Kumogakure was by no means some weakling that others could bully at will. The village had the Fourth Raikage, a powerhouse like Killer B who could undergo Complete Tailed Beast Transformation, and numerous Jonin besides.
Moreover, war tested more than just ninja. Those who often commanded wars knew that timing, terrain, and unity were all indispensable.
Timing was ever-changing, and unity could vary.
Only terrain remained unchanged forever.
This was territory Kumogakure had cultivated for a long time. It would not be easy for their opponents to take it.
Even if the worst happened and the other villages deliberately targeted Kumogakure, after suffering such heavy losses, they would still give up.
The Third Shinobi World War had only just ended, and the wounds of war had only recently begun to heal. A large-scale conflict was impossible.
When the next war came and Akatsuki's terrifying war machine swept across the land, how many people would die in it?
After the meeting ended, each side returned to their village with the news.
On the way back, Minato Namikaze raised many questions, unable to understand why they had expressed their stance so quickly.
"We've been making a mistake."
Uchiha Yuu leaped through the treetops. Yet when his words reached the ears of the other two, they both felt suddenly enlightened.
"What we fear is that Kumogakure cannot be destroyed, leaving Konoha in a passive position. But don't forget Akatsuki's strength, and Sunagakure has already declared its stance."
"With the two joining forces, Kumogakure will already be worn down. Let alone being targeted by all four of our villages—they definitely won't survive this crisis."
"Why wouldn't we do something like beating a dog while it's down, especially when everyone can share the risk?"
Uchiha Yuu's rhetorical question left Minato Namikaze stunned on the spot.