Jiraiya's Return

Konoha, Hokage Building.

The Third Hokage quietly studied a file, murmuring, "Perhaps he represents a change. There may still be a chance to ease tensions between the village and the Uchiha."

On the file, the name Uchiha Shiraha was written in striking characters.

A handsome, unedited photo was attached to the top right corner, with every event from Shiraha's enrollment at the Ninja Academy to the present recorded below.

It included every detail and evaluation of the missions he had carried out; nothing was left out.

"Report! Lord Hokage, Lord Jiraiya has returned."

An Anbu appeared in the Hokage's office to report that Jiraiya had returned to the village.

"Jiraiya is back? That is excellent news."

Ever since Orochimaru's defection, the Third Hokage had been distracted, his overall state of mind suffering a significant decline.

It was precisely because of these continuous blows that the Third Hokage's energy had waned, and his control over the village had grown increasingly tenuous.

Danzo's movements had become more frequent during this time, and the Root members hidden within the Anbu had begun a series of suppressive measures against the Uchiha, masquerading as official business.

"The village looks peaceful on the surface, but no one knows what is hidden in the shadows."

The Third Hokage lacked the energy to look into the roots of Konoha... he could only gaze at this towering tree, guarding the stability of its surface.

Konoha, Shiraha walked out of a weapon shop and ran into an Anbu head-on.

"Lord Hokage requests your presence."

Upon hearing this, Shiraha knew what to expect.

The invitation from the Third Hokage had finally arrived.

Without a word, Shiraha followed the Anbu toward the Hokage Building.

Just as he arrived at the entrance, a familiar figure was also standing there.

"Itachi?"

Why would he be here?

An unexpected person.

It seems I need to re-evaluate the Third Hokage's intentions. According to the timeline, Itachi shouldn't be promoted to Jonin and join the Anbu until this time next year...

Shiraha carefully recalled his memories from his past life, combining them with recent events.

Ever since the Fourth Hokage died, Danzo seized the opportunity to frame and betray Orochimaru, removing his greatest rival for the position of Fifth Hokage. Afterward, he pressured the Uchiha, attempting to force the Third Hokage to abdicate through internal strife...

Following this trajectory, Danzo shouldn't be giving the Uchiha a chance to become Anbu members... So, is this event initiated by the Third Hokage, a butterfly effect caused by me?

His thoughts gradually cleared as Shiraha speculated on the position the Third Hokage intended to assign him.

"Shiraha, were you summoned by Lord Hokage as well?"

Itachi noticed Shiraha's figure and asked.

"Yes, I don't know what he wants with us."

Shiraha replied.

On the surface, he and Itachi were still on the same team, both belonging to a squad within the Konoha Military Police Force.

Recently, Shisui hadn't sought them out, and they hadn't performed any missions for a long time.

Led by the Anbu, Shiraha and Itachi entered the Third Hokage's office.

Twelve Anbu... do they think so highly of me?

Shiraha secretly calculated the number of Anbu hidden around them.

Twelve Anbu, most of them white-clad elites from the Shadow Guard—a combat force capable of launching a small-scale battle.

All of these people were hidden around the Third Hokage.

The last time he saw the Hokage, there were only six.

Now the number had doubled, demonstrating an extreme lack of trust in the Uchiha.

If he were to draw his blade now, he might be able to cut down a few Anbu, but it wouldn't affect the Third Hokage in the slightest.

He wondered how many of these Anbu were prepared to take a fatal blow for the Third.

Seeing Shiraha and Itachi arrive, the Third Hokage smiled slightly and said, "You're here. I've called you both because I intend to add some responsibilities to your shoulders. What are your thoughts?"

"I await your orders, Lord Hokage."

Itachi replied straightforwardly. After years of instruction at the Ninja Academy and several years serving the village as a Jonin, Itachi held the Hokage in high regard.

Shiraha, however, remained silent, his face cold as he quietly awaited the appointment.

"The village intends to promote you both to Special Jonin. After a period of study and familiarization, you will become full Jonin. How about it? Do you have the confidence?"

The Third Hokage said with a smile.

"Yes."

Itachi was still stunned when Baiyu answered.

He had been thinking about a promotion, so naturally, he agreed now that it was offered.

A Special Jonin meant he could lead teams on missions independently.

"I will follow Lord Hokage's arrangements entirely!"

Itachi said at the same time.

Any Uchiha clan member who possessed the Three-Tomoe Sharingan already possessed the strength of a Jonin.

Provided they had sufficient chakra, an ordinary Jonin would have no way to deal with an Uchiha clan member with the Three-Tomoe Sharingan.

Seeing through taijutsu, copying ninjutsu, and reflecting genjutsu.

Bloodline relations held a significant position in this world.

"I have decided to make Baiyu a Special Jonin to execute the various missions issued by the village."

"As for Itachi, you will temporarily follow Baiyu. Once you both reach the qualifications for Jonin, I will arrange your specific positions."

The Third Hokage arranged for Itachi and Baiyu to be on the same team.

Currently, Itachi was just over ten years old; he had become a Chunin one year earlier than Baiyu and had completed more missions. Based on seniority, Itachi should have been the captain, but he was the son of Uchiha Fugaku and had not shown any goodwill toward the Third Hokage.

Therefore, the Third Hokage arranged for him to be Baiyu's deputy, forming a two-man squad.

If not for Uchiha Fugaku's request, the Third Hokage would not have arranged Itachi's position at this time.

Just as the appointments for the two were settled, someone suddenly burst in.

"Old man, long time no see!"

A white-haired middle-aged man in eccentric attire stood there, with a large "Oil" character written on his forehead protector.

"You brat, still the same as ever. Never serious for a single day! What are you back for this time? It can't just be to visit an old geezer like me!"

Seeing his beloved student Jiraiya, the Third Hokage could no longer suppress the smile overflowing on his face.

The pressure on his body relaxed slightly, causing him to overlook Baiyu and Itachi standing right in front of him.

Baiyu was also sizing up this member of the Sannin.

In terms of ninjutsu combat power, Jiraiya was likely the most well-rounded; his Sage Mode crushed ordinary ninjutsu in terms of quality.

His toad summons could even use sword techniques, which was rare in the entire Naruto world.

"Of course I'm here to see you!"

Jiraiya said with a laugh.

"Now that you're back, I can finally step down. Jiraiya... you should have returned when Minato passed..."

The Third Hokage's tone was low and slow, revealing a look of utter exhaustion in front of others for the first time.

Jiraiya panicked and said, "My personality isn't suited for Hokage; I can't take that responsibility. You should ask Tsunade! I came back this time not just to see you, but because I want information on Orochimaru... I will definitely bring him back and hand him over for you to deal with!"

While traveling, he had heard the news of Orochimaru's defection and immediately rushed back to the village.

He absolutely could not tolerate Orochimaru betraying the village, given the bonds of their many years as companions. Anyone else could betray them, but not Orochimaru!

From childhood to adulthood, Orochimaru had always been the target he strived to catch up to!

This time was no exception.

"Orochimaru... regarding his information, these two in front of you are also very familiar with it. They are the last two people in the village to have seen Orochimaru."

Upon hearing Jiraiya's intent, the Third Hokage remembered the two people standing before him.