Chương 50: Debate

The jonins from both villages were sent to another room while Inoichi was placed under strict monitoring by the Daimyo's personal sensor. The sensor shinobi sat close to Inoichi, watching his every move to make sure he did not use any chakra to help his genin during the debate. The Daimyō's courtroom was large and formal, with high ceilings and beautiful paintings on the walls. The Daimyo sat on his throne with a serious expression. He looked at the two genin teams standing opposite each other and said, "Begin."

One of the Iwa genin stepped forward first. His name was Tensei. He stood tall and spoke with confidence.

"Allow me to speak frankly, Daimyo-sama. Konoha shinobi are known to many villages as tree-huggers… because they are too merciful and always play buddy-buddy with everyone. They talk about peace and friendship, but in reality, they are weak when it comes to making hard decisions. They hesitate to do what needs to be done. Iwa, on the other hand, is strong and decisive. We do not waste time with pretty words. We act and thus we protect your borders quickly.

We do not pretend to be nice while hiding our true intentions." Shunsui chuckled softly.

"Merciful?" He looked at Tensei with calm eyes.

"The Iwa shinobi that are currently fighting in the war or the countless ones who died in the previous one would beg to disagree, dear Tensei. But the fact that you think we are merciful is alone a good fact. It shows that we care about people and thus we would be caring about our allies. Mercy is not weakness. It is strength that knows when to hold back and when to strike. Konoha does not destroy for the sake of destruction. We protect. That is why our alliances last longer than fear-based partnerships."

Guy stepped forward next, full of energy.

"Konoha shinobi are filled with the power of youth! We train every day with burning passion! We do not give up even when the odds are against us! Our will of fire burns brighter than any other village! We fight for our friends, for our village, and for the future! Youth is about never giving up, never losing hope, and always helping its allies. That is the true spirit of Konoha!" Tensei smirked and shot back quickly.

"You see, Daimyo-sama. They are not only merciful but delusional. They are talking about youth when they should be talking about why the alliance with them should be advantageous to you. Our country shares borders with you. With our alliance, we will easily be able to protect your borders, send shinobi for missions to help you, and increase the trade between our nations. We are close. We are practical. Konoha is far away and already stretched thin from fighting three villages.

How can they promise help when they can barely help themselves?" The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Genma spoke up with a steady voice.

"If it is trade you want, Konoha merchants are the wealthiest for a reason, and with an alliance between us, they would be giving you their goods at a discounted price."

"And our advantage is the simple fact that we do not betray our allies. During the First Great Shinobi War, Iwa and Kiri allied with each other against Konoha, but when that did not work out, Iwa decided to take some land from Kiri. This resulted in the death of both the Second Mizukage and the Second Tsuchikage. Konoha's will of fire spreads to its allies even when it is difficult. We will never betray our allies. We stand by them through thick and thin.

That kind of loyalty cannot be bought with quick promises or shared borders. It is earned through trust and kept through honor." Another Iwa genin jumped in.

"Is that so? Tell that to Uzushiogakure." Genma said angrily, "We were being stalled by Iwa and Suna while you and Kumo and Kiri cowardly attacked Uzushiogakure." Tensei smirked as he had the look that said he had finally caught them in a trap.

"And you are fighting three of the great shinobi villages right now. So would you abandon the Land of Claws just like you abandoned Uzushiogakure?" Genma stiffened at that as he realized he had been caught in a trap. The Daimyo's eyes looked directly at the Konoha genin, waiting for a response. Shunsui stepped forward with a calm smile.

"If you would excuse me, Daimyo-sama. Iwa has been telling us about how three or four shinobi villages are continuously fighting Konoha. But why are they continuously fighting us and losing? They fought because they were jealous of Konoha's resources. It has been two shinobi wars before this one, and they have lost each one. They did not manage to get a single square of land." He continued with a polite but sharp tone.

"So, Daimyo-sama, tell me, do you want your country to partner with the losers or the winners? Tell me, can you bear the consequences of making an enemy of Konoha, a village that has continuously been defeating its enemies despite being outnumbered?"

"Are you threatening me?" the Daimyo asked with a sharp look.

"Surely not, Daimyo-sama," Shunsui replied, fanning his hand lightly with a gentle smile.

"I am just a lowly one providing my advice to the honorable you by telling you the benefits of allying with Konoha, which includes not making an enemy of us. Hoho." The Daimyo looked at the two genin teams. The Iwa team was looking at Shunsui in shock. The boy had just threatened the Daimyo, who was supposed to be the judge of this show, in the politest way possible. The room was silent for a long moment.

"I have made my decision," the Daimyo said finally.

"But the final decision would be made after the other competition is done as well."