Leaf Village 50 years, the Ninja World war that lasted for several years finally came to an end.
After many rounds of games, Iwagakure and Konoha finally reached a tacit understanding and decided to coexist peacefully.
Representatives of both sides signed an armistice contract at the negotiation table in the Land of Iron Neutral Zone, officially ending the war that swept the entire Ninja World.
With the withdrawal of Iwagakure, the multi-front combat pressure faced by Leaf Village has completely dissipated, and the war that lasted for several years has finally been extinguished.
The day the news came back to Leaf Village, the whole village was in a state of excitement.
A large number of civilians took to the streets spontaneously, and the cheers, firecrackers, and gongs and drums were intertwined and deafening.
Some people were moved to tears, some hugged each other and cried, and some were running on the street holding high the portrait of Legendary Sannin.
The square under Hokage Rock was crowded with people. Everyone looked up at the statues on the rock wall, as if they were telling their deceased ancestors that the war was over and we won.
That day's Konoha Daily was robbed like crazy. The newsboy's voice echoed in the streets and alleys, and his voice was hoarse. The newspapers in his hands were still in short supply.
Many people bought several copies at once, and some carefully framed them as souvenirs.
This is a historic moment for Leaf Village - going to war with the four major powers at the same time and winning.
This newspaper is worth collecting for a lifetime.
A few days later, teams from all fronts began to return one after another. Konoha was decorated with lanterns and colors, and the streets and alleys were filled with red banners and flags. The whole village was bustling with activity, as if it was celebrating the New Year in advance.
The first to come back were the troops from the direction of Iwagakure led by Jiraiya and Orochimaru.
A large number of people learned from newspapers that the Iwagakure front in the west was the last battle.
They spontaneously came to both sides of the road to greet the returning heroes.
The sun shines on the Leaf Village avenue, and the golden light dyes the entire street in warm tones.
Jiraiya rarely became serious, straightened his back, and lost the playful smile of the past on his face.
He and Orochimaru walked side by side at the front of the team, behind them were thousands of ninjas who had just returned from the battlefield.
"Look, look! That's Lord Jiraiya!" A girl with twin tails stood on tiptoes with bright eyes.
"That one next to you is Lord Orochimaru! So handsome!" Another girl covered her mouth.
"Lord Jiraiya is also very masculine, look at his muscles..." someone whispered.
The men paid more attention to their strength. "It is said that even Third was impressed by Lord Orochimaru's ninjutsu. This time on the Iwagakure battlefield, he alone blocked Ōnoki's Dust Release in the early stage. It was so strong!"
Discussions arose one after another, and the people on both sides waved to welcome him, and the cheers became louder and louder.
Jiraiya's face rarely showed a trace of seriousness, but if you look carefully, the corners of his mouth were still slightly raised.
Orochimaru had an expressionless face and stared straight ahead, the cheering crowd reflected in his golden snake eyes.
Nawaki was waving in various ways from behind. After not seeing each other for a few years, he had grown into a handsome young man. He thought that as long as Tianyi came back, he would compete with him. He had also heard about Tianyi's record.
But if you don't accept it, at least give it a try!
Then Jiraiya and Orochimaru walked side by side through the avenue and came to Hokage Building.
Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi stood at the door of the office and greeted him personally.
He was wearing a dark Hokage robe and a bamboo hat on his head, and his face was old but still majestic.
Seeing the two disciples approaching, a happy smile appeared on his face.
"Thank you." Third nodded, turned and walked into the office.
Jiraiya and Orochimaru followed in, and the door was closed, cutting off the noise outside.
In the office, Third was sitting behind his desk, his eyes sweeping over the two disciples.
He looked at Orochimaru and nodded with satisfaction.
This disciple has impeccable strength, brains, and skills, and he has no family background.
And this time on the Iwagakure battlefield, he did not flinch when facing Dust Release from Ōnoki. He used various forbidden techniques and tactics to forcefully hold back Iwagakure's main force, creating conditions for subsequent Jiraiya support and Minato's supply line attack.
If it weren't for him, this war wouldn't have ended so quickly.
Third looked at Jiraiya again, and then the corners of his eyes twitched - Jiraiya was picking his nose in an imageless manner, twirling his fingers in his nostrils, then flicking them, and an unknown object flew towards the corner.
