Talk About Jiraiya

The ninja exchanged glances.

A literary master?

Because of that book... "Icha Icha Paradise"?

Someone stifled a laugh, not daring to make a sound.

Word had gone out, too.

"Have you heard? The Third Hokage is getting ready to step down!"

"Really?"

"Of course! Lord Jiraiya is taking over as the Fifth Hokage! Konoha is getting a new Hokage!"

"Lord Jiraiya... you mean that Pervy Sage?"

"Shh! That's just his nickname! He's about to become Hokage!"

When the news reached the Uchiha Clan Compound, Uchiha En was drinking tea in his courtyard.

Beneath the old plum tree, beside the stone table.

A ninja cat slipped in without a sound, jumped onto the stone table, and rubbed against his hand.

Uchiha En removed the bamboo tube, drew out the slip of paper, and read it.

He said nothing.

He lifted his tea, leisurely blew on the steam, and took a sip.

Then he smiled.

"Building hype?"

He set the slip on the table and tapped it lightly with his fingertips.

"Fine. Since you want to put him on a pedestal... I'll help you build it even higher."

He paused, his voice dropping with a hint of amusement.

"So he'll fall... even harder."

Yashiro walked through the courtyard gate. "Clan Head?"

"Yashiro."

Uchiha En set down his teacup and looked toward the distant Hokage Rock.

"I said before... if he tries to stop the Uchiha, I'll drag his reputation through the mud, too."

"This is perfect."

"He's stuck his neck out all on his own."

Yashiro froze, then his expression turned solemn. "Clan Head, what do you intend to do?"

Uchiha En rose and brushed off the hem of his clothes.

"Send word. Have a few trusted Jonin come to the Meeting Hall."

"Tonight, I'm going to send Lord Jiraiya... a