Chapter 799: Sand Slayer
Silence engulfed Sunagakure's council room as the council members pondered seriously. While Konoha was attacking Otogakure and the rebels in the Land of Grass, Sunagakure was continuously preparing for an all-out assault from Konoha. They had deployed thousands of ninjas strategically throughout the desert and planted tens of thousands of traps. Sunagakure had been transformed into a fortress.
When the news of Otogakure's destruction arrived, they believed Konoha would turn their forces to them. However, they received an invitation to negotiate instead. The council wasn't sure how genuine Konoha was, whether they truly wanted to negotiate, or if it was just a trick to lower their guard before the real assault began.
Goza sighed and muttered, "If this is a genuine invitation, it might just save our village. However, is it? Konoha's schemes run deep and they must be pissed off at our betrayal. I'm afraid that this is a trap to eliminate some of our top ninjas to make their invasion easier. After all, from our sources, both Konoha armies are making their way to the Fire Capital, where the negotiations will happen."
The Council had solemn faces. Ebizo said, "It's unlikely that Konoha would harm our negotiators. They have a reputation to maintain. The Hyuga incident showed us that. Even in the worst case, they would just arrest the ones who go there."
Tojuro said, "Don't forget their Yamanaka clan. Even though we attacked Konoha, our Kazekage was killed by Orochimaru and used by him with the Edo Tensei jutsu. Konoha isn't sure if we attacked them or were fooled by Orochimaru into attacking them. Perhaps, the negotiation is just a way for them to read the memories of whoever we send to negotiate and decide whether to attack us or not.
Even though others wouldn't be sure whether Konoha is telling the truth or not, Konoha, right now, is strong enough to not care as long as they know it. To make matters worse, the external conditions are excellent for them.
The civil war in the Land of Water is entering a crucial stage. They can't interfere elsewhere. Kumogakure is suffering from some internal trouble too. They were our biggest hope but they have been a disappointment so far. We can't count on them. The only forces that are intact are Iwagakure. However…"
The Suna Council was well aware of Onoki's nature. Despite such an insult, he hadn't made a move. Instead, he had already recalled the forces he deployed on the borders with the Land of Grass. As such, the Sunagakure's situation had become far more grim.
Suddenly, Chiyo said, "I don't think Konoha would read the memories of our council members. Well, at least not as long as the more mature figures are making the decisions. However, the risk is indeed high. We can't send any council member to negotiate."