A Prize No One Could Refuse

"Do we have to participate?"

"Then why not just send a few ninjas to make up the numbers?"

"I agree."

"That way, we can gather intelligence, avoid sacrificing valuable fighting forces for nothing, and shut down Konoha's excuse to declare war on us. It's the best option."

The new proposal won several people's approval.

Without enough strength, this was the only pacifying approach they could choose.

"I disagree!"

Suddenly, Danzo cut the others off and voiced his opposition.

"Director Shimura, what did you say? You disagree?"

"That's right, I do. I don't agree with this cowardly strategy. How is it any different from waiting to die?"

"Even if we get through this provocation, do you think they won't find another reason to start a war next time?"

"Don't forget what happened to Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Kirigakure. Do you think Konoha will spare us in the end?"

The others were speechless. Danzo's words had left them with no rebuttal.

"You..."

In truth, they all knew that they could put it off for a while, but not forever.

Even if they got through this time, Konoha would find another way to make excuses and annex their village.

Sunagakure was completely powerless to resist at the moment.

So they could only keep their heads down and drag things out for as long as possible.

That was still better than immediately breaking with Konoha, starting a war, and being annexed, wasn't it?

After all, on the surface, Sunagakure was still Konoha's ally. As long as they didn't tear off that thin veneer, they should be able to hold on a little longer.

Given the choice between dying now and dying later, anyone would choose the latter.

"Shimura Danzo, what are you putting on airs for? Do you have some brilliant solution? Don't forget, you're