They are the most loyal supporters of Third Hokage, and they will naturally tend to Orochimaru, the disciple of Third, and Minato Namikaze, the next generation, although they are more optimistic about Minato Namikaze, but both of them belong to Hokage Faction after all. In fact, they all know that Danzo is the one who poses the greatest threat to Hokage Position and has the greatest ambition!
This is also the reason why Shikaku Nara took Minato Namikaze everywhere during this period.
Senju Chen's words seem to be expressing his concerns, but in fact they are reminding them - be careful of Danzo! If you are determined to support Minato, if you fight with Orochimaru's supporters and both sides suffer, the person who finally takes over may be the person you least want to see!
"Kid, you really think too much." Shikaku Nara regained his lazy look and waved his hand, "Okay, we understand what you mean. We will consider it carefully. It's getting late, go back and rest."
Senju Chen knows, just click to the end. When dealing with smart people, speaking too clearly will arouse resentment.
The purpose of his trip was not to persuade Ino-Shika-Cho to support Orochimaru, that is unrealistic. His purpose was to use the common threat of "Danzo" to plant a thorn in their hearts, so that they had to be distracted and vigilant when supporting Minato Namikaze, and even made some compromises at critical moments in order to stop Danzo.
That's enough.
In the following time, Senju Chen visited Aburame, Inuzuka Clan and other families one after another. Like a tireless messenger, he spread the news of the Senju Clan's "neutrality" to all the important families of Konoha.
This also established his identity as the leader of Senju Faction.
Everywhere he went, he was humble and courteous and spoke sincerely.
But at the same time, he will inadvertently reveal some explicit or implicit information based on the characteristics and demands of different families, or arouse their worries about the future, or arouse their desire for power.
He even went to meet Pervy Sage Jiraiya.
Different from the solemnity of the major families, Jiraiya's place was in chaos as if it had been looted by bandits. Scattered scrolls, empty wine bottles and crumpled manuscript papers covered the entire room, and the air was filled with a strange smell of alcohol and ink.
Jiraiya was sitting cross-legged on the porch, with a plate of peanuts and pouring himself a drink. When he saw Senju Chen coming to the door with a gift, he just lazily raised his eyelids.
"Hey, isn't this the busy man of our Senju Clan? Why, he has leveled the threshold of all the major families and finally thinks of me, a lonely old man?"
There was a bit of ridicule in his words, but those eyes that had seen everything in the world were calmly examining the young man in front of him.
Almost ten years.
Jiraiya sighed in his heart. The little guy who was hiding behind Tsunade and timidly holding Tsunade's thigh is now tall and straight, with a calm demeanor between his brows that cannot be ignored. There are so many miracles that have happened to him in these years that Jiraiya once doubted whether there was any deviation in Great Toad Sage's prediction.
"Lord Jiraiya was joking." Senju Chen put the gift aside and sat down opposite him very naturally, "You are much more comfortable here than those places."
Jiraiya snorted and poured him a cup of tea, "Don't do this. Tell me, what's the matter? If you are here to be a lobbyist for Orochimaru, you can leave as soon as you finish the cup of tea."
He pointed to his Forehead Protector.
"My Jiraiya position has never changed. Minato is the Hokage I recognize."
Senju Chen picked up the teacup, and the heat filled his brows.
"I'm not here for the teacher." He paused and asked softly, "I just want to ask for my sister, Lord Jiraiya, how are you... lately?"
Tsunade.
This name was like a key, instantly opening the softest line of defense in Jiraiya's heart. The cynicism on his face faded a bit, he grabbed the wine bottle and took a big sip, his Adam's apple rolling.
"How... is she?"
"Sister is very good, but there are still some things to deal with outside. She will be back when she is finished." Senju Chen's answer was impeccable.
Jiraiya was silent, his eyes were a little wandering, as if he was remembering a lot of the past.
Senju Chen felt that the heat was almost over, so he spoke slowly, "Sister asked me to come back this time. In addition to handling family affairs, I also determined Senju Clan's attitude in this Hokage election."
Jiraiya's eyes focused on his face again.
"We, Senju Clan, remain neutral." Senju Chen looked directly at him, "No matter who becomes Fourth's target in the end, Senju Clan will fully support it."
"Neutral?" Jiraiya sneered, as if he heard some big joke, "This is not a decision that the hot-tempered girl Tsunade would make. Kid, is this your idea?"
"That's what my sister means." Senju Chen's expression did not change at all. "My sister said that she has lost relatives and lovers because of her willfulness. She does not want to see Senju Clan involved in any political struggle that may lead to division. She said, Senju, can no longer bear any loss."
Jiraiya's hand holding the wine glass stopped in mid-air.
He knew better than anyone how much trauma Nawaki and Duan's death had brought to Tsunade. That fear and avoidance were the eternal pain in her heart.
Using this reason to explain "neutrality" is impeccable.
Jiraiya looked at the young man in front of him, with mixed feelings in his heart. He thought of his disciple Minato Namikaze, who was as warm and cheerful as the sun, which he identified as "Child of Prophecy". But look at Senju Chen again, with this mind, this method, this forbearance... How could he not have the potential to become a generational hero?
Will Toad Sage's prediction be wrong?
"I understand." After a long while, Jiraiya uttered three words in a dull voice, and drank the wine in the glass. "You've got the words, let's go back."
"Lord Jiraiya, I'll take my leave now."
In fact, Jiraiya is just doing this for outsiders to see, because Senju Chen knows that Jiraiya will never take sides with Shimura Danzō.
Senju Chen stood up, bowed respectfully, turned and left.
At the last stop, he came to the Sarutobi Clan's clan.
Gate of Opening is the wife of Biwako Sarutobi, Third Hokage. This old lady looks kind-hearted, but her eyes are extremely sharp.
"It's Little Chen, it's so late, come in quickly."
Facing this nominal "grandmother", Senju Chen behaved more and more respectfully. He politely reported Senju Clan's decision to remain neutral and reported to Biwako. His words were full of respect for Third Hokage.
Biwako Sarutobi listened quietly without interrupting. It was not until Senju Chen finished speaking that she slowly spoke, "Tsunade, that kid finally knows how to think about his family. This is a good thing."
Her tone was very calm, and there was no hint of emotion or anger.
"This is what a sister should do." Senju Chen lowered his head, "No matter who becomes Fourth, Senju Clan, will be Lord Hokage's most solid backing."
"Okay, what a 'solid backing'." Biwako Sarutobi nodded and took a deep look at him, "I will pass on your words to Hiruzen. It's late at night, go back."
Coming out of Sarutobi Clan Compound, Senju Chen let out a long breath.
In one day, visit Konoha all the wealthy families.
In the name of Senju, he carried out evil deeds. On the surface, he declared neutrality and no one could be offended; secretly, he used power and tactics to pull the heartstrings of every chess piece, clearing countless potential obstacles for Orochimaru to ascend to power. The most important thing was to make Shimura Danzō isolated and helpless.
From today on, Konoha High Command, no one will dare to treat him, Senju Chen, as a child.
"Let's go, Grandpa Kosuke." Senju Chen raised his head and looked at the waning moon, with a cold arc at the corner of his mouth.
"Everything that needs to be done is done. Next, it's time to go back and wait for Shisui Uchiha."