The Land of Grass, situated between the Lands of Fire and Earth, was not a particularly fortunate country. Although it had a ninja village as its military force, unlike its two neighbors, it possessed neither a powerful figure worthy of the title Demigod nor a tailed beast to serve as a strategic weapon. That alone determined its standing.
Since the end of the Warring States period, the Land of Grass had maintained a policy of harmonious diplomacy with the great nations around it. Through finely honed diplomatic skills, it played all sides, always learning other countries' intentions at the earliest opportunity and adjusting its own policies to suit their wishes, all for the sake of survival.
During the First Shinobi World War, the Lands of Earth and Fire had been military allies, so the Land of Grass had been fortunate enough to escape the flames of war. Eager to please the great nations, these opportunists supplied both sides with provisions and weapons, remaining thoroughly compliant throughout. After the war ended, they suffered no harsh treatment.
Now, however, the Land of Grass would not enjoy that same good fortune. The reason was simple: the two countries that had once been military allies now faced each other as enemies. After more than thirty years of peace, the Land of Grass could no longer remain aloof. It had to consider where it stood, for that decision would determine its future.
At the court of the Land of Grass, the Daimyo summoned all his ministers to discuss how the country should conduct itself. The most fundamental point was that the Land of Grass could not truly intervene in a conflict between great nations. It was far too weak. Whichever country ultimately won, even the loser would still be capable of teaching the Land of