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A giant toad suddenly appeared on the outskirts of Konoha. If Jiraiya hadn't emerged from the toad's mouth to explain, it would have been attacked by the security forces.
Even a Sannin couldn't summon such a massive creature within the village without causing alarm.
After understanding the situation, the security team escorted Jiraiya to the hospital and reported the incident to the Hokage's office.
Upon receiving the news, Sakumo sent someone to the Sarutobi clan's territory to inform the Third Hokage.
Nowadays, Hiruzen spent his days at home, seemingly having relinquished power. However, Yoichi knew that this was a helpless move for Hiruzen, who was reluctant to retire in his fifties.
There was no choice; Sakumo was a Hokage with strong principles. Unless one adhered to his principles, conflicts would inevitably arise if they worked together.
Yoichi could accommodate Sakumo's principles. His goal was to develop the Uchiha clan within the village. Once he became Hokage, Konoha would essentially become Uchiha Village. As long as he didn't violate Sakumo's principles and continued to contribute to the village's prosperity, there would be no issues handing over the power of the Hokage.
Currently, Sakumo was gradually delegating more responsibilities to Yoichi's wood clones. The decreasing stack of documents on Sakumo's desk and the increasing pile on Yoichi's desk were clear indicators.
When Hiruzen arrived at the hospital, seeing Sakumo, Yoichi, and Minato gave him a bad feeling.
He silently cursed Jiraiya, assuming that he had impulsively gone after Nagato. Hiruzen hadn't sent any messages back, hoping to stall Jiraiya into returning on his own. Explaining to this hot-headed fool might not have stopped him from seeking out his former student.
Soon, Mina came out of the operating room. Seeing Yoichi and the others, she gave a thumbs-up and said, "He'll be fine after three days of rest. I'll go check on Karin now, Yoichi-sama."
With that, Mina quickly left without greeting anyone else.
Yoichi smiled and said, "Sorry, Mina is a bit anxious."
"All mothers worry about their children. Kakashi's mother was the same. It's fine, Yoichi."
Sakumo smiled, then turned to Hiruzen and said, "Jiraiya should be fine now. Let's go in."
"Alright, Sakumo."
Hiruzen nodded reluctantly and followed him inside.
Thanks to Mina's treatment, most of Jiraiya's injuries had healed, even his bones were mended, thanks to her special chakra. This was why Orochimaru said Mina's medical ninjutsu rivaled Tsunade's.
If someone was gravely injured and drank Mina's blood, they would understand the top-tier medical effect. Severed limbs could be reattached, and as long as there was a breath left, they wouldn't die.
However, only Yoichi and Kakashi had drunk Mina's blood, during the summoning of Ghidorah.
"Minato, old man, why are you all here? It's just a small injury, hahaha, no need to worry."
Jiraiya laughed from his hospital bed, slightly easing Hiruzen's worries. Jiraiya was still keeping the secret, which meant there was still hope.
Sakumo asked, "Jiraiya, who injured you? I remember your mission was to investigate the underground bounty network. Are they really that strong?"
"Not really, I was just careless."
Jiraiya feigned difficulty and said, "Minato, once I'm healed, let me handle this. I'll resolve it."
"Underground bounty network... Are they in Amegakure? Or in the neighboring lands of Bears and Demons?"
Yoichi suddenly asked. Seeing everyone looking at him, he explained, "I just received a report from the trading company. They saw a giant purple toad coming from Amegakure to Konoha. It seems to be Jiraiya's toad. Minato, dispatch the Anbu. If Hanzō is involved, we should reconsider our relationship with him."
Sakumo nodded, "Hanzō, huh? Didn't expect him to be connected to the underground network. We should take this seriously."
"Wait, wait, it's not clear if Hanzō is involved. Isn't this too impulsive?"
Jiraiya quickly intervened. If his withheld information led to a war between Konoha and Amegakure, he would be Konoha's sinner.
Yoichi said, "Precisely because it's unclear, we need to investigate. Otherwise, we could plan intelligence operations against Amegakure. Jiraiya, how many were there? How could they injure you so badly?"
"Well..."
Jiraiya hadn't encountered anyone from the underground network. His information came mostly from the Land of Tea and the Land of Water. Making up a story related to Amegakure on the spot was impossible.
Seeing Jiraiya's hesitation, Sakumo sensed something was wrong and asked, "What's the matter, Jiraiya? Is it inconvenient to say?"
"Sakumo, can I handle this alone?"
Sakumo understood Jiraiya had lied. Not wanting to press a comrade, he asked, "Is it personal or village-related? If it's personal, I won't pry. But if it involves the village..."
