Naruto: I'm in Konoha, my name is Uzumaki Menma

Chapter 303 The Dialogue Between Shisui and Jiraiya

As night fell, a bonfire was lit in Gunma Village.

Under the direction of the village chief, Oiwa, the villagers carefully placed the injured Tetsuya Iwaji in the cleanest room of the chief's house, where he was cared for by Maki Sakura and an elderly villager who knew a little about herbs.

Afterwards, several young men, carrying torches, ventured deep into the twilight-shrouded Gunma Mountain and carried down the bodies of the bandits and traitors who had been killed, arranging them neatly on the threshing ground in the center of the village.

The flickering flames of the campfire reflected the villagers' complex expressions of both fear and satisfaction.

When Uchiha Taichi and Yamazaki Shota appeared at the village entrance, especially when Taichi was carrying the bloody head of the rogue ninja leader Toyama, the threshing ground instantly erupted in excitement.

The villagers, holding torches, cheered thunderously, as if welcoming a triumphant hero.

Village Chief Daiyan hurried forward, his face beaming with excitement and relief. His voice choked with emotion: "Lord Tai! Lord Sho! Thank you so much! We are extremely grateful to you for ridding the village of this scourge!"

He wiped his eyes and sincerely invited, "Both of you have had a long night, and Miss Sakura and Lord Tetsuya also need to rest. If you don't mind, please rest in the village for the night before returning to the city! The village has prepared some simple food and drink; it's all a token of our appreciation, so please do come and eat!"

Uchiha Taiichi instinctively wanted to refuse, as he habitually believed that he should return immediately to report after completing the mission.

However, his gaze swept over the campfire and saw that Jiraiya and Hydrangea were already sitting at a low table. Jiraiya was sipping a bowl of homemade rice wine from the villagers, chatting and laughing with the young female villager who was pouring the wine. His overly familiar manner contrasted sharply with the slightly reserved villagers around him.

Taiichi hesitated for a moment, but considering that his injured teammates did need a stable environment and that the villagers' hospitality was hard to refuse, he finally nodded: "...Alright, then I'll take care of you. Shota, dispose of the other corpses."

"Yes, Captain." Shota Yamazaki immediately took out the sealing scroll and began to skillfully deal with the corpses on the threshing ground.

Seeing that Taichi agreed to stay, the village chief Daiwa beamed with joy and quickly led Taichi to an empty table next to Jiraiya.

The village dinner was simple, but full of sincerity.

The table was laden with the best food the villagers could offer: their own chickens and ducks, fresh fish caught from the river, treasured smoked meats and sausages, various wild vegetables and dried mushrooms, and rice wine brewed from new rice with a sweet aroma.

This was almost the highest level of hospitality the village could offer.

During the banquet, Village Chief Oiwa arranged for someone to deliver food to the wounded, and then once again expressed his sincerest gratitude to Uchiha Taichi and his team, as well as Jiraiya and Hydrangea.

He spoke with such sincerity that even the usually carefree Jiraiya became somewhat embarrassed, scratching his head and his face flushed from the alcohol.

Ziyanghua waved her hands repeatedly, her face slightly flushed, and said, "We really didn't help much. Even without us, I believe Captain Taiyi and the others could have handled those bad guys."

Uchiha Taichi put down his wine cup, his expression still serious, with a hint of self-reproach: "Village Chief, you flatter me. This operation was due to my command error. I underestimated the enemy's cunning and ruthlessness, which led to Tetsuya's serious injury. If it weren't for your timely assistance, the consequences could have been even worse. We are the ones who should be thanking you."

His gaze swept over Jiraiya, and although he still carried the arrogance of the Uchiha, his tone was noticeably gentler.

Then, he looked at Jiraiya and his tone became formal: "Lord Jiraiya, please come with us to Ageo Castle early tomorrow morning. Lord Hyuga Natsu wishes to meet you."

Jiraiya, who was holding a wine bowl, paused, a look of surprise flashing across his face.

Hinata Natsu?
Who is it?

