Naruto showed no surprise at the Raikage's questioning. Instead, a faint approving smile appeared on his face.
"That's right." He admitted it openly, without the slightest attempt to conceal it. "Ōnoki is a shrewd man, but I haven't spoken to him yet. He may buy them, or he may not. But that doesn't affect your investment in the future."
The Raikage's brow furrowed tightly. Naruto's choice of words made him deeply uncomfortable.
What did he mean by "investment in the future"? Wasn't that an admission that if Kumogakure did not buy them, it would fall behind Iwagakure in future wars?
He understood the logic perfectly, yet deep down, he could not accept Kumogakure being placed in such a passive position.
Naruto saw through the Raikage's inner struggle and waited quietly.
Just as the Raikage hesitated, Darui behind him completely shed his lazy demeanor. He stepped forward and gently placed a hand on the Raikage's thick arm.
"Lord Raikage," Darui said with unprecedented gravity, "he's right."
The Raikage whipped his head around, his gaze fierce.
But Darui did not back down. Meeting the Raikage's eyes, he said slowly and distinctly, "The times... are changing. We can't be left behind."
C at the side also spoke in a low voice. "Lord Raikage, we cannot analyze the principles behind this weapon at all. Darui is right. At the very least, we need to procure a batch to study its construction. Even if it only serves as a deterrent, it can buy us precious time."
His two most trusted subordinates had offered the same advice at the same time.
That gave the Raikage a way out.
He was not yielding to Konoha's threats. He was heeding his subordinates' rational analysis and making a difficult choice for the village's future.
Raikage A stared fixedly into