Because I'm Following Orders!

Tsunade, however, wouldn't be as impulsive as Jiraiya. Even if the base held secrets crucial to the village, she needed to secure them first. Otherwise, she might end up sacrificing herself.

"Very well."

Like Jiraiya, the Third Hokage offered no explanation. He nodded with a smile and looked at Orochimaru.

Orochimaru frowned, glancing at Tsunade and Jiraiya before pondering, "I agree with Tsunade. If the enemy's strength is too great, we should seek help and not take unnecessary risks."

Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru all leaned towards taking action. Since the base contained secrets vital to the village, why not strike?

The Five Great Shinobi Villages presented a facade of peace, but even among allies, covert struggles were common. Ninjas died daily, and assassinations or the theft of enemy secrets happened frequently. These actions were impossible to prevent entirely; as long as they didn't escalate too much, it was acceptable.

"Hmm~~~" The Third Hokage nodded again and turned his gaze to Hikaru.

Not only the Third Hokage, but Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya also looked over, eager to know what Hikaru would do in their place.

Raising his head, Hikaru met the Third Hokage's gaze directly. His emotions remained completely unfazed as he calmly stated, "I would record the base's coordinates, then return to the village to report, and submit this intelligence."

Hikaru's answer deepened Orochimaru's already furrowed brow. Tsunade felt surprised; in her impression, Hikaru wasn't someone who feared death. Jiraiya was even more direct, shaking his head and saying with disappointment, "Why report back to the village? Won't that mean letting the opportunity slip through our fingers?"

"Hahaha."

The Third Hokage laughed heartily, looking at Hikaru with a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. He was also curious how Hikaru would respond to Jiraiya's words.

Hikaru glanced at Jiraiya and replied unhurriedly, "Because I was ordered to carry out the mission."

Hikaru emphasized the words "ordered to carry out."

"Since I was ordered to carry out the mission, I must eliminate any factors that could lead to failure, including the base mentioned by the Hokage. Recording the coordinates and reporting back to the village is the most reasonable course of action."

"If a ninja doesn't even follow orders and likes to act recklessly, would the village dare to entrust him with important missions?"

"..."

Jiraiya's face turned bright red. With his last sentence, Hikaru had clearly implied that Jiraiya's actions were reckless!

Tsunade and Orochimaru were astonished, realizing Hikaru had thought much further ahead than they had, considering even this layer of complexity.

Ninjas were cultivated by the village with immense resources. If they didn't follow orders, would they be allowed to undertake critical missions?

Furthermore, rashly attacking an unknown enemy base could easily lead them into an ambush, potentially resulting in complete annihilation.

The village didn't train ninjas to be sent to their deaths.

"Hahaha... Well said."

Hikaru hadn't disappointed the Third Hokage. His primary purpose in asking was to see how the four of them would choose in such a situation.

In the end, only Hikaru had considered all aspects thoroughly. Orochimaru and Tsunade were commendable, while Jiraiya... was simply reckless.