Third Hokage: Jiraiya, Are You Disappointed in Me?

Help others build.

This was something Konoha had never considered before.

after all.

Although the nations of the Shinobi World are allied, they have never truly been of one mind.

Except for the time when Hashirama Senju was still alive.

When Hashirama Senju was alive, everyone shared a consensus: never provoke Konoha, and everyone must live in peace; otherwise, no one knew if an iron fist might fall on their head.

so.

Back then, everyone's daily consensus was...

We absolutely cannot afford to offend Hashirama Senju!

Second, find a way to kill Hashirama Senju and destroy Konoha.

Sometimes, a shared enemy can unite people in hatred and lead them to share the same thoughts and goals.

but--

Clearly, the relationship between Konoha and Kumogakure was not that good; in fact, they were once at odds with each other.

Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled.

"Then tell me, why did you inexplicably want to tell the Kumogakure those things?"

"It's nothing. It was a proposal from before. If there are many business or interest ties between the two sides, then the Kumogakure will have to consider more factors when it takes action against us."

Tsunade smiled faintly. "So, this is beneficial to our plan."

Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent for a few seconds.

He really wanted to say...

I'm just old, not senile or stupid. Do you think he wouldn't see through that kid's wicked scheme?

only.

He couldn't figure out what Kyohiko was trying to do.

"Fine, you're the Hokage now, and you always listen to him so readily. I can't control you anymore."

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed.

He walked slowly outside.

Tsunade tapped her fingers lightly as she processed the documents, and when Hiruzen Sarutobi was almost at the door, she suddenly stopped.

"By the way, Old Man."

"Um?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi his head.

This title...

Although he was relatively ordinary among his three disciples, Tsunade this time carried a slightly different air about her.

He frowned. "Is there something special?"

"You recruited a group of people from Danzo's Root, right? Also, I heard that some of the Guardian Ninja in Kyoto disappeared without a trace after being disbanded; that must be related to you too."

Tsunade propped her head up with one hand. "Are you trying to restart the Root?"

"Root... Although Danzo and I have some differing beliefs, there's one thing we agree on."

Hiruzen Sarutobi replied, "Even a great tree that grows strong needs its roots to absorb external nutrients and strength. In the past, I relied on Danzo and did many things that were inconvenient for me."

"So, you think that Kyohiko and I aren't capable of accomplishing everything, and you want the Root to do it for us?"

Tsunade spoke indifferently as she wrote the document.

Hiruzen Sarutobi a drag of his cigarette and said, "Isn't that so? Although you and Kyohiko are both very capable, especially that kid, I've never seen anyone more talented than him."

"Even my Teacher back then, at the same age, was definitely far inferior to Kyohiko, but..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi paused for a moment, then said, "He's still a boy, and you're very young and inexperienced. You need help with many things, and that's precisely the meaning of Root's existence."

"For example, training a new Jinchuriki candidate?"

Tsunade said softly.

Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned slightly.

He was somewhat surprised--

How did Tsunade know?

No!

Perhaps they already knew, but they didn't confront each other before, and now...

Perhaps it's time for a showdown.

Hiruzen Sarutobi a drag of his cigarette, half his face shrouded in shadow, and said, "I don't think it's a bad thing. After all, the Nine-Tails is extremely important, and although Kushina is strong and can control the Nine-Tails, what if something goes wrong?"

What problems could possibly arise?

"I'm not saying there will be any problems, but rather that such a situation exists, so it's essential to prepare a Jinchuriki in advance."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said coldly, "Besides, wouldn't it be a waste for someone like that Uzumaki Clan to just be an ordinary person?"

"You..."

Tsunade was stunned.

She never expected that Hiruzen Sarutobi would have this side to him.

Then, she couldn't help but think of something else.

Utatane Koharu once mentioned that it was the combined efforts of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō that enabled Konoha to overcome one difficulty after another.

So.

How could the Teacher not know about Danzo's affair?

I was so stupid.

Tsunade sighed and said, "Forget it, we have different beliefs, and there are many things we can't discuss. Besides, this isn't something I need to talk to you about."

Jiraiya will be back soon. You should be free tonight, right?

night.

Under the streetlights, Hiruzen Sarutobi walked slowly.

