Chapter 9

"Why not try to reform them? Use them for mining and other acts, killing them brings nothing but hate as these people also had families." Naruto asked in a cold tone, it came out unconsciously as he had been shaken by the site. He wasn't used to people dying especially defenseless ones, be they good or bad.

"We needed to do this to motivate our people; they need this to know that we care for them. You have to understand that people have emotions, not everything has to follow logic. These criminals lost that chance once they decided to tread this path so it up to the people to forgive them not us or else it would lead to suppressed hatred which would lead to horrendous consequences.

Plus, how can we be sure these people will change and be productive. We don't need people for mining as we have enough already from the law abiding citizens.

I hope that was satisfactory answer." Vivi replied without going too much into detail as she didn't want to overwhelm with the technicalities unless he wishes for it

Naruto stared at her for a moment and then looked away towards the site while her words sank deep into his mind and soul. He was against killing and such so he never thought of things in such a manner.

He was strong but planning and complex things were not his fort yet. Naruto knew that his path would be difficult but he thought with his power, it would become reality with time. He was too optimistic about the nature of humanity as he hadn't seen true evil yet.

"Thank you for the answer and excuse me, I would like to be alone for some time." Naruto muttered as he flew into the night with the power of wind

Vivi looked at Konan to ask if she did something wrong.

"No worries, you did great. It was an educational experience for him and he will grow because of your help so thank you." Konan said with a smile and walked away, she felt better now seeing Naruto in some pain.

'Nagato, the seeds you have planted seem to grow deeper. I may have not liked your choice but I will make sure it is successful.' Konan mused as she realized that she was kind of sadistic these days and a thrill seeker since she played around with Naruto too much

'Maybe he will snap one day and kill me.' Konan chuckled at the thought even though she felt it could be real as Naruto was unstable at the moment

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The act of morality is not dependent on the consequence of the action, but rather the action itself. Naruto's mantra was, "Act so that your action might be applied as a law of the world."

He wished to end the cycle of hatred, it was the core of his beliefs now and even more important than his dream to be Hokage and for a loving family. It was becoming an obsession since the death of Jiraiya and seeing the destruction of Konoha.

The cycle of hatred is actually very simple.

Negativity attracts more negativity. Positive energy attracts more positive energy. For example, you accidentally knock into a man who's using playing with his book while walking (i.e. reckless). He shouts angry words at you.

"Stupid idiot. Watch where you're going!"

It affects you deeply and you feel terribly annoyed and wronged after that.

Later on, the waitress at the café you're at serves you the wrong order. You lash out at her in anger and frustration.

After work, she's demoralized and down after serving an angry customer on her first day of work. But it's the only job she's been able to find. When her children make noise at home, she immediately gives them a sound scolding and angry words that should not be issued to children come out.

This is how the cycle of hatred continues. But if you radiate positive energy, give kind words and a smile, you seriously make someone's day as well as your own much better.

As long as we keep reacting to each other with anger and hate, we will always be in a fight together. And there will always be one winner and one loser. One moment it will be one side, the next time it will be the other one. We ourselves keep this perpetual cycle alive. Then again… we are equally capable of breaking this cycle.

Naruto wanted to be the role model to the world so that this cycle would end; if he decided to kill then people will also follow his footsteps, believing violence to be the ultimate answer.

It was a dilemma that could not be answered just like that and a hasty answer would lead to regrets that could haunt him for life.

Naruto was a firm believer in his path as he always wanted to see a bright world without death but the reality was hammering down on him and it was becoming hard to control his emotions.

He was frustrated; he was learning more about humanity and forming strong opinions that would decide the fate of his life and the people.

Naruto knew he wasn't strong enough, he wasn't invincible which is why it was a problem or else this would be so easy to solve without killing.

It still does not absolve me of responsibility. Should I just erase their memories and let them live a new life?

Is that right? Of course not, it is just another way of killing them.'

"Damn it, damn it. Why is to so hard? Why couldn't it be easy? WHY?" Naruto cried out into the night as punched the mountain in front of him in anger and frustration, causing his hand damage and the mountain.

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After hours of thinking and lashing out, Naruto fell asleep from the mental and emotional fatigue.

But it was not a jolly night for him as he was visited by a nightmare.

It was too real and too extreme to real, he wanted to deny it and forget it.

The stench of blood, the ravenous laughter that enjoyed its art and the tip tap of blood falling to the floor.

The smile of excitement, fulfillment and madness edged on the face that he could always recognize.

"Hahaha, she asks why. She asks why.

Because bitch I am happy this way." Naruto say the clone respond as he carried Tsunade by her hair into the air and punched her in the abdomen over and over until her body could handle no more

Naruto watched with horror as Tsunade's body broke into two and fell like a broken toy to the ground.

"So fragile, I wish it would have lasted longer."

"AHHH" Naruto screamed as his eyes went blood red and he pounced in absolute rage