and trust. He knew that this was not just an ordinary mission, but a crucial operation concerning the future of Konoha. Destroying the Kannabi Bridge was not only to weaken Iwagakure's fighting strength, but also to allow Konoha to regain the initiative.
However, Zhang Hai harbored a more secretive plan. He didn't intend to stop at simply destroying the bridge. His gaze swept beyond the map, across the Hokage's office, seemingly glimpsing a more distant future.
“Lord Hokage,” Zhang Hai suddenly spoke up, “There is something I think you may already know. Uchiha Madara, the former strongest ninja in the world, although he is now a dying man, I still want to see him in person.”