Jiraiya knew Sakumo's boundary. He didn't want to involve the village in Nagato's affairs.
Hiruzen said, "Sakumo, let me handle this."
"You know too, Hiruzen?"
Sakumo was slightly angered but said, "Fine, but at least tell me what happened. If it endangers the village, as Hokage, I need to know!"
The room fell silent. Minato felt for Jiraiya but agreed Sakumo was being considerate.
"It's about my student from the Second Shinobi War. I stayed in Amegakure for three years and took on a student."
Jiraiya finally began to explain, detailing the events including Danzō's involvement and Nagato's Rinnegan. His injuries were from the Rinnegan.
The continuous information left Sakumo stunned.
Rinnegan, Danzō's secret actions, Jiraiya's personal investigation, and his severe injuries from the Rinnegan. The leader of Akatsuki, holding a grudge against Konoha because of Danzō.
Fortunately, Sakumo had pressed for answers. Ignoring it might have meant facing a powerful enemy with the Rinnegan unprepared.
Hearing about the Rinnegan's abilities, Sakumo realized the threat.
Instant jutsu without seals, repelling all attacks, powerful attraction preventing resistance, and self-modification for mechanical attacks. And this wasn't all the Rinnegan's abilities.
Jiraiya hadn't fully tested them before being knocked out.
"This matter, the village will handle it."
Sakumo decided after a pause. Seeing Jiraiya's concern, he continued, "You can participate, but follow the village's decisions. A teenager wielding an unrefined Rinnegan defeated you. Imagine the threat when fully mastered."
Sakumo glanced at Yoichi, hinting at the potential danger if left unchecked, given the Rinnegan's power and Nagato's grudge.
"And Danzō, Minato."
Yoichi added, "Private actions are one thing, but involving the village is unforgivable. Root was absorbed into Anbu, so why does Danzō still have a force and ally with Hanzō?"
Sakumo instructed Hiruzen, "Recall Danzō and his subordinates immediately. This is a direct order from the Hokage's office."
Hiruzen sighed, "Understood, I'll signal him."
"A high-level meeting at the Hokage Tower tomorrow."
With that, Sakumo left, and Yoichi followed.
After they left, Hiruzen angrily scolded Jiraiya, "Why didn't you come to me first?"
"You didn't send a message. I even asked Minato to check."
"I told Minato to bring you back. I thought you'd come to ask, but you acted on your own and caused this mess."
Hiruzen huffed and left, planning to discuss with Koharu and Homura.
After he left, Minato asked Jiraiya, "Do you need anything?"
"No, Minato, you can go. I'm mostly healed."
Jiraiya waved him off, deep in thought about Nagato. Since learning the news, he felt like he had been acting impulsively.
Reflecting, he realized he was too worried about the Rinnegan. He still was. If it fell into the wrong hands, it could cause great destruction in the shinobi world.
...
The next day, Sakumo gathered Konoha's leaders at the Hokage office.
Anbu captains, interrogation and intelligence heads, Jiraiya, Hiruzen, and Orochimaru were present.
"Today's meeting is important. It started half a month ago..."
After explaining the events, the room fell silent, much like the hospital the day before.
Orochimaru glanced at Jiraiya, intrigued by the hidden Rinnegan. He felt a renewed interest in researching it.
"Here's my decision. I discussed with Hiruzen yesterday to recall Danzō and his subordinates within five days. Those who don't return will be considered traitors."
Sakumo's firm stance was clear. Despite being a peaceful Hokage, today he was resolute.
"Hokage—"
Koharu tried to speak but was cut off by Sakumo, "Advisor, let me finish. The Akatsuki leader, Nagato, is confirmed hostile due to Danzō. The mission to capture Nagato and Konan is now S-rank."
Jiraiya wanted to protest but was stopped by Yoichi, "Jiraiya, don't rush to argue. If Nagato could severely injure you, what about other Konoha ninja?"
Jiraiya held back, acknowledging the threat Nagato posed.
"The mission prioritizes capture. Whether to kill will depend on Nagato and Konan's actions. Six Anbu teams and ten Jonin squads will be dispatched. Jiraiya, you'll join them."
"I understand."
Jiraiya agreed, knowing Sakumo was giving him a chance. Bringing Nagato back could save him; otherwise, he'd be marked for elimination.
"One more thing, Hanzō likely knows about the Rinnegan. We must consider our relations with Amegakure."
Sakumo paused, "Deploy a ninja battalion to River Town to monitor Amegakure."
(End of Chapter)
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Defending against Hanzo of the Hidden Rain Village, pursuing Nagato and Konan, and recalling Danzō were the main tasks.
