Chapter 463

"Regarding Orochimaru’s proposal, I also agree."

Just then, Jiraiya suddenly spoke up and actively agreed with Orochimaru’s proposal.

As soon as Jiraiya said this, many Konoha Jonin who were discussing it stopped their discussion.

All Konoha Jonin knew that although there were three commanders, there had never been any disagreement in terms of command.

First, because the three commanders were all disciples of the Third Hokage, they had a teammate’s bond between them, and their relationship was harmonious.

Second, because whenever a proposal was announced, the three would discuss it in advance and reach a unified opinion.

Also because of this, the Konoha Jonin saw Jiraiya openly supporting the proposal put forward by Orochimaru and subconsciously thought that the three commanders had reached a unified opinion.

In this way, since the commanders had already unified their opinions, what else did they have to say?

But what everyone didn't know was that Tsunade was completely unaware of this matter.

Tsunade did not think that she was being isolated by her two teammates.

Tsunade glanced at Orochimaru and Jiraiya beside her without changing her expression, a trace of solemnity flashing in her eyes.

Among this, there must be some problem she didn't know about!

Konoha Ninja Village, Hokage Office.

"Click, click."

A somewhat thin-looking middle-aged man stood by the window, looking at the scenery outside, his eyes flickering. He kept puffing on the pipe in his hand, exhaling thick smoke.

Because the doors and windows of the entire room were tightly locked, the room was in a sealed state, causing this thick smoke to permeate the room for a long time without dissipating.

Over time, with the continuous accumulation of smoke, it formed a layer of smoke screen that even sunlight could not penetrate.

In the space shrouded by layers of smoke, the hazy light made it impossible for one to judge whether this was light or darkness.

Perhaps the word "dim" was the most appropriate to describe everything here.

Hiruzen Sarutobi’s eyes did not blink, staring at the window.

There, was the landmark building of Konoha Village—the Hokage Rock.

The statues of the successive Hokages, including Hiruzen Sarutobi, were clearly carved on the Hokage Rock for people to admire at all times.

But at this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi’s eyes had no focus, as if he were looking at the transparent glass of the window in front of him, or as if he were looking at the three huge faces on the Hokage Rock outside the window.

"Huu."

"Click, click!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled the last puff of smoke, then turned the pipe in his hand upside down, tapped it on the windowsill, and shook out the ash inside.

"Creak~"

The sound of the door being opened came from behind Hiruzen Sarutobi, and the thick smoke screen in the room seemed to find a vent, rushing out from the door all at once.

"Cough, cough!!!"

The thick smoke screen caught the person coming in off guard, and they inhaled a large mouthful, standing at the door coughing for a long time.

"Hiruzen, I really don't know what to say about you; you should also open the window to let the smoke dissipate."

As a male voice with a hint of complaint entered his ears, Hiruzen Sarutobi put away his deep gaze and slowly turned around, revealing a kind smile.

"Homura, is something the matter?"

The person who came was one of the Hokage advisors, Koharu Utatane’s partner, Homura Mitokado.

Because Koharu Utatane’s pregnancy was becoming prominent, in recent days, the only Hokage advisor active outside was Homura Mitokado.

"Come to tell you some good news."

"News came from the Hyuga and Uchiha sides that the rebellious small countries have all been suppressed."

"The Hyuga and Uchiha clan heads have each brought their clansmen and are preparing to return to the village..."

Homura Mitokado reported the situation to Hiruzen Sarutobi, his face carrying an undeniable smile.

"Hiruzen, I have to say your plan is truly perfect."

"The battle situation on Sakumo’s side has already settled, and good news has also come from the Land of Rain, so there is basically no problem."

"Even if the Hyuga and Uchiha return now, it won't help."

Homura Mitokado said with a hint of emotion, feeling very respectful of the strategy Hiruzen Sarutobi had implemented previously.

Regarding the victory reports from both the Land of Wind and the Land of Rain battlefields, Homura Mitokado and Hiruzen Sarutobi had long known, coupled with the victory report from the Uchiha and Hyuga that had just arrived, Konoha could be considered to have triple happiness at this moment.

The reason Homura Mitokado said this was because Hiruzen Sarutobi’s brilliance went far beyond this.

In order to profit from the war as much as possible and firmly suppress the Hyuga and Uchiha clans, so as to avoid the two major ninja clans gaining prestige in the war and threatening the status of the Hokage.

Hiruzen Sarutobi used a brilliant "throwing a brick to attract jade" to successfully send the Uchiha and Hyuga away.

One didn't need to think to know that the merit of pacifying the Sand Village and the Rain ninjas was obviously much more outstanding than the merit of pacifying the rebellions of some small countries.

By the time the war ended, Hatake Sakumo and the Sannin, who belonged to the Hokage’s direct line, would all have gained enough prestige through the war, which would also greatly boost the Hokage’s prestige.

At that time, Hiruzen Sarutobi’s Hokage line would also continue to firmly suppress major clans like the Uchiha and Hyuga, and the prestige of Hiruzen Sarutobi as the Third Hokage would also reach its peak.

"This doesn't count for anything."

"It’s a good thing that the Hyuga and Uchiha are returning at this time."

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head gently, his face full of harmony, looking like a harmless uncle next door.

But Homura Mitokado, who knew Hiruzen Sarutobi’s methods, did not dare to underestimate Hiruzen Sarutobi in the slightest.