"Unifying the Shinobi World is a goal we must achieve. The Union proposal was the foundation on which this conference began. Since the proposal has been rejected, Konoha will act to accomplish that goal."
"Most of you here are reasonable people, but unfortunately, some of our friends seem to have misunderstood something." Jiraiya looked at Dairi. The faint, amiable smile on his face gradually vanished, revealing the killing intent of a member of the Konoha Sannin who had once fought across the battlefields of the Shinobi World. "Although I just spent all that time explaining the Union proposal, as Konoha's Fifth Hokage, I'm actually in favor of war."
"I once traveled far and wide in search of the Child of Prophecy for the Shinobi World. I witnessed countless joys and sorrows, reunions and partings, and came to understand deeply that so-called peace..."
Jiraiya trailed off. He seemed somewhat dispirited, and perhaps felt there was no need to continue. He waved a hand. "Despite Konoha's current strength, we still want to unify the Shinobi World through peaceful means. The ones making concessions here aren't you. They're us."
His tone was mild, but his imposing presence still made Dairi instinctively retreat several steps.
Only then did he notice that several people who had left their rooms alongside him had already slipped back inside at some point.
At that moment, he was the only person in the entire conference hall standing against Jiraiya.
The pressure was truly terrifying.
"...Ha, hahaha..."
Dairi tried to conceal his panic with laughter, but the sound that emerged from his throat trembled uncontrollably.
Even so, he represented the Land of Earth. He could not possibly allow himself to appear weak at a time like this. "...A bunch of lowly ninja, and you actually think you're important? Kill me