Although Danzō had no official position since stepping down from his advisory role, he was still a Jonin of the village, representing Konoha in his actions.
The main issue was his failed schemes, which had brought a powerful enemy to Konoha's doorstep.
If Danzō had acted discreetly, like Yoichi, who secretly acquired a Shikotsumyaku and an Ice Release Kekkei Genkai users without being discovered, Sakumo might have overlooked it.
Yoichi had brought valuable information and achieved numerous merits for the village, while Danzō's actions were foolish, allying with Hanzo and taking part of the blame. If Konoha's ninjas acted like Danzō, the village would eventually face the wrath of the entire ninja world.
Deploying six Anbu squads, ten Jonin squads, and a Sannin was a significant measure, given the partial intelligence they had on the Rinnegan.
Anbu members were at least Chunin, and usually only exceptional Chunin made it in. Squad leaders were undoubtedly Jonin-level.
The ten Jonin squads included no Genin, meaning Konoha had dispatched a total of forty-eight Chunin, sixteen Jonin, and a Kage-level ninja, Jiraiya, to capture Nagato.
This force was enough to wage a small war. Sakumo, having learned about the Rinnegan's capabilities, chose to be cautious by sending so many ninjas.
The only challenge was that Akatsuki was based in the Hidden Rain Village. Sending so many ninjas there would likely anger and provoke Hanzo.
However, Sakumo had prepared for this, combining negotiation and intimidation. Konoha needed the Hidden Rain Village, but Hanzo needed Konoha more, especially for maintaining his gains in the Land of Rivers.
The meeting lasted almost the entire morning before it adjourned.
Afterward, Jiraiya returned to rest, though he was nearly healed and set to depart the next day. The personnel configurations were discussed, including combat, tracking, and medical support.
They had considered the characteristics of the Rinnegan's techniques and selected ninja squads accordingly.
Hiruzen, Koharu, and Homura couldn't contribute to the discussion. Sakumo's resolve was too firm.
Their influence in the village was waning, and they couldn't protest through strikes, as that would leave them with nothing to do.
Hiruzen's priority was to ensure Danzō's return. His subordinates included not only Root members but also the Sarutobi clan's ninjas.
The Shimura clan remained in the village, and if Danzō defected, the clan would face severe scrutiny from the security forces.
Returning to his clan, Yoichi felt the situation spiraling out of control, though he wasn't too concerned. If Akatsuki was eliminated, he could personally capture the tailed beasts. Within two years, his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan would reach its peak, making wild tailed beasts trivial opponents.
Capturing Jinchūriki would be more challenging, requiring initial subjugation.
Wars with other ninja villages would likely ensue while collecting tailed beasts. Before that, Yoichi aimed to strengthen his village, particularly the Uchiha clan.
Spreading the Sage Seal and researching the Extremis virus were priorities.
An ordinary Genin with these enhancements could rival an elite Chunin, while a Jonin could contend with Kage-level ninjas. The Uchiha clan also had medicinal support, making battlefield transformations routine.
With a Rinnegan enemy in Konoha, the village's new Ninja Park was opening, attracting many visitors. Families with some wealth were traveling to enjoy the park.
While building the park, Yoichi also developed nearby food and lodging facilities, creating a commercial area capable of hosting thousands of visitors.
The park had two entrances, one from Konoha and one from the outside, allowing villagers to bring their children for ninja-themed activities.
The park's opening acted as a magnet, drawing people from other parts of the Land of Fire to Konoha. Even before the park's opening, many applied to move to Konoha. Over time, the population could exceed 100,000.
"This is a modern city."
Yoichi watched the bustling crowds with satisfaction. Konoha still had many dilapidated houses, contrasting sharply with the village's technological progress.
It was as if they anticipated future destruction, avoiding renovations altogether.
"What did you say?"
Yugito, the girl accompanying him, asked, tilting her head in confusion.
"Nothing. Enjoy yourself today. Let me know if there's anything unsatisfactory."
Yoichi patted her head.
"Don't mess with a girl's hair, you pervert!"
Yugito protested but didn't pull away, almost rubbing her head against his hand.
'He likes to pat people's heads so much. Fine, with so many people around, I'll humor him.'
Hearing her thoughts, Yoichi laughed and ruffled her hair, provoking a playful protest from Yugito.
'Maybe we can build some factories near Konoha and lay train tracks.'
Yoichi pondered future development while viewing Konoha from a high vantage point. The contrast between the modernizing Uchiha district and the old, rundown village was stark.
"This is my Konoha, but it still needs improvement."
"Obito, things are looking bad. Konoha has sent many ninjas to pursue Akatsuki."
