Chapter 65: Jiraiya Returns to the Village, Shows Up at the Door!

The next day, at dawn.

The news of an internal rebellion among the Ino-Shika-Cho clans, followed by half their members defecting and ultimately defecting to the Uchiha, once again lay on Hiruzen Sarutobi’s desk.

Hiruzen Sarutobi’s gaze was fierce and cruel.

He didn’t even bother seeking out Shikamaru Nara—he could guess the true cause.

Wasn’t it simply because they sensed our weakness and, for the sake of their clans’ future, decided to hedge their bets?

Internal rebellion?

The Nara clan were all exceptionally clever, and their nature was inherently lazy, so their internal atmosphere was harmonious—there were none of the petty squabbles found in other ninja clans.

The Yamanaka and Akimichi clans were much the same.

Because of their close ties with the Nara, they rarely oppressed their own people; in all these years in Konoha, no feud among the Ino-Shika-Cho had ever been heard of.

And now?

The moment we fell into decline, the Ino-Shika-Cho suddenly erupted in internal chaos?

Hah!

Try fooling a ghost!

The half who still appear loyal to me? That’s merely another calculation for the clans’ future.

So no matter who wins or loses, the Ino-Shika-Cho sit safely on the sidelines?

Hiruzen Sarutobi sneered inwardly.

For now, I tolerate Itachi for the sake of greater stability—but once I’ve killed the Uchiha, just see how I’ll deal with Itachi.

Yes.

He might not be as clever as Shikamaru Nara, but after decades as Hokage, he wasn’t fooled by Shikamaru’s schemes.

Thinking of this, he regained his composure.

Hiruzen Sarutobi pulled out a fresh pipe, stared out the window at the village, and began to smoke—still the Hokage who had ruled Konoha for decades.

Even with the Uchiha out of control and the Ino-Shika-Cho unsteady, he had not lost his poise.

And then—

On the windowsill of the Hokage’s office appeared a man covered in white fur.

He always wore geta sandals, exuding an air of carefree unconventionality; his forehead protector bore the character “Oil.” After leaping from the windowsill into the office, he spoke with casual mockery: “Old man, after all these years, Itachi haven’t changed a bit!”

“Tell me.”

“Why the hurry to bring me back? What’s happened now?”

In response—

Hiruzen Sarutobi, seeing the man, finally exhaled in relief.

Jiraiya!

His feelings toward this disciple were deeply complicated.

After all, the man truly cared for the village—if trouble came, he would surely act.

But likewise—

His entire heart was fixated on finding a savior, which left Hiruzen utterly exasperated.

Still, forget it.

This wasn’t the time for such talk. He didn’t even bother reminding him to use the front door; he simply summarized the village’s recent events, then stated his true purpose outright.

“Jiraiya, stay.”

“I’m old. I can no longer hold the village together.”

“Only Itachi becoming the Fifth Hokage can bring true peace to Konoha.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke with deep sincerity.

He truly hoped Jiraiya would take the position—after all, the man was a political fool; even if he became Hokage, Hiruzen could still pull the strings from behind.

Moreover—

Given Jiraiya’s prestige, the other ninja clans would show him respect.

At that point, the village would be fully stabilized, his power intact—perfectly achieving multiple goals with one move.

Most importantly, Jiraiya had no lust for power!

Once he raised Asuma, the Sixth Hokage could simply take over.

But unfortunately—

Jiraiya didn’t even pause to consider—he simply shook his head.

“Old man, give up.”

“I will never become Hokage. I have something far more important to do.”

“But—the Uchiha?”

“I’ll go speak with him first.”

After speaking.

Jiraiya wasted no more words with Hiruzen Sarutobi and headed straight for the Uchiha compound.

But—

Originally planning to storm in, Jiraiya, upon sensing the dense network of visible and hidden sentries and the patrol teams within sight, ultimately decided to report himself properly.

Otherwise—

He suspected he wouldn’t even get to speak before both sides were already fighting.

The Uchiha respected strength!

So once his identity was confirmed, they gave him no trouble; after receiving Uchiha Jin’s approval, they led him directly to Jin’s courtyard.

Front hall, reception room.

After serving tea to both men, Uchiha Tsuki bowed and left the room.

Uchiha Jin didn’t bother greeting Jiraiya; he downed his tea in one gulp, then spoke: “Itachi shouldn’t have come back. This has nothing to do with Itachi.”

“Go find your savior. Why return to meddle in this mess?”

Jiraiya fell silent.

Finally—

After finishing his tea, he spoke directly: “I have my own plans. Let’s talk about the matter at hand.”

“I’ve heard the Hokage’s version, but I want to hear the Uchiha’s side. I still hope we can sit down and talk calmly.”

“The village belongs to everyone—there’s no need for such tension!”

Jiraiya’s tone was grave.

He felt the village’s current chaos and tension, and he genuinely wished for peace to return.

In response—

Uchiha Jin shook his head: “Itachi’re wasting your time coming to me. The Uchiha are merely responding defensively.”

“If the village halts its persecution of the Uchiha, apologizes for past wrongs, and delivers proper judgment to those who deserve it, then all this will vanish.”

“But likewise!”

“If the village dares to continue playing games, then even if the Uchiha are annihilated, we will drag Konoha down with us!”

Uchiha Jin’s tone was resolute.

He had no fondness for Jiraiya.

A fool duped by toads, a man with power yet paralyzed by cowardice.

If he truly had the will to become Fifth Hokage, he might have shattered my plans outright.

But unfortunately—

He couldn’t do it.

So now, Uchiha Jin merely played along with Jiraiya’s formalities.

“For example?”

Jiraiya grew serious: “What has the village done to persecute Itachi?”

“Too much,” Uchiha Jin said, shaking his head. “Impossible to list.”

“Ask around yourself. If Itachi truly want to do something about it, first return the Mangekyo Sharingan from Danzo’s right eye, and the several Sharingan with three tomoe from his arm.”

“I don’t care about the Senju cells in Danzo’s body—after all, Tsunade, a Senju herself, doesn’t care, and the rest of the Senju clan were all wiped out.”

“But the Sharingan? That’s different.”

“Though the Uchiha nearly suffered annihilation by Konoha’s leadership, now that I, Uchiha Jin, stand at the head of the clan, I must demand justice for my people!”