Inside the Hokage's Office, smoke curled through the air.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, took a deep draw from his pipe. Through the rising smoke, his gaze fell on the white-haired man sitting opposite him.
Jiraiya lounged carelessly on the sofa, one foot propped on the coffee table as he flipped through a copy of Make-Out Paradise.
"Jiraiya."
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke slowly.
"What do you think of Konoha's current situation?"
Without even looking up, Jiraiya replied casually.
"Teacher, what else is there to think? I'm sitting here looking at it.
If you have something to say, just say it. You know I hate beating around the bush."
Hiruzen Sarutobi gave a bitter smile and lightly tapped his pipe against the ashtray.
"The major clans of Konoha are all stirring. Under Chiyo's leadership, the Uchiha Clan is growing increasingly powerful, while the Hyuga Clan is also seeking a greater voice.
And as I grow older, I feel increasingly unable to keep up.
Konoha now needs a new leader."
Jiraiya finally put down his novel, raising an eyebrow.
"So?"
"I hope you can become my successor."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked directly into his disciple's eyes.
Of his three prized disciples, Orochimaru had already become a rogue ninja and was no longer an option.
Tsunade possessed the purest bloodline. As the First Hokage's granddaughter, she had been the obvious choice to succeed as Hokage.
But Tsunade had grown too close to the Uchiha...
Now, Jiraiya was the only disciple left for him to choose.
A brief silence fell over the office.
Jiraiya suddenly burst into laughter, throwing his head back.
"Old man, are you joking? You want me to be Hokage?"
"I'm serious."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was steady and firm.
Jiraiya's laughter came to an abrupt halt.
He scratched his head, a rare serious