Despite times of peace, Kumogakure has not demilitarized and in fact constantly seeks to have an edge on the other ninja villages -- even going so far as kidnapping ninja with special abilities. Nine years after the end of another conflict between Kumogakure and Konohagakure, the villages decided to formally end their constant fighting. A Head Ninja was sent to Konoha to sign a peace treaty. While there, the Head Ninja tried to kidnap a Hyūga Clan member to gain the Byakugan. He was killed by her father, but Kumogakure, claiming to have no knowledge of the Head Ninja's motives, demanded the father's body in compensation. They received the body of the father's twin brother instead, Hizashi's cursed seal sealing his Byakugan upon his death. To date, no other village has been shown to have made so many attempts at stealing other techniques. The Third Tsuchikage even stated that during a time when the five nations were at peace, Kumogakure was relentless in their efforts to amass power and techniques, an act which he stated provoked others to employ the Akatsuki.

Moderator: Kotone Tamuro