Chapter 355

After Danzo left, the three maintained their usual expressions, completely unbothered by him.

In fact, the three were all well aware of Danzo's ambition, but they unanimously chose to "not see it."

The reason was actually quite simple.

Sarutobi Hiruzen needed to utilize Danzo's ambition to help him take the blame and do the dirty work.

And Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu choosing to turn a blind eye to Danzo's ambition was not for the sake of some "fellow disciple friendship," but for their own interests.

After all, at this very moment, the interests of the four were already bound together, occupying a dominant position within the faction-ridden Konoha.

Precisely because of this, to maintain their existing interests, the two had to ensure the stability of this four-person group.

And since Danzo was always dreaming of subversion, the two naturally could not agree.

If Sarutobi Hiruzen fell, they would inevitably suffer as well.

Plus, compared to Danzo, who looked sinister, Sarutobi Hiruzen's image was much gentler and more positive, so the two naturally leaned more toward Sarutobi Hiruzen.

After all, no one is willing to work under someone who looks like they are full of bad intentions.

And in the eyes of the two, Sarutobi Hiruzen choosing to "turn a blind eye" to Danzo's ambition was truly because of "cherishing old feelings."

This further cultivated Sarutobi Hiruzen's positive image.

Combining all these factors, regarding the position of Hokage, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura would always stand on Sarutobi Hiruzen's side.

"This battle will have to be fought sooner or later."

"Danzo was right; regardless of whether the Rain Ninja can pass the hurdles of Sunagakure and Iwagakure—"

"Konoha's face cannot be lost."

"Hiruzen, who do you want to lead the army?"

Mitokado Homura asked Sarutobi Hiruzen with a burning gaze.

Once Danzo left, the three finally discussed the matter of who would lead the army.

Sure enough, the three had just deliberately rejected Danzo's delusional request to go to war.

"Hoo—"

"Pah—"

Sarutobi Hiruzen took another puff from the pipe in his hand, a profound look radiating from his eyes.

"Mere Rain Ninja are not worth me taking the field personally."

"I think the three of them, Jiraiya and the others, are fully capable of taking on this burden."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's tone remained calm, and the amiable look on his face did not change in the slightest, but upon hearing this, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura looked at each other, a hint of surprise in their eyes.

"Are they capable?"

Mitokado Homura asked with some concern.

After all, the opponent was Hanzo of the Salamander, who held the title of "Demigod of the Ninja World."

"It's fine."

But unexpectedly, upon hearing Mitokado Homura's words, a sharp glint flashed in Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes, and he shook his head lightly, seemingly trusting his three disciples immensely.

"Very well, we agree."

Seeing Sarutobi Hiruzen so confident, the two looked at each other and agreed to Sarutobi Hiruzen's request.

"Then what if a second battlefield is opened?"

"The Hyuga and Uchiha clans cannot be trusted, and the others lack the seniority and strength."

"Are you going to take action yourself, or are you really going to let Danzo go?"

The two asked again, a hint of doubt appearing in their eyes.

Upon hearing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen said nothing, merely shifting his gaze to the fox-masked Mist Anbu who had been standing behind him all along.

Seeing this, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu suddenly realized, revealing relieved smiles.

All the previous conversations of the four had not avoided this Mist Anbu, which was enough to show that this person was Sarutobi Hiruzen's absolute trusted aide.

"Almost forgot, there is still the Mist Anbu Commander."

Utatane Koharu said with a smile, a hint of satisfaction in her eyes as she looked at the fox-masked Mist Anbu.

This fox-masked Mist Anbu was none other than Konoha's current Mist Anbu Commander.

Konoha's Mist Anbu Commander was different from Kirigakure's; the power was not just a little bit diminished.

Kirigakure's Mist Anbu Commander, who ranked firmly in the top three, probably wouldn't even make the top ten in Konoha; at best, they were equivalent to the Hokage's personal guard captain and assistant.

Upon hearing this, the fox-masked Mist Anbu remained silent, but from his slightly trembling body, one could see his excitement.

"Sakumo, work hard; I have high hopes for you."

Since the matter had been brought into the open, Sarutobi Hiruzen no longer hid it, speaking frankly to Hatake Sakumo behind him.

That's right, this person was none other than the future "White Fang of Konoha" who would become famous throughout the Ninja World, Hatake Sakumo, currently Konoha's Mist Anbu Commander and also a trusted minister of the Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Yes, thank you, Lord Hokage!"

Hatake Sakumo replied in an excited, trembling voice.

For those lacking ability, going to the battlefield as a commander might lead to danger and death.

But for those with strength, what they lacked was an opportunity to fight on the battlefield and make a name for themselves throughout the world!

And Hatake Sakumo clearly belonged to the latter.

Seeing this, the three old foxes looked at each other and then smiled slightly.

After sending everyone away, Sarutobi Hiruzen walked out of the Hokage's office and came to the Hokage Rock to overlook the magnificent Konoha.

Gradually, a hint of burning intensity appeared in Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes.

Those who have never experienced power cannot imagine how wonderful it feels to have such great authority in one's hands.