Sarutobi Hiruzen hadn't expected that a simple remark about not bullying the weak would provoke the wrath of his disciple and the current Hokage's Anbu! He looked at Uchiha Kō with apprehension in his eyes!
When he was Hokage, although the Anbu obeyed his orders, he knew that they obeyed not him, but the title of Hokage.
As the Hokage's wife, it would be virtually impossible for Biwako Sarutobi to mobilize the Anbu. This was partly because Sarutobi Hiruzen a very strict control over power, and partly because he couldn't gain everyone's approval.
But now it's different. These Anbu all have hostility in their eyes. They've all drawn their swords and are pointing them at him because Tsunade, the Hokage's wife, is angry!
They completely disregarded his status Third, and even risked his hatred to draw their swords and point them at him.
Sarutobi Hiruzen swallowed hard. He had originally thought that Uchiha Kō was easy to talk to, because when he was Hokage, Uchiha Kō was gentle, kind, respectful, frugal, and modest, a model of ninja.
He had repeatedly told everyone to learn from Uchiha Kō, which was the source of his confidence to come and discuss this matter with Uchiha Kō. However, he realized he was wrong; he was not qualified at the moment.
Tsunade's words reached Sarutobi Hiruzen's Sarutobi Hiruzen, but he merely frowned and didn't take them to heart. After all, everything in Konoha was decided by the Hokage.
In other words, this matter is not over until Uchiha Kō makes a statement.
"Uchiha Kō, what are you doing! Are you going to let your subordinates kill me, the Third Hokage?" Sarutobi Hiruzen roared, his aura overwhelming as he surveyed the entire area.
Uchiha Kō didn't say anything after seeing his expression, but instead leaned back strategically and just stared at him. The next moment, Orochimaru walked in from the doorway. "Hey, hey, hey, old man, if you're retired, then retire properly. If you're going to offer suggestions, then offer suggestions properly. What are you doing showing off here!"
"Orochimaru! What did you say? Say it again!" Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes were cold. He couldn't touch Tsunade, but surely he could touch Orochimaru?
Orochimaru is not afraid of Sarutobi Hiruzen. In the past, he might have had to obey him due to the dual constraints of his master and the Hokage. But now, with the increasing number of human experiments he has conducted...
With increasing experience, he no longer cared about worldly conventions!
"Tsk, I didn't expect that not only is Teacher Sarutobi getting old, but his hearing is also failing!" Orochimaru looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen with a sinister smile, a hint of madness in his eyes.
He had come today to report the fantastic news to Uchiha Kō about the initial progress in gun manufacturing, but he had just overheard Sarutobi Hiruzen at the door.
Without a second thought, he barged in to support his good brother Uchiha Kō! What a joke! Uchiha Kō wasn't just his sugar daddy, he was also his confidant!
If it were Sarutobi Hiruzen, he might let Orochimaru conduct experiments, but it would be done in secret! If anything went wrong that day, he would shift all the blame onto Orochimaru!
Orochimaru couldn't help but retort when he heard Sarutobi Hiruzen barking like a dog!
Sarutobi Hiruzen glared at Orochimaru with bloodshot eyes. "You!" His chest ached with anger. He couldn't believe that his most prized and valued disciple was now helping an outsider! Tsunade was one thing; she was Uchiha Kō's wife, and he had no problem with her helping Uchiha Kō.
But Orochimaru, you're my disciple! Did you even consider how your teacher would feel about what you did?
"Hmph! Old man, what do you mean 'you'? Let me tell you, not only me, Jiraiya! He won't support you either!" Orochimaru glanced at the doorway.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was taken aback and followed Orochimaru's gaze.
Jiraiya, had originally intended to watch the show silently, but now that Orochimaru had spoken, he realized he could no longer just watch and would have to join in.
But as for whether to support Uchiha Kō or Sarutobi Hiruzen? Is there even a question?
For the past ten years or so, it was Uchiha Kō who led Konoha to become strong and prosperous, far surpassing the achievements of Sarutobi Hiruzen! Any one of his accomplishments is something Sarutobi Hiruzen could never achieve in his entire life.
Although Jiraiya valued his master-disciple relationship with Sarutobi Hiruzen very much, it was insignificant compared to the village.
Jiraiya walked in with a solemn expression. Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes lit up when he saw Jiraiya. Jiraiya was his closest disciple; surely someone would speak up for him now?
However, the next moment, Jiraiya stood next to Orochimaru, avoiding looking at Sarutobi Hiruzen. Sarutobi Hiruzen's heart skipped a beat, and then his straight back slowly bent down.
Unexpectedly, Sarutobi Hiruzen in three disciples, found himself without a single one of them supporting him or speaking up for him in his later years.
How utterly unsuccessful and incompetent I am! Do my apprentices think I'm wrong, that I've let them down?
