Chapter 873

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

Just at this moment, Jiraiya suddenly spoke up and actively agreed with Orochimaru's proposal.

Once Jiraiya said this, many Konoha Jonin who were discussing among themselves stopped their discussion.

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

One reason was that the three commanders were all disciples of the Third Hokage, and they had the feelings of teammates among themselves, with a harmonious relationship.

Another reason was that 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 already 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 did not 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.

In 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 with flickering eyes. He kept puffing on the pipe in his hand, exhaling thick smoke.

Because the doors and windows of the entire room were locked at this time, and the room was in a sealed state, this thick smoke permeated the room and could not dissipate for a long time.

Over time, as the smoke continued to accumulate, it formed a layer of smoke screen that even sunlight could not penetrate.

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

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

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

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

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

It was just that 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.

"Squeak~"

The sound of the door being opened came from behind Hiruzen Sarutobi, and the thick smoke in the room seemed to find a way to vent, swarming out from the doorway.

"Cough, cough!!!"

The thick smoke caught the person coming in off guard, and they stood 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 disperse the smoke."

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

"Homura, is something the matter?"

The person who came was one of the Hokage advisors, Mitokado Homura.

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

"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 taken their clansmen and are preparing to return to the village..."

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

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

"The war situation on Sakumo's side has been settled, and good news has also come from the Land of Rain; there are basically no problems."

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

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

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

The reason Mitokado Homura said this was because Hiruzen Sarutobi's brilliance was far from just this.

In order to profit from the war as much as possible and firmly suppress the Hyuga and Uchiha clans, so as not to let the two major ninja clans gain prestige in the war and threaten 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 Sunagakure and the Rain-nin was obviously much more outstanding than the merit of pacifying the rebellions of some small countries.

When the war ended, Hatake Sakumo and the Sannin, who belonged to the Hokage's direct line, would all obtain 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 is also a good thing for the Hyuga and Uchiha to return at this time."

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

But Mitokado Homura, who knew Hiruzen Sarutobi's methods, did not dare to underestimate Hiruzen Sarutobi in the slightest. ===== CHAPTER 875 =====