At the summit of Hokage Rock, the wind howled, sending Jiraiya's long white hair streaming.
His gaze rested on the back of the boy before him, his eyes filled with emotions too complicated to name.
Anger, worry, confusion—at last, all of it settled into a helpless acceptance.
"Danzo has fallen, but Konoha's troubles are only beginning."
Jiraiya's voice was broken by the wind, yet it remained heavy.
"Iwagakure, Kumogakure, Kirigakure... those eyes lurking in the darkness must all be watching this place closely now."
"They'll swarm in like sharks that have smelled blood, using every means possible to test us and infiltrate us."
Jiraiya's fist clenched unconsciously.
"This is both Konoha's most vulnerable moment and your... best stage to demonstrate that 'Order' of yours."
He stepped forward and stood shoulder to shoulder with Naruto, his gaze falling upon the prosperous yet perilous village below.
"Prove it to me. Use the smallest cost, the most efficient and discreet methods, to tear out every claw reaching toward Konoha."
"If you can do that, if you can prove that the 'shadows' under your control are purer and more reliable than Danzo's..."
Jiraiya took a deep breath, as though he had made some difficult decision.
"I, Jiraiya, will cast aside all my doubts completely."
"I'll use everything I've accumulated in this lifetime to become the first, and strongest, cornerstone of your mad 'Eye of Heaven' system."
Naruto slowly turned around, without the slightest surprise on his face.
He calmly looked at the legendary Sannin before him, at the last struggle and resolve in his eyes.
This did not count as a test.
It was merely a Purification.
Naruto understood clearly that this naive idealist mentor was searching for one final psychological cornerstone for himself.
A cornerstone that would allow him to abandon his old