Not quite—it's more like hoping Tsunade wouldn't break too many things.
What kind of conditions could the Sand Village propose that the Third Hokage couldn't accept, yet couldn't refuse?
Thinking back to the Sand Village's current situation, Takuya considered the hefty war reparations.
Could it be that they got rid of the war reparations?
After all, Konoha was short on funds and resources. If those were to be canceled, the villagers and countless shinobi would certainly cause a commotion.
If that were the case, this could become a big deal.
It wasn't that Takuya liked to think maliciously, but the Third Hokage had done similar things in the original story.
To end the war and win over the Sand Village, he hadn't imposed any harsh terms on them. Simply put, Konoha didn't gain any benefit.
And with the Stone Village, it was even worse.
The Stone Village refused to acknowledge any war reparations, saying, "If you have the guts, keep fighting and see who gives in first."
In the end, Konoha got nothing, and the war ended in a disastrous defeat.
"Hopefully, it's a pleasant surprise," Takuya said.
Tsunade didn't catch the nuance in Takuya's words and added, "The problem is that the Sand Village is just too poor. It seems like they have nothing worthwhile to offer Konoha. Recovering war reparations or compensation will be difficult for them, and Konoha might even have to rally the daimyo's support to help the Sand Village."
"Cough, cough!!"
Takuya nearly choked on his drink.
Support the Sand Village?
Hopefully, you won't want to destroy them instead.
"What? Did I say something wrong?"
Tsunade looked at Takuya strangely, a little annoyed. She was trying to analyze the situation, so why was he coughing?
"You're right, you're absolutely right," Takuya quickly replied, brushing her off.
He had no interest in arguing with Tsunade over this. It would be better if the Third Hokage handled it with her—they could shout until they were both red in the face, and it would certainly be amusing.
I suspect you're thinking about something bad, but I have no proof.
Anyway, let's eat and drink first!
We can deal with everything else when the old man returns.
The news of the end of the war between Konoha and the Sand Village quickly spread from Konoha as its center.
Tsunade immediately relayed the news to the coastal battlefield, intending to use this good news to boost the morale of Konoha's shinobi.
It was indeed a shot in the arm for Konoha.
In the coastal camp, the announcement brought cheers from the shinobi.
However, as the commander, Orochimaru felt the pressure grow.
The war with the Mist Village had started before the Sand Village conflict, and despite the lengthy duration, there was still no sign of victory. Meanwhile, the Sand Village war, which had started afterward, had ended in no time.
If this had been in ordinary times, it wouldn't have mattered. Even if Orochimaru had been given the assignment by the village, the lengthy delay wouldn't have reflected too poorly on him as long as he hadn't made any serious mistakes that led to major losses for Konoha.
But everything changed once Orochimaru and Tsunade started competing for the position of Hokage candidate.
People couldn't help but compare the two.
And then the problems started arising.
Orochimaru was frustrated, but few knew about it, with Jiraiya being one of the exceptions.
Jiraiya, however, chose to feign ignorance, continuing with his duties as if he knew nothing.
Whether it was Tsunade or Orochimaru who became the Hokage candidate, Jiraiya wouldn't oppose it.
But he also wouldn't openly support either of them.
The war against the Mist Village was under Orochimaru's command, while the war with the Sand Village had been led by Tsunade. The result? One battle turned into a grueling meat grinder, with heavy casualties on both sides.
Despite Konoha holding the geographic advantage, they still couldn't bring down the Mist Village.
On the other hand, the Sand Village barely had time to make waves before the Third Kazekage died.
From there, everything fell apart. The Sand Village surrendered messily, peace talks began, and the war ended.
Everything happened so quickly and smoothly.
It was over so fast that even the other villages hadn't had time to react before it was all wrapped up.
Anyone with eyes could see where the difference lay between the two wars.
The Mist Village was fighting to the death against Konoha.
In contrast, the Sand Village crumbled quickly. After Rasa was captured, Chiyo was forced to bow for the sake of the village's future and initiate peace talks.
That was something you would never see with the Mist Village—unless someone assassinated the Third Mizukage and a new leader rose to power.
The new leader would likely end the pointless war in order to solidify their own position and stabilize the village.
People with insight could understand these dynamics, but ordinary shinobi and villagers wouldn't care. All they saw was that the war Tsunade led ended quickly, while Orochimaru's campaign turned into a bloody meat grinder, costing the lives of many shinobi and consuming a significant amount of village resources.
The villagers who had lost loved ones would grow even more resentful.
Soon enough, unfavorable rumors about Orochimaru were bound to surface.
This made Orochimaru's burden heavier and his pressure more intense.
Fortunately, Orochimaru's luck wasn't too bad. Soon, the focus of the public's attention would shift—from him to the Third Hokage.
Due to the large number of people, the significant amount of supplies, and the many wounded who had difficulty moving, it took four days for the returning troops to finally reach Konoha from the border.
A large crowd of villagers and shinobi gathered at the village entrance, lining the streets to welcome the return of the army.
As always, Takuya chose not to join in this kind of excitement.
Amidst the cheers, the Third Hokage assigned the remaining work and returned to his office.
Tsunade, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado had been waiting for some time.
They were all eager to hear the details of the negotiations between Konoha and the Sand Village and to learn about the terms that had been agreed upon.
The Third Hokage's vague announcement had not only made Tsunade uncomfortable; even the Council of Elders was feeling uneasy.
Could there be some untold secret behind this?
Otherwise, why all the secrecy? Why not just announce it?
"Thank you for all your efforts."
The Third Hokage smiled as he sat down, removed his hat, and set it on the desk. Unable to hold back any longer, he pulled out his pipe, lit it, and took a few puffs.
Tsunade stood with her arms crossed, leaning against the wall, waiting.
Koharu and Homura also waited for the Third Hokage to explain how the negotiations had gone.
None of the three responded to the Hokage's polite words.
How should he begin?
Under their intense stares, the Third Hokage found it hard to start.
After all, he had made considerable concessions in these negotiations—concessions so significant that they were enough to shock anyone.
He could accept such terms, but that didn't mean Tsunade and the Council would.
But it was all over now.
Even if Tsunade and the Council couldn't accept it, there was nothing they could do.
"Ahem!!"
After satisfying his craving for tobacco, the Third Hokage put down his pipe, folded his hands together, and glanced at the three of them before opening his mouth—only to hesitate again.
What is wrong with Hiruzen?
Homura glanced at Koharu, who gave him a sour look in return.
You're asking me? Who should I ask?
I'd love to find someone to ask what's up with him—he's been beating around the bush, keeping us in suspense.
"Bang!!!"
The loud noise startled both of them. After waiting for so long, Tsunade finally lost her patience and slammed her hand on the desk. Veins bulged on her forehead as she gritted her teeth, "Old man, enough already. Just say it! You're even more hesitant than a woman."
"..."
Fine, let it be.
The truth couldn't be hidden—if he didn't say it, the Sand Village would announce it themselves to prevent Konoha from backing out.
With a long sigh, the Third Hokage finally took out the peace and alliance documents signed with Chiyo and handed them to Tsunade.
"How odd."
Snatching the papers, Tsunade muttered as she opened them.
Koharu reluctantly pulled her hand back, as she had wanted to grab the papers herself.
In the past, she would have been the first to take them, but now things had changed.
"Boom!!!"
Still fuming, she was startled by a sudden explosion. Homura looked over in bewilderment.
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Next Bonus: 1000
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