"Father, are we still going to continue cooperating with Rōran?" Kitsuchi was somewhat confused. If things really were that dire, why continue the cooperation?
"We must cooperate, Kitsuchi. You need to understand something: we've already drawn the bow, and we have no choice but to loose the arrow. If we unilaterally cancel our cooperation now, the next force to cooperate with Rōran could be Kumogakure or Sunagakure. Neither is something we can afford to see."
Ōnoki himself knew that he was like someone being roasted over a fire. But if his Iwagakure did not join this cooperation, then once an enemy force did, that would truly hasten Iwagakure's destruction.
After all, just seeing the Hirenkyaku Shoes today had allowed Ōnoki to keenly sense their importance to Iwagakure, never mind the other things.
Moreover, from what Ōnoki had observed, there were still some areas of Rōran's Research Laboratory that they had not shown him. Those could very well contain the most essential technology.
"Then... should we head back and prepare?" Kitsuchi understood Ōnoki's predicament a little better.
"That's our only choice. But we can stay another day or two. Send someone back first with what we've gained here. No, go back yourself. This matter is very important!" Ōnoki's brow was tightly furrowed.
He knew that his every move would certainly be monitored by others. If he stayed here too long, other forces might very well pick up on something unusual.
"Father, what about you?" Kitsuchi asked with some concern.
"You don't need to worry about me. This is a good opportunity for me to try their Tailwind service." Ōnoki knew full well that some things had to be experienced before one could speak about them with greater authority.
"Yes, Father." Kitsuchi nodded, then left Ōnoki's room to start preparing for the