Shihōin Naraku's warning was like a pebble dropped into a still lake, instantly sending ripples spreading across its surface.
"A Shinobi World War? Isn't that going a little too far?" Utatane Koharu disagreed somewhat with Naraku, feeling that he was being alarmist.
Before Naraku could offer a rebuttal, Mitokado Homura, who sat beside Utatane Koharu, spoke instead. "I don't think Naraku is wrong. Another Shinobi World War is probably about to break out."
"In fact..."
Mitokado Homura's expression was solemn. "...I even think this Shinobi World War isn't far off. Within two years at the latest, or as early as this year!"
"Homura..."
Seeing his old friend's displeased expression, Mitokado Homura explained, "Don't let peace blind you. The instability in the Shinobi World has already built to the point where it has to erupt. War will definitely break out."
"And I think this Shinobi World War will be far more intense than any of the previous ones!"
Everyone else present looked at Mitokado Homura in surprise. The former conservative was now even more radical than the radicals.
From Mitokado Homura's description, he seemed to think even a radical like Naraku was being too conservative.
"Yes, Elder Mitokado Homura said what I was going to say."
"Actually, I've always thought..." Kakashi scratched his head and asked, "With the Five Great Shinobi Villages united, the Akatsuki shouldn't be a match for us, logically speaking."
"The Akatsuki also suffered heavy casualties during their previous attempts to capture the Tailed Beasts. Their current strength simply isn't enough to challenge the Five Great Shinobi Villages."
"Kakashi isn't wrong, but you're still underestimating the Akatsuki's leader. After all, he possesses the same eyes of creation as the legendary Sage of Six Paths-the Rinnegan."
Jiraiya disagreed with Kakashi and added, "On the surface, the Akatsuki's members have