Uchiha Rou and Uchiha Itachi were just two Konoha ninjas. Wasn't it wrong to attack the innocent Yugakure for the sake of two Konoha Ninja?
Uchiha Kō knew it was time to speak up. He stood up and looked at the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen: "First of all, I am very grateful to the Third for offering his valuable opinion as a 'citizen of Konoha '." Uchiha Kō said solemnly.
But everyone could understand what Uchiha Kō meant: You, Sarutobi Hiruzen, are no longer the Hokage; you're just an ordinary citizen of Konoha. As the Hokage, I support your suggestion, but your decision doesn't count.
"However, this matter concerns Konoha's standing and image in the eyes of other countries, and I do not support your opinion." Uchiha Kō straightened his back and looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked dejected. He looked at Uchiha Kō and smiled bitterly to himself. He had thought that Uchiha Kō would understand him and would prioritize the greater good, but he hadn't expected that Uchiha Kō wouldn't have that kind of awareness.
"Therefore, I support Tobirama's actions with all my might!" With that, Uchiha Kō meant the conversation was over and there was no need to discuss it further.
As a result, Konoha supports severely punishing Yugakure, and this time the cause is legitimate! No one can stop them!
Sarutobi Hiruzen's lips trembled slightly. Finally, he gritted his teeth, turned around, and left. He came alone, and he left alone.
Uchiha Kō poured a cup of tea for each of the prominent figures, including Hatake Sakumo Orochimaru: "Since the Third didn't have the fortune, let's drink this cup together!"
After finishing his tea, Uchiha Kō drank it, followed by the others. They then discussed gun manufacturing and intelligence systems in the villa. It was late at night before Jiraiya and Orochimaru finally left.
Jiraiya and Orochimaru walked through the streets of Konoha at night. It was midnight, and the streets of Konoha were still brightly lit, with some people even loudly hawking various delicacies!
"Jiraiya, do you blame me?" Orochimaru asked, not looking at Jiraiya, but looking at the prosperous scene of Konoha in front of him.
Jiraiya looked dazed, staring at Orochimaru's retreating figure. "What do you mean?"
"Keep pretending. You know better than anyone what I mean." Orochimaru smiled. He knew his close friend well.
Although he seemed reckless and clumsy, he was actually quite wise. Orochimaru was saying, "Isn't it Jiraiya's fault for forcing him to take sides Jiraiya making enemies of his teacher Sarutobi Hiruzen?"
Jiraiya values relationships above all else, from the bond between teacher and student to the loyalty to Konoha and his country. He wants it all, but one must face reality. Hesitation only leads to more trouble.
Rather than putting Jiraiya in a difficult position later, it's better to resolve these issues today Jiraiya make a choice. In fact, whether Jiraiya chooses Sarutobi Hiruzen or Uchiha Kō, it doesn't matter to Orochimaru.
He just couldn't stand Jiraiya's constant indecisiveness, always wanting everything but ending up with nothing!
Jiraiya sighed, "I don't blame you. After all, you were doing it for my own good."
"I once thought that my teacher would lead Konoha to prosperity and a bright future, but Uchiha Kō's rule has shown me that my teacher is far inferior to him!"
"Compared to the bond between teacher and student, I care more about the future of Konoha! The future of the Ninja World! So compared to the bond between teacher and student, I think the bond between family and country is more important!" Jiraiya's confusion had faded, and he looked up at the starry sky.
Jiraiya's lips curled up, and he suddenly felt a sense of relief. Orochimaru turned around and saw Jiraiya. On their way back, the two ate many snacks.
Just like before they graduated, they had a lot of heartfelt conversations. Jiraiya's words were more idealistic, while Orochimaru focused on reality.
It's not a matter of who's right or wrong; it's just that both of them have valid points.
Within the territory of the Land of Rivers.
At this moment, Shimura Danzō led his army into the border. The border ninjas, upon seeing the army, hurriedly prepared to retreat and informed the Daimyo that ninjas were attacking.
However, a figure flashed by, palms outstretched, striking the border ninja in the chest.
Bang!
The border ninja was instantly destroyed, and then the figure moved rapidly more than ten times, causing more than ten figures to fall to the ground.
Shimura Danzō over and saw the figure remove his hat, the Gekko shining on his face and revealing his identity.
"Well done, Ao!" Shimura Danzō up. This guy was very useful, obedient, and had good judgment. Although he was a ninja from Kirigakure, as long as his heart was with Konoha, there was no problem with his village affiliation.
Qing immediately knelt on the ground. "This is what I should do!"
Shimura Danzō helped him up. "If it weren't for you, our whereabouts would probably be exposed, and our attack would be hindered!" Shimura Danzō with a smile.
Ao shook his head. "We are the kingly army of Konoha! What do we have to fear from Yugakure!"