"Sorry, Elder. I need to return to the village. Once I'm back, I'll ensure that Orochimaru and Jiraiya return to the camp to support you. You don't have to worry about the camp being weakened; it's only a matter of a few days."
Tsunade knew that while it was important to settle personal matters, she couldn't afford to mess around with the war.
Even if she returned to Konoha, she would make sure Orochimaru and Jiraiya went back to assist Hatake Sakumo.
"That's good to hear."
Hatake Sakumo and Nara Shikashige both let out a sigh of relief.
Although there was no shortage of jonin in the camp, what they truly lacked were the powerhouses who could sway the battlefield.
Sakumo was strong enough, but holding back the Third Kazekage was already a challenge, leaving him unable to do much more.
Luckily, Chiyo and her brother Ebizō had retired and returned to Sunagakure. If they had remained, the pressure on Konoha would have been even greater.
Let's just say that having Chiyo alone would have given Sakumo plenty of trouble.
"Well, I'll be on my way now."
With that, Tsunade swiftly departed, gathering her things to return to Konoha.
In the command center, the others exchanged glances. The meeting, as expected, couldn't continue.
"What is this mess? Why can't we just focus on finishing the war properly?"
Hatake Sakumo was visibly frustrated, slamming his hand on the table. As the frontline commander, he felt nothing but helplessness, having to endure this situation.
Yet, no matter how frustrated he was, there was nothing he could do but carry on. Even as commander, he had to follow orders from the higher-ups.
Despite being the commander, he couldn't give direct orders to people like Tsunade, and could only negotiate with them.
Thankfully, the Sannin respected Hatake Sakumo as a senior. If it were someone else in command, things might have been even more difficult.
No one dared to speak further. When matters involved the higher-ups, it was best not to say anything that could get them into trouble.
The next morning, Takuya arrived at the Hokage's office, knocking on the door for all to see.
"Come in."
The Third Hokage's voice was hoarse, and he looked worn out, his increasingly aged face showing signs of fatigue.
"Hokage-sama, here is my retirement request."
Takuya placed the application on the desk.
"I ask for your approval, Hokage-sama."
Seeing the application on the desk, the Third Hokage, already groggy from anger and lack of rest, felt a dull ache in his head. Rubbing his temples, he sighed.
"Takuya, I may have expressed myself poorly, but I had no intention of forcing you into retirement."
Takuya said nothing, simply turning and leaving the office.
Of course, you didn't want me to retire—you just wanted to target me while still hoping I'd keep working myself to death for the village.
It seems this misunderstanding will be hard to clear up!
The Third Hokage shook his head, filing the application away with the rest of the documents.
As for reviewing and approving it? That was out of the question.
"Go and summon Orochimaru and Jiraiya for me."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
An Anbu operative swiftly left to find Jiraiya and Orochimaru and deliver the message that the Hokage wanted to see them.
Orochimaru was in decent shape, despite having stayed up all night for his research, still looking sharp.
Jiraiya, on the other hand, wasn't so lucky. His hair was a mess, dark circles under his eyes showing he hadn't slept well at all.
After sending Nawaki back to the village, Jiraiya had gone to certain places that weren't appropriate for children, looking for some fun.
Since he couldn't gather research by peeping, he figured it was fine to pay for entertainment, right?
During his downtime, Jiraiya lived the high life—though it was hard on his wallet and his stamina.
Before he could fully enjoy himself, Minato had shown up. The events from yesterday had kept Jiraiya awake all night, leaving him half-dead by morning.
"Even when you're having fun, you should take care of yourself. You're going to end up dead because of women at this rate," Orochimaru commented dryly, glancing at Jiraiya.
"Shut up! I couldn't sleep because of that brat Takuya's situation, alright?" Jiraiya snapped, clearly annoyed.
Orochimaru smirked but didn't bother responding.
Look at you, all worn out, and you're trying to blame it on Takuya? I didn't sleep either, and I'm perfectly fine.
When they arrived at the Hokage's office, Orochimaru couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of the exhausted Third Hokage and Jiraiya, who looked like he had no energy left.
"Ahem, Jiraiya, you really should take it easy—you're still young," the Third Hokage said with concern, seeing how worse off Jiraiya looked than himself.
How many women did you entertain to end up like this?
It was too late for excuses. Jiraiya sighed in frustration, yawning as he asked, "Old man, let's keep this short. I didn't sleep a wink last night—I'm exhausted. What do you need from us?"
"Orochimaru, did Danzo give you any chakra metal?"
The Hokage's first question was directed at Orochimaru.
Orochimaru opened his hands and shook his head slightly.
So they found out about Danzo moving supplies around. No wonder the old man looks so haggard—there must have been quite the stir.
"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 Yagami Takuya'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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Check out my other translation, One Piece: The Strongest Female Pirate Crews. It's a book that was abandoned by the previous translator, and I'm currently working on it. The story is quite engaging!
This is a bonus chapter for reaching 400 Power Stones.
Next Bonus 900
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(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 290+ at patreon.com/ Emik01. Don't forget to give a power stone for many bonus chapters