Naruto: Extreme Bloodline Limit

They would not even have noticed if Ronglin had not said that Kirigakure seemed to have sealed off its village.

"Yes, sealed off."

Ronglin nodded. "And then the Small Nations Alliance appeared. Naturally, Kirigakure also acted on its behalf to spread the news, even going so far as to clash with the Small Nations Alliance and Iwagakure."

As he spoke, Ronglin deliberately glanced at Ōnoki. Ōnoki remained silent.

"I'm sure there's some unspeakable conspiracy behind this!!"

Worried that what had happened earlier might flare up again, Ay hurriedly redirected Ōnoki and Ronglin's attention. Otherwise, if those two started butting heads again, his poor heart could not take that kind of excitement.

"There is definitely a conspiracy. I'm just wondering what exactly Kirigakure intends. Have they completely taken the Small Nations Alliance's side?"

Rasa voiced the point that concerned him most. If Kirigakure was merely paying lip service, that would be fine. At least when they joined forces against the Small Nations Alliance, they would not have to worry about Kirigakure attacking from behind.

But if they had truly thrown their lot in with the Small Nations Alliance, then it meant that when the Four Great Ninja Villages jointly sent troops, they would have to face not only the Small Nations Alliance, but Kirigakure as well.

"No matter which side Kirigakure is on, we are destined to send a joint force. The longer we delay, the more disadvantageous it will be for us."

Ōnoki wanted to settle the matter once and for all, but he could not. Although the Small Nations Alliance might collapse if things dragged on, he did not want that. He wanted to reclaim the dignity of a great village on the battlefield, and restore the Tsuchikage's pride.

But Iwagakure could not accomplish that alone. If the other