Chapter 82

Bang!

As he left, Jiraiya slammed the door shut with all his strength to vent his inner anger.

But, unfortunately.

This “Second Hokage” Danzo was not the real Danzo, so the moment Jiraiya departed, Tonami Koharu slammed her fist on the table in fury.

“Dayan, look at your precious disciple!”

“He shows us no respect at all—does he harbor ill will toward us?”

“He must be severely punished!”

“He needs to learn what reverence means!”

Tōnami Koharu was seething with rage.

As a village elder, to be so blatantly ignored by a youth left her deeply offended.

Even Mizumon En’s expression was grim: “Dayan, Itachi really need to rein him in.”

“He shows no basic respect to senior elders—can Itachi imagine how arrogant Jiraiya will become once he rises? We must establish rules for these young ones quickly, or who will ever take us old folks seriously again?”

Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned deeply.

He knew perfectly well what his two companions were thinking.

In short.

His own age had grown too great, and there were no capable younger members in his clan to shoulder the burden; even in the best-case scenario, Jiraiya or Tsunade would likely take charge in the future.

Given Jiraiya’s current behavior, who knew how he’d treat these elders once he took power?

Thus, whether for the sake of their descendants or out of fear of losing power to newcomers, they both wanted to impose some discipline on Jiraiya.

But the problem is.

With Uchiha Jin’s rise, the village’s situation had spiraled completely out of control—even Danzo had simply fled.

Faced with this chaotic situation, even he had no solution and could only rely on Jiraiya!

Impose rules on him now?

Hah.

Do Itachi want to die faster?

So, sigh.

After a weary sigh, Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke at once.

“Both of Itachi, shut up. If Itachi have the ability to solve the problems, I’ll gladly hand over the Hokage seat to Itachi!”

“If Itachi don’t, then stop causing trouble. If Itachi drive Jiraiya away, can Itachi handle Uchiha?”

“If Itachi can’t, then just keep your mouths shut!”

At this moment, his tone was icy.

In ordinary times past, he might have tolerated these two a little; after all, he needed their help to maintain his position as Hokage.

But now?

Uchiha’s relentless pressure, the unresolved issue of the Police Force alone, and the growing defections among major clans had left him utterly drained.

So at this critical moment, he had no patience to waste on their nonsense!

Either present a concrete solution, or shut up right now—or if Itachi can’t even help, and Itachi drive Jiraiya away, I’ll summon Sarutobi Maki and poke Itachi both out of Konoha with his staff.

Yes.

Just like when he stabbed the Nine-Tails!

Tōnami Koharu: “...”

Mizumon En: “...”

Sensing Sarutobi Hiruzen’s fury, the two instantly wilted.

Yes!

They wanted to preserve their power, yet they had absolutely no ability to do so.

On one hand, they needed Jiraiya to act for them; on the other, they expected him to obey them completely.

So, in the end.

Faced with Sarutobi Hiruzen’s rage, they chose to back down, leaving the Hokage’s office in sullen silence.

Sarutobi Hiruzen’s gaze was fierce and cruel.

After his two old friends departed, he let out a deep, weary sigh, his entire body radiating exhaustion.

He was old.

Long gone were the ambitions of his youth; all around him were useless allies, his eldest son dead in battle, his second son a worthless lump of mud...

Right now, he truly wanted to resign as Hokage!

But he couldn’t.

His authority had already crumbled—if he stepped down now, Uchiha Jin would surely take his place.

So he had no choice but to endure.

He had to hold on until someone worthy rose to become Hokage; until then, he must bear the banner of Konoha.

Meanwhile, on the other side.

Jiraiya had no idea what Sarutobi Hiruzen was thinking—he rushed to Uchiha territory, underwent a series of strict inspections, and only after Uchiha Jin’s approval did he re-enter the Uchiha clan grounds.

Yes!

Due to the mass relocation of major clans, tensions between Uchiha and the village had escalated; warriors like Jiraiya, who favored the village, could not be allowed to enter Uchiha lands freely.

After all, every Uchiha and major clan family now lived here—if Jiraiya truly went mad, who knew how many would die instantly?

But...

Uchiha Jin still agreed—even knowing Jiraiya’s purpose, he was confident he could control the entire situation!

So.

He merely assigned a elite squad to “accompany” Jiraiya at all times, plus three jonin squads secretly monitoring him, then stopped paying attention altogether.

“Seriously, damn it!”

“I’m Jiraiya—I’m returning to my own village, and now I’m being watched?”

Jiraiya scowled, arms crossed, muttering under his breath.

But, unfortunately.

The Uchiha squad trailing him remained cold and stern, showing no desire to explain or respond to Jiraiya’s complaints.

On the contrary.

They were fully alert, ready to activate their Sharingan at any moment!

Seeing this, Jiraiya, having gotten nowhere, briefly inquired around, then headed straight for the Aburame clan’s temporary residence.

He was greeted by Aburame Shino, and once they entered the tea room, Shino began brewing tea.

But.

He spoke very little!

Aside from a single “Lord Jiraiya” upon meeting, he had no further desