Nara Shikato raised his eyes:
"First, technical risks.
The long-term storage stability of the Lightning Core, the absolute reliability of the activation structure, and the durability of the emitter tube—if any link failed, it could cause casualties among the users or even more severe consequences.
The ideal conditions and projections in the report required extensive empirical evidence to substantiate them.
Second, strategic risks.
Once this type of weapon became known to the outside world and was imitated, it might trigger a new arms race and even give rise to more uncontrollable means of slaughter.
We had to consider the long-term negative consequences its proliferation might bring.
Third, resources and secrecy.
Research, development, testing, and especially potential future production would require a massive investment of top-tier resources, while also having to remain under the highest level of secrecy. That would consume a considerable amount of our energy."
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke immediately afterward, his tone carrying a soldier's pragmatism:
"Strategist Shikato's concerns are valid.
But as the military commander, I placed greater value on its potential tactical worth.
If it could truly achieve seventy percent of the power described in the report while ensuring basic safety and reliability, it would be a powerful weapon capable of changing the balance of power in localized engagements.
It could give our Chunin an additional means of deterrence and counterattack when facing elite enemy Jonin, and reduce the risks and costs of personnel infiltration during sabotage missions.
As for the technical risks—"
He looked toward Torifu:
"Those were precisely what rigorous, phased testing was needed to expose and resolve.
We could not abandon a path that might drastically improve our shinobi's survival rates and mission success rates simply because we feared the risks."
Kagami Uchiha spoke slowly:
"The report mentions that the key runes in the