Jiraiya's Return to the Village

On the streets of Konoha, Jiraiya and Minato were discussing several matters.

Taking advantage of the available time, Minato brought up events from nearly two years ago. Compared to the Third, Minato placed much greater trust in Jiraiya.

After detailing the minutiae, Minato voiced his own doubts: "Regarding that so-called Information Exchange, as it stands, the abilities Uzumaki Sora has obtained—aside from my own series of tactics—also include some of the First's power."

Information Exchange, an alternate dimension?

Jiraiya's expression was extremely grave. As a disciple of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, he might not have been entirely clear on the full extent of the First's power.

But the Fourth Hokage standing before him, Namikaze Minato, was his own disciple—possessing the Flying Raijin levels one and two, near-zero nerve reaction speed, and one of the only two talents for space-time ninjutsu in Konoha's history.

Coupled with a portion of the First's power, it seemed the strength of the man named Uzumaki Sora had reached an unfathomable level.

"What about Sage Mode?"

Jiraiya's question made Minato pause, then he replied: "Although I don't know what he ultimately chose, it seems he has not mastered Sage Mode."

Not mastering Sage Mode was the only piece of good news.

However, at this moment, Jiraiya and Minato shared the same doubt: the power of the First.

If that Information Exchange, while bizarre, was truly capable of communicating with the Pure Land, then why would the First be willing to trade?

Seeing Jiraiya's heavy expression, Minato said apologetically: "At that time... because of Kushina... and the Nine Tails, so..."

Jiraiya heard the hesitation in Minato's words; he knew this disciple very well. Although he possessed the commitment and responsibility of a Hokage, he valued his family even more.

"No need to explain. Whether it was the Nine Tails or your own life, it would have been a massive loss for Konoha. In fact, by comparison, if the Nine Tails had been released, the loss to Konoha would have been immeasurable."

Jiraiya sighed as he spoke, adding in a comforting tone: "Besides, that Uzumaki Sora may not necessarily have any grand ambitions. Based on the intelligence you've provided, he seems to hold goodwill toward Konoha, though he isn't very friendly toward those few in the upper echelons."

Friendly?

Minato scratched his head. During the orphanage incident, Uzumaki Sora had surely intended to kill Danzo, right?

"Actually, it's not just the two Advisors and Danzo; he seems to have quite a strong opinion of the Third as well. Regarding the past of the Uzumaki Clan, Kushina and I don't actually know much. Teacher, you..."

Jiraiya pondered for a moment before replying: "The Second's sudden death led to Sarutobi-sensei taking the mantle in a time of crisis, but the Third Hokage didn't take office immediately. During that period, there were many things I didn't know due to my age, but when the Uzumaki Clan was wiped out, Konoha certainly failed to fulfill its duties as an ally."

The fall of the Land of Whirlpools was too far in the past now. With the previous generation in charge, it was clear they wouldn't have recorded such matters in the official archives.

Back then, when Kushina had just arrived in Konoha, she had that very sensitive personality—a person from a fallen nation, drifting from place to place.

The two stopped in front of Jiraiya's residence. Jiraiya smiled and said: "You've been out with me for so long; Kushina might start thinking I took you out for a stroll. Hurry back."

Minato replied proudly: "I left a Flying Thunder God Kunai downstairs, so it's no problem. How long do you plan to stay before heading out again, Teacher?"

Jiraiya rubbed his chin: "I should be staying for a few days. Regarding the issue of Uzumaki Sora, I plan to make a trip to Mount Myoboku to ask about it."

Minato nodded: "Are you planning to ask the Great Toad Sage for a prophecy? That is indeed a method; I had forgotten about that."

Jiraiya replied: "The Great Toad Sage's prophecies cannot be summoned at will. I am only going to ask and see if there are any other prophecies besides the one about the Child of Prophecy."

"By the way, do you have a photo of Uzumaki Sora? While I'm out, I can keep an eye out for intelligence on him for you. In fact, his existence is part of the reason I returned this time."

"Over these past two years, the name Red Flash has gained quite a reputation in the Black Market. Basically, the intelligence networks of the Five Great Shinobi Villages all know that it refers to your space-time ninjutsu."

Minato gave a wry smile: "I understand. Recently, some of the intentions from Kumogakure have also ceased. It seems the reason is that Uzumaki Sora's movements in the Black Market made them think something had gone wrong on our end."

Jiraiya thought for a moment and replied: "The situation with Kumogakure might not be that simple. As far as I know, in the years since the Third Great War, they have shown great interest in secret techniques and bloodline limits."

Minato pondered for a moment and nodded: "I understand."

Minato then took out a booklet containing all known intelligence regarding Uzumaki Sora, including the existence of the Information Exchange.

Seeing Jiraiya take the booklet, Minato said his goodbyes: "Kushina will worry if I stay out with you for too long, so I'll head back now."

As the words fell, Minato vanished from the street.

Jiraiya smiled and returned to his residence with the booklet.

Although he was rarely in the village, as one of the Sannin, Jiraiya maintained a residence that was always kept vacant, and Minato would often pay someone to clean it.

After washing up, the moment Jiraiya opened the file on Uzumaki Sora, he froze in place.

"Yahiko?"

His murmur was filled with shock. When his gaze fell upon that head of red hair, Jiraiya finally noticed the difference.

It wasn't just the hair; many subtle features were different as well.

Uzumaki Sora, does he look like Yahiko? But Yahiko didn't have red hair, nor was he of the Uzumaki Clan.

Jiraiya thought of his three disciples in the Land of Rain, wondering how they were doing now.

Konan must have grown up to be very beautiful, right? Had she confessed to Yahiko yet?

Could Nagato control his power now?

How far had they come for the sake of their dreams?

Perhaps he should make a trip to the Land of Rain. Regarding this Uzumaki Sora, it was necessary to find Yahiko and ask if he had any cousins or relatives.

At the Uchiha Compound, Yun gazed at the moon outside the window.

If he could obtain a medium from Otsutsuki Kaguya, who was sealed away by the Six Paths Chibaku Tensei, he might be able to reach his goal in one fell swoop if he played his cards right.

Setting aside such lofty and unrealistic ambitions, Yun began to contemplate his next steps.

His clone, Sora, could make a trip to Amegakure; if he spent two months leisurely training there, the nature transformations for Earth and Water Chakra should be nearly complete by then. Once combined with the Yang attribute of the Sage Body, he could begin experimenting with that technique.

Two months from now, the Information Exchange would open for the third time. Whether he would obtain the Rinnegan or Obito's Kamui would depend entirely on how well his clone performed.

I beg for your continued support and anything else you can spare! We've finally made it onto the recommendation list, I can't afford to be eliminated in the first round! Sob, sob.