Jiraiya's words stirred up a storm among the crowd.
Unlike Kakashi and Shisui, whose identities were special, Jiraiya was the Third Hokage's disciple and the current Fifth Hokage. In a sense, his words represented the attitude of Konoha High Command.
After taking a deep breath, Jiraiya continued carefully, "I had originally planned to deal with the Sarutobi Clan's rebellion after some time, but I didn't expect Kakashi and Shisui to reveal it first. I failed to consider this thoroughly."
"But there is no doubt that the Third Hokage died for Konoha."
Jiraiya's voice was loud enough to carry throughout Heroes' Cemetery, but no one knew how many people truly believed what he said.
Besides, it was one thing for the Third Hokage to have been inactive while serving as Hokage. He was old, and everyone could understand that.
But after retiring and becoming a high-ranking advisor, he could not even manage the small Sarutobi Clan. That was no longer mere inaction—it was indulgence. Who could guarantee that the Third Hokage had not intended to restore his rule?
After all, following the Nine-Tails' Rampage, the Third Hokage had become acting Hokage without an election.
And what the Sarutobi Clan had done was far more serious than what the Uchiha Clan had done. If everyone followed their example, would Konoha's rules not become a joke?
When the crowd revealed doubtful looks, Jiraiya sighed softly to himself.
Once the seeds of suspicion had been planted, they were difficult to remove.
Just as Jiraiya was about to explain further and postpone dealing with the Sarutobi Clan until after the funeral, another figure appeared before the coffin.
Seeing Naruto in Uzushio Village's uniform and wearing a Black Fox Mask, Shisui hurriedly called out, "Lord Menma, why are you here too?"
Lord Menma... The ninjas present