Konoha: Tsunade, I am the Hokage

Chapter 197 The Third Hokage: Jiraiya, are you disappointed in me?

Help others build.

This was something Konoha had never considered before.

after all.

Although the nations of the ninja world are allied with each other, they have never truly been of one mind.

Except for the time when Hashirama Senju was still alive.

When Hashirama Senju was alive, everyone had a consensus: never provoke Konoha, and everyone must live in peace, otherwise no one knew if an iron fist would fall on their head.

and so.

Back then, everyone's daily consensus was...

We can't afford to offend Hashirama Senju!

Second, find a way to kill Hashirama Senju and destroy Konoha.

Sometimes, a shared enemy can unite people in hatred and lead them to share the same thoughts and goals.

but--

Clearly, the relationship between Konoha and Kumogakure was not that good; in fact, they were once at odds with each other.

Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled.

"Then tell me, why did you suddenly decide to tell those things to the Hidden Cloud Village?"

"It's nothing. This was a proposal from before. If there are many business and interest ties between the two sides, then when the Hidden Cloud Village takes action against us, they will have to consider more factors."

Tsunade smiled faintly, "So, this is a plan that benefits us."

Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent for a few seconds.

He really wanted to say...

I'm just old, but not senile or stupid. Do you think he can't see through that kid's wicked intentions?

just.

He couldn't figure out what Jingyan was trying to do.

"Fine, now that you're the Hokage, you always listen to him so easily, I can't control you anymore."

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed.

He walked slowly outside.

Tsunade tapped her fingers lightly as she processed the documents, and when Hiruzen Sarutobi was almost at the door, she suddenly stopped.

"By the way, old man."

"Um?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi turned his head.

This name...

Although he was relatively ordinary among his three disciples, Tsunade's presence this time carried a slightly different air about her.

He frowned. "Is there something special?"

"You recruited a group of people from Danzo's Root organization, right? Also, I heard that some of the Guardian Shinobi in Kyoto disappeared after being disbanded. That must be related to you, right?"

Tsunade propped her head up with one hand. "Are you trying to restart the Root organization?"

"Root Organization... Although Danzo and I have some differences in our beliefs, there is one thing we agree on."

Hiruzen Sarutobi replied, "A large tree that grows strong at the top also needs its roots to absorb external nutrients and strength. In the past, I relied on Danzo and did many things that were inconvenient for me."

"So, you think that Jingyan and I aren't capable of accomplishing everything, and you want the Root organization to do it for us?"

Tsunade said indifferently as she wrote the document.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a drag of his cigarette and said, "Isn't that right? Although you and Kyohiko are both very capable, especially that little guy, I've never seen anyone more talented than him."

"Even my teacher back then, at the same age, was definitely far inferior to Kyohiko, but..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi paused for a moment, then said, "He is still a boy after all, and you are also very young and inexperienced. You need help with many things, and that is precisely the meaning of Root's existence."

"For example, training a new Jinchūriki candidate?"

Tsunade said softly.

Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned slightly.

He was somewhat surprised—

How did Tsunade know?

Do not!

Perhaps they already knew, but they didn't confront each other before, and now...

Perhaps it's time for a showdown.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a drag of his cigarette, half his face shrouded in shadow, and said, "I don't think it's a bad thing. After all, the Nine-Tails is extremely important, and although Kushina is strong and can control the Nine-Tails, what if something goes wrong?"

"What problems could possibly arise?"

"I'm not saying there will be any problems, but that such a situation exists, so it's very necessary to prepare a Jinchūriki in advance."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said coldly, "Besides, wouldn't it be a waste for someone like him to be an ordinary person?"

"you……"

Tsunade was stunned.

She never expected that Hiruzen Sarutobi would have this side to him.

Then, she couldn't help but think of something else.

Koharu Utatane once mentioned that it was the combined efforts of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura that enabled Konoha to overcome one difficulty after another.

So.

How could the teacher not know about Danzo's affairs?

I am so silly.

Tsunade sighed and said, "Forget it, we have different beliefs, and there are many things we can't discuss. This isn't something I need to talk to you about."

"Jiraiya will be back soon. You should be free tonight, right?"

……

night.

