Kumogakure, Raikage Building.
The Fourth Raikage, Dodai, Neji, Killer B, Yugito, Uchiha Shisui, and the other senior officials had gathered in the office to discuss how to deal with the furious Daimyo of the Land of Lightning.
Dodai raised an eyebrow at Neji. "Neji, you were too reckless this time. The daimyo is determined to cut military funding. I'm afraid there's no room for compromise."
"Dodai, you're too soft."
Before Neji could say anything, the Fourth Raikage slammed his hand on the table.
"Forget Neji knocking down the Daimyo of the Land of Waves—even if he'd wiped out the Land of Waves, it wouldn't have anything to do with him. This time, the daimyo has clearly overstepped."
After a pause, the Fourth Raikage continued, "Kumogakure is powerful, and the daimyo is obviously trying to suppress us. Dodai, don't tell me you can't see that."
"I—"
Dodai hesitated, then hesitated again.
The reasoning was obvious. If even a blunt man like the Fourth Raikage could see it, there was no way Dodai, known as the brains of Kumogakure, couldn't.
But for the same reason—because he saw the situation so clearly—Dodai didn't dare burn his bridges with the daimyo.
"Uncle Dodai, whatever happens, we need to stay united. We can't let things fall into chaos," Yugito said.
"Ay, Yugito, you two are looking at this too simply—"
Dodai sighed as he spoke.
The usually mature and steady strategist showed rare signs of concern.
"I understand what you're planning. I'm just uncertain about the future."
Neji's eyes gleamed as he spoke. "Uncle Dodai, if Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara had joined forces to conquer the Five Great Nations and establish a shinobi nation, the Shinobi World would be far more peaceful now. Shinobi wouldn't have to act according to the daimyo's whims. What