Even if Konoha had infiltrated the Hidden Cloud with a high-ranking spy, the risks were still substantial. If the plan worked, losing a few key spies wouldn't be a huge deal. But if the plan failed, Konoha would lose its vital assets, making it a major loss.
Cultivating a good spy, embedding them in enemy territory, and helping them climb the ranks wasn't easy.
The Third Hokage didn't reject the idea outright. Puffing on his pipe, he took a few deep drags, lost in thought.
Seeing his hesitation, both Koharu and Homura remained silent. They didn't object to Danzo's plan, recognizing that the Third Hokage was seriously considering it.
After a long pause, the Hokage spoke.
"Let's hear your plan."
Got him!
The plan itself was never the issue. The problem was getting the Third Hokage to agree. Now that he was on board, everything would fall into place.
Once the Hokage didn't object, Danzo knew the plan was a go.
"I suggest we bring Orochimaru back. He's the best person for a task like this. Our spies within the Hidden Rain Village can help Orochimaru make contact with the Hidden Cloud's Jinchuriki."
"Orochimaru, huh?"
It was indeed a fitting choice, though Tsunade or Jiraiya could handle it just as well. However, in the Hokage's mind, Orochimaru had always been his most prized student.
His preference for Orochimaru had always outweighed his feelings for Tsunade and Jiraiya. Tsunade was fine-being the granddaughter of the First Hokage and officially titled as the Princess of Konoha, she never suffered from a lack of favoritism. But Jiraiya had always been the one stuck in the middle.
Fortunately for him, Jiraiya had a stroke of luck when he stumbled upon Mount Myoboku, allowing him to catch up with Tsunade and Orochimaru's growth.
In time, he even managed to surpass them both.
"Very well."
After careful consideration, the Third Hokage agreed to Danzo's proposal.
Since the Hidden Cloud wasn't playing by the rules, Konoha would return the favor in kind. Whether the plan would succeed or not, only time would tell-once Orochimaru was back in play.
The war in the Land of Rivers continued to rage on. Caught between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind, the Land of Rivers had become an unfortunate battlefield.
The entire country had turned into a warzone, with Konoha and the Hidden Sand clashing relentlessly as they vied for territory.
As time wore on, Konoha began to push the Hidden Sand Village further and further back.