Ōnoki's expression instantly darkened.
How many years had it been?
Ever since he had taken the position of Tsuchikage, how many years had it been since anyone dared speak to him in that tone?!
But Ōnoki had to admit that aside from joining forces, there was no other way.
Konoha was far too powerful now. To have swallowed Sunagakure so quickly proved that neither Kumogakure nor Iwagakure could stand against it alone.
Time passed, second by second.
Ōnoki closed his eyes.
Countless thoughts raced wildly through his mind.
An alliance with Kumogakure was no different from seeking the skin of a tiger.
That brute A was stubborn and arrogant, certainly not a good ally.
But... what else could they do without an alliance?
Konoha's blade could turn toward Iwagakure at any moment.
Sunagakure was the precedent.
Against the current Konoha, Iwagakure alone had no chance at all.
Without joining forces, they risked being devoured at any time.
Ōnoki recalled the time he had faced Uchiha Madara.
His body trembled slightly.
He had no desire to experience that bone-deep helplessness a second time.
After a long silence.
Ōnoki finally slowly opened his eyes.
He looked at Darui across from him.
"An alliance is possible."
Darui grinned when he heard that.
He had known Ōnoki had no other choice. Joining forces was inevitable.
"However, I have three proposals. I hope the Hidden Cloud Village will cooperate."
Ōnoki continued.
Darui raised an eyebrow.
"Go on."
"First."
Ōnoki raised one finger.
"The alliance agreement cannot be signed in Iwagakure, nor can it be signed in Kumogakure."
"We will go to the Land of Iron."
"And have Mifune, the general of the Land of Iron, act as witness to the alliance between our villages!"
Darui was taken aback.
Go to the Land of Iron?
Have