- This tactic may work, but it will lead to the hatred of not only the top of the Sands, but also the ordinary soldiers, turning us from an ally who lends a helping hand in times of need into an enemy who seeks to manipulate in every possible way," Orochimaru, who had been listening attentively to the ideas expressed earlier, objected, I think we should let the Sunovians solve the problem by simply labeling our confusion as an attempt to make an agreement with Kiri, since I doubt their entire council was aware of the sacrifice of one of only three S-class fighters.
- And we'll be left with nothing! - Koharu interjected.
- I wonder what the victim herself would say to that?
- That's right, the Mists won't forgive the deaths of their swordsmen and the Sandmen have nowhere to go anyway!
The Council members exchanged opinions and suggestions, the room was abuzz and Sarutobi even had to pat the table to get silence.
- Before we dive into the discussion, let's hear the opinion of our chief strategist first," he turned toward the still silent head of Nara.
- Thank you, Hokage-sama," Shenesu bowed his head, "but before we proceed with the plan, we must decide what is more important to Konoha: a kunoichi S-rang with a kekkei genkai and the prospect of a new clan, or a reliable ally for years to come?
- Of course, a reliable ally for years to come," Hiruzen replied after a short silence, glancing around at the shinobi and kunoichi present.
One by one, the members of the Konoha Small Council nodded and agreed with the leader's position.
- In that case, the most acceptable option is to put Pakura on the throne of Kazekage, but by the hands of the Sunovans themselves, so as not to arouse negative feelings towards Konoha," the jonin outlined the most acceptable option and immediately began to explain the nuances, "if we take into account the reports of spies, she enjoys much more popular support than the third and fourth Kazekage, having lost the election solely for economic reasons. If this factor is excluded, the support of the elders tilts exactly in the direction of Pakura no Shakuto.
- The only thing left to do is to force the Sunovans to hold a new election more than a month after the last one," Inuzuka snorted snidely.
- Yes, that would be no small problem, but the current Kazekage himself gave that opportunity by issuing an official mission," Nara grinned back, not the least bit embarrassed, "and the three Kirigakure treasures with the corpses of the swordsmen would be perfect proof of betrayal, and Pakura would have enough to publicly accuse Rasa of betrayal to not only start the proceedings, but to prevent herself from being arrested if the Kazekage decided to act for sure to silence her.
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