"By then, we would only need to give up a portion of our interests to avoid war. Those concessions might seem enormous to those impoverished countries, but to our prosperous Konoha of the Land of Fire, they are practically nothing!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi adjusted the Hokage hat on his head, made this difficult decision, and looked at Danzō across from him.
No matter what, the Land of Fire possessed foundations that no other country could match, along with ample potential for war.
Compared to taking the initiative to attack other shinobi villages and drawing the united hostility of the entire Ninja World, the risks involved were simply too great.
It would be better to remain on the defensive, wait for the right opportunity, and either fight or negotiate during the conflict, offering benefits to divide the enemy.
After all.
That was how every previous Hokage had handled things.
He only needed to continue that tradition.
Otherwise, if he started the war himself, it would be impossible to gain the support of the entire village. If he forced it through, he might even have to rely on his own Sarutobi clan as the main force!
That was something Hiruzen Sarutobi could not accept.
On the other hand.
Passive defense.
Meant protecting the entire village.
Every clan should contribute.
From his position as Hokage.
He could mobilize all the manpower in the village. In such a war, it would be easier for him, as Hokage, to occupy the moral high ground and command every shinobi in the village...
This was more beneficial to Konoha as a whole.
You would never understand something like this! Hiruzen Sarutobi thought arrogantly, shooting Danzō a glance.
"What? That's all?" Shimura Danzō's eyes widened as he stared at him, unable to believe that his old friend had chosen