White Zetsu emerged beside Obito, grumbling, "We should have killed Jiraiya. Now even Nagato might be in danger."
Obito replied coldly, "Nagato won't be in danger with me around. Stop whining and give me the intel."
Zetsu internally grumbled but reported, "Jiraiya's injuries are healed. Konoha knows about Nagato and has sent sixty-five ninjas, all Chunin or higher."
"Sixty-plus..."
Obito fell silent, knowing the force likely included many Jonin alongside Jiraiya and the leaked Rinnegan intel.
"What will you do?" Zetsu asked.
"Let's see Nagato. He's just mastered the Six Paths' power and plans to use himself as the Outer Path."
After some thought, Obito said, "You will come with me to inform Nagato."
"Understood!"
...
They arrived to find Nagato preparing a body for the Six Paths of Pain.
"It seems you've mastered the Six Paths' power and are ready to create clones. But the enemy won't give you time."
Obito's voice, mimicking Madara, reached Nagato as he emerged from the Kamui space.
Seeing Nagato and Konan's puzzled expressions, Obito continued, "Last time you spared Jiraiya. Now he's bringing more people to capture you and take the Rinnegan to Konoha."
Nagato felt a surge of frustration. He hadn't wanted to kill Jiraiya but now faced a greater threat.
"Tell them, Zetsu."
Zetsu explained, "Jiraiya leads sixty-four others, including twenty-four Anbu. They left Konoha yesterday and should be near the Land of Rain."
Obito asked, "What will you do? My suggestion is to avoid them. Jiraiya knows your abilities and will likely succeed in capturing you."
Konan, in disbelief, said, "Jiraiya-sensei would never capture us. He's our teacher and once..."
"Took care of you for three years, right? Yes, he's a good person but responsible for Konoha."
Zetsu shrugged, "Without Nagato's Rinnegan, he wouldn't have taught you ninjutsu. Children aren't that valuable to him."
Nagato and Konan fell silent. Yahiko had desperately wanted to learn from Jiraiya, who only agreed after seeing Nagato's Rinnegan power.
"Should we leave?" Konan asked.
"It's up to you. Our goal is to protect the Rinnegan and guide you to use its power for world peace."
Zetsu felt Obito's manipulation was increasingly like Madara's. Madara must have taught him how to influence Nagato.
"I'll stay. This is where Yahiko's dream of peace can be realized. Running would mean abandoning that dream."
Nagato decided, letting his gratitude to Jiraiya be overshadowed by hatred. He had spared Jiraiya, wanting no further ties, but now faced capture by Konoha ninjas.
"So, have that creature assist me."
"How rude, I have a name. Call me Tobi."
Tobi emerged from behind a pillar, annoyed at being called a creature.
"Use it as you see fit," Obito said. "Before Jiraiya finds you, you can create one more Pain body. With an extra body, your strength increases significantly."
The Six Paths of Pain were essentially six corpse clones, each wielding part of the Rinnegan's power, controlled by Nagato's chakra through black rods.
With a Deva Path body, Nagato and the clone could effectively resist Konoha's ninjas.
"I understand."
Nagato intended to use Yahiko's body for the Deva Path but decided to do so now, to settle things with Jiraiya.
"Jiraiya-sama, we've entered the Land of Rain. Where should we search?"
A Hyūga clan Jonin asked. His team was the only scouting unit, including members from the Yamanaka, Inuzuka, and Aburame clans.
In the rainy environment, the abilities of the Inuzuka and Aburame were limited unless the rain stopped.
"I know a few towns where Akatsuki members often appear. We'll split into four squads, keeping within two kilometers of each other. Signal immediately if you find anything."
Though reluctant to fight his students, Jiraiya had to follow village orders.
After giving instructions, the squads set out.
The Akatsuki had been a significant presence in the Land of Rain, leaving traces behind. They also had the option of using genjutsu on civilians to gather information, unlike Jiraiya's previous moral restraint.
Disguised, Jiraiya's team quickly gathered intel. They found civilians aided by Akatsuki and captured a ninja who had recently left the organization.
As they prepared to contact the Yamanaka member, explosions rang out, followed by a signal flare in the sky.
"Found something!"
Jiraiya and the other squads rushed toward the flare.
"Yahiko?"
Jiraiya, using Body Flicker, was the first to arrive, shocked to see another student.
"What's going on? Yahiko, why are you alive and why do you have the Rinnegan?"
"Such a nuisance, Jiraiya-sensei."
The Deva Path clone coldly said, "I told you last time not to seek us out."
With that, the Deva Path clone raised its hand, and to Jiraiya's shock, said,
"Shinra Tensei!"
(End of Chapter)
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