"The conflicts of interest between nations had always existed, and resentment was constantly growing."
"When the world changed, a new war was bound to break out."
"The Shinobi World had enjoyed peace for so many years because the Five Great Nations had bled themselves dry during the Third Shinobi World War and desperately needed time to recover."
"We lost the Third Raikage. Iwagakure suffered nearly ten thousand casualties. Kirigakure was left with barely a handful of people, and Sunagakure had nearly fought until its ranks were depleted. Konoha, which had faced four nations at once, had been severely weakened since the Nine-Tails' Rampage and suffered the heaviest losses."
"Everyone had bled themselves dry. We all needed time to lick our wounds and recover."
"Once they had recovered and saw an opportunity, they would start a war without hesitation."
"When that happened, Kumogakure would be surrounded by enemies from all sides, just like Konoha."
"That was also the price one had to pay for bearing the title of the strongest shinobi village."
Yugito cupped Neji's face in both hands, her bright eyes showing a hint of resolve. "Then, Neji, is there any way to achieve lasting peace?"
Neji raised both hands as well and wrapped them around Yugito's slender waist, gently brushing her with his fingertips.
His pale eyes gradually went unfocused, his thoughts drifting somewhere far away. "There is, Yugito. There is a way."
"Throughout history, people have lived amid war. The Shinobi World has existed for only a little over sixty years, yet it has already endured three Shinobi World Wars. But we have to admit that, compared with the Warring States Period, our lives have improved a great deal."
"And that is thanks to the one country, one village system."
Yugito nodded. "Then where does the path lie?"