Slayer: Look directly at the Seraph, standing on the sun

"Madara, as expected, is unwilling to accept this..." Zhang Hai's voice was low and thoughtful. Madara, through the "Eye of the Moon Plan," attempted to create a virtual world without pain, thereby escaping all the suffering in reality. It was a desperate choice—to use genjutsu to control the entire ninja world and create a virtual world without strife, without life and death, without sorrow.

A cold laugh rose in Zhang Hai's heart: "I won't take this path." He knew all too well that this path led to endless emptiness and despair. Solving problems in this way would only render everything meaningless.

He took a deep breath, closed his eyes slightly, and when he opened them again, a cold and resolute look flashed in his eyes: "If this is the power that Madara seeks, then I choose to refuse."

At that moment, Zhang Hai's eyes no longer held only a thirst for power, but also a deep yearning for freedom. He understood that only through his own efforts could he truly gain control, rather than relying on external forces.

He didn't want to become one of those ninjas who relied on external forces, like the Sage of Six Paths. Although the Sage of Six Paths created this ninja world and endowed many ninjas with powerful abilities, were these powers truly the most reliable? Zhang Hai wasn't sure.

He shook his head, deciding to continue pursuing his own path, unbound by any person or plan. His gaze settled on the stone tablet again, sensing the power hidden within it, but this power was not what he needed; rather, it was an obstacle he had to overcome.

"I will not let Ban's plan succeed." Zhang Hai's voice was as cold as frost; he had already made up his mind.

At the summit of Hokage Rock, Zhang Hai stood silently on the cliff edge, overlooking the magnificent view of Konoha Village. The afterglow of the setting sun spilled across the land, golden rays piercing through the clouds and illuminating the rocks, like an impending upheaval. A breeze blew, causing Zhang Hai's cloak to flutter gently, but the turmoil within him was far more turbulent than the mountain wind.

"You've made a huge decision." Minato stood behind him, his tone calm but filled with deep concern. "You've given up your captaincy, you've given up everything in Konoha. Have you decided to walk a path unrelated to Konoha?"

Zhang Hai didn't respond immediately; his gaze remained fixed on the distance, as if he were trying to feel the breath of this land. He knew he could no longer turn back. Those past responsibilities and missions were now far removed from him. His heart was empty, yet filled with a resolve he had never felt before.

“I’ve chosen to walk my own path, Minato.” Zhang Hai finally turned around and looked at Minato standing behind him. There was no anger or disdain in his eyes, only a calm and collected demeanor. “My relationship with Konoha is over. I am no longer the captain of the Anbu, nor am I the warrior who held up hope for Konoha.”

Minato remained silent for a moment, seemingly processing Zhang Hai's words. He looked at his former comrade-in-arms, his heart filled with complex emotions. Once upon a time, they had fought side-by-side, sharing the same ideals; now, however, their differing beliefs had led them down drastically different paths.

"You're no longer the captain, that was your choice." Minato's voice remained calm, but the worry within it was undeniable. "What exactly are you planning to do? You say you want to change the order of the ninja world, but can you guarantee what that will bring? You haven't told me how your changes will affect Konoha, or even the entire ninja world."

Zhang Hai's gaze remained sharp and unwavering, like the edge of a cold blade. "I cannot guarantee it will benefit Konoha," he said without hesitation. "My goal is to break the existing order and promote a more rational and free world. The war of ninjas and the inheritance of bloodlines are no longer what I pursue. What I want to change is the order of the entire world."

A flicker of surprise crossed Minato's eyes, then his brow furrowed, his gaze deepening. "You want to change the order of the ninja world?" he asked softly, as if testing Zhang Hai's resolve. "You want to overthrow everything, even Konoha's existing system?"

Zhang Hai nodded, making no attempt to hide his determination. "I no longer believe in so-called peace and stability. You are all maintaining the existing order, but I know that this world is not fair, and ninjas are still fighting for profit and power. I want to break this situation and create a new order."

Shuimen's silence made the air thicken. After a long while, he finally spoke, his voice low and deep. "I've always considered you a comrade, Zhang Hai. We fought side by side, we shared common ideals. But I never imagined you would walk this path."

"You don't understand?" Zhang Hai looked at Minato, a slight hint of sarcasm flashing in his eyes. "You're already bound by the responsibilities of Konoha, unable to grasp the true meaning of freedom. You want to become Hokage to protect the peace of Konoha, but do you really think that the peace of Konoha is something everyone can enjoy?"

Minato's expression grew even more serious. "I chose to protect the peace of Konoha because it is my responsibility. Konoha is not only my home, but also the home of many ninjas. I cannot allow the entire village to descend into chaos because of my personal ideals."

“Then you can’t understand my pain.” Zhang Hai’s voice turned low. “If I want to take this path, I have to turn my back on everything, including my past. I can no longer compromise for a false peace. You may think this is dangerous, but for me, this is the only future I can pursue.”

Shuimen looked at him intently, and finally sighed softly. "I understand how you feel, Zhang Hai. You have your own ideals, and I have my responsibilities. But I cannot walk this path with you. If you choose to continue, I will not stop you, but I cannot walk alongside you either."

There was no anger in Zhang Hai's eyes, only a deep calm. "I understand, Minato. You have your choices, and I have mine. I don't ask you to agree with my ideals, I just hope you can understand."

At that moment, Kushina's voice suddenly rang out. She walked over, her face grave. "Zhang Hai, you killed 20,000 enemies and used poison... Can you really accept all of this?" Her eyes revealed a mixture of confusion and shock.

Zhang Hai looked at Kushina, his expression still calm. "I had no choice. Victory in war is not always honorable." He paused, "The decision to use poison was not my wish, but sometimes, the nature of war dictates that it must be done."

A flicker of pain crossed Kushina's eyes, and she gently shook her head. "But you shouldn't abandon all your principles to achieve your ideals. Don't you think this kind of victory makes you betray your own moral compass?"