Danzo was well aware that many people disapproved of him, and it was unlikely that he would be appointed as the commander of the front lines-Tsunade would be the first to object.
So he aimed for second-best: Orochimaru, his ally.
If Orochimaru wasn't available, then Jiraiya would work as well. It didn't matter who took the position-even if Tsunade decided to send Xin-as long as it wasn't Sakumo Hatake. Sakumo was already wearing the Hokage candidate's cloak, so if he went to the front lines and further boosted his reputation, it would almost guarantee his selection as the next Hokage.
And that was something Danzo absolutely could not allow.
"You make a good point," Hiruzen said, pretending to think it over and nodding in agreement with Danzo's reasoning.
"But, Lord Hokage, I-" Sakumo began.
"Enough, Sakumo. Danzo's right. If you were to go, it could anger the enemy further and negatively impact the war. I think it's best if you stay in the village for now and rest."
"Understood," Sakumo replied, clearly disappointed as he sat down.
What's going on here? Nawaki and Minato both tugged at Xin's sleeve, seeking an explanation.
Xin glared at them, "Cut it out, I'm watching the show."
Can't you see it yourselves?
This is about fearing his power-or rather, fearing his potential as Hokage.
If Sakumo Hatake continued to gain merit and grow his reputation, with the Daimyo's support, he could very well become a candidate for the Fourth Hokage.
But Danzo wanted to become Hokage, which is why he opposed Sakumo.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, on the other hand, wasn't eager to retire just yet, nor was he willing to give up his power, which led him to temporarily side with Danzo.
After all, his intentions were good. If Sakumo held any grudges, he'd direct them at Danzo and not Sarutobi Hiruzen.
It was Danzo who opposed you, not me, Hiruzen thought to himself.
"Orochimaru, can I trust you with this?" Hiruzen asked.
"I'll take care of it," Orochimaru responded, not rejecting the cooperation with Danzo.
At this time, it seemed that Orochimaru still harbored some desire for the Hokage position. Since Danzo had chosen him, Orochimaru simply stepped up.
With Orochimaru's agreement, the Third Hokage continued, "I'll have Jiraiya and Tsunade assist-"
"I'll stay in the village. Let Jiraiya go," Tsunade interrupted, standing up before the Third Hokage could finish.
She refused to leave the village.
Initially, Tsunade hadn't planned on refusing, but the moment Hiruzen began to speak, Xin pinched her waist under the table.
Only then did she stand up in protest.
You brat, just wait. You have no idea what's coming. Doesn't anyone teach you not to pinch a woman's waist? And you did it with so much force!
Tsunade glared at Xin, who responded with an innocent look.