The atmosphere in the conference room had frozen.
Everyone's gaze converged on Nishidai Kazekage Rasa.
Fight, or...
Rasa's expression kept changing.
If they fought?
What could they possibly fight with?!
Sunagakure was strong on the outside but weak within!
Its talents had withered away, and there was no new generation to replace them!
The village's only Jinchuriki, his son Gaara, was still a monster who could go berserk at any moment—a ticking time bomb that could not be deployed on the battlefield at all!
And what about their opponent?
It was Konoha, with powerful troops and soaring morale! Konoha, which had just consolidated all the resources of the Land of Fire!
Going to war with such a Konoha was like smashing an egg against a rock!
The best possible outcome would be barely driving Konoha back. But afterward, Sunagakure would be gravely weakened and reduced to meat on the chopping block.
And if they lost...
Then Sunagakure... would perish!
It would vanish entirely from the Shinobi World!
No!
He, Rasa, absolutely could not become Sunagakure's sinner!
"We must... find a way to buy time!"
"As long as we can drag this out! As long as we muddy the waters, there will surely be a chance to turn things around!"
In a flash, a mad plan took shape in Rasa's mind!
Rasa abruptly raised his head.
"We can't fight!"
"At least, we can't be the only ones fighting!"
"I've decided to split our forces into two routes!"
Rasa raised two fingers, his expression solemn.
"The first route!"
Rasa's gaze fell on Baki.
"Baki!"
"Here!"
Baki immediately rose to his feet.
"I order you to act as my special envoy at once. Take a small squad and head for Konoha's camp!"
"You will confront them face-to-face! Confront Konoha!"
"Hidden Sand Village and