Falling into the Trap

What a coincidence!

After a moment's thought, Ren realized a possibility: what if the Shinobi Alliance really did grow stronger in the future?

The ninjas gradually gained everything except power, and after purging the old nobles, they changed their names.

After all, "ninja" is not exactly a flattering term.

This name has become utterly tainted over the past thousand years, almost synonymous with bloodshed, cruelty, war, and many other derogatory terms.

However, after a little thought, Ren felt that this possibility was unlikely.

The meeting in Konoha was still in progress, not even over yet, when Gamamaru made his prophecy.

Jiraiya heard the prophecy before noon that day, but Gamamaru had already finished his dream before that.

Ren pondered further, also considering what else might have happened.

Thinking back to the night before, he realized that he had handed Ōnoki over to Orochimaru, and what Orochimaru was researching was Chakra.

According to Orochimaru, with the basic and high-end samples complete, plus the intermediate Dust Release sample from Ōnoki, there's a high probability of success.

Compared to the previous unreliable speculations about the Shinobi Alliance, Ren thinks Orochimaru's side is more likely.

Orochimaru must have discovered something extraordinary afterward, which is also the hidden purpose behind the Sage of Sage of Six Paths' great effort in spreading Chakra.

Then, after Ren learned everything, he began to make the necessary arrangements.

After the dispute began, even the Sage of Six Paths was perhaps at a disadvantage or in dire straits, overturned the table.

Using the back door they left behind, they recklessly recovered the Chakra.

This makes much more sense.

Ren, who leans towards the latter, now faces a choice.

Should Orochimaru's research continue?

After only a moment's thought, Ren made his decision.

Continue!

Not only must we continue, we must intensify our efforts!

Ren grows more and more like Hiruzen Sarutobi as he lives, is ultimately not Hiruzen Sarutobi. When faced with such a dilemma, compromise is never the right approach.

Ren once said in his past life, "Whatever the enemy opposes, we must resolutely support; whatever the enemy supports, we must resolutely oppose!"

Regardless of whether Orochimaru and Gamamaru's prophecies were related, Ren firmly believed that understanding the essence of Chakra was the right path to follow.

If you don't fully understand the system and standards established by the other party, and can't think outside the box to overtake them, you won't be able to outmaneuver them.

Forget about today's pirated Mangekyo Sharingan; even if Ren had the Rinnegan in his left eye and the Tenseigan in his right, plus a Tomoe Rinnegan on his forehead, it wouldn't make a difference.

Even after Madara Uchiha became the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki, it was still nothing more Black Zetsu tearing out his heart with a single move.

Black Zetsu is Kaguya's will, and Kaguya is the loser.

Having made up his mind, Ren's face showed a look of great shock.

"Jiraiya- senpai, if it's true, it's terrifying. I don't know how to stop this future?"

There are both immediate and long-term challenges, but we can't just focus on the present; we still need to continue doing what needs to be done.

Ren doesn't need to do many things personally; he just needs to make the arrangements.

Unexpected events can always happen unexpectedly, and it is unwise to panic because of them.

Ren's mental fortitude was undoubtedly excellent; he did not lose his composure in the face of the unexpected event.

"I don't know either. If possible, I hope to obtain all the information Konoha has recently gathered about the Shinobi World. Perhaps we can analyze something from it?"

Jiraiya revealed his true purpose for returning to Konoha, and then stared intently at Ren Fudō.

Such a request would be impossible for Jiraiya to make, even if Ren were Hokage now, or even if Hiruzen Sarutobi Hokage then.

Upon hearing Jiraiya's words, Ren smiled again.

So you had something in mind. If you did, that makes things easier.

Ren is always trying to lower his stance, change Jiraiya's impression of Jiraiya, and ease the tension in their relationship.

It stood up instantly.

"Jiraiya, do you know what you 'Jonin saying?"

The senior stopped calling him "senior," the enthusiasm in his voice was gone, only his familiar smile became even brighter.

Jiraiya fell silent upon hearing this, but after a moment, he spoke again with unusual firmness.

"Lord Hokage, I know my request is excessive, but..."

"No buts needed!"

Ren interrupted Jiraiya directly, even waving his right hand to stop him from speaking further.

Jiraiya's heart sank to the bottom, following Ren's actions.

This is why Jiraiya didn't want to become Hokage; that position would change a person into a completely different person.

Disappointed, Jiraiya made another decision: Jiraiya outwitted intelligence agents from various villages, he decided to test the mettle of Konoha's intelligence agents.

I'm determined to steal this intelligence, and nobody can stop me! That's what I, Jiraiya, said!

However, reality always proves us wrong so quickly.

Jiraiya's resolve was utterly shattered.

After Ren to stop Jiraiya from speaking, Yuuki also stared intently at Jiraiya, not missing a single detail. Seeing that Jiraiya was full of fighting spirit, he spoke again.

"I agree!"

"What?!"

Jiraiya couldn't help but exclaim, while Ren once again flashed that bright smile.

"I agree. All intelligence gathered over the past five years, including from the Konoha Intelligence Department, the Konoha Military Police Force, and even the now-defunct Anbu and Root, will be made available to you, senior!"

"Just like I said before, whatever Jiraiya- senpai requests, Konoha will fulfill them."

Looking at Ren's equally determined eyes and bright smile, Jiraiya inexplicably found Ren suddenly more pleasing to the eye.

Ren noticed Jiraiya's change in attitude, and it wasn't surprising; for Ren, emotional manipulation had become almost instinctive.

Ren, not wanting to miss this opportunity, spoke again.

"Of course, all of this is not without conditions. I also have a small request that I need Jiraiya- senpai's help with."