A drop of sweat fell from Third's forehead. He took a deep breath and tried hard not to look at the thing.
"This war is over, you should have a good rest." Third spoke with a steady voice.
"You have made great contributions to Leaf Village over the years, and the village will never forget it."
He took out two documents from the drawer and pushed them on the table.
"Orochimaru, from today on, you will serve as the deputy squad leader of Jonin." Third's eyes fell on Orochimaru's face.
"The position of deputy squad leader Jonin Corps is mainly responsible for assisting Captain Jonin Corps in handling daily affairs, and coordinating the task allocation and assessment of Jonin."
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed slightly, he didn't speak, he just nodded.
Of course he knows the significance of this position - although Jonin Corps deputy squad leader is not a high-ranking official with a high salary, it has a special symbolic meaning. Hokage's election requires Jonin's vote.
Being able to hold the position of Jonin Corps means occupying a place in the power system of Leaf Village.
This is Third paving the way for his Hokage.
Third looked at Jiraiya again. "Jiraiya, you serve as the advisor to Konoha Special Operations Unit. You are mainly responsible for guiding and training young ninjas, and providing support in special missions."
Jiraiya stopped picking his nose for a moment, and of course he understood what the teacher meant.
Special Operations Force Advisor, which sounds scary, is actually a sinecure.
But his ambition is not here. He likes to be free and does not like to be restrained.
Hokage? He wouldn't do that kind of job where Tenten sits in an office and approves documents.
"Okay, okay, teacher, you have the final say." Jiraiya waved his hand indifferently, then hugged Orochimaru's shoulders and said with a playful smile.
"When you become Hokage, don't forget to give me a casual job, preferably one where you don't have to work and just get paid."
Third glanced at Jiraiya angrily.
This disciple is powerful and famous, but he is out of character. If he could be more serious, it is hard to say who is more suitable to be Hokage between him and Orochimaru.
Orochimaru ignored Jiraiya's teasing, but raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a meaningful smile.
There was silence in the office for a moment. Third picked up the tea cup, took a sip, and looked out the window.
Only Tsunade has not come back yet!
The three of them tacitly agreed not to mention Tsunade's name. Because of Tsunade's family background, it was difficult for Third to hand over Hokage Position to her.
If Tsunade becomes Hokage, Senju Clan will rise again. Third's brows wrinkled slightly. He didn't want to think about this, but he had to think about it.
In a few days, Tsunade will be back. At that time, he still has to test her attitude.
Although she doesn't want to give Hokage Position to Tsunade, with Tsunade's temperament, if she is really determined to be Hokage, then between her and Orochimaru, Tsunade has a natural advantage.
This is something that can't be helped - Hashirama Senju's biological granddaughter, Land of Fire princess, Leaf Village medical saint, their strength, reputation, background, all aspects are sufficient.
Moreover, she also has a very powerful disciple.
The young face of Hyuga Tianyi appeared in Third's mind.
That young man destroyed a village by himself on the Hidden Sand Village battlefield, powerfully killed Third Raikage on the Hidden Cloud Village battlefield, and ended Seven Ninja Swordsmen on the Hidden Mist Village battlefield.
His strength is already comparable to that of his teacher Second Hokage ying.
And his ability is not just strength - he opened a newspaper in Leaf Village, which naturally attracted a large number of allies.
Uchiha Clan is his staunch supporter, and Ino–Shika–Chō, Aburame Clan, Inuzuka Clan and other families are also closely related to him.
To be honest, he himself is enough to be promoted to Hokage Position.
Third sighed and leaned back on the chair. Forget it, there isn't much he can do. How many more years can this old bone last?
When Tsunade comes back, how everything will turn out depends on what his two disciples think. It's time for him to abdicate.
As for what happens next, that is a matter for young people.
Outside the window, the sun shines on Hokage Rock, coating several statues with a layer of gold.
Cheers are still echoing in the distance, and the triumphant team is still returning one after another.
What Leaf Village is today was achieved with the blood and lives of countless people. And he is just a passerby in this long history.
Third picked up the pipe again, lit it, and took a deep breath.
"Teacher, let's go back first." Jiraiya stood up and patted the dust on his body.
Orochimaru also stood up, bowed slightly, turned and walked towards the door.
"Go ahead" Third waved his hand.