Samui looked grim. Though Kumogakure was the Land of Lightning's most powerful armed organization, it was not without weaknesses. In fact, it was even more beholden to the Daimyo's Residence than the other shinobi villages.
After all, Kumogakure wanted far too much. It pursued not only ninjutsu, but technological development as well.
That meant Kumogakure needed considerable funding every year. Almost all of it came from the Daimyo's Residence, leaving the village heavily dependent on it.
"Are we going to war?"
"If Kumogakure goes to war with Konoha alone, it won't serve our interests. It'll only let the Land of Earth, the Land of Wind, and even the Land of Water reap the benefits."
Darui frowned. He was not particularly in favor of going to war with Konoha.
If there were enough to gain, then so be it. But going to war with Konoha just because the Daimyo was afraid was not a wise decision, no matter how he looked at it.
"Perhaps we could test Konoha, like we did over the Byakugan?"
Fourth Raikage Ai looked at Darui and Samui. Last time, Kumogakure had clearly been in the wrong, yet they had still managed to force Konoha to kill Hizashi Hyuga. That made him instinctively want to repeat the same approach.
"According to the information our spies have sent back, Konoha has no control over Uchiha Chisen at all. There's very little chance we could make Konoha force him to his death."
"Besides, the Third Hokage has stepped down. His successor, Tsunade, may not be as weak as Sarutobi Hiruzen."
Samui shook her head. Honestly, she had never expected their maneuver against the Hyuga Clan a few years ago to actually succeed.
Kumogakure had clearly been at fault. All they had done was issue a fierce condemnation and act