Orochimaru's lips curled into a slight, mocking smile as he observed Danzo. This outcome was exactly what he had expected.
Jiraiya, however, could barely contain his frustration, his brow furrowing as he pressed the issue.
As soon as Jiraiya spoke, the expressions of several Jonin in the room darkened. Like Jiraiya, they hoped for an end to the war as soon as possible.
The Land of Fire was currently in turmoil, with Sunagakure's forces causing trouble everywhere. Ending the conflict with Amegakure quickly seemed like the best option. But Danzo clearly had no intention of allowing that.
"Are you questioning my judgment?" Danzo's tone grew sharp as he glared at Jiraiya, his pride wounded by the public challenge to his authority.
Here we go, just as I expected, Tsunade thought with a disdainful chuckle, folding her arms and choosing to remain silent.
Despite his reluctance to argue with Danzo, Jiraiya pressed on, his voice steady but earnest. "Lord Danzo, I'm not questioning your judgment. I merely think it would be wise to send someone to gauge Amegakure's willingness to negotiate. If they refuse, then Konoha will continue the war to its conclusion."
Are we, the most powerful of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, really afraid of a small village like Amegakure?
"I will personally see to it that someone contacts Amegakure. Do you have any other concerns?" Danzo's face was a mask of irritation.
Jiraiya shook his head. "No, Lord Danzo. I leave it in your hands."
"Then this meeting is adjourned. Everyone, return to your posts and ensure the enemy does not catch us off guard," Danzo ordered, effectively dismissing the room.
The assembled ninja rose and began filing out of the command center.
"Prepare yourselves. This will be a long and grueling conflict," Orochimaru remarked, his smile never reaching his eyes, the sarcasm in his voice unmistakable.
Anyone could tell whom his words were aimed at.
Jiraiya, exasperated, thought to himself, If you had something to say, why didn't you speak up earlier? What good does it do to say it now?
"I'm going to make arrangements at the Medical Corps," Tsunade announced, her mood sour. She had no intention of staying in the camp any longer. Just looking at Danzo's scheming face made her feel stifled. It would be better to be out on the battlefield.
"You're not staying?" Orochimaru asked with his usual smirk.
Tsunade shot him a frosty glare. "I'm this close to smashing that smirk off your face."
Why hit me? I didn't do anything, Orochimaru thought, raising his hands in mock innocence. Jiraiya chuckled nervously, taking a few steps back.
The last thing he wanted was to provoke Tsunade in her current state. He knew better than to risk getting punched.
....
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