Because of Orochimaru's words, everyone in the council hall was staring at Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Except for two people.
Fugaku Uchiha looked at the calm Orochimaru, his mind in complete turmoil.
Could this guy not know about the plan?
Or is that Hatake Xianyu tricking me?
Didn't we agree to join hands and take down the Higher-Ups, with me as an advisor while you research anatomy?
I even dreamt of clansmen and villagers living in harmony last night, and now you pull this on me?
Meanwhile, Danzo was thinking.
I didn't misjudge him; Orochimaru is indeed different from the stubborn Hiruzen and the others.
He thought, glancing at his three old friends. You are already old, but I am still young.
The Leaf Village will only be at its best in my hands.
The Third, who had been sitting securely on his fishing platform, stared intently at Orochimaru the moment he spoke. No one knew what he was thinking at that moment.
After watching for a while, he finally looked toward the heads of various clans and asked, "What do you all think?"
Normally, if nothing else, the Ino-Shika-Cho Clans and the Hyuga would definitely be the first to step out and support him, even if the Third was wrong.
But right now...
That look the Third was giving his disciple was unmistakably real, but who knew if the two master and apprentice were just acting?
What if the Third's brain suddenly shorted out, and he decided he wanted to crush the Four Great Shinobi Villages and earn the title of ending the Shinobi World's wars? What then?
Just think, this was something even the First and Madara, who ended the Sengoku era, couldn't achieve. Who wouldn't want that kind of fame?
Anyway, at this point, saying less meant making fewer mistakes, and saying nothing meant no mistakes at all. All they had to do was wait for the Third to make a final decision and then be the first to step up and support it.
Because of various reasons, many people chose to keep their mouths shut at this moment.
Just as Danzo was feeling smug, thinking the Third had no choice but to use his proposal, Tsunade suddenly said, "I object."
As her words fell, the previously pin-drop silent hall became even quieter.
Well... except for Danzo's heavier breathing than before.
Tsunade looked at Orochimaru and said, "My grandfather's original intention in founding the Leaf Village was for peace. While protecting the villagers, he also wanted to end the wars in the Shinobi World. If we start a war now, how is that any different from the Sengoku era? What is the point of building this village?"
Orochimaru didn't care much about this, only saying calmly, "If I remember correctly, the past was just about shinobi from various clans slaughtering each other, but now it has turned into a war between Nations."
"Orochimaru, when we went to the battlefield in the past, it was to guard the peace and protect the villagers, so we were heroes. But once we proactively launch a war, how are we any different from those invading Shinobi Villages?" Tsunade glared angrily.
"Are you saying that the one who initiates the war is failing the villagers?"
Orochimaru's snake-like pupils narrowed vertically as he dangerously stared at his long-time teammate.
"Isn't that so?"
Tsunade did not back down, meeting his gaze equally.
"Forgive me, but old man here cannot agree with those words."
Danzo spoke up at this moment. "Since the First Shinobi World War, it has already been proven that the First's philosophy is wrong. In this Shinobi World, as long as there are interests, there will be warfare, and as long as there are shinobi, war is inevitable."
Danzo clenched his fist as he spoke. "To maintain peace, you have to hurt them, make them fear you, or once and for all, directly wipe them out...
If we wait for them to attack every single time before we counterattack, then war will never end."
Everyone was watching the three arguing, and in their hearts, they understood that the combination of Orochimaru and the Pot King had effortlessly KO'd Tsunade without any pressure.
What surprised them, though, was when the two of them had gotten this close.
Wasn't Orochimaru the Third's staunch supporter?
Or were this master and apprentice trying to test Danzo?
To see how many people he had cultivated?
"Advisor Danzo, if according to what you said, how should we explain this to the villagers? Do we tell them we took the money meant to protect their peace..."
"...and used it to launch a war?" Jiraiya interjected when he saw his goddess falling behind.
Those shinobi clans looked thoughtful.
It was two-versus-two now. Who would win and who would lose?
Hearing this, Orochimaru smiled dismissively. Those vertically slit snake-like eyes swept around the circle before finally landing on Jiraiya, mocking him.
"If it's truly as you say, it only proves our incompetence. When the Four Great Shinobi Villages launched wars, were their villagers dissatisfied?"
As soon as these words came out, everyone could be certain that the Sannin had definitely suffered an internal split.
The Orochimaru and Danzo combination had overwhelmingly defeated Tsunade and Jiraiya with an unstoppable momentum.
Every single sentence from the latter duo was merely a philosophy, whereas every sentence rebuffed by the former duo involved things that had already happened or were undeniable.
Even Danzo nodded inwardly at this moment.
Not bad. Old man, I have a successor.
The Leaf Village hasn't withered away in Hiruzen's hands just yet; at least there is someone who shares his aspirations.
Jiraiya and Tsunade have already been spoiled useless by Hiruzen.
As for the rest of these people, they are just a bunch of cowards clinging to life. Not worth mentioning.
"Ahem."
Seeing this, the Third had to cough, saying slowly, "Then let's take a vote by show of hands. Aside from those four, those who support Jiraiya and Tsunade, please raise your hands."
The people below looked at each other in dismay.
This was a bit tricky to handle!
What on earth was the Third's stance?
Putting Tsunade and Jiraiya at the front, could it be that he chose Orochimaru and the others' combination?
Akimichi Torifu was already tugging at Nara Kakuzu's sleeve.
And many people were staring at them as well.
When the Third didn't state his position, it was better to follow the smart people.
As long as there were many people, it didn't matter even if they were wrong.
After all, the law doesn't punish the masses!
Sometimes political correctness was very necessary!
Aburame Clan: Support Danzo, but we must weigh the situation and adapt.
Ino-Shika-Cho Clans: Whatever Kakuzu does, I do.
Inuzuka Clan: Things are really exciting today. These Higher-Ups are truly looking for trouble out of nothing.
Hyuuga Hiten: The Third doesn't move, I don't move.
Fugaku Uchiha: Gave Danzo a kindly smile.
Shimura Danzo: Smiled dismissively. You Uchiha are worthy too?
"What the hell!"
With no one casting a vote, Fugaku immediately raised his hand.
The Third was surprised, Danzo was slightly angry, Orochimaru wore a blank expression, and Tsunade and Jiraiya frowned.
Well, if you don't raise your hand, your self-esteem takes a hit, but if you do raise your hand, nobody appreciates it either.
Fugaku's heart was exhausted.
The Uchiha Clan was just too hard.
The scene fell into a stalemate accordingly.
It wasn't until the Two Advisors also raised their hands that the Third finally spoke up, "The Four Great Shinobi Villages had no choice when they started the war with us, but we have no need for war. Pacifying the Shinobi World is a glory, but as the Hokage, I should take responsibility for the village rather than disregard the villagers for the sake of my own empty reputation. This is what a Hokage is!"
With those words spoken.
Hiruzen Sarutobi used his veto power to defeat the previously victorious duo.
"Hiruzen, you'll regret this."
Danzo could only leave a roar of powerlessness as he looked at the group of shinobi clan leaders who followed along after the Third raised his hand.
After speaking, he also shot a fierce glare at Fugaku Uchiha.
"..."
Before you continue