In Konoha, they wiped out the Sarutobi clan at the start.

Chapter 160 Kakashi's Choice

Upon hearing Qianye's words, Kakashi seemed to have thought of something, frowned, and suddenly asked, "Can I understand this as the Sand Village starting the Chunin Exams ahead of schedule?"

It was because Sunagakure and Orochimaru's Sound Village were in cahoots, and Orochimaru was worried that Jiraiya and Tsunade would return to Konoha and hinder their actions.

Or perhaps, as you said, Orochimaru wanted to give the Third Hokage a dignified death before Tsunade returned.

So, are you starting the Chunin Exams early?

"You only guessed half of it correctly," Qianye chuckled.

Hearing this, Kakashi was even more confused. Then Chiya said, "Kakashi, you must know about the intricacies between Sunagakure and Konoha. Because of the alliance between Konoha and Sunagakure, the Daimyo of the Land of Wind entrusted more responsibilities to Konoha, causing Sunagakure's economy to plummet. They had no choice but to reduce their military strength."

"It even got to the point where they had the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, sell his weapon, Gold Dust. It wouldn't be surprising if they joined forces with Orochimaru to attack Konoha in order to protect Sunagakure."

"But unfortunately, that kid Rasa and that old guy Hiruzen Sarutobi are the same type of people. They're good at internal fighting, but when it comes to external affairs, they're nothing. They're incredibly naive."

"He actually believed Orochimaru's nonsense and foolishly led a few of his men to the border of the Land of Fire to meet Orochimaru."

"The result is obvious: they were already eliminated before the Chunin Exams. The one issuing the orders to Sunagakure now is just Orochimaru using a special ninjutsu to disguise himself in Rasa's skin."

"Orochimaru may be a rogue ninja and have no attachment to Konoha, but he will never let the Sand Village get away with this. What he wants is to make Konoha, which was frozen because of Hiruzen Sarutobi, turn again, not to destroy the windmill itself."

"It's more accurate to say that Orochimaru himself made the request rather than Sunagakure asking Konoha to start the Chunin Exams early."

"Jiraiya and Tsunade are already on their way back to Konoha. They should arrive by tomorrow night at the latest. Orochimaru timed their return perfectly, which is why he chose to start the Chunin Exams tomorrow."

"This way, I can fulfill my teacher's wish, allowing him to die protecting Konoha in the name of Hokage and hero, without causing Konoha's complete destruction. At the same time, I can demonstrate my strength to Sasuke, thus achieving my goal of kidnapping him later."

"A triple win, Orochimaru. And he also gets to benefit from the Third Hokage's teachings. They really are master and disciple."

"Furthermore, Jiraiya was well aware of this, because he would never intervene before Orochimaru and the Third Hokage had settled their differences."

"In other words, rather than calling this a disaster for Konoha, it's more accurate to say it was a farce between the Third Hokage and Orochimaru, master and disciple. And the price of this farce was that Konoha was mostly destroyed, and countless Sunagakure and Konoha ninjas were killed or wounded."

"The crisis you are about to face may seem fraught with danger, but it is nothing more than a farce deliberately created by Hiruzen Sarutobi to give his 'what he considers a wonderful' life a perfect ending."

"In Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart, you so-called Konoha ninjas are nothing. After all, in that old man's heart, including himself, the only people who can be called heroes are the dead."

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire large medical ward fell silent, the room deathly still.

The four of them, including Kakashi, turned pale and instantly began to question their existence.

If what Qianye said is true.

So what about these Konoha ninjas who will die in the flames of war tomorrow? What are they doing dying?

And what are we going to die for?

Was it merely to facilitate the farce between Hiruzen Sarutobi and Orochimaru, this master-disciple pair?

After a long pause, Kakashi was the first to react, looking at Chiyo again with a complex expression in his eyes:

"You said the Third Hokage's goal was to secure a good reputation for himself, both before and after his death. Orochimaru wanted to give the Third Hokage a respectable life, while simultaneously showcasing his own power, kidnapping Sasuke, and getting Konoha's windmill turning again. So what is your goal?"

Chiya smiled faintly and replied, "It's probably just for fun. Whenever I see that old man, the Third Hokage, getting so angry he's grinding his teeth, I can't help but feel happy."

"Playing?" Kakashi frowned. "Then why are you telling us all this? Someone like you shouldn't be so kind as to come and remind us of these things."

Chiya chuckled, "There are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests. I think I've already said it, I'm here to help you. I can't stand Hiruzen Sarutobi and don't want that old guy to die so easily. And it just so happens that you few are ninjas who genuinely love Konoha and don't want this village to suffer. Therefore, I've come here specifically to seek your cooperation. Is that reason sufficient?"

In fact, he had two reasons he didn't mention. One was that Kurenai had used all her strength to satisfy him in bed last night, which led to her request.

Another reason was that he didn't want his wife, Tsunade, to inherit a Konoha that was a mess, just like in the original story.

At least, his precious daughter, Chika, will live here in the future.

Kakashi took a deep breath. "How do we cooperate?"

Might Guy chimed in, "Hey, Kakashi, do you really believe what this guy says? He's..."

"Kai, let him finish speaking first." Kakashi interrupted Might Guy, staring at Chiya. "Besides, this guy doesn't seem to be here to discuss things with us."

"It's so refreshing to talk to smart people." Chiya smiled and stroked his chin. "Let's be frank. I can provide you with evidence that the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, is dead, so that you can avoid a pointless battle with Sunagakure in tomorrow's Chunin Exams."

"Without the Fourth Kazekage, Sunagakure will pose no threat to Konoha. In order to protect itself, Sunagakure will probably restore its previous alliance with Konoha."

Kakashi frowned and asked, "So, what do you need us to do?"

"I don't need to do anything, and I don't need you to do anything either. Just make Hiruzen Sarutobi die at Orochimaru's hands like a clown jumping around. It's that simple." Chiya shrugged slightly, his right hand forming a symbolic hand seal, and his body slowly transformed into cherry blossom petals.

Seeing that Chiya was about to disappear, Kakashi hurriedly shouted, "Wait a minute!"

"Don't worry, I'll be there in person for the Chunin Exams tomorrow to see what this so-called strongest Hokage of all time is really capable of. I'll also hand over the evidence of Rasa's death to you then. But if any of you intend to tip off the Third Hokage, then I'll let you have your way and let you fight Sunagakure to the death."

After leaving those words, Qianye's figure completely disappeared from the hospital.

P.S.: Third update. Please vote with recommendation tickets and monthly tickets!

(End of this chapter)