Upon hearing this, the tall and stout Torifu Akimichi waved to the pineapple-headed man in the head seat, then picked up the teacup on the table and drank it all in one gulp.
He put down his teacup, closed his eyes with a heavy heart, and looked up at the patterns on the ceiling of the outer corridor.
He really didn't know how to explain it.
Ino-Shika-Cho, Ino-Shika-Cho!
People who hear this name for the first time will instinctively mistake the obese Akimichi for a pig.
But who would have thought that the Yamanaka who manipulated mental Secret Technique was actually the real pig!
Speaking of which, this combination of names was decided by our ancestors.
Besides targeting newcomers, is there also a veiled mockery of the Yamanaka Clan?
The Nara Clan Head, who had overheard the conversation between the two, was inwardly filled with complaints.
He was puzzled; this was someone who played with Secret Technique and emotions.
Why are people so silly in real life?
Moreover, it seems that the stronger Yamanaka Clan is, the simpler their mind becomes in daily life.
If they hadn't been allies for five hundred years, he would have seriously doubted whether this phenomenon was caused by some Secret Technique.
Seeing Torifu's attitude, the Yamanaka Clan Head knew he had guessed wrong again.
So he habitually turned his gaze to the first seat.
Noticing the gaze of his allies, the Nara Clan Head picked up the teapot and poured water into three empty cups, explaining as the tea flowed, "After today, those smaller clans caught in the middle will be the first to react. We missed the chance to offer timely help to the Senju, so there's no need to rush to add to their already splendid situation."
"Since the gains this time aren't significant, we just need to remain neutral, wait for the situation to change, and then choose sides at the very end."
"As for why they didn't side with Sarutobi and choose the greater benefit, the price for the Uchiha to join the crew was the Hokage Position. Do you think Sarutobi and the others had anything better?"
"And look at the Clan on Sarutobi's side! It's like a huge, wrecked ship. If you stand on it, you might not even make it to shore before it sinks!"
At this point, I looked at my friend's eyes, which were sometimes clear-headed and sometimes puzzled.
The Nara Clan Head put down the teapot, placed his hands on his thighs, and solemnly instructed, "You can take your time to think and observe, but remember, after you return, you and the Yamanaka Clan must not reveal any attitude or intention."
"We'll include the person in the Yamanaka in all the follow-up arrangements and specific tasks. If you don't understand, just follow the instructions!"
Upon hearing this, the light blond-haired Yamanaka Clan Head nodded readily and replied with a smile, "Alright!"
2:20 PM.
The Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had received intelligence while on patrol, rushed back to his office on the top floor of the building, which was shaped like a rice cooker.
Looking at the Wood Release artifact on his desk, ignoring his two waiting friends, he picked it up and began to examine it carefully.
After a long while, he severed the Chakra and put down the Wood Release creation in his hand.
A slight smile involuntarily appeared on his face beneath the red fire-patterned conical hat.
Only after confirming the information was true did he have time to remove his straw hat and cloak.
Looking at Shimura Danzō was unusually gloomy, and Utatane Koharu, who had been extremely busy lately and rarely smiled, he noticed the change in his demeanor at the tea table.
He stepped forward, sat in the head seat, and said with a smile, "This is good news, but also bad news."
"Some of the less powerful clans might be considering defecting there soon!"
"The people we assessed today performed very poorly!"
Upon hearing this, Utatane Koharu's smile slowly faded.
The aroma of food lingered in her mouth as she frowned and pondered for a moment before saying, "Those smaller clans aren't much of a threat, as long as the Ino-Shika-Cho and the Hyūga remain inactive."
"Our people aren't weak, but compared to Wood Release, they're still somewhat lacking. Losing is normal."
"However, even the Uchiha with Two-Tomoe lost. Hiruzen, your Wood Release is growing at a fast pace!"
The two nodded in agreement with their friend's point of view.
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a sip of tea to moisten his throat, which was dry from the journey, before laughing and saying, "I know all that. I don't blame them, and we don't need to pay attention to those small clans."
"As for the growth rate of Wood Release, that's normal. With so many resources accumulated by the Senju, it's hard for Jonin to grow slowly."
"Don't act rashly yet, just keep observing. He's very different from Lord Hashirama, which is good news. However, since it's Wood Release, we'll wait until he leaves the village at the end of next year before slowly looking for an opportunity!"
He said the last sentence while staring at his one-eyed friend on his left.
Because this is the only person who would do something reckless.
Noticing Hiruzen's gaze, she understood the meaning of his words.
Wearing his Combat Uniform today Shimura Danzō thought for a moment and said in a deep voice, "Although his potential isn't like Hashirama's, reaching Kage Level shouldn't be a problem. It's normal for him to be fast before Jonin, but I'm worried that he'll Jonin. If he really reaches Kage level, then it will be difficult to handle!"
"If you have any plans, start preparing them as soon as possible, or you might end up causing trouble later."
"Don't worry, I definitely won't make a move for at least six months after leaving the village. He's followed by Senju Tsukika, who's not someone you can easily deal with."
Hearing his friend's words, Hiruzen Sarutobi put aside his worries and nodded with a smile.
He did have a plan, but whether it would be launched within six months of leaving the village depended on the specific circumstances.
However, even if he was Jonin at the time of his Wood Release, he was still accompanied by Senju Tsukika.
With the Kumogakure Barbarians as their henchmen, these are all minor matters.
As for whether they will give up the fight because their Wood Release is inferior to Hashirama's?
Ha... Given their blood feud, they certainly wouldn't mind eliminating a future Kage of the Senju ahead of time.
Even if we are being watched and unable to act, we will still be able to send out enough combat power.
There are only a few Kage among the Four Clans, but quite a few Jonin!
"Knock knock knock!"
Just as the group finished discussing the recent urgent matters, there was a gentle knock on the door.
Upon hearing the voice and glancing at the wall clock, Hiruzen Sarutobi instantly guessed who it was.
He closed the File beside him, turned to look at the door, and said, "Come in!"
Upon hearing the answer, Jiraiya, pushed open the door and went in first.
After being dragged out of the barbecue restaurant at noon, Orochimaru told his friend about his guesses and discoveries.
Unfortunately, Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't in the village at the time, otherwise the two of them would have already come knocking on their door.
Seeing that there were still two hours left, Jiraiya had no choice but to patiently treat his injuries first.
Then, together with Orochimaru, they searched for their former companions and acquaintances, hoping to learn from them the general cause and course of events.
Unexpectedly, they only found two people.
The whole story has now been clarified.
Only then did they realize just how deep the conflict between them truly was.
It was at this moment that Jiraiya finally understood Uka Senju's actions.
You've already crossed the line, and you're at their mercy; do you really expect them to spare your life?
In particular, that Chunin provoked them multiple times.
Using this as an excuse to kill your entire family is the normal course of events in the Shinobi World!