Shingetsu's gaze swept swiftly across the Colosseum, then shifted to the raised platform directly above.
On the platform, the four Kage had gathered, with their seconds-in-command seated together as well. They looked perfectly amiable, chatting and laughing as they commented on the seeded competitors fighting fiercely in the arena and traded insincere compliments.
Although everything appeared harmonious on the surface, dark currents stirred beneath it. Apart from Hashirama, who was grinning foolishly, everyone harbored ulterior motives, hidden schemes, and ambitions.
But despite their differing agendas, they agreed on one thing: they had to find a way to stop Konoha from growing any stronger!
These shinobi, who had precious little aptitude for economic development, were keenly attuned to intrigue. Even after joining the alliance, they remained deeply wary of the other villages and full of ill will toward them.
Tripping up and stabbing the other villages in the back was merely how they got by, but bringing down Konoha had practically become their shared faith.
Konoha was already a behemoth. If it developed any further, the consequences would be the last thing anyone from the Four Villages wanted to see.
Hashirama had no ambition to annex the Shinobi World, but Madara Uchiha clearly did!
These powerful men had lived through the Warring States Era and seen their fill of bloodshed. They could hardly conceive of any other methods, and in the end, killing and plundering remained what came most naturally to them.
Nine years of peace had not fundamentally changed their way of thinking. They had made some progress, but not much.
Still, as long as Konoha continued supplying the entire Shinobi World with cheap grain, they dared not act rashly. Even a brute like A knew that if they angered Konoha, it would not need to wage a war of