Chapter 127: Chapter 126: Law-Abiding Byakuya
As a transmigrator, Byakuya was well-acquainted with the Third Hokage's life history. While people's thoughts might change over time, their general character usually remains consistent. In his impression, the Third Hokage was mediocre and ineffective. If he had died during the three Shinobi World Wars, his reputation might have been better than the Second Hokage's, making him a transitional figure.
Unfortunately, the Third Hokage lived too long, and Konoha, once vibrant, became stagnant under his leadership.
It was easy to understand the Third Hokage's intentions. He had probably learned something from Danzo and wanted to build a good relationship with Byakuya, hoping to use the Will of Fire to exert influence.
But who was Byakuya again? Could the Third Hokage's understanding of the Will of Fire match his own?
After Byakuya exposed his intentions, the Third Hokage looked slightly embarrassed,
"I had no intention of probing the exchange group's information. I just wanted to chat with you, ask you to pass on my regards to Hanzō, and learn a bit about his life after retirement."
"Oh, Really?"
Byakuya expressed doubt and asked skeptically, "After retiring, Hanzō-sensei has been fishing, practicing wellness, and training new recruits. Are you planning to follow his example, Third Hokage?"
"Fishing is out of the question…"
The Third Hokage shook his head lightly and then began inquiring about other matters. However, Byakuya remained tight-lipped and didn't reveal any useful information.
Thinking it over, it was within reason.
Was a youth whom even Danzo feared just an ordinary ninja?
However, the Third Hokage was genuinely interested in the specifics of Amegakure situation, such as whether Hanzō the Salamander was still alive and if Byakuya knew about Danzo's activities.
These pieces of information were crucial for the future cooperation and development between the two nations.
After chatting for a while, the Third Hokage brought up Jiraiya and Yahiko and eventually discussed their philosophies.
The Third Hokage elaborated on the Will of Fire and then looked at Byakuya, wanting to understand Amegakure's current philosophy and glimpse into its future path.
However, after hearing about Akatsuki's ideology, the Third Hokage's mouth twitched slightly.
"Byakuya, what's the deal with Akatsuki's ideology?"
Byakuya glanced at the Third Hokage and responded, "Third Hokage, is there something wrong with our Akatsuki's ideology?"
"It's not that…" The Third Hokage shook his head.
The ideology of Akatsuki wasn't problematic per se, but it was almost identical to the Will of Fire, just expressed in a different way with some minor details changed.
This made the Third Hokage doubt whether Byakuya had just made up Akatsuki's ideology on the spot.
Seemingly sensing the Third Hokage's thoughts, Byakuya sighed and said, "Third Hokage, you're probably questioning the authenticity of Akatsuki's ideology. It was developed by me and Yahiko, incorporating some aspects of the Will of Fire. Please don't mind."
Upon hearing this, the Third Hokage's expression softened considerably.
"The fact that the Will of Fire can be embraced by others is a good thing. I'm quite pleased about it," said the Third Hokage.
He didn't mind the Will of Fire being adopted by others. In a way, it meant that other ninja villages were natural allies of Konoha. He believed that a ninja who loved the Will of Fire would not stray from the right path.
This made it possible that Konoha and Amegakure could indeed become allies, working together against the remaining major ninja villages of Iwa and Kumo.
After a pause, the Third Hokage curiously asked, "But Byakuya, why are you interested in the Will of Fire?"
The Third Hokage had already formulated an answer in his mind before asking the question.
Jiraiya was his disciple, and Yahiko was Jiraiya's disciple. Since Byakuya had spent a lot of time with Yahiko and others, he must have been influenced by the Will of Fire and unconsciously adopted Konoha's ideals.
At this point, Byakuya fell into contemplation, thinking about how to respond.
Ultimately, Byakuya chose to stay true to his persona and replied with a somber expression,
"I'm not sure. Before meeting Yahiko, I think I had heard about the Will of Fire from my parents. Unfortunately, they went missing a long time ago…"
In the ninja world, "missing" often meant death.
Upon hearing about Byakuya's missing parents, the Third Hokage grew curious about his background.
The ninja world was full of orphans—Jiraiya and Orochimaru were orphans, and Yahiko and his friends, as well as Byakuya, were all war orphans. Nobody cared much about their past identities. But Byakuya's case was different; his background might be quite unusual.
The reason was simple: Yahiko and his friends had achieved Chunin status through Jiraiya's teachings.
