That night, in Konoha's prison.
"Furthermore, together with several like-minded companions, I plan to establish an organization in the near future called the Ninja Way Origins Research Society."
"This society has no political affiliation and is unrelated to disputes between villages. Its sole purpose is to discuss the original intentions and true meaning of the ninja ancestor, the Sage of Six Paths, and to explore how Ninjutsu can be used not only for killing and destruction, but also to connect people and improve livelihoods, ultimately allowing ninjas to return to the most fundamental mission originally entrusted to us by our Ancestor."
"Here, I would also like to extend a formal invitation to all of our friends from the Village Hidden in the Mist present today. I invite you to attend as witnesses on the day the society is established. If opportunities arise in the future, you are also welcome to discuss these issues with us and even become members of the society yourselves."
"At present, our villages are indeed at war. However, war will eventually come to an end. I believe that after the war, the Land of Fire and the Land of Water can coexist peacefully, and that Konoha and the Village Hidden in the Mist can also find a way to coexist."
"The Shinobi World is vast enough to accommodate both the Land of Fire and the Land of Water, and it is vast enough to accommodate both Konoha and the Village Hidden in the Mist. The Land of Water is situated in the middle of the sea and possesses endless marine resources."
"Humanity's development of the oceans has not even reached one-thousandth of their potential. No one knows how many unknown treasures are still hidden within the boundless sea. The Land of Fire is likewise rich in resources and products, with advanced agriculture, abundant goods, and a thriving trade network."
"I believe that, instead of killing each other, the ninjas of our two nations and the citizens of our two nations can achieve mutual benefit and win-win cooperation."
"Afterward, if any of you are interested, you may write a formal application. When the time comes, you can join us in witnessing the establishment of the society. There is no need to decide immediately; you still have some time to think it over."
"However, I must also warn you in advance. As prisoners, when you return to your village in the future, you will inevitably be subjected to investigation. If any of you choose to witness the establishment of the society, then after you return, it will likely be extremely detrimental to your future situation and may even put your life at risk. This is not a joke, so think carefully before making your decision."
Mei Terumi once again leaned against the window, staring blankly at the cold, full moon outside.
In her mind, all that echoed over and over was the speech the young man had delivered at the end of the day.
As for whatever her three roommates beside her were whispering about, she did not hear a single word.
Peaceful coexistence, mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation… Would such a day really come?
Mei Terumi lost herself in thought. Suddenly, a beam of moonlight flashed across her eyes, pulling her back from her daze.
Turning her head, she looked at her three roommates, who were still speaking quietly among themselves, and after remaining silent for a moment, she cautiously tested the waters.
"Seniors... Are any of you thinking of applying to witness the establishment of that society?"
The conversation came to an abrupt halt, and the three female Kirigakure ninjas turned to look at her simultaneously.
"Have you lost your mind, Mei?!"
The short-haired female ninja spoke first, her tone both shocked and anxious.
"You don't actually believe that kid's nonsense, do you? The founder's original intention, the guidance of the Sage of Six Paths, what gives Shinichi Higashino the right to claim that he has understood the true intentions of the Sage of Six Paths?"
Mei Terumi bit her lip and replied softly, "Senior, Shinichi Higashino said that before the Sage of Six Paths founded Ninja Creed, he was a Monk who traveled the world in search of a way to save it. There is evidence supporting this in many of the legends about the Sage of Six Paths throughout the Shinobi World. You are an elite member of the intelligence department, knowledgeable and well-read. I'm sure you know this as well."
"Then, if our Ancestor of ninjas truly was a compassionate monk, even if the original purpose of the Ninja Creed he founded was not exactly as Shinichi Higashino described, at the very least... At the very least, it could never have been intended merely for us descendants to slaughter one another endlessly, could it?"
The short-haired female ninja fell silent for a moment before her tone softened slightly.
"Perhaps, Mei. But so what? Whether the Sage of Six Paths even existed is a question in itself."
"But at least, if what he said is true, then what he wants to do is good, isn't it? For example..."
Mei Terumi spoke quietly.
"For example, the Rinkai City Convention. It is precisely because of it that we were able to survive and avoid inhumane treatment. Otherwise, according to the conventions of the Shinobi World in the past, where we would be now, or whether we would even still be alive, is something you understand better than anyone, senior."
The short-haired female ninja fell silent again, and after a while, she looked at Mei Terumi and spoke seriously.
"Mei, didn't you hear what Shinichi Higashino said at the end today? Once you apply to attend that ceremony, when you return to the village in the future, you will definitely be subjected to round after round of investigations."
"The intelligence department and the torture and interrogation department will question you repeatedly to see whether something is wrong with your thinking, whether you have become a spy for Konoha. You might even lose your life because of it."
At this point, she let out a heavy sigh.
"Mei, you are already considered a genius in our village, and the village values you highly. But if you attend that society's founding ceremony, even if you pass the investigations and survive by sheer luck, there is a very high chance that you will be completely marginalized. The village may never trust you again. All the effort you have put in until now will be wasted."
"Tell me, even so, do you still want to go?"
As her words fell, the other two female ninja also turned to look at Mei Terumi. The prison cell became so quiet that only the chirping of unknown insects outside the window remained.
Mei Terumi lowered her gaze, hesitation appearing on her face as her heart wavered, but after a moment, she bit her lip and raised her head.
"Yes, senior. I still want to go."
All three women's expressions changed, and the short-haired female ninja was about to speak, but Mei Terumi spoke first.
"If everything Shinichi Higashino said is true, then this matter will greatly benefit our country and our village. Besides, Shinichi Higashino is a great enemy of the village. He is still so young that no one knows how far he will grow in the future."
"When facing such a formidable enemy, even if it is not for cooperation but for opposing him in the future, shouldn't we take the opportunity to understand him properly?"
Mei Terumi spoke faster and faster, as though she were trying not only to persuade others but also herself.