Volume Two Epilogue

Two days later, at the Jonin discussion meeting, under the Hokage's command. Top,

A heated argument is underway.

"Kakashi- kun, a single piece of evidence is not enough! We cannot possibly make a big fuss over this based solely on information provided by a mere Genin!" A ninja with a cross-shaped scar on his face said firmly.

"Isn't the annihilation of my Anbu proof enough? Wasn't the alarm sounded by the Gekko Hayate Team before their deaths enough to wake you up? The crisis is imminent, and you're still denying it!" Kakashi retorted sharply without any politeness!

Their sharp and pointed words Jonin up a storm among the surrounding Jonin.

"If Orochimaru truly wanted revenge against Konoha, why would he tell such important information to a mere Genin from Konoha!"

"Could it be that Orochimaru risked his life to travel Senri way back to Konoha just for a vacation?"

"How are the people in the Intelligence Division doing their jobs? How come they couldn't find out anything about such an important matter?"

"Goodbye, the Intelligence Division team got scolded by the Lord Hokage the other day, and they're all out gathering intelligence now. The latest intelligence summary hasn't been submitted yet!"

"We're currently a classic case of being Orochimaru. If Orochimaru really wants to cause trouble, no one but the Lord Hokage can stop him!"

"Putting everything else aside, just Konoha fact that Orochimaru has returned to Konoha means we have to treat it as if he intends to attack Konoha and take precautions against him!"

"How are we supposed to defend against it? You have it easy! In the end, the contingency plan work will still require our Staff Department to work overtime to complete!"

"So you mean if we can't defend against it, we shouldn't defend against it at all, and just leave the gates wide open for Orochimaru to come in and cause trouble?"

"What I mean is, we don't need to be so nervous until we have concrete evidence that Orochimaru intends to harm Konoha. That would only throw us into disarray!"

"On the contrary, I believe that as long as Orochimaru remains in Konoha, we must maintain the highest level of vigilance!"

"Impossible! Nobody can stay focused all the time. Your request is utter nonsense!"

Slap, slap

With two light claps from the Lord Hokage, the Jonin who were still arguing fiercely immediately fell silent.

"Let me say a few words," the Third said casually, exhaling a puff of smoke.

"The information about Orochimaru's planned invasion of Konoha is of unknown veracity, but there are signs of it, so let's treat it as true for now. If it turns out to be false, at most it'll be a false alarm, and the losses won't be significant. If it is true, then at least we'll have some advance preparation."

Amidst the swirling smoke, the Third appeared remarkably energetic, his words ringing with conviction.

"Please bear with me during this period. The Staff Department should expedite the process and develop a contingency plan. The plan requires a gradual increase in the level of preparedness, reaching peak preparedness within a few days before and after the third exam. Then, everyone should follow the plan and perform their duties accordingly."

"By the way, if conditions permit, arrange an exam as a drill, and bring women and children who are not capable of fighting to the shelter."

The Third's bright eyes swept across the Jonin throughout the arena through the smoke.

These are the pillars of Konoha. Looking at them, the Third seemed to gain confidence.

That's all for now. Dismissed!

The Jonin in the audience bowed to the Third Hokage, then vanished in a Body Flicker Technique of whooshing sounds.

The huge conference room suddenly became empty and desolate.

The Lord Hokage put on his hat, sat down in silence, and took another drag of his cigarette.

In the flickering Kakkō of the cigarette holder, the Third's expression shifted, seemingly both worried and indifferent.

Tap, tap.

The quiet conference room was filled with the rhythmic sound of the old man gently tapping his pipe. The rhythm rose and fell, quite melodiously.

The young Shinobi Hero sat quietly, lost in thought for a long time in the empty conference room.

Then, he suddenly spoke.

"Jiraiya... what do you think? Do you think Orochimaru really wants to do this?"

A burly figure had appeared on the windowsill without anyone noticing. With wild white hair, rugged features, and an unruly expression, it was another member of the Sannin—

The Jiraiya the Mad Demon!

"Old man, isn't my presence here the answer?"

Jiraiya's deep voice echoed in the conference room.

The Third took a deep drag on his pipe and remained silent.

Indeed, Jiraiya's appearance in Konoha at this time was not without reason. And the most likely explanation is that Jiraiya discovered Orochimaru might be planning something!

"Although there's no direct evidence, judging from the restless signs in places like Otogakure, there's an 80% chance Orochimaru will make a move!"

Jiraiya asserted emphatically.

Even the most stoic and unflappable Shinobi Hero, who could remain calm even if Mount Tai collapsed before him, couldn't help but flinch when he heard Jiraiya's conclusion.

No one could guess what the Third was thinking at that moment.

Is it a longing for those glorious past years, the arduous battles fought alongside his disciples? Or is it a memory of the satisfaction and pride he felt as his disciples grew up and became capable of standing on their own?

Or was it the stinging pain and bitterness of severing ties with his prized disciple and personally banishing him from Konoha?

Or perhaps he realized the disastrous consequences of his past leniency had finally backfired on Konoha and himself, causing a deep sense of despair and regret to well up from the bottom of his heart?

Nobody knows.

The legendary Shinobi Hero Hiruzen Sarutobi, remained silent, burying his surging emotions deep within his heart; his resolute face showed no emotion.

Only Jiraiya, who was so close, seemed to see that the Third's figure appeared even older at this moment.

Then, in the next instant, the aura of an old man vanished from the Third, and the old man who had dedicated his life to the cause regained his Shinobi Hero spirit!

"Jiraiya, I have a favor to ask of you..." The Third put down his pipe, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, "Before the third exam, bring back the Konoha Princess — Tsunade!"

"Konoha now needs your help to overcome this crisis!"

Looking at the radiant and spirited Third Jiraiya, Jiraiya felt as if he had returned to the days decades ago when the Third, known as the Shinobi Hero, led the way.

"Yes, Teacher Sarutobi!"

Jiraiya answered without hesitation, then vanished in a flash!

The meeting room fell silent again.

"Wherever leaves flutter in the air, there will be fire."

In the darkness, the old man's firm yet calm voice slowly rang out.

"The Kakkō will illuminate the village, and then new leaves will sprout again."

He strode out of the conference room.

Volume Two - End