“Speaking of which, the Sarutobi clan.

"In terms of territory, population, and strength.

"In fact, it's almost considered the largest family in Konoha, right?"

"Ah, I should.

“I guess so.”

Jiraiya was a little surprised that Uchiha Sasuke suddenly mentioned this.

But he finally thought about it for a moment and gave an affirmative answer.

"But whether we were discussing expanding the army or reducing the number of teams, we never mentioned them.

"Instead, we have always been talking about the six major families."

Uchiha Sasuke said calmly.

On the other side, Jiraiya roughly understood what Sasuke meant.

I saw a trace of embarrassment flash across his face, and he responded:

"yes."

After hesitating for a moment, Jiraiya finally spoke again:

“After all, they are the family of the Third Hokage.

“No.

"No, wait and see."

In fact, Jiraiya had thought about what Sasuke pointed out.

But on the other hand, the Sarutobi clan was a Konoha clan that rose to prominence in a short period of time during the reign of the Third Hokage.

The six major families joined the village and established their corresponding status during the early days of Konoha.

Therefore, there is no corresponding position for the Sarutobi clan in the political structure of the village.

The clan leader, formerly the Hokage himself, is now an elite jonin.

The whole clan acts in a low profile and has a loose organization.

Moreover, unlike the Inuzuka clan who specializes in ninja dogs, the Yamanaka clan specializes in the perception system.

There is no specific system or responsibilities for the members of the Sarutobi clan.

Instead, it has fully infiltrated every field of Konoha, which makes it a bit like being in the dark under the lamp.

On the other hand, it has to be said.

Jiraiya is also a man who remembers the old relationship between him and the Third Hokage, the master and disciple.

Seeing his master's embarrassed look, Uchiha Sasuke didn't know what to say.

The two chatted for a while and talked about the recent expansion of ninjutsu in the village.

While they were talking, they heard knocking on the door again.

The one who came this time was Nara Shikamaru.

"Hokage-sama, are you looking for me?"

Shikamaru walked into the room and glanced at Uchiha Sasuke who was standing beside him.

He just nodded stiffly as a greeting.

He then turned around and spoke respectfully to Jiraiya.

"The matter of the Sand Village has been handed over to you for some time.

"Is there any result?"

Jiraiya asked.

“I have roughly sorted out some ideas.”

Nara Shikamaru spoke in a calm tone:

“However, you mentioned it that day.

"For this matter, we need to first listen to the opinion of Uchiha Sasuke himself.

"so."

"Here, the person is right here, just tell him yourself~"

Jiraiya smiled and raised his chin towards Uchiha Sasuke, signaling him to quickly tell Shikamaru his decision.

"not interested."

On this side, Uchiha Sasuke spoke briefly and shook his head indifferently.

Nara Shikamaru was stunned for a moment, but soon regained his composure.

Honestly, no matter what reaction Sasuke gave, Shikamaru would not be happy.

If he agreed to this marriage, Shikamaru would naturally find it hard to accept.

But if it is rejected, I will feel relieved.

But what this reveals is that Shikamaru would also feel uncomfortable when the girl he cherishes is rejected and despised by others.

Fortunately, Nara Shikamaru is not an emotional guy.

He just nodded, turned to face the Hokage again, bowed and said:

"Well, regarding the invitation from the Sand Village, I have three options for you to discuss and choose from, Hokage."

"Oh? Please speak."

Jiraiya couldn't help but become interested. He leaned forward and put on a serious look as if he was listening attentively.

Here, Nara Shikamaru gave a sharp analysis:

"This secret letter contains a fake marriage proposal, but a genuine letter seeking talents."

After a pause, Shikamaru said calmly:

“As we all know, for the Hidden Ninja Village, especially if it wants to maintain its status as one of the five major ninja villages, there are two things that are indispensable.

“First, the top combat power is generally the shadow of a village.

"The second is the corresponding land, as well as the recognition and authorization from the daimyo of the country behind it."

Uchiha Sasuke was immediately shocked when he heard this.

Shikamaru's analysis coincided with his previous thoughts about the "Wind, Fire and Water" alliance.

Sasuke slightly turned his body and looked at Shikamaru, also pretending to listen attentively.

"Right now, the Sand Village has experienced three severe blows, namely, defeat at the hands of Konoha, the escape of the Jinchūriki, and the surprise attack by the Akatsuki organization. Its national strength has long been exhausted.

"Among all this, the biggest impact is the discontinuity and scarcity of top combat power.

"And this is the important reason why the other party wants to absorb Uchiha Sasuke-sama."

Nara Shikamaru concluded.

"So, what are the three options you mentioned?"

Jiraiya continued to ask.

"The best strategy is to politely reject the other party's request. Also, pretend to be ignorant of the above-mentioned predicament of the Sand Village.

"Then, find an opportunity to prepare to establish a special Sand Village guard unit in Konoha.

“If necessary, we can keep a permanent garrison in the Sand Village.

“Digest, absorb.

“The advantage of this plan is that it allows us to always take the initiative.

"Moreover, there is ample time and subsequent policies will be more flexible."

Jiraiya's eyes flickered, and his expression was unclear whether he was sad or happy. He nodded and said:

"continue."

"As for the middle strategy."

Chapter 323 Negotiation

On this side, Nara Shikamaru remained expressionless as he continued to report:

"Send a trustworthy ninja to the Sand Village to assist in the garrison.

“Since the other party is so eager to have a super strong person.

"Well, we might as well actually give them one."

On the other side, Jiraiya frowned, confused, and motioned for Shikamaru to speak more clearly.

Shikamaru continued:

“Marriage is certainly one of the options.

“But there are many other ways to achieve similar results.

"For example, the 'dual leadership core' organizational system of the Hidden Mist Village.

“Or, rent first and then borrow, employ trade.

"In short, the key point is to meet the security demands of Sunagakure.

"But the specific path to achieve this can be discussed openly with the Sunagakure side."

“You mean, just satisfy the other party’s request directly.

"Will Konoha send people to join the Sand Village for free?"

Hearing this, Jiraiya frowned even deeper and opened his mouth to raise his doubts.

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