Uchiha Taichi took out a peculiar electronic device, about the size of a palm, with a screen and buttons, from his ninja tool pouch, showed it to him, and explained, "I have truthfully reported the situation here, including your assistance, through the police communication system. Lord Hyuga Natsu saw the report, especially your name, and specifically instructed that you must come for a meeting."

Jiraiya stroked his chin, trying hard to recall the name "Hyuga Natsu," but he couldn't remember it.

He hiccuped and chuckled, "Hyuga Natsu? Oh... I seem to remember her. Alright! Since she's invited me, it would be petty of me not to go, wouldn't it? I'll go!"

The next morning, a square vehicle painted white with warning lights on the roof and a conspicuous red cross on the body drove into Gunma Village.

Several medical staff members wearing white uniforms and masks, led by a slightly tired but efficient medical ninja, carefully carried Iwaji Tetsuya, whose injuries had stabilized, onto the vehicle on a stretcher.

Jiraiya and Hydrangea curiously observed this "ambulance" they had never seen before.

Afterwards, Jiraiya, Hydrangea, Uchiha Taichi, Yamazaki Shota, and Sakura Maki set off together, embarking on their journey back to Ageo Castle amidst the warm farewells of the villagers.

All of them were ninjas, and their pace was not slow; they could even keep up with the ambulance that was driving smoothly on the dirt road.

Jiraiya looked at the vehicle ahead and couldn't help but ask curiously, "Is this also one of those... Thunder cars?"

The hydrangeas tilted their heads, full of curiosity.

After fighting side-by-side yesterday, Sakura Maki's impression of the two had greatly improved, and she smiled as she took the initiative to explain, "This is also a vehicle powered by a chakra storage device. However, unlike the 'lightning cars' that run on the railway tracks and ordinary small cars, those with a red cross mark are 'ambulances' specifically belonging to the medical system, used for emergency transport of the wounded. Judging from the tired look on the face of the senior medical ninja who led the team just now, he probably just came down from the front lines and didn't have time to rest properly before going on another mission."

"Medical system? Is it similar to the medical departments of each ninja village?" Jiraiya pressed, as he did have some understanding of medical systems, after all, it was one of the life's work of his friend Tsunade.

Sakura Maki thought for a moment and then answered, “The medical system of the Land of Stars is divided into two main parts. One is the ‘field medical system’ which belongs to the military. It is mainly responsible for battlefield medical care, treatment of serious injuries and training of medical ninjas for the army and professional ninjas. It functions similarly to the medical departments of other ninja villages.”

"The other is the 'civilian medical system' for all citizens, consisting of hospitals and clinics in various regions. It uses medical ninjas as technical backbones and instructors, while also training a large number of general physicians and nurses to provide basic medical care and disease treatment for all people."

Upon hearing that the Land of Stars was opening its precious medical ninja resources and advanced medical technology to the general public, Jiraiya and Hydrangea were once again deeply shocked.

In their conventional understanding, whether it is a large ninja village like Konoha or a small ninja village like Amegakure, medical ninjas are extremely scarce and precious strategic resources. They are very difficult to train, and the related medicines and equipment are also very expensive. They are usually only available to ninjas, nobles and wealthy merchants, and ordinary people can hardly enjoy decent medical care.

During the conversation, the group had already arrived at Kamio Castle.

This city, nestled among mountains, is vast in scale, with high city walls, wide streets, numerous shops, and bustling crowds, making it exceptionally prosperous.

Sakura Maki proudly explained, "Kaio Castle was originally the second largest city in the Land of Bears. After the establishment of the Land of Stars, the former territory of the Land of Bears was designated as 'Kuma District,' and Kaio Castle became the county seat of Kuma District, serving as the economic and transportation center of this region."

They first went to the Kuma County Field Hospital in the east of the city, officially transferred Iwaji Tetsuya to hospital, and inquired about his condition.

The group then headed towards the Kuma County Police Headquarters building, which is adjacent to the hospital.

