"Chakra metal?"
Are you hiding something from me? Jiraiya thought, staring at Orochimaru, who had no intention of explaining further.
"I've stripped Koharu and Homura of their authority," the Third Hokage said, keeping his tone calm and controlled as he delivered the news.
Stripped them of their power?
Orochimaru was genuinely surprised. He hadn't expected the Third Hokage to go this far.
Was this because of the chakra metal?
It seems Danzo has kept a lot of things hidden.
Things were getting interesting.
For Danzo and the two elders, power was everything. Without it, their high-ranking status would be almost meaningless-an outcome far worse than death.
"What?"
Jiraiya's reaction was much stronger. His sleep-deprived self nearly jumped out of his chair, leaning over the desk as he exclaimed, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, old man! What's gotten into you? Why strip them of their power now? While I think you did the right thing, is this really the best time to do it?"
The Third Hokage shook his head.
"I didn't want to do this either, but they've been getting more and more reckless. If I don't rein them in now, I fear my position as Hokage will become nothing but a title."
"Enough about that."
Composing himself, the Third Hokage changed the subject, his face becoming more serious.
"The reason I've called you both here is not only to inform you that I will not approve Usagi Xin's retirement request, but also to ask that you return to the frontlines as soon as possible. With Tsunade leaving, the pressure on Sakumo will be immense."
Knowing that Tsunade would rush back as soon as she got the news, the Hokage needed to make arrangements in advance.
Like sending Orochimaru and Jiraiya back to the battlefield ahead of time.
"Understood."
Orochimaru agreed without hesitation.
Jiraiya, on the other hand, wore a pained expression, pleading, "Sensei, can I rest a few more days? Look at me-I'm about to collapse..."
"No."
The Hokage firmly denied Jiraiya's request.
"You have one day to rest. By tomorrow night, both of you must depart. This war has dragged on long enough, and if we keep stalling, we won't be able to handle it much longer. I hope you can understand my concerns."
"It's all for the village, I get it, I get it."
Jiraiya casually echoed the Hokage's usual mantra, leaving the Third Hokage momentarily speechless.
This guy's even quoting me now...
"Fine, I'll go. No need to look at me like that. Honestly, I'd rather leave anyway. If I stay,
Tsunade will come back, and you two will start fighting. I won't even know who to side with."
Since it was clear he had to return to the frontlines, Jiraiya decided to accept it. The Hokage clearly wasn't going to let him stay in the village.
And if Orochimaru was going, so was he.
At least with Orochimaru going too, things felt more balanced in Jiraiya's mind.
"Alright then, old man, I'm off."
Jiraiya waved dismissively, deciding that he'd go home to get some sleep first. Otherwise, he might collapse on the way to the front.
Man, my back...
I really should take it easy next time. Otherwise, I'll wear myself out. "Orochimaru, I don't know what deal Danzo has offered you, but let me warn you-don't accept any of his terms. As for Nawaki's weapon, I'll handle that."
...
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