After a long while, he exhaled a puff of smoke.

Really...

"I never imagined things would come to this, old friend. You must be laughing at me."

Hiruzen Sarutobi at the night sky.

Whether he laughed or not, you don't know, but I think he definitely felt that you were the same kind of person as him.

Jiraiya's figure slowly walked from the darkness to the streetlight and sat down on a park bench.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat to the side.

Are you disappointed?

"No."

Jiraiya closed his eyes.

He sighed softly, "I'm just disappointed in myself."

Hiruzen Sarutobi was silent for a few seconds before saying, "Why? Although I like Orochimaru very much, in my eyes now, you are the disciple who is most like me."

"Yes, you told me that peace can be achieved through dialogue and mutual understanding, and that protection is the true essence of the Will of Fire... I've always believed that too."

Jiraiya's voice was deep.

Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent, smacking his lips as he puffed on his cigarette, listening to Jiraiya explain his thoughts.

He was momentarily dazed.

turn out to be...

Did I ever say that back then?

Hiruzen Sarutobi recalled.

"And now?"

"Now? I think I've come to realize it. What you taught me was an ideal situation; protecting is right, but dialogue, understanding, and love..."

Jiraiya sighed, "This was never going to happen."

Hiruzen Sarutobi a bitter smile.

"Yes, everyone in the Shinobi World comes from different countries and has different positions, so how could they possibly understand each other? Even if they did understand each other, they might not always be willing to give up war for each other."

He himself couldn't even remember the words he had taught his disciples.

after all...

So many years have passed.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes dimmed. "You must be very disappointed in me, right?"

Everyone has a positive and a negative side; I've just come to know another side of you. But...

Jiraiya his head, his gaze icy. "Teacher, you also said that to protect those you love, you can unleash tremendous power and will, right?"

"If you do anything to Kushina, even though I respect you, I will show no mercy!"

Jiraiya's tone was cold and firm.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed, "Have we, master and disciple, come to distrust each other to this extent?"

"Shouldn't it be so? Those who control Root, who spend their days with darkness, will slowly succumb to it. Danzo was like that, and so are you."

Jiraiya stood up. "Even Orochimaru, if it weren't for Kyohiko, he would have ended up like this..."

After saying that, Jiraiya said, "Therefore, I am very grateful to Kyohiko. He is a gift from heaven, who made me realize the ridiculous reality and ideals, and who helped me regain a dear friend."

"And you..."

Jiraiya asked seriously, "What would you do?"

"What?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi aback.

He didn't quite understand what Jiraiya was trying to say.

Jiraiya sighed.

"Orochimaru, he is a flawed person, or rather, everyone has their own flaws. Why did you stand by and watch him get together with Danzo?"

"If you truly liked Orochimaru, you shouldn't have given him the opportunity to spend time with Danzo."

"That way, he won't betray your expectations, and if something bad happens, you'll only feel regret and lament—"

"There was something I could have done."

Jiraiya chuckled as he finished speaking.

because...

This was said by Kyohiko.

Moreover, he still remembers the almost-smiling expression on Kyohiko when he said those words.

He turned his head. "This is what I wanted to say when I came back. I'm not smart, and I'm not very talented, so I may not be able to protect too many people, but I will do my best to protect the people I care about!"

"Love and protection..."

"It was you who taught me."

After saying that, he waved his hand.

"They're gone."

There was no catching up; the only small talk after meeting was reminiscing about the past.

Faced with his disciple's questioning, he didn't know how to refute it.

The other party's questioning left him at a loss for words.

If he were young, he might have been able to quickly come up with a rebuttal and persuade the other party with the most eloquent words, but now he is old.

I never imagined I would end up in such a state.

Hiruzen Sarutobi silently smoked his cigarette, then sighed and walked home.

At a corner, his Shadow Clone ran off in another direction.

After some time.

In a familiar place, an Intelligence Scroll appeared.

He bent down to pick it up, and his pupils immediately contracted.

The above is...

A topographic map.

This is the complete picture of the base where his organization is located, drawn in great detail, even including the secret passages of the base.

this--

Hiruzen Sarutobi continued to open the window.

More than one place.

Three places.

All base intelligence is displayed on it.

He found it hard to believe.

but.

After that, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but chuckle softly.

