Chapter 233: Ch.233 Revival!
Uchiha Shinji gazed at Shion and softly said, "Does being a shinobi attract you that much?"
Shion nodded, "Back in the Land of Demons, because of my identity as a shrine maiden, everyone respected me greatly, but I didn't like it. It wasn't until I came to the Hidden Leaf that I truly made friends. And you, Shinji, you were my first friend!"
Shinji smiled, "I'm honored!"
As if recalling something, a light of yearning flickered in Shion's eyes, "I don't know what being a shinobi truly means, but I know that only by becoming one like you can I make friends and not feel lonely anymore! I don't want to return to the Land of Demons and be a lifeless shrine maiden. I want to be free like you all, chasing dreams!"
Shinji pushed off with his legs, swinging on the playground swing.
He always understood that what Shion wanted wasn't to become a shinobi—it was companionship!
A young girl born to bear the weight of protecting a nation and suppressing evil spirits—anyone in her position would feel fear and loneliness.
As a 'Lantern Bearer' guarding the shinobi world, he felt the same way.
It was this mutual understanding that made him refrain from persuading her otherwise. Instead, he simply smiled, "Hey, I believe in you!"
Shion's eyes brightened, "What!?"
Shinji's smile faded as he said calmly, "Who knows? You might one day stand at the peak of the shinobi world as a powerful ninja!"