"There's no need to repeat such perfunctory words. I'm sick and tired of hearing them." The words seemed tinged with helplessness and exhaustion, revealing the speaker's deep weariness with such hollow rhetoric.
"Since Uchiha Yato has given us this opportunity, then those with grievances may air them, and those with grudges may settle them."
These words sounded somewhat resolute, as though encouraging everyone to cast aside their reservations and boldly voice their grievances and hatred.
As the newcomer drew closer and closer, everyone's eyes were drawn toward her, wanting to see her clearly.
Finally, when she came near, they realized that the last person to arrive was none other than Hiruzen Sarutobi's final disciple—Tsunade.
Yet Tsunade's words made Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart sink even further.
Her silence seemed to wordlessly express a certain dissatisfaction or reproach toward Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Do you blame me too?" A trace of bitterness and disappointment seeped into Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice. Clearly, he had not expected Tsunade to react this way.
Upon hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's question, Tsunade did not answer at once. Instead, she quietly watched events unfold, as though considering something.
Her silence made the atmosphere at the scene somewhat heavy, and everyone began guessing at her true thoughts.
Just then, Orochimaru suddenly interjected, "See? From the disciples' perspective, it isn't two against one anymore. It's four against one."
There was a hint of mockery in his words, as though he were implying that Hiruzen Sarutobi was now at an absolute disadvantage.
"After all, your disciples count as two people as well. Am I right, Jiraiya?"
Orochimaru turned his gaze toward Jiraiya, seemingly challenging his stance.
The current situation was truly making Jiraiya miserable. He wanted to help Konoha, and he also wanted to help his teacher overcome this crisis, but neither the circumstances nor his