I really underestimated you!

He destroyed the scroll.

The one who made the move was clearly Kyohiko Yoshimine.

The enemy didn't directly destroy the base, but instead sent a warning in this way—

Everything about oneself is under the other party's observation.

Show your fist.

That's so typical of Kyohiko!

"Hahaha, Orochimaru, you still prefer hiding in dark, damp places!"

"Jiraiya, you idiot, stay away from my test subjects!"

Orochimaru loathed the tunnel.

Jiraiya chuckled, "Nothing's going to happen, Kyohiko. Your base is really well hidden. Even I would have to search for ages if we were looking for it!"

"Teacher, you don't seem very happy."

Kyohiko said.

Jiraiya sighed, "How could I be happy? After all, Old Man..."

He took out the wine jug and took another sip.

"Speaking of which..."

"You brat, you were the first to notice something was wrong with the use of the Tailed Beast's power, and you were also the one who sent Kushina to do such a dangerous thing. This Old Man made two preparations, and the person he brought back is still related to you..."

"In the end, I had to deal with the swearing!"

Jiraiya muttered a speechless complaint.

Orochimaru, standing to the side, smirked slightly. "If you want to drink, go somewhere else. Don't pollute the air here."

"You're Teacher, so you should be more capable and take on more responsibilities."

Kyohiko answered with a smile.

Orochimaru chuckled lightly, "Kyohiko, did you find that list useful?"

"Of course, I've already located their base and marked it. From now on, I'll know where the Old Man's men are."

Kyohiko chuckled.

Orochimaru pondered, "The Flying Thunder God Mark?"

"Yes, and some of them used simple Curse Mark to confuse him, making it more difficult for him to find them!"

Kyohiko chuckled softly.

Jiraiya curled his lip. "That Old Man really has too much time on his hands, always trying to stir up trouble. Can't he just stay home and rest quietly?"

"For someone like him, staying home to rest is practically the same as being dead."

Orochimaru said coldly.

Jiraiya somewhat surprised, then laughed and said, "You know the Old Man very well. No wonder you're his most prized disciple!"

"It should be you now."

Orochimaru said calmly.

Jiraiya's expression turned to surprise, and he remained silent for a long time.

Orochimaru chuckled, "If Tsunade doesn't return, I think you'll definitely be the Fourth Hokage after the war. Of course... you idiot probably won't take the position, so..."

His gaze shifted to Kyohiko.

"Perhaps it's Minato Namikaze."

"Orochimaru- senpai, you know the Third Hokage very well."

Kyohiko was somewhat impressed.

Orochimaru shook his head and said, "Once you return to the village, see more, and think more, you'll naturally understand."

He rarely drinks.

However, when these things were mentioned, he also unusually took a few sips from Jiraiya's sake bottle.

"By the way, what's going on with Madara? And what are your plans regarding the Uchiha?"

Jiraiya suddenly looked at Kyohiko.

"Uchiha?"

Kyohiko pondered for a moment, then said, "I intend to follow the Second Hokage's plan and finish what he didn't do."

Jiraiya was somewhat surprised.

The Second Hokage's plan?

What is that?

He paused for a moment, stunned.

"A fool is a fool, Kagami Uchiha, have you forgotten?"

Orochimaru said hoarsely.

Jiraiya suddenly realized.

Kagami Uchiha!

These are members of Senju Tobirama's Guard Squad.

The Guard Squad signifies trusted confidants. If Kagami Uchiha hadn't died young, he would definitely have entered the upper echelons of Konoha and held a position there, which would have opened up a path for the Uchiha to rise in rank.

While the position of Hokage might be extremely difficult for the Uchiha, it was certainly not in the current situation.

Jiraiya thought for a moment and nodded slightly.

This is a good solution.

This would reduce casualties for both Konoha and the Uchiha.

"That kid named Shisui seems to have quite a bit of talent?"

Orochimaru looked at Kyohiko.

Kyohiko was not surprised.

Orochimaru may seem oblivious to what's happening outside, but in reality, he still secretly keeps an eye on the village through snakes; this intelligence gathering and observation seems to have become an instinct for him.

"Quite impressive, and his pursuits are quite different... By the way, he's also a descendant of Kagami Uchiha."