Shigeki nodded. He agreed with the steps Fujin had taken. He asked, "Alright. What should I do right now? How will I manage this branch?"
Fujin said, "Though the goal of Phantom Haven Society is good, we can't do good just by wishing for it. Otherwise, this world would have long achieved peace. To help progress towards our goal, we need to do three things. They'll be your main activities.
One, we need to recruit more people. I can't stay here all the time. And you won't be able to handle everything by yourself. For starters, you'll be responsible for recruiting other ninjas like you. Ninjas who you trust, are good-natured and will be willing to work with dedication towards such a goal.
Of course, considering the risky nature of the job, you should only recruit ninjas who don't have anything to lose and don't have anyone dependent on them."
Shigeki understood the reason behind Fujin's words. Once someone joins such a secret organization with such an outrageous goal, they will have a difficult time returning to live with their loved ones. Not to mention, they could be hunted down once their past is exposed. Even if they escape, their families will suffer.
Fujin continued, "Once you have recruited a few capable ninjas, you can start operating. To start with, we will be focusing on two things. Our goal is to help unfortunate people who face calamities.
But, in order to help such people, we need to know that they are suffering and need to know that quickly enough. Otherwise, we won't be able to help them all. To do so, you will need to build an information network.
The third thing will apply when we get into action and rescue an affected village or community. We will help them resettle, either in the same place by eliminating the danger if we can or in a nearby village if we can't and they are willing to move.
During such rescues, we will also recruit young kids who have the passion to join an organization like ours and the talent to become a ninja. Unlike the hidden villages, we will never send the kids to war. Instead, they will stay safe in this hideout until they are trained enough to be considered Chunins. This will be your most important task.
Though we are decently strong, there isn't much two people can do by themselves. In fact, even with help, we can't be sure if this goal will be achieved during our lifetime. We will need strong and passionate youngsters with the drive to see that our goal will be achieved even if we pass on."
Fujin looked into Shigeki's eyes and asked in a serious tone, "Kasai Shigeki, are you willing to take over this role?"
Shigeki replied respectfully, "I am willing."
Fujin nodded and said, "Good."
He extended his right palm towards Shigeki. A seal appeared in his right hand. Fujin said, "This is the Phantom Seal. Every member of the Phantom Haven Society will have this seal. This seal has several functions. For starters, it'll allow me to identify the members of our society.
Secondly, this seal will prevent anyone from betraying us. If anyone tries to leak our secrets, then his or her body will be paralyzed. Even other Fuinjutsu Grandmasters won't be able to help them. In addition, this seal also prevents anyone from controlling or reading the minds of our members. Show me your back and lift your shirt. I'll apply the seal to you."
Shigeki followed his instructions and presented his back. He thought, 'As I guessed, he is a Fuinjutsu Grandmaster. He might even be one of the best ones seeing how confident he is in this seal.'
Shigeki didn't suspect Fujin and accepted the seal. As a result, Fujin didn't face any obstruction and was able to place the seal properly. Fujin said, "One important aspect of this seal is that I can only place it on those who are willing to join us. Otherwise, I won't be able to place the seal.
It will prevent the ones who are unwilling or forced due to any reason from being able to join us. In the future, when you recruit, you have to ensure that you don't force someone to join us. I won't accept anyone if they aren't willing. By accepting this seal, it shows that you believe in the Phantom Will."
For the umpteenth time, Shigeki was surprised. The Seal was far more advanced than any seal he had seen or heard of. However, he was also confused. He asked, "What is Phantom Will?"
Fujin answered, "It's an illusionary will that we believe in."
Shigeki was even more confused. He asked, "What do you mean by illusionary?"
Fujin answered in a serious tone, "Who in this world doesn't want peace? Who doesn't wish that everyone prospers and no one suffers? If you randomly take 10 people, at least 9 will say that they want the world to be peaceful. Even among ninjas, the number will be the same.
However, the world is still filled with non-stop conflict. Even during peacetime, the Anbu of major villages are engaging in secret wars. Several minor villages go to war frequently. The ordinary people suffer due to such wars. Even if there are no wars on the surface, they still have to suffer due to bandits, rogue ninjas, famines, illness and in several other ways. This world has enough resources for everyone to be satisfied and to ensure that no one suffers.
Yet, people suffer. The Phantom Will is the will everyone has to bring peace to the world. However, since no one acts on it, I call it the Phantom Will. The Phantom Haven Society will follow the Phantom Will. Though we aren't strong enough to bring about world peace, we will do every little thing in our power to bring peace, even if it is temporary and restricted to a small area. In the future, if we gain sufficient strength, then we will focus on making the entire world a peaceful place."
Fujin's words made Shigeki fall into deep thought. While he was always an upright and kind-hearted person, he hadn't ever gone out of his way to help the common people unless it was a mission. When he heard Fujin's goals, he was impressed that someone so strong could devote his life to such a noble cause. It was completely opposite of every higher-up he had ever seen.
Hearing Fujin speak about the Phantom Will made him place Fujin at an even higher place in his heart. He had never heard about something like it. Though many villages had their own wills, starting from the famed Will of Fire propagated by the First Hokage, it was his first time hearing about a Will that compassed every human! It was also the first time he felt so attached to a will.
Memories resurfaced as he thought of his own experiences. He recalled how he observed the unfairness in the world several times. However, he never did anything to reduce it despite wanting to and having a few opportunities.
He was also at the receiving end during the previous Great Ninja Wars when the Land of Rivers was completely at the mercy of Konoha and Suna ninjas. He felt helpless but didn't have the strength to do anything about it. The ones who did have the strength were engaged in a deadly war instead of helping others.
Within a few minutes, Shigeki had convinced himself and become the greatest follower of the Phantom Will. It was a strange situation where his belief in the Phantom Will was infinitely greater than the one who could be considered its founder!
Shigeki looked at Fujin and asked, "Shiden, can you tell me how strong you are? Are you a Grandmaster in Fuinjutsu? Also, what are your other specialities?"
The sudden question surprised Fujin. He wondered, 'Exactly what conclusion did he reach to suddenly ask me such a question?'
To maintain the flow and ensure that Shigeki stayed loyal to him, Fujin had no choice but to satisfy his query. For a moment, Fujin felt just like how Hiruzen feels while dealing with him.
