Jiraiya's heart jolted. To most ninja in the Shinobi World, Madara Uchiha was a figure from legend.
If the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, had not been there, Madara Uchiha could have swept through the Shinobi World alone. Jiraiya knew Fugaku well enough to know he rarely lied.
Fugaku's record in the Land of Lightning backed that up. Jiraiya had never witnessed Madara Uchiha's true strength, but he had some idea of it.
"Fugaku, take my advice. For the sake of the three of us, don't let things get too ugly with the old man."
Fugaku chuckled. "You're joking, Jiraiya. I'm not Madara Uchiha. It's only right to show the Hokage a certain amount of respect.
"After all, the Hokage represents the face of a Ninja Village. The Uchiha are part of Konoha. Our relationship with Konoha has never been adversarial."
Jiraiya patted Fugaku on the shoulder. They talked until the first pale light appeared in the sky. Then Jiraiya said goodbye and set off for the Land of Rain.
Fugaku watched him go, his thoughts in turmoil. Only when the sun rose did he return to his room at the hotel.
Mikoto was already awake.
"Jiraiya's gone?"
Fugaku nodded. "He has. Something happened to a few old acquaintances in the Land of Rain, and he's going to see what's going on.
"We'll stay in the Land of Hot Water a few more days. I need to leave for two days soon. Be careful while you're here at the hotel on your own."
Mikoto nodded without asking where he was going. Every ninja had secrets. As a good wife, she knew when to rein in her curiosity.
That day, Fugaku sent Takigawa a message. Takigawa's squad would take a mission that passed through the Land of Hot Water. Matsudaira and Sanada