At a moment like this, I wish I'd been able to arrive somewhat earlier. While I'd been briefed mostly on what to expect, having a better grasp of the details of the situation would allow me prepare accordingly.

Unfortunately, all I have is the explanations by the others, and those sketches. Certainly, working on such information is not out of the realm of my experience as a shinobi, but it's not as if more information would be unfavorable.

And as for the sketches---

"... They were adequate."

Why did they even assign Sagramore-san to do that?

"For an Edreni's work."

Indeed, they had given me most of the details I required in order to recognize the Grovemaster in question. From what I had heard of her actions, she appeared to be a remarkably frustrating person who could not set aside pointless grievances for the sake of her nation's future.

Such people had died at my hands more than once. This would be no different, if it came down to it.

"Infiltration work is best left to those who are versed in such matters," I continue, "And none of our potential foes are familiar with me."

With that being said, I'm not certain what sort of identity could be constructed to justify the level of access I would need to perform a proper infiltration. I am quite clearly a foreigner, and while that is not always an obstacle it feels as if it would likely be one in this situation.

What explanation would I have for allowing me to get close?

"---Regardless, I agree that suddenly deciding to offer Cid-dono up as a prisoner would come across as highly suspicious. Only someone utterly brainless would accept it unquestioningly."

While our opponent did appear to be an idiot, it was unlikely she was the sort of idiot would would fall for such a plan, based on what I understood of her behavior.

Quite frankly, I think killing her the moment we are given the chance is likely the right choice. Even if she were to surrender, her irrationality in the face of the threats posed to her people---

Perhaps idiot is too kind of a word for someone like her.