But Byakuya, who had only recently become Hanzō's 'disciple', had never undergone systematic training and was a few years younger than them. His elite Jonin strength was questionable.
Either he had met a renowned teacher in his youth who laid a strong foundation or he possessed an exceptionally strong ninja lineage or even a formidable Bloodline Limit.
Otherwise, for a ninja of his age, reaching Chunin level would already be impressive. But Byakuya had never used any kekkei genkai, and his hair and eye color were both black, showing no signs of anything special.
What if he had Senju or Uchiha blood?
The Third Hokage seemed to have an epiphany. Looking at Byakuya again, he began to show more goodwill.
"Past matters are past. You can share some of your childhood memories. Although I have retired from the Hokage position, I am still familiar with events from these past decades. I might be able to help you find something."
"No need… I think they're probably dead," Byakuya said, shaking his head and politely declining the Third Hokage's offer. He then smiled and added, "I've found a new home. Although we don't share blood, we're no different from a real family."
Byakura then turned to the old man, "Third Hokage, you also have trusted family and companions, don't you?"
The Third Hokage nodded slightly, picturing the lively scenes of the Sarutobi family in his mind. His family was indeed very happy. His wife, Biwako, loved him dearly, and his eldest son held an important position in the Anbu and was preparing to marry.
The only thorn in his side was his rebellious youngest son, who was always out making trouble for him.
After a moment of reflection, the Third Hokage said gently, "I'm glad you've found a place where you belong. However, I hope that you and your friends will consider returning to Konoha. Konoha welcomes you."
Upon hearing the Third Hokage's invitation, Byakuya was momentarily taken aback. It seemed that the Third Hokage was considering the possibility of acquiring Amegakure.
However, Amegakure was part of Akatsuki, making it impossible for Konoha to acquire. Nevertheless, the Third Hokage's attitude had shifted significantly, indicating he was starting to suspect Byakuya's background. It was uncertain what kind of background the Third Hokage might have imagined for him.
After starting with probing questions and moving to recent events, the Third Hokage eventually finished his large bowls of ramen and prepared to leave. He planned to return and continue suppressing Danzo, ensuring that Danzo's activities were curbed.
The information Danzo had about Byakuya was likely just an excuse—claims about Byakuya's subordinates being killed by Akatsuki or Byakuya being the dark side of Akatsuki. Danzo was simply reluctant to let go of his power and was hiding his true strength.
Byakuya had only experienced pain and thus was cautious about the world, unwilling to let anyone harm his companions. He was no real threat. Moreover, Byakuya's background was highly suspicious and seemed deeply connected with the village.
The Third Hokage didn't believe that such a young genius could suddenly emerge from the corners of the ninja world. Konoha had its share of talented young ninjas with black hair.
Watching the Third Hokage leave, Byakuya finished his ramen and left Ichiraku Ramen.
As he passed by the Konoha bathhouse, Byakuya spotted Jiraiya, who was using ninjutsu to peek into the bathhouse. After confirming Jiraiya's presence and realizing that he hadn't noticed him, Byakuya approached a patrolling member of the Uchiha police force.
The Uchiha patrol member was one of those captured previously. Upon seeing Byakuya, he became alert, aware of Byakuya's strength and destructive capabilities.
Byakuya greeted him with a friendly smile, explaining he wasn't there to cause trouble but to report something.
Approaching the Uchiha officer, Byakuya patted him on the shoulder and said, "I'm a guest of Konoha and don't usually get involved in things like this, but I just witnessed something illegal. Do you accept reports?"
The patrol member, still wary, replied, "Of course, what's the issue?"
Byakuya pointed toward the bathhouse and said, "I'm reporting that a ninja is spying on the bathhouse. I trust the Uchiha will handle this properly. Please check it out!"
The patrol member was taken aback but quickly led his team towards the bathhouse. Soon, sounds of commotion could be heard.
The Uchiha patrol surrounded Jiraiya, who had been caught peeking. After a few stern warnings, the staff at the bathhouse noticed the commotion and came out to see what was happening.
Disguised as a different person, Jiraiya's face darkened. Despite his best efforts to hide, he had been discovered. As he was surrounded and reprimanded, Jiraiya tried to resist but feared exposure.
After enduring a beating from the Uchiha patrol, Jiraiya used the Substiution Technique to escape when faced with handcuffs from the patrol.
If he were actually taken to the police station and then bailed out by Minato the next day, Jiraiya's reputation would be severely tarnished!
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