In Konoha, I collected corpses on the battlefield for ten years

"Suspected to be a Jonin from Iwagakure, who, during a diversion, ambushed the Niotori Forest checkpoint, resulting in the deaths of two Konoha Chunin and serious injuries to the corpse collector, Maruyama Kazakaze. Afterward, that Iwagakure Jonin... disappeared without a trace?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi finished reading and glanced at Orochimaru.

Orochimaru's snake eyes gleamed with interest, and he licked his lips, saying in a hoarse voice, "According to Maruyama Kazakaze himself, that's what happened."

Others might not know, but Hiruzen Sarutobi and Orochimaru were both aware.

This wasn't the first time such a thing had occurred.

In the previous incident in the Land of Hot Water, Kirigakure Jonin Hakuya Chigiri had crossed Konoha's defensive line to ambush Kakashi's team, and Maruyama Kazakaze was the one who encountered him in the end.

But the results of the last time and this time were exactly the same.

Two opposing Jonin disappeared without a trace, and Konoha Genin Maruyama Kazakaze was seriously injured but survived.

If one time was a coincidence, then two times...

Hiruzen Sarutobi suppressed the speculation in his heart and gave Orochimaru a look, confirming that he understood, before continuing the meeting.

Such an important meeting would obviously not be interrupted by a mere Genin.

Although the outcome of the matter was somewhat abrupt, the clan leaders and elite Jonin were also somewhat surprised.

After all, it was very fortunate for a Genin to survive in the hands of a Jonin.

Those present were all Jonin and above, understanding the vast difference in strength between a Genin and a Jonin.

However, seeing that Hiruzen Sarutobi had no intention of delving deeper, no one said anything more, simply silently remembering the name "Maruyama Kazakaze".

They had noticed the look Hiruzen Sarutobi gave Orochimaru.

"Ahem, back to the topic, Shikaku, please continue."

Nara Shikaku nodded expressionlessly, showing no emotion at being interrupted, and used the time to refine his plan in his mind.

Surveying the crowd, he said in a deep voice, "I suggest that Konoha hold the Chunin Exams ahead of schedule!"

Chunin Exams!

As soon as these words came out, the people in the conference room widened their eyes, surprised by Nara Shikaku's proposal.

But after a moment's thought, they quickly understood the deeper meaning behind it.

Hiruzen Sarutobi revealed a look of understanding, tapped his pipe, and after a moment of contemplation, signaled Shikaku to continue.

"We can invite Kumogakure, Kirigakure, and Sunagakure."

Nara Shikaku spoke eloquently, confident in his plan.

The intention of not inviting Iwagakure alone...

"Kumogakure is nominally our ally. Although some time has passed, as long as that alliance treaty hasn't been torn up, they are still allies. We can use this opportunity to test their inclination. Kumogakure is also a party we can win over, after all, the feud between Kumogakure and Iwagakure is not small.

Kirigakure of the Land of Water has always been isolated, relying on the barrier of the sea and their aquatic combat advantages. They have more than enough self-preservation but lack the ability to launch external attacks. If we let them see the strength of Konoha, I think they would need to carefully consider whether to continue expanding the war.

As for Sunagakure, internal conflicts within Sunagakure have never disappeared. Resources are scarce, and their position is wavering. If we further communicate with them and try to relax some of the terms from the Second Shinobi World War, it may be possible to win them over.

We just need to worry about Chiyo, the elder of Sunagakure, she is the most steadfast 'pacifist'.

At the same time, we should also invite the surrounding smaller villages to determine their positions and give them a certain amount of deterrence."

He analyzed the potential effects of this Chunin Exam clearly, and explained the pros and cons very thoroughly.

In general, it is to win over some, deter some, and remain neutral with some.

With this approach, Konoha's pressure may be greatly reduced.

"Very good!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately approved the plan.

In fact, he had already discussed this plan with Nara Shikaku, but he needed a suitable occasion to present it.

After that, the tasks of each clan and department were divided and set.

With the general direction set, Hiruzen Sarutobi entrusted the planning of the smaller details entirely to Nara Shikaku.

After the meeting ended,

Hiruzen Sarutobi and Orochimaru, the teacher and disciple, walked along a river in Konoha.

"How long has it been since we took a walk like this, Orochimaru?" Hiruzen Sarutobi said with emotion.

The older one gets, the easier it is to recall past events, some beautiful things.

"Heh heh."

"......"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's forehead twitched. He was helpless against Orochimaru's cold nature.

Looking at Orochimaru, who had grown into someone capable of standing on his own, Hiruzen Sarutobi was still very gratified.

However, deep within his gratified eyes, there was a hint of worry.

And this worry, under the current harmonious teacher-student relationship, was actively and selectively forgotten by him.

"Tell me your opinion, Orochimaru."

Hiruzen Sarutobi stopped and stood by the river, smiling as he watched the children playing in the distance.

"War?" Orochimaru stood beside him and licked his lips.

Orochimaru was not particularly opposed to war.

"What's coming will always come, no one can stop it, just like people who are destined to die will die one day. Death doesn't show mercy," Orochimaru said indifferently.

Hiruzen Sarutobi knew that his disciple was obsessed with life and death.

But he didn't expect that his unrealistic obsession would not be dispelled by age, but instead would become deeper and deeper.

Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned, and after a moment of contemplation, he spoke again, "Talk about Kazakaze."

Speaking of Kazakaze, Orochimaru's interest suddenly rose.

"Two possibilities. One is that he is hiding his strength, and the other is that someone is helping him in the dark. This person may be a Konoha ninja, or a ninja from another village, or perhaps a wandering ninja," Orochimaru said directly.

"Hiding his strength?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi thought for a moment, then quickly shook his head.