Chapter 136

In response to Jiraiya’s question, Fujinaka Genma spread his hands: “I found no relevant information in the Root. Danzo’s body was completely burned to ash.”

“As for the others who participated in that mission, I’m sorry—none of them returned.”

Although he knew the truth about the Rinnegan—even better than anyone else—he wasn’t ready to reveal it yet.

As for Black Zetsu.

Is he even human?

At Fujinaka Genma’s words, Jiraiya and Tsunade both frowned.

This meant they now had a hidden enemy lurking in the shadows.

And this enemy was terrifying.

Everyone Danzo took with him didn’t return; they were likely killed by the Rinnegan.

The Root’s elite had already proven the Rinnegan’s horror.

Having such an enemy hidden in the dark made it nearly impossible to sleep.

Moreover, Fujinaka Genma’s analysis had already told him that Nagato was not the destiny child he sought.

Yet Fujinaka Genma wondered: if in the original story, Naruto’s words of persuasion had failed, could they have won?

“Wait—if it’s Madara Uchiha, he wouldn’t let the Nine-Tails go!”

Jiraiya suddenly said, turning his gaze to his student Minato Namikaze.

“Not ‘wouldn’t’—he definitely wouldn’t!”

Tsunade spoke with finality.

She had no affection for Madara Uchiha.

She knew well how Madara Uchiha once rode the Nine-Tails to destroy the Hidden Leaf; her grandfather had died because of it.

Instantly, all eyes turned to Minato Namikaze.

Minato Namikaze remained calm and composed: “Don’t worry—the Nine-Tails is safe for now.”

Tsunade shook her head: “Enemy in the dark, we in the light—defense alone won’t solve this.”

“I still need to go to the Land of Rain again. It’s the Akatsuki’s base. If Nagato isn’t dead, he won’t leave. And the chaos there makes it perfect for hiding.”

Jiraiya rubbed his chin: “Also, if Nagato seeks revenge, I believe Hanzo will be his first target.”

Fujinaka Genma immediately objected: “Lord Jiraiya, if Itachi go to monitor the Rain Village, Itachi’d be wasting your talent.”

Minato Namikaze quickly agreed: "Genma is right, Master Jiraiya. Even if Nagato seeks revenge for Hanzo, it's not our time to act."

“What we need now is to confirm, assess, and gather intelligence.”

His meaning was clear: Hanzo was bait. Watching him would draw Nagato out.

But letting Jiraiya do the surveillance was a waste.

“Jiraiya, Itachi stay in the Hidden Leaf. Don’t get caught away when Nagato strikes.”

Tsunade also sided with Fujinaka Genma.

3 to 1—Jiraiya instantly looked crestfallen and gave in.

“Sigh… I still need to find the destiny child!”

Jiraiya muttered helplessly to himself.

Seeing him defeated, Fujinaka Genma secretly rejoiced.

He knew Jiraiya wasn’t the type to sit still—especially now that he’d learned Nagato was dead, then alive again, and likely corrupted.

His actions were free-spirited, steeped in personal heroism.

That was part of his charm.

Of course, if only he weren’t so lecherous!

Keeping Jiraiya in the Hidden Leaf for a while would strengthen their side during the Nine-Tails’ rampage. That was vital.

So Fujinaka Genma comforted him: “Lord Jiraiya, the ninja world isn’t stable yet. The Cloud Village hasn’t fully withdrawn, and we haven’t signed a ceasefire—they could attack at any moment.”

“And the Mist Village’s new leader, Yugito, isn’t an easy man either.”

“As for the Stone Village, even though they’ve negotiated peace, they’ve been stirring up trouble in the Land of Grass.”

“Once the situation stabilizes, Lord Jiraiya, Itachi can travel the world without hurry.”

“And Itachi could even go with Lady Tsunade.”

Jiraiya’s eyes lit up instantly.

Tsunade punched down—Fujinaka Genma dodged and hurriedly added: “Lady Tsunade, I haven’t finished.”

“I meant, have Lord Jiraiya accompany Itachi to every ninja world gambling den—he pays.”

Tsunade smirked: “Now that’s more like it.”

Jiraiya’s face turned black, drenched in sweat.

With Tsunade’s luck, she’d bankrupt him.

Minato Namikaze, torn between laughter and despair, quickly steered the conversation back: “Regarding the Rinnegan and Madara Uchiha, we must investigate and prepare in secret.”

“Until we confirm real intelligence, avoid rash attacks—or even contact.”

He looked at Jiraiya.

He knew his teacher’s nature well.

Jiraiya opened his mouth, then sighed.

The brief meeting was nearly over.

Although Fujinaka Genma revealed much and steered the discussion, it held no immediate practical value.

But for him, a mental preparation was enough.

The new Akatsuki was still in hibernation.

Moreover, what he desired wasn’t for the Hidden Leaf to fight the Akatsuki, Madara Uchiha, Black Zetsu, and Kaguya Otsutsuki alone.

He wanted the Hidden Leaf to seize the initiative in the future—and profit from it.

And if there was even the slightest chance to completely change this damned world, it would be a good thing.

He was stuck in this world now—no going back. He’d marry, maybe have children.

He didn’t want his descendants to suffer as he had.

Jiraiya and Tsunade left. Fujinaka Genma and Minato Namikaze continued their discussion.

They needed to further analyze the previous points, and draft preliminary plans and contingency measures.

The next day.

At the Root headquarters, Fujinaka Genma handed signed orders to Shisui Uchiha and Hyuga Hiashi: “From today, Hyuga Hiashi, Itachi are my deputy, assisting me with Root internal affairs.”

“In the Hidden Leaf, Itachi answer to only three people.”

“First, me.”

“Second, the Fourth Hokage!”

“And third…”

As Shisui Uchiha and Hyuga Hiashi both thought of Hiruzen Sarutobi, Fujinaka Genma said: “The third is the Hidden Leaf.”

The Hidden Leaf.

Shisui Uchiha and Hyuga Hiashi instantly understood Fujinaka Genma’s meaning—a sense of mission surged within them.

They had always held the ideal of protecting the village.

But their former superiors had never expressed it this way.

“Lord Genma, Hiashi understands.”

Hyuga Hiashi nodded solemnly.

Fujinaka Genma nodded, then turned to Shisui Uchiha: “Currently, the entire Root is divided into three sections.”

“Internal, external, and special training.”

“Special training needs no explanation. Internal covers Hidden Leaf defense, counter-espionage, and traitor hunting. External is split into two: Special Intelligence Division, and External Special Assassination Unit.”

“Shisui, I need Itachi to lead the External Special Assassination Unit.”

“Itachi are the battalion commander—Itachi will forge them into the sharpest weapon protecting the Hidden Leaf!”

“Itachi will become true ninja—heroes who guard loved ones and homeland in darkness.”

“If Itachi die in battle, your names won’t appear on the memorial stones outside—but they will be carved into the Root’s own memorial.”

“From now on, every year, the Hidden Leaf’s high command will hold a separate memorial for fallen Anbu. Heroes will never be forgotten!”

Shisui Uchiha’s blood boiled: “Yes, Lord Genma! I won’t let Itachi, the Fourth Hokage, or the entire Hidden Leaf down!”