This is a newly built, simple and sturdy five-story building.

As they entered the police headquarters, Jiraiya and Hydrangea curiously looked around the interior.

Police officers in uniform dark blue uniforms came and went, each busy with their own tasks, maintaining order and efficiency.

Jiraiya keenly sensed that many people here had very weak chakra fluctuations, even indistinguishable from ordinary people.

However, the competence, composure, and discipline they exuded were completely different from the lax and even thuggish security forces he had in other countries.

Every police officer here, in their demeanor and behavior, is more like a well-trained elite soldier.

Uchiha Taichi led the two directly to the minister's office on the top floor.

Pushing open the door, I saw two ninjas with extraordinary auras talking inside.

One of them, with striking short green hair, was Hinata Natsumi.

Upon seeing Jiraiya, she immediately stood up, a gentle and respectful smile on her face: "Lord Jiraiya, it's been a long time."

Seeing Jiraiya's somewhat puzzled expression, he took the initiative to introduce himself: "You may not remember me, please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Hyuga Natsu, a member of the Hyuga branch family. During the Third Shinobi World War, I accompanied Lord Hyuga Hizashi to support the front lines and participated in many battles under your command."

Jiraiya stared at her for a few seconds, then suddenly clapped his hands, realizing, "Oh—! I remember now! You're that little girl who always followed Hizashi around with her hair color that was different from everyone else's, right? Oh my, time flies! That little girl from back then has grown up so much and is now quite capable! Looks like you're Hizashi's right-hand woman now, aren't you?"

Hinata Natsumi smiled and nodded: "Yes, almost ten years have passed in the blink of an eye."

At that moment, Jiraiya's gaze shifted to another person in the office. When he saw the other person's face clearly, his eyes widened instantly, revealing an expression of disbelief: "Shisui?!"

Uchiha Shisui, who was sitting on the sofa, stood up. He still had that gentle and calm demeanor and nodded slightly to Jiraiya: "Lord Jiraiya, it's been a long time."

Jiraiya snapped out of his daze, his tone a mix of complexity and probing: "I never expected to see you here. With your current status, you must be a high-ranking official in the Land of Stars, right? Why would you have time to wait for a wandering writer like me?" Shisui smiled gently: "I just happened to be in Kamio Castle coordinating the allocation of urgently needed supplies for the front lines. Hearing that you were here, I thought I had to meet you in person to express my gratitude for your help to Taichi and the others yesterday."

He gestured with his hand, "Please sit down."

Jiraiya and Hydrangea sat down on the sofa.

Shisui then turned to Uchiha Taichi, who looked somewhat puzzled, and said with a hint of elder's concern, "Taichi, when Jiraiya was active in the ninja world, you were still young, so it's normal that you didn't know him. Let me introduce you. This is one of the famous 'Three Legendary Sannin' of Konoha, the Toad Sage Jiraiya."

"Konoha...?" Uchiha Taichi repeated the word in a low voice. His eyes, which had been calm, suddenly sharpened. His newly evolved Sharingan with two tomoe activated uncontrollably, staring intently at Jiraiya with undisguised vigilance and hostility.

Jiraiya, who had just settled down on the sofa, felt a little uneasy under the hostile gaze. He chuckled dryly, "Kid, I don't think I've done anything to offend you, have I?"

Uchiha Taichi sneered, "Not a single person from Konoha is any good!"

After saying that, he bowed to Shisui and Hyuga Natsu: "Lord Natsu, Clan Chief, if there is nothing else, I will go and deal with the follow-up report."

After receiving Shisui's nod, he didn't even glance at Jiraiya, turned around and strode out of the office.

Watching Uchiha Taichi's departing figure, Hyuga Natsu sighed and explained to the somewhat embarrassed Jiraiya, "Lord Jiraiya, please don't take it too seriously. Many young people in the Uchiha clan are like that... especially towards Konoha."

"In fact, many young people in the clan yearn to join the front-line troops of the Star Ninja Army. It was only because of the pressure from Master Guang and Master Shisui that some outstanding young people like Taichi were arranged to enter the police department for training, in the hope that they could have more contact with the people and understand the meaning of protection."

