Everyone's expression changed dramatically at his words. They had never considered such a question, nor had they dared entertain the idea. Even a rogue ninja like Kakuzu had never thought of opposing the great nations.
The reason lay in the origins of their history.
The Ninja Village framework began when the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, worked with the nations to establish the "one country, one village system." Its essential purpose was to end the chaos of the Warring States era as quickly as possible.
By uniting scattered ninja clans into military forces directly subordinate to the great nations, this system established the fundamental hierarchy: "the great nations lead, and the villages serve."
Then there was economic dependence.
The villages' funding and resources came entirely from the daimyo. For instance, Konoha's development budget required approval from the daimyo of the Land of Fire.
The Ninja Villages' core role was also to carry out military missions for the great nations, such as warfare, intelligence gathering, and assassination, in exchange for resources.
If a village betrayed its nation, it would immediately lose financial support and might even face a joint assault by the other great nations. Like a Rogue Ninja Village, it would be targeted by all Five Great Nations.
There was also the subordinate relationship in terms of authority.
The daimyo of the great nations held supreme political decision-making power, while the Ninja Villages were responsible only for military execution.
For example, major decisions such as whether to wage war or form alliances with other nations were decided by the Daimyo Council. The Kage could only offer suggestions. Even a "Five Kage Summit" required authorization from the daimyo of the great nations.
Then there were the disparities in strength and the geopolitical balance.
The Ninja Villages of the Five Great Nations formed