Temari could not help speaking up.
"New allies? Are you referring to Iwagakure?"
Ebizo smiled.
"Lady Temari, the resources Iwagakure is willing to provide us far exceed what Konoha offers. They have promised us non-desert land, ample supplies, and a truly equal partnership."
"Isn't that a good thing?"
Kankuro sneered.
"An equal partnership? Are you sure Iwagakure would be so kind?"
Ebizo's expression darkened.
"Kankuro, you are still young and do not understand politics. Iwagakure and Kumogakure have already formed an alliance. They have sufficient strength to stand against Konoha."
"Joining them is the wise choice."
Chiyo suddenly spoke.
"Ebizo, do you truly believe Iwagakure's promises?"
Ebizo looked at Chiyo, a flicker of impatience flashing through his eyes.
"Sister, you are old, and your way of thinking is old as well."
"What Sunagakure needs is change, not clinging to outdated traditions."
Chiyo shook her head.
"You do not want to change Sunagakure. You merely want to preserve your own position."
Chiyo slowly rose to her feet. Her hunched frame stood in the center of the hall as sand slid from her robes.
"Everyone, what we are discussing today is not whether to cooperate with Konoha, but whether Sunagakure should remain independent."
Chiyo's voice was aged, yet brimming with strength.
The conservative elders exchanged looks, while Ebizo frowned.
Chiyo unfurled a massive map of the Shinobi World and pointed her cane at Iwagakure and Kumogakure.
"Iwagakure and Kumogakure have secretly formed an alliance. Their goal is not Konoha, but to redraw the spheres of influence across the entire Shinobi World."
Her cane slowly moved across the map, passing over one nation after another.
"A neutral Sunagakure, one that maintains good relations on all sides, is a valuable bargaining chip to every great nation."
Chiyo paused, then slammed her cane heavily against