Faced with the doubts of the four Daimyo present, Shixiu said evenly, "I'm not doing this to bolster the Ninja's military strength, much less to start an arms race. This is simply a carefully considered judgment I've made as a leader, hoping to find a way forward for the common people under my rule at this critical moment, when our country faces danger and everyone is unsettled."
He swept his gaze over their faces and continued, "I'm not just planning to do this myself. I'm proposing that we all work together, share our experience, and compete reasonably..."
The Lightning Daimyo interrupted, "Shixiu, you always put on such a facade. I really underestimated you. How can you say this without so much as blushing? Coming up with an idea like this, as though the Shinobi World weren't chaotic enough!"
Shixiu said, "Well... if you don't want to work together, we can each do our own thing and stay out of one another's way."
The Water Daimyo slammed the table and shouted, "Shixiu, you're far too arrogant, deciding everything yourself! You don't take our four great nations seriously at all! I think the Wind Daimyo's suggestion is excellent. How about we join forces and deal with you first?"
Not the least bit flustered, Shixiu asked, "Kusakabe, are you serious?"
"You..." The Water Daimyo was momentarily speechless. He hid his face behind his fan and looked toward the Wind Daimyo, hoping he would step forward and take a hard line again.
The Wind Daimyo pretended not to notice his gaze.
The four nations joining forces to attack the Land of Fire?
What a joke. That had only been some momentary bluster.
The scenes they had witnessed in the dream had left not only civilians but even Ninja deeply unsettled.
Beyond their world were