Jiraiya waved his hand to indicate his understanding, then his expression turned serious as he looked at Shisui and Hyuga Natsu: "Speaking of which, I haven't been back to Konoha for a long time, and I'm not a Konoha ninja anymore, just a writer traveling around. So... may I ask if I may ask, what exactly happened between the Hyuga and Uchiha families back then? If it's convenient, I'd like to hear... your version of events."

He finally asked the question that had been lingering in his mind for so long.

Shisui gestured to Hyuga Natsu, who then brewed hot tea for Jiraiya and Hydrangea.

Seeing that they seemed to have something important to discuss, Ziyanghua stood up and said, "Uncle, I'll wait for you outside."

"Don't run around, little hydrangea," Jiraiya instructed.

Watching the hydrangea depart, Zhishui asked curiously, "Is this your disciple?"

Jiraiya waved his hand and said, "I just met a little guy who longed for peace when I passed through Amegakure. Since Amegakure was in turmoil, I took him with me on my travels."

Shisui nodded, no longer pressing for details about the hydrangea, and instead asked, "Lord Jiraiya, how much do you know about the 'Night of Betrayal' in Konoha?"

Jiraiya held the warm teacup, pondered for a moment, and then spoke the information he knew: "What I heard was... Hizashi Hyuga led a group of branch clan members to attack the main clan members, led by Hiashi, and then defected from the village. As for the Uchiha... it's said that Itachi Uchiha colluded with the Akatsuki organization and slaughtered many Uchiha clan members. And Shisui, you..."

He paused, glancing at Shisui: "The old man mentioned in his letter to me that you colluded with Uchiha Hikaru of the Land of Stars, which led to the series of subsequent events..."

"Hmph, just as I expected." Hinata Natsu couldn't help but let out a cold laugh, her Byakuya eyes filled with the mockery she had anticipated.

Shisui appeared much calmer. He gently blew on the steam rising from the tea and said, "The matter concerning the Hyuga family is actually not complicated. The root of everything lies in the 'Caged Bird' curse seal that has bound the branch family for hundreds of years. They... are just a group of birds who no longer wanted to be bound, and they struggled to break free of the cage and fly towards freedom."

Jiraiya looked at Hyuga Natsu, gazed at her smooth forehead, and nodded: "I understand that."

As an observer, he felt sympathy for the Hyuga branch family's choice.

Shisui nodded, his expression turning serious. "Then, let's focus on the Uchiha clan's situation. Hmm... let me clarify the timeline. It was roughly three years ago, when I was still in Konoha, trying to mend the rift between the village and the clan, so that the Uchiha could fully integrate into Konoha..."

His voice lowered: "I was ambushed by Danzo Shimura... He took my last Mangekyou Sharingan."

"What?! Danzo?!" Jiraiya's eyes widened suddenly, and his hand holding the teacup tightened abruptly, causing several fine cracks to appear on the hard ceramic cup.

Although he knew Danzo was a shady character, he never expected that Danzo would be so ruthless towards a fellow villager and a genius of the Uchiha clan!

Shisui seemed oblivious to Jiraiya's loss of composure and continued in a calm tone, "When I was driven to the brink of death and despair by Danzo and his Root, I even considered killing myself to cover it up. After all, you know how much the Uchiha clan values ​​family ties. If they knew that the Konoha leadership had done such a thing, they might just start a rebellion on the spot."

Jiraiya fell silent; he knew that Shisui's personality would lead him to make such a choice.

"At the critical moment, Lord Shura suddenly appeared and saved me. At that time, I was wary of him and did not trust him. So he made a bet with me."

Jiraiya looked up: "A bet?"

"Yes, he said that within a year, the Konoha leadership will definitely implement a complete purge plan against the Uchiha clan, which means... extermination."

He raised his head, activated his three-tomoe Sharingan, and stared directly at Jiraiya: "And what happened later... proved him right."

