"We can't beat him, but we can make his life miserable and keep him occupied."
"If Naruto dares to attack the Land of Rain or the alliance's forces, if he tries to settle the score with us by force..."
"Then the entire alliance will disband on the spot, and everyone will scatter and go into hiding across the shinobi world."
"We'll all launch hit-and-run attacks, destroy the Land of Fire's trade routes, blow up Konoha's businesses abroad, and cut off its outside supply channels."
"We can't win, but we can drag this out until Konoha can't take it anymore."
"Naruto is strong, but the others in Konoha aren't necessarily as strong."
Sarada spoke with absolute certainty, having seen through the Seventh Hokage's weakness.
"I'm also betting on one other thing."
"Naruto Uzumaki's childhood dream was to become Hokage."
"He saved the shinobi world, and most people call him a savior."
"I'm betting that he absolutely won't want the shinobi world plunged into chaos again."
"As long as he has reservations, we have leverage to negotiate."
After hearing the entire plan, Kisame froze for a moment, then burst out laughing.
His rough laughter broke the oppressive silence, his eyes full of admiration.
"That sounds like walking on a knife's edge."
"Yeah. To put it bluntly, it's a death wish."
"But Sarada, whatever you decide, I entrusted my life to you long ago."
"If this is the path you want to take, I'll follow you to the bitter end."
Looking at Kisame, who supported her unconditionally, Sarada gave a relaxed smile, though her eyes were utterly solemn.
She stood, looked out the window at the expanse of the Land of Rain, and declared in a low voice.
"Then, as of today..."
"The Anti-Fire Alliance is officially founded."
"The alliance has only two