第３１７堀：理想と現実 それでも進みぶつかり合うのみ (Part1)
**Chapter 317: Ideals and Reality – Still, We Must Advance and Clash**
Side: Taiki Nakazato
Taizo-san listens to our story, then opens his mouth.
"I understand what you’re saying. It’s hard to believe, but I can give you an answer right now."
I know it’s naive.
But I had to ask Taizo-san.
Because it shouldn't just be about clashing.
Since we were born in the same homeland and ended up here, there must be another way...
"I refuse."
But reality is harsh, and Taizo-san flatly rejected my proposal.
"Taiki-kun. That talk is nothing but an ideal. You must look at reality."
"..."
"You seem to understand that, judging by your expression. Or was it Yuki-kun who taught you?"
"…No, it was Luna-san."
"…I see. She seems to be thinking things through properly as well. I understand your story. The significance of Dungeon Masters and gods in this world. The global problem of mana depletion. There is certainly some truth to what you say. But it is selfish to want to take the lead on this continent. Since they—the ones who have been here—say they will do it, you, who are complete outsiders, should not interfere."
It’s true. Pushing aside Firia-san and the others who have been working so hard to force our own methods through—that is selfish.
And aside from Taizo-san, who was summoned by Firia-san, Yuki-san and I are indeed complete outsiders.
"But if we do nothing, the people on this continent will..."
Even so, they are planning to carry out a course of action that will result in many deaths.
Is it wrong to want to stop that?
I understand Taizo-san’s concerns. But if they would just join hands with us, they wouldn't need to resort to such terrible measures.
"In Taiki-kun’s continent, have unreasonable deaths already ceased to exist? Have you achieved perfect harmony with animals and nature?"
"..."
"Perfection is impossible, but shouldn't you be striving to answer that there are no unreasonable deaths and that harmony has been achieved? Instead of splitting your focus here, isn't there something else you should be doing? According to what I’ve heard, you are someone entrusted with a nation, aren't you? First, you should prioritize the interests of your own country. In the end, your argument boils down to: 'We are right and you are wrong, so do as we say.'"
"That wasn't my intention..."
"I’m sure that wasn't your intention. But don't forget that it can be taken that way."
"But if things continue like this..."
Yuki-san and I will end up clashing with Taizo-san.
Between fellow Japanese people?
Aiming for a better future for this world?
...Why?
"That is the flow of things. We each have things we cannot yield. I believe this continent should be moved forward by the people of this continent. Well, perhaps that is a trivial difference. It’s just a matter of whether Firia-san’s group does it or Yuki-kun’s group does it. But the initiative should be held by the people of this continent. The future that is to be woven is not for us, but for the people who live here."
"But many of those people who live here will..."
"Certainly, there will be those caught up in our methods. If it were your way, there would be less bloodshed. But you know this well: peace and nations cannot be given; they must be earned. You must realize it for yourselves. You know that well, don't you?"
Born after the crushing defeat, we are the generation that doesn't know war.
But there isn't a single Japanese person who doesn't know the stories of that war.
That is how much pain and blood was shed.
"Kindness and coddling are different things. To begin with, if I am to believe Firia-san’s story, they have been rejecting methods based on kindness for over 400 years. It’s as if they have proven that your methods don't work."
"But we have the power, the technology from Earth..."
"How is saying 'it's fine because we have that power' any different from the way Firia-san operates, keeping me—a foreign object—by her side?"
"..."
"Indeed, you could likely move things more swiftly and quietly subdue this continent than we could. But simply excluding others isn't enough. It’s not enough to just wake up and find peace has arrived. You need the result of having built it with your own hands. You, too, used your own power and the power of those around you to eliminate the evils of your own country and protect it in this other world, didn't you? Then you should understand. ...We are already past the stage of discussion. If, as Firia-san says, Luna-san is in the position of a superior, then based on her past achievements, Firia-san would have to withdraw from this continent. That would be like taking her homeland away from her. Could you let someone else take over your family and home, just because they say they can manage it better than you can? Could you let go of your family and home? And could you trust them? Could you truly believe it would be better than when you were there? Could you feel that there would be no problems?"
It’s impossible. I couldn't do that, and there’s no way problems wouldn't arise.
Then, Taizo-san stares firmly at Yuki-san and me, and opens his mouth.
"I will oppose you, of my own volition. Your sweet dreams are certainly wonderful. But a method that ignores the residents who have lived here for a long time will invite a terrible backlash. I cannot overlook the fact that many misfortunes will be born as a result. People must learn for themselves and stand on their own power. I have researched this myself, learned with my masters, and embodied it."
In his eyes, I saw a clear determination.
It was the same look as my best friend—the one who didn't waver even when he was sent away to be my bodyguard because he was deemed 'no longer needed' when I first came to this world.
At first, that look scared me.
Because with that resolve, he easily cut down not just monsters, but even bandits and people who stood in our way.
But I later realized it wasn't the look of a murderer, but one born of resolve.
It was the look of a best friend who swore he would never abandon this country and never give up.
I thought no one in Japan could have a look like that.
But there was one.
Taizo-san, my ancestor, looks at me with eyes filled with brilliant determination.
...Honestly, I feel like he’s even more intense than my best friend.
"No, I don't intend to ignore anyone. Though, I suppose it’s useless to say that?"
Yuki-san says this lazily, even amidst that intense gaze.
"It is useless. There is no reason, basis, or proof to trust that. I must consider the possibility that you are weaving a fiction to bamboozle us. If we are disarmed, we can do nothing."
"As you say. It’s a hassle that in life, one has to consider such things in situations like this."
"Indeed. If it were just losing my own pocket money, I could easily go along with it. But the stakes are Firia-san’s country and the future of this continent. I’m sorry, but I will side with them. I have deepened my friendship with them enough to trust them that much."
I see. It’s simple.
They trust them more than they trust us.
That is all there is to it.
"We both have troublesome superiors, don't we? Even though we’ve reconciled this much."
"Hah, it is precisely because of that kind of competition that people move forward and can trust one another. Or rather, you are the representative who will fight Firia-san, aren't you? I look forward to it. I want to see the future with my own eyes."
"Well, I’ll do my best. I just hope it’s only healthy competition. Humans are creatures who love to pull each other’s legs, after all..."
"…The future is also realistic, which I dislike. I don't think Firia-san would use strange underhanded tactics, but… well, that’s part of being human, I suppose."
"You’re resigned to that, then. It seems you’ve had your share of hardships, too."
"The weapons development department was always about pulling each other’s legs. Fighting over budgets and such..."
The battle mood has completely changed into a conversation about hardships.
...Yuki-san is really good at changing the direction of a conversation.
"So, my opponent is Taiki-kun, right?"
"Eh, y-yes. That is the plan."
And it’s amazing how Taizo-san naturally brings the conversation back to the main point.
"What, there’s no need to be that nervous. It’s not like it will result in death. But, I am looking forward to it."
"Looking forward to it?"