The Kannabi Bridge was successfully destroyed.
Meanwhile, Minato single-handedly wiped out the vanguard of the Stone Ninja.
When the battle report from the front lines was delivered to Ōnoki, the Tsuchikage, he slammed his fist on the stone table in anger after reading it.
Compared to the fragile wooden tabletops of Kumogakure, the marble stone tables of Iwagakure are clearly more durable.
Subtly retracting his still trembling right hand into his sleeve, Ōnoki looked at the smooth, untouched tabletop, his anger growing even stronger.
"Yellow Flash, White Death God, Konoha's White Fang — Konoha's foundation is indeed formidable; even facing an encirclement, they've managed to maintain firm control of the position."
Seeing that Ōnoki had stopped talking and put his hands back, a high-ranking member of Iwagakure spoke first, his words full of envy for Konoha.
"I wish my village had such a superior geographical environment."
Another senior executive echoed this sentiment.
"Alright, no matter how you look at it, failing to defeat Konoha despite having superior forces cannot be explained simply by geographical location."
Feeling the pain in his hand had eased considerably, Ōnoki, disregarding their feelings, waved his hand dismissively, denying their statement.
"Damn it, even without Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha, Konoha is still powerful...?"
Ōnoki gritted his teeth, subconsciously recalling his feat of teaming up with his master to solo Madara Uchiha.
"There was no other way. After all, we used a large number of elite ninjas to completely capture the Third Raikage, and many of them were killed. Even though we have now reached a reconciliation with Kumogakure, we have still deployed some forces on the border to prevent them from seeking revenge."
"After all, treaties are the least trustworthy thing."
Seeing that the two previous executives remained silent, an executive sitting in the corner, who was about the same age as Ōnoki, spoke up.
"What should we do? Should we use the Tailed Beast?"
Some high-ranking officials set their sights on the Tailed Beast.
"But Konoha also has the Nine-Tails..."
Because of Konoha's secrecy system, the higher-ups of Iwagakure did not know who Konoha's Jinchuriki were or the extent of their control over the Tailed Beast.
Just as all the spies Konoha sent here were killed, the spies they sent to Konoha also failed to return alive or transmit any intelligence due to Danzo's Danzo.
While the Iwagakure was unsure of what to do next, an even more intense conflict erupted among the high-ranking officials in the Konoha Village.
"Hiruzen, how can you do this to the ninjas who sacrificed their lives!"
Seeing that Hiruzen actually intended to make unconditional peace with Iwagakure, Danzo slammed his fist on the table in anger. "Because of your weakness, all our previous sacrifices have been in vain!"
Seeing his friend's aggressive demeanor, Hiruzen didn't say much, but instead turned his gaze to Utatane Koharu: "Koharu, please have someone deliver this treaty to Iwagakure."
"Hiruzen!"
Seeing that Hiruzen was ignoring him, Danzo that he stood up abruptly.
"Danzo, Hiruzen is, after all, the Hokage!"
Seeing Danzo's rudeness, Utatane Koharu loudly reprimanded him, signaling that Danzo should be mindful of his status.
"You're too weak, Hiruzen!"
Seeing that Utatane Koharu wasn't on his side either, Danzo didn't bother arguing with them and left the room.
"Bang!"
Hearing the door slam shut, Utatane Koharu frowned.
She didn't have any particular thoughts on the peace talks, but Danzo's attitude was indeed rather rude.
"It's alright, let's leave it at that."
Hiruzen glanced at the spot where Danzo had been sitting, his expression unchanged, and gestured for Utatane Koharu to continue as he had instructed.
"How could I entrust my son to such a weakling? Doesn't he know how much we've sacrificed for this war?!"
Danzo stomped his feet angrily in the base, his heart burning with Danzo at the thought of his son fighting for his life while the higher-ups were preparing to negotiate peace with the enemy.
The initial joy at Kazashiro's great contribution was completely extinguished.
"Damn it, where's Asuma?"
Danzo with anger and nowhere to vent, decided to challenge Asuma to a duel on Wind Release.
Asuma: Hello.
On the other side, after seeing Utatane Koharu, Hiruzen stroked his pipe, his eyes occasionally glancing at the Tobirama hanging on the wall.
Uh, a photo of Tobirama.
Their teacher, at the most critical moment, gave up the hope of life to them, selflessly paving an escape route for the younger generation.
And what about myself?
As the Hokage, I could only watch helplessly as green leaves fought on the battlefield...
"Teacher, I really don't deserve to be Hokage."
With a self-deprecating laugh, Hiruzen pulled out a scroll, wrote something on it, and then summoned an Anbu.
"Hmm? It's an ape."
Upon seeing the mask of the Anbu, Hiruzen paused for a moment, only then realizing that it was his son on duty today.
"Lord Hokage"
Referring to one's job title during work hours is a sign of professional self-discipline in Anbu, even if the other party is one's own father.
"Send this scroll to Sakumo. He's been gone for so long; it's time for him to come back."
As if he had made up his mind, Hiruzen solemnly placed the scroll in his son's hands, his eyes revealing a hint of determination.
"Are you calling me back at this time?"
Upon receiving the message, Sakumo looked at the scroll in his hand with a puzzled expression.
Although Sunagakure had no intention of attacking Konoha, Sakumo remained steadfast in his post, patrolling the Mount Kikyo position every day.
Hearing that the Anbu were looking for him, Sakumo instructed his subordinates to check for any omissions and to be vigilant against any attacks from Sunagakure before rushing to the camp.
After listening to the Anbu's explanation, Sakumo couldn't understand why the Third Hokage would summon him back at this time.
However, the Hokage's orders could not be disobeyed. Sakumo put away the scroll, nodded to the Anbu in front of him to indicate that he would obey, and then the other party left.
"Yo, Lord Jiraiya."
After blowing up the Kannabi Bridge, Kazashiro and his group did not return to the village, but instead went to Jiraiya's camp to replenish supplies and rest, while also exchanging insights on their training.
Although he was quite unreliable, Jiraiya could still be considered a competent ninja Jiraiya important situations.
While his command style wasn't as flexible as Orochimaru's, it was more composed. With the cooperation of Minato and Fugaku, the atmosphere at the meeting was much better than on Orochimaru's side.
"Hey kid, what are you doing here again?"
Jiraiya glanced at Obito behind Kazashiro with some disdain, picked his nose, and turned to ask Kazashiro why he had come.
"Good senior brother, let's talk in private for a moment."
He gestured for Obito to stand still and wait, then grabbed Kazashiro 'Jiraiya sleeve and pulled him behind the tent.
"Lord Jiraiya, would you be interested in taking on a new disciple?"
Upon arriving at a secluded spot, Kazashiro cut to the chase and explained his purpose.
Jiraiya was somewhat surprised that Kazashiro would make this request. He glanced at his junior brother with some astonishment, then seemed to understand something and hurriedly shook his head in refusal.
"You mean that Obito? No, no, absolutely not!"
Others are fine, Jiraiya might be worth considering, but Obito is a complete voyeur, he's always interfering with my research. Even if I starve to death or die out there, I would never take this guy as my disciple!
"I didn't expect you to be so arrogant, Senior Brother. Don't think I don't know; for a while, you helped Obito cultivate every Tenten."
With his arms crossed, Kazashiro struck a pose that said, "I see right through you," which Jiraiya's anger.
"I will provide guidance, but accepting me as a disciple is absolutely out of the question."
Jiraiya dusted off his trousers, deciding to ignore Kazashiro in front of him.
"Lord Jiraiya, Obito has awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan."