Chapter 71: Even If the Sage of Six Paths Came, He Still Couldn

In the Hokage’s office, Rojie lounged comfortably in a reclining chair, eyes closed, cultivating tranquility.

He idled away his time while listening to subordinates’ reports.

Standing before him to deliver the report was Asama Sōun, a senior worker of the Fawu Force.

He was denouncing Shizune’s actions over the past few days.

“Fifth Hokage, Lady Shizune has been leaving the village daily, either drinking or gambling, often not returning overnight.”

“Perhaps, sir, Itachi might consider…”

Rojie waved his hand, not even opening his eyes.

“Keep her locked up a few more days, then find a suitable excuse to release her.”

“Say, the annual cleaning at Nanhachuan Grand Hotel requires emptying the cells.”

Asama Sōun exhaled in relief—he finally had a chance to send that lady away.

The Fawu Force was too small; Lady Shizune was too big.

After the senior Fawu Force worker departed, the room fell silent once more.

Moments later, Rojie suddenly asked: “How is Akimichi Dōza doing?”

The senior worker in the Hokage’s office, who had been focused on paperwork, paused his actions and looked up.

“Upon hearing that Lady Shizune had returned, Dōza was eager to step down and make way for her.”

Rojie nodded slightly: “Once Shizune is released, have Dōza go fetch her and assign her to oversee medical affairs.”

“Deduct a portion of her salary each month to repay her debt—she can’t just loaf around the village living off others.”

This would improve the village’s medical ninja standards while preventing Shizune from turning this debt into a bad one.

It was a perfect solution!

Rojie thought of something else.

The Akimichi clan needed appeasing too—don’t let the Pig, Deer, and Butterfly clans drift away from him.

“By the way, retain Akimichi Dōza’s advisory position and assign him as head of the newly established Commerce Department.”

Nara Shikaku, upon hearing this, paused, his face showing hesitation, then spoke:

“The new head of the Commerce Department is Lei Menyue’s father—your companion’s father—this…”

He didn’t finish, but his concern was clear.

Nara Shikaku feared his companion would be sabotaged by Rojie’s companion’s father.

A Hokage’s assistant’s companion could never match a Hokage’s companion.

Power in Konoha depended on proximity to the Hokage!

Rojie naturally understood Shikaku’s meaning.

He smiled faintly: “Merchants are always profit-driven. Without oversight, they’d sell the village for gain.”

“Besides, rebellions have always been led by ninja—never by merchants.”

Nara Shikaku nodded slightly and replied respectfully: “Yes, Hokage.”

…

Outside Nanhachuan Grand Hotel.

Sunlight spilled across the ground, forming golden patches.

Shizune held Ton Ton, standing anxiously by the entrance, eyes fixed on the hotel’s door, waiting for Shizune’s release.

Soon, Shizune’s familiar figure appeared at the entrance.

She waved cheerfully to the Fawu Force ninja she knew well, stepping out with a light gait.

In her hand, she held half a bottle of clear liquor.

The Nanhachuan Grand Hotel’s limited edition.

She took both food and drink—anyone unaware might think she’d come for a vacation.

Did she really treat Nanhachuan Grand Hotel like a hotel?

Shizune hurried forward, her face filled with worry.

“Lady Shizune, Itachi’re finally out—I was so worried!”

Shizune waved dismissively and laughed heartily: “I told Itachi it was nothing.”

“Look, they let me out after just a few days.”

Shizune frowned slightly and said seriously: “The village has assigned Itachi as head of the Medical Department.”

“Lady Shizune, Itachi must do your duty properly—no more gambling or drinking every day.”

Shizune put on a distracted smile, took a swig of liquor, and said indifferently:

“I know, I know, I’ve got it under control.”

“I’m the best medical ninja in the entire ninja world.”

Watching the two walk away, the Fawu Force ninja all exhaled in relief.

They’d finally succeeded in sending away this plague.

Recalling Shizune’s time locked in Nanhachuan Grand Hotel, they all felt a headache coming on.

At first, Shizune had merely slipped out secretly to drink and gamble, returning only at midnight.

They had to search everywhere to bring her back.

Once, they found her at a gambling den, seated atop the table, roaring with confidence.

“If I win this round, I’ll fund the rebuilding of the Hokage Tower—and gift Itachi a new Fawu Force building!”

That night, the Fawu Force paid off Shizune’s gambling debts.

Shizune only needed to go all-in—the Fawu Force had to think of everything else.

In the final days, Shizune, tired of going out, began drinking and gambling inside the prison itself, enthusiastically trying to recruit fellow inmates.

How could this be allowed?

Shizune was a Konoha high-ranking official—she was only temporarily staying here and would return to power after release.

But those convicted felons? They might never leave this prison.

The Fawu Force had no choice but to assign personnel to accompany her, entertaining and feeding her lavishly.

As a result, new Fawu Force recruits now had mediocre strength but each knew twenty drinking games.

For instance, a certain Uchiha kid who refused to reveal his name.

Moreover, they were constantly on edge, terrified of making even the slightest mistake.

Now, Shizune had finally left.

The heavy stone in their hearts finally dropped.

They only hoped she’d never return.

Nanhachuan Grand Hotel did not welcome Shizune.

…

Meanwhile, in the Hokage’s office.

Jiraiya sat across from Rojie, his expression grave.

“During this time, I reviewed all intelligence on the Akatsuki and met with Uchiha Itachi.”

His eyes held a complex emotion.

Rojie studied Jiraiya’s expression and asked: “What are your thoughts?”

Jiraiya sighed deeply, his voice hoarse with guilt:

“I never imagined the Akatsuki was founded by my former students from the Rain Village during the Second Shinobi World War.”

“After I left, they took a wrong path—I, as their teacher, bear undeniable responsibility.”

He lowered his head, eyes filled with anguish over his students’ descent into darkness.

He never thought those three children, once determined to bring world peace without extreme violence, had founded the Akatsuki—a gathering of rogue ninja.

Back then, I should’ve taught them to write smut for a living.

Now, they’ve twisted their ninjutsu and turned evil.

This is the greatest teaching disaster this renowned ninja master has ever faced!

Regret—deep, overwhelming regret.

After a moment of silence, Jiraiya raised his head again: “I’ve arranged with Uchiha Itachi—I’ll go under his guidance to investigate the Akatsuki’s true nature.”

Rojie listened, his lips curling into a knowing smile: “Well said.”

But before Jiraiya could even relax, Rojie’s next words made his eyes widen.

“However, I’m going with Itachi.”

Jiraiya immediately frowned and hurried to dissuade him: “Itachi’re the Hokage—how can Itachi leave the village so casually?”

“Besides, the Akatsuki is extremely dangerous—their leader possesses the Rinnegan.”

“The legendary eyes of the Sage of Six Paths—no one knows what powers they hold.”

Rojie merely waved his hand calmly.

The Sage of Six Paths’ eyes?

Even if the Sage of Six Paths himself came, he still couldn’t escape Rojie.

How much less so a mere Rinnegan.

So Rojie casually tossed the Hokage seal toward Nara Shikaku.

“Nara’s deputy can handle village affairs—I have full confidence in him.”

Tsunade is also in the village now; with her strength, she is more than enough to protect it.

Moreover, I am very curious to see the Rinnegan.

Luo Jie wanted to see whether the Outer Path Demon Statue was stronger, or his Fire Demon was.

This is the Fire Demon will of the Fifth Hokage!

(End of Chapter)