Under the streetlights, Hiruzen Sarutobi walked slowly.

After a long while, he exhaled a puff of smoke.

Really...

"I never imagined things would come to this, old friend. You must be laughing at me."

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the night sky.

Whether he laughed or not, you don't know, but I think he definitely felt that you were the same kind of person as him.

Jiraiya's figure slowly walked from the darkness to the streetlight and sat down on a park bench.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat to the side.

Are you disappointed?

"No."

Jiraiya closed his eyes.

He sighed softly, "I'm just disappointed in myself."

Hiruzen Sarutobi was silent for a few seconds before saying, "Why? Although I like Orochimaru very much, in my eyes now, you are the disciple who is most like me."

"Yes, you told me that peace can be achieved through dialogue and mutual understanding, and that protection is the true meaning of the Will of Fire... I have always believed that too."

Jiraiya's voice was deep.

Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent, smacking his lips as he puffed on his cigarette, listening to Jiraiya explain his thoughts.

He was momentarily dazed.

original……

Did I say that back then?

Hiruzen Sarutobi recalled.

"And now?"

"Now? I think I've come to realize it. What you taught me was an ideal situation, that protecting is right, but dialogue, understanding, and love..."

Jiraiya sighed, "This was never going to happen."

Hiruzen Sarutobi gave a bitter smile.

"Yes, everyone in the ninja world is from different countries and has different positions, so how could they really understand each other? Even if they did understand each other, they might not always be willing to give up the war for each other."

He himself could no longer remember the words he had taught his disciples.

after all……

So many years have passed.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes dimmed: "You must be very disappointed in me, right?"

Everyone has a positive and a negative side; I've just come to know another side of you. But…

Jiraiya turned his head, his gaze icy. "Teacher, you also said that one can unleash tremendous power and will to protect those they love, right?"

"If you do anything to Kushina, even though I respect you, I will show no mercy!"

Jiraiya's tone was cold and firm.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed, "Have we, master and disciple, come to distrust each other to this extent?"

"Shouldn't it be so? Those who control Root, who spend their days with darkness, will slowly succumb to it. Danzo was like that, and so are you."

Jiraiya stood up. "Even Orochimaru, if it weren't for Kyohiko, he would have ended up like this..."

After saying that, Jiraiya said, "Therefore, I am very grateful to Kyohiko. He is a gift from heaven, who made me realize the ridiculous reality and ideals, and helped me regain a dear friend."

"And you..."

Jiraiya asked seriously, "What would you do?"

"What?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was taken aback.

He didn't quite understand what Jiraiya was trying to say.

Jiraiya sighed.

"Orochimaru, he is a flawed person, or rather, everyone has their own flaws. Why did you stand by and watch him get together with Danzo?"

"If you really like Orochimaru, you shouldn't have given him the opportunity to spend time with Danzo."

"That way, he won't betray your expectations, and if something bad happens, you'll only feel regret and lament—"

"What could I have done?"

Jiraiya couldn't help but smile as he said this.

because……

This was said by Kyohiko.

Moreover, he still remembers the look of wanting to laugh on Jingyan's face when he said those words.

He turned his head: "This is what I came back to say. I'm not smart, and I'm not very talented, so I may not be able to protect too many people, but I will do my best to protect the people I care about!"

"Love and protection..."

"It was you who taught me that."

After he finished speaking, he waved his hand.

"I'm gone."

There was no catching up; the only small talk after meeting was reminiscing about the past.

Faced with his disciple's questioning, he did not know how to refute it.

The other party's questioning left him at a loss.

If he were young, he might have been able to quickly come up with a rebuttal and persuade the other party with the most eloquent words, but now he is old.

I never imagined I would end up in such a state.

Hiruzen Sarutobi silently smoked his cigarette, then sighed and walked home.

At a corner, his shadow clone ran off in another direction.

After some time.

In a familiar place, an intelligence scroll appeared.

He bent down to pick it up, and his pupils immediately contracted.

The above is...

A topographic map.

This is the complete picture of the base where his organization is located, drawn in great detail, even including the secret passages of the base.

this--

Hiruzen Sarutobi continued to open.

More than one place.

Three places.

All base intelligence is displayed on it.

He found it hard to believe.

but.