"That night, Uchiha Itachi, acting on orders from the Konoha leadership, slaughtered his own clansmen... If it weren't for Lord Shura's prior planning, leading the Star Ninja to intervene in time, stopping the massacre, and covering the evacuation of the remaining Uchiha clansmen, the name of the Uchiha would probably have been completely erased from the ninja world long ago. This is the truth behind the 'Night of Betrayal' recorded in Konoha."

After listening to Shisui's account, Jiraiya frowned, his face filled with confusion and disbelief: "Uchiha Itachi... I remember he was the eldest son of the Fugaku clan chief, exceptionally talented and with a calm personality. Why... why would he do this? Slaughter his own clansmen?"

“Because of the Nine-Tails’ chaos.” Shisui’s tone was tinged with bitterness: “Ever since that night, the Konoha leadership has suspected that the Uchiha clan was manipulating the Nine-Tails behind the scenes. They have been using various means to exclude, suppress, and reduce the Uchiha’s living space and political power within the village.”

"I once naively thought that as long as I worked hard enough and showed loyalty to the Uchiha clan, I could resolve this rift and allow the clan to better integrate into the village... But as it turns out, I was wrong."

His gaze became deep and sharp: "Later I finally understood that the root of the problem was not whether the Uchiha wanted to integrate into Konoha, but that there were people in the highest echelons of Konoha who did not want the Uchiha to integrate into Konoha from the very beginning!"

"What they need is not a powerful Uchiha with his own voice, but an Uchiha who will either obey absolutely or disappear completely!"

"As for Itachi Uchiha... because the Konoha higher-ups promised that as long as the entire Uchiha clan was wiped out, his younger brother, Sasuke Uchiha, could be spared."

Upon hearing these words, the first thing that came to Jiraiya's mind was Danzo Shimura's gloomy face and the intricate power of the "Root" behind him.

Based on his understanding of Danzo, everything Shisui said was completely in line with that old man's style of doing things!

For the sake of so-called "village stability," Danzo was willing to pay any price, even regarding the entire Uchiha clan as a tumor that had to be removed!

When Jiraiya heard that Itachi Uchiha had slaughtered his entire clan just to protect his younger brother, he wore an expression of disbelief.

He remained silent, processing this information.

After a long silence, Jiraiya finally raised his head and asked the last, and most crucial, question: "So, what role did Shura play in this whole affair? He..."

He hesitated for a moment, but still asked, "Did he plan all of this all along?"

Shisui shook his head, his tone firm: "I know what you want to ask. But I can swear on my honor and the honor of the Uchiha clan: until the moment before the Konoha leadership raised their swords against the Uchiha, every Uchiha clan member in Konoha, including myself and Clan Chief Fugaku, firmly believed in their hearts that they were members of Konoha. Even if they were dissatisfied with the Konoha leadership's repressive policies, they never had the thought of betraying the village!"

"I was forced to stay in the Land of Stars due to Danzo's persecution, which is a special situation. But I can absolutely guarantee that Chief Fugaku and all other members of the clan had no secret contact with the Land of Stars, Lord Shura, or Lord Kou before the night of the massacre! Lord Shura's intervention was to stop and rescue the tragedy just before it happened, not to plan or lure it beforehand!"

After listening to Uchiha Shisui's account, Jiraiya fell into a long silence.

He tried to piece together the "truth" of that night by combining the information the old man had given him, but the deeper he went, the more powerless he felt.

…………

On the other side, Menma, who had just returned to the Star Capital, was still pondering several feasible paths to advance to the Six Paths level when she saw her father, Minato Namikaze, walking over with a piece of information, looking somewhat amused and exasperated.

"Menma, Jiraiya-sensei is here." Minato handed a piece of information to Menma, who was deep in thought.

[PS: My post was reviewed yesterday because the reforms in the Star Kingdom went too far and some words were too sensitive. A few edits will fix it (shrug).]

[PS2: Today's illustration: Karin Uzumaki]

(End of this chapter)