Oda Ieyasu—the daimyo at the heart of the bureaucratic and financial systems—was already well aware of Logan's plan.It was nothing more than toppling the current power structure and creating a world without oppression, a world where people could live with dignity. Under the banner of "Awakening Thought," his goal was clear:"Resources and power will be broken up and redistributed according to each person's actual needs, so that everyone can maximize their self-worth and efficiency…"Oda Ieyasu quietly looked at Logan."What a dreamlike world," he said softly. "But tell me, Mr. Logan—how do you plan for your 'equality for all' and 'distribution according to need' to counteract human desire?"The moonlight was bright, reflecting off the still pond in the courtyard.The wake-up bamboo clicked as it filled with water and tipped over with a soft da, startling the fish. They scattered, shattering the reflected moon into ripples—just like the emotions of those present.Terumi Mei clenched her hands silently, eyes filled with worry as she gazed at Logan's back.It had only been a question. Oda Ieyasu hadn't spoken with hostility, but the question pierced through like a sharp needle to the center of their ideals.She had no answer.From Yau Ma County all the way to here, she had never found one. Yet she understood—Oda Ieyasu's challenge was valid. The mist cast over Yau Ma County was, in fact, his goodwill.As a wise and open-minded daimyo, Oda Ieyasu had chosen not to ambush them tonight. Instead, he laid the question before Logan early, giving him time to respond.Even now, she couldn't refute his reasoning.If everything is distributed by need… is there anything in this world that people don't need?People crave delicacies from the mountains and oceans, long to fly to the skies or dive into the seas.Desire is infinite. Human nature is endlessly hungry.Everyone's eyes turned to Logan.Though the conversation seemed casual, the tension in the air grew heavier by the second. The weight of the discussion was palpable—as if the fate of countless lives and the future of the world hung on the next few words.Logan took a deep breath, emerging slowly from his thoughts.Oda Ieyasu, who had just lifted his teacup, paused. He froze when he saw Logan's eyes—so clear, so resolute. Slowly, he set the teacup down, straightened his back, and waited, his demeanor respectful.Logan pointed to the piece of paper on the table where a single word was written: Awakening."You're right. Desire is a part of human nature," Logan began. "But let me ask you this: the pursuit of power, wealth, women, and status—are those truly natural human desires?Or are they desires imposed on people by society?"He leaned forward."For a person, having enough food and a safe place to live is already a happy day. But it's the world that poisons them—telling them since childhood that only by beating others can one be considered successful and happy.And for those who aren't interested in that race? The times whip them—with taxes, forced labor, and debt—until they have no choice but to run."Logan picked up his teacup and looked Oda Ieyasu in the eyes."You live in a mansion, drink rare teas, enjoy the company of a beautiful wife, and with a wave of your hand, you command countless people to serve you.But tell me… does the happiness you feel from all of that come from within?Or from the world applauding you for it?"Oda Ieyasu remained silent.It was a brutal irony.The joy people get from buying houses, cars, new phones, getting promotions and raises—it often feels like colorful feathers floating on the surface of their hearts.But the pain people experience—that roots deep within."Oda Ieyasu," Logan said softly, "do you think someone like Hori Masashi could ever shake me?No—his presence only confirmed one thing: that the path I've chosen is the right one.""The 'desire' you speak of is not natural. It's the desire of this era.Once this era is overthrown and its twisted rules are dismantled, then people's desires will change with it.If we remain shackled to the past, locked within outdated systems, we'll never escape this toxic cycle of desire."Clatter—The wake-up bamboo struck again."But this very system you criticize maintains the most basic order," Oda Ieyasu countered. "It ensures our survival, generation after generation."Logan gave a slight nod. "True. As long as productivity remains scarce, the old rules work—barely. But you and the consortium behind you know the truth.The world's technology tree has been twisted, yes—but now, it's being rewritten.Even if I didn't act, one day, millions would rise up to tear your roof down."This time, Oda Ieyasu did not speak right away. He was lost in thought, analyzing Logan's words for flaws, searching for cracks in his resolve.Clatter—The bamboo struck again, waking him from his thoughts."But if we are overthrown," Oda Ieyasu said slowly, "what if it's not you who replaces us?What if it's them? And what if the world falls into even deeper chaos?"He reached out and touched the blood-stained paper on the table.Logan tapped the word Awakening on the paper again."That's why I want more people to awaken.Restructure the technology tree. Enhance productivity. Break the old rules.Then, let new desires be born from new understanding.If people's minds awaken, their desires can be managed—regulated."He paused for a moment, eyes clear."Of course, this won't happen overnight. It will take time. Systems, laws, and culture all need refinement. But right now, between us—this is enough."At last, Terumi Mei and the others behind Logan began to breathe normally again.It had only been a conversation, but to them, it felt like a deadly duel between two top-tier ninja.Every sentence was a hidden blade, every word a crushing strike.And for Logan—if even a crack appeared in his heart, his path would have been severed.But now?Terumi Mei looked closely at the two men.Oda Ieyasu knelt, while Logan sat cross-legged.Oda was taller, and this was his home ground. But when it came to presence—Logan dominated.He had won.She couldn't understand everything they said, but she understood that much."One last question," Oda Ieyasu said suddenly, his shoulders relaxing as his tone shifted from challenger to companion."Mr. Logan… why are you doing this?"Logan thought of the corpses at the Uchiha compound, the prisoners locked in cages in Kirigakure, and the so-called 'immortal' who pickled people like food."…Because it's wrong," Logan said simply. "And I happen to know what's right.""That's it?" Oda asked."That's it."Oda Ieyasu chuckled—then burst into laughter. Tears welled in his eyes. It was raw, sincere laughter. But just when it reached its peak, he stopped and sighed deeply."Mr. Logan… You're truly remarkable. But tell me this—Why did you and I have to be born in the same era?"Clatter—The bamboo struck for the fourth time.A scarlet barrier suddenly erupted, surrounding the entire study.Zabuza sneered. "You think this is going to kill us?"After all the talk, Zabuza had assumed Oda might pull out some true techniques—but this? Just another cheap trick.But Oda Ieyasu shook his head calmly."You misunderstand. I never intended to kill you.This barrier—this trap—is simply meant to be seen by the millions watching in Kyoto…"Logan's eyes sharpened."Kill me," Oda Ieyasu said.And Logan finally understood his intent.Before they had arrived, Terumi Mei had told him: the Water Kingdom had two great heroes—Logan and Oda Ieyasu.Ieyasu had just restored stability to the region. If he openly attacked Logan, the public would revolt.But the reverse?That was different.Logan stared at him. "So that's your plan…"First, use words to test and shake his ideology.When that fails, use your own death to poison his name—staining him with guilt and dragging him down in front of the entire nation..BOOM!!!Suddenly, the floor beneath them erupted with heat and force."Explosion! It's a trap!"The heat and shockwave were as fierce as millions of exploding tags going off all at once.Logan raised his hand, eyes blazing."Star Platinum—The World!""Time, stop!"
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