After that, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but chuckle.

"I really underestimated you!"

He destroyed the reel.

The one who made the move was clearly Yoshimine Kyohiko.

Instead of directly destroying the base, the enemy used this method to send a warning—

Everything about oneself is under the other party's observation.

Show your fist.

That's so typical of Kyohiko!

……

"Hahaha, Orochimaru, you still prefer hiding in dark, damp places!"

"Jiraiya, you idiot, stay away from my test subjects!"

Orochimaru loathed the tunnels.

Jiraiya chuckled, "Nothing's going to happen, Kyohiko. Your base is really well hidden. Even I would have a long time to find it!"

"Teacher, you don't seem very happy."

Jing Yan said.

Jiraiya sighed, "How can I be happy? After all, I'm an old man..."

He took out the wine jug and took another sip.

"Speaking of which..."

"You brat, you were the first to notice something was wrong with the use of the Tailed Beast's power, and you were also the one who sent Kushina to do such a dangerous thing. This old man was making preparations, and the person he brought back is still related to you..."

"In the end, I had to resort to swearing!"

Jiraiya muttered a speechless complaint.

Orochimaru stood to the side, a slight smile playing on his lips: "If you want to drink, go somewhere else. Don't pollute the air here."

"You're a teacher, so you should be more capable."

Jingyan answered with a smile.

Orochimaru chuckled lightly: "Kyohiko, did you find that list useful?"

"Of course, I've already located their base and marked it. From now on, I'll know where the old man's men are."

Jingyan chuckled.

Orochimaru pondered, "The Flying Thunder God Mark?"

"Yes, and some of them used simple spell seals to confuse him, making it more difficult for him to find them!"

Jingyan chuckled softly.

Jiraiya curled his lip: "That old man really has too much time on his hands, always trying to stir up trouble. Can't he just stay home and rest quietly?"

"For someone like him, staying home to rest is practically the same as being dead."

Orochimaru said coldly.

Jiraiya was somewhat surprised, then laughed and said, "You know the old man very well. No wonder he's his most prized disciple!"

"It should be you now."

Orochimaru said calmly.

Jiraiya's expression turned to surprise, and he remained silent for a long time.

Orochimaru chuckled, "If Tsunade doesn't return, I think you'll definitely be the Fourth Hokage after the war. Of course... you idiot probably won't take the position, so..."

His gaze shifted to Kyohiko.

"Maybe it's Minato Namikaze."

"Orochimaru-senpai, you know the Third Hokage very well."

Jingyan was somewhat impressed.

Orochimaru shook his head and said, "After returning to the village, seeing more and thinking more, you will naturally understand."

He rarely drinks alcohol.

However, when these things were mentioned, he also unusually took a few sips from Jiraiya's sake bottle.

"By the way, what happened to Madara? And what are your plans regarding the Uchiha clan?"

Jiraiya suddenly looked at Kyohiko.

"Uchiha?"

After a moment of contemplation, Jingyan said, "I plan to follow the Second Generation's plan and finish what he didn't do."

Jiraiya was somewhat surprised.

The second generation's plan?

What is that?

He was stunned for a moment.

"A fool is a fool, Uchiha Kagami, have you forgotten?"

Orochimaru said hoarsely.

Jiraiya suddenly realized.

Uchiha Kagami!

These are members of Tobirama Senju's guard squad.

The guard squad signifies trusted confidants. If Uchiha Kagami hadn't died young, he would definitely have entered Konoha's upper echelons and held a position, which would have opened up a path for the Uchiha clan to rise in rank.

Although the position of Hokage may be very difficult for the Uchiha clan, it was at least not like the current situation.

Jiraiya thought for a moment and nodded slightly.

This is a good solution.

This would reduce casualties for both Konoha and the Uchiha clan.

"That kid named Shisui seems to have quite a bit of talent?"

Orochimaru looked at Kyohiko.

Kyohiko was not surprised.

Orochimaru may seem oblivious to what's happening outside, but in reality, he still secretly keeps an eye on the village through snakes; this intelligence gathering and observation seems to have become an instinct for him.

"Quite good, and his pursuits are quite different... By the way, he is also a descendant of Uchiha Kagami."

(End of this chapter)