Naruto: With Favorabiltity System

Chapter 374: Reality and Illusion

Haneda and Kakashi's discussion about reality, illusion, and the path forward continues.

Kakashi reflected on Haneda's reasoning as they perched silently in the rafters of the school classroom. Haneda had explained why he didn't plan to revive Rin immediately.

Was it because Rin's heart had truly belonged to Kakashi?

If Rin were resurrected and placed in front of Obito, would it not render Obito a complete fool?

Thinking deeply, Kakashi began to understand. What Obito truly desired wasn't the imperfect reality they had lived through, but an idealized, flawless dream.

Obito's "four-person world" in the Infinite Tsukuyomi was not reality—it was the dream of a life without regrets.

In that dream:

Obito would successfully give Rin the red roses he had always imagined, and she would reciprocate his feelings.

Kakashi and Haneda would continue to watch over each other as close friends, as if the Third Shinobi World War had never begun.

Rin would grow into a legendary medical-nin like Tsunade, loved by those around her, while Kakashi remained a loyal friend.

Haneda would pursue his dreams without regrets, as if the trials and tribulations of life had never occurred.

It was a dream where each person's life found the perfect ending they sought.

But… Kakashi couldn't ignore the unease in his heart. He muttered under his breath, "Obito… Was the Infinite Tsukuyomi really wrong?"

Haneda, sitting cross-legged beside him, shook his head calmly. "It's both right and wrong. But there's one thing Infinite Tsukuyomi will never have: pain and regret."

Kakashi looked at Haneda, waiting for him to explain.

"Reality is painful," Haneda continued, his voice steady yet firm. "But it is pain that allows beauty to exist. Without pain, regret, and shadow, there can be no true light or happiness."

"Pain reminds us of what we cherish. Infinite Tsukuyomi, though beautiful, is devoid of suffering. And without suffering, how can one appreciate joy? It's like a world with no shadows—there would be no light to contrast it."

Haneda paused briefly, looking out the window at the sunlight filtering through the trees.

"Infinite Tsukuyomi would only make sense for those who are truly broken—those whose hearts are filled with unbearable regret and despair, who no longer wish to fight or live in reality. But for those who still have hope, who find small joys even amidst pain, Infinite Tsukuyomi is no salvation."

Kakashi furrowed his brow, his mind racing. Haneda's words struck a chord.

"If reality can be made beautiful," Haneda continued, "why should we abandon it for an illusion? Why pin our hopes on something that isn't real when we can create real happiness ourselves?"

Haneda didn't press the topic further. He knew that teaching was most effective when one reached their own conclusions.

But for Kakashi, the conversation lingered. He thought back to his own past—Rin, Obito, Minato-sensei. Could he have made different choices to avoid the tragedies?

After a moment, Kakashi exhaled deeply. "You're right. Reality is messy, painful, and full of regret. But it's real. And that makes all the difference."

Haneda didn't reply, but a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

Kakashi shook his head, trying to push aside the complexities in his mind. He glanced down at Naruto, noticing the boy sneaking glances at a certain pink-haired girl across the classroom.

The corners of Kakashi's mouth twitched slightly. "By the way, Haneda… That girl Naruto keeps looking at—Sakura, right? Did she ever mention what she wants to do in the future? Any dream or career she's interested in?"

Haneda pondered for a moment. "She might take an interest in medical ninjutsu someday. That way, she could protect the people she cares about."

Haneda had always paid attention to Sakura, given her significant role in the original timeline. He was well aware of her personality and preferences.

Currently, Sakura didn't seem particularly drawn to medical ninjutsu. If she were, she would have chosen the medical track instead of being in Naruto and Sasuke's class.

At this stage, her primary "dream" was undoubtedly centered on Sasuke. Sakura's crush on Sasuke hadn't wavered in the original timeline, and it likely wouldn't in this one either.

Kakashi mused aloud, "Maybe I'll gift her a few books on medical ninjutsu, see if it sparks her interest. And while I'm at it, I'll talk to her—see if I can get a sense of how she feels about Naruto."

Haneda shrugged. "Go ahead. Do as you like."

With that, Haneda leaned back against the wall, his posture relaxed as he observed the classroom. The droning voice of the teacher lecturing the class was oddly soothing.

Even as an adult, the familiar atmosphere of a classroom brought back memories of childhood. It made Haneda feel a strange sense of nostalgia—and drowsiness.

After a while, he decided he'd better leave before he accidentally fell from the ceiling.

"Alright, I'm heading back," Haneda said to Kakashi. "I have some things to discuss with Shikaku at the Hokage Tower."

Kakashi waved lazily. "Alright. I'll stick around a bit longer, then."

"To spy on Naruto?" Haneda teased.

"To buy books later," Kakashi corrected.

Haneda chuckled, then vanished with a flash of the Flying Thunder God Technique.

…

Haneda reappeared in his office, where Shikaku was already hard at work. As the Nara clan leader and head strategist, Shikaku had long grown accustomed to Haneda's comings and goings.

"Good morning, Hokage-sama," Shikaku greeted, barely looking up from his paperwork.

Haneda nodded in response. Unlike his usual routine of diving straight into paperwork, he walked over to Shikaku's desk.

"Shikaku, I need your help with something," Haneda began.

Shikaku set down his pen, giving Haneda his full attention. "What is it? Something about expanding the ninja academy? Or perhaps the water infrastructure project?"

Haneda shook his head. "Neither. It's about war. I need you to come up with a way to make other nations want to attack us."

"...?"

Shikaku blinked, utterly baffled.

"Come again, Hokage-sama?"

…