A perfect silence filled the meeting room, like the bottom of a lake where even the water stood still.
People seemed able to hear their own breathing, even the faint sound of their heartbeats.
"Everyone present knows that ever since Lord Hashirama founded Konoha, the Land of Whirlpools has been one of our important allies."
After a moment of silence, Hiruzen Sarutobi was the first to break the deadlock. With heartfelt sincerity, he said, "Now that the Land of Whirlpools is in crisis, I believe Konoha has an obligation to lend a hand."
An obligation? Shouldn't it be a responsibility?
The members of the Nara Clan flickered their eyes slightly, already understanding the Hokage's inclination.
What was the difference between obligation and responsibility?
An obligation was something one ought to do; a responsibility was something one must do.
Obligation was the prerequisite for responsibility. Only when someone failed to fulfill, or failed to fully fulfill, their obligations did the resulting consequences become their responsibility.
Thus, the prerequisite for bearing responsibility was that the matter truly counted as an "obligation."
That was Hiruzen Sarutobi's rhetoric.
Since he had taken the role of the good guy—
Then the bad guy should step forward too.
"Third, I do not agree with your idea."
Danzo spoke up at just the right moment from behind him, his tone calm. "Konoha is currently facing threats from Earth, Wind, and Rain Countries at the same time. Setting aside whether we can spare troops to aid the Land of Whirlpools, even if we can..."
"How are we supposed to withstand attacks from Wind, Earth, Water, and Rain Countries on all sides at once? Why not wait until the Land of Water's troops clash with those of the Land of Whirlpools and both sides are battered bloody before making