"I disagree with Commissioner Takatsukasa's view."
Gintaro rose to his feet. His neatly groomed silver hair and deep crimson eyes instantly drew everyone's attention, suppressing even the noisy private discussions.
Compared to two years ago, Gintaro's persona as Ruri's brainless superfan had not changed in the slightest. Yet the valuable experience of personally participating in the policymaking process had made him more restrained than before, more in line with the conventional image of someone in power.
But as he laid out his position in a clear voice, that reckless, uninhibited spirit bound deep within his bones immediately reared its head again.
"Looking solely at internal factors, maintaining the current state of war is indeed the best way to restore our national strength and consolidate the results of reform. But the ever-changing international situation will not allow the Sand Ninja to cling to old ways and shut themselves away."
Gintaro spread his hands. Though his expansive gestures lacked a certain composure, this style of speaking was more effective at stirring emotions among the generally young Executive Committee.
"The battle at Red Pine Ridge is of critical importance. If the Rock Ninja gain the upper hand and press forward into the southern heartland in one push, our overland transport routes to the Land of Fire will be completely cut off.
"Do not forget, everyone: when the Southern Alliance was formed, we signed a ten-year trade agreement with Konoha. Two years have now passed, and our domestic industrial structure has already undergone a passive transformation under the impact of foreign trade! Once we lose our channel for importing supplies from the Land of Fire, how will we fill the gaps in food, medicine, new materials, and other sectors?"
As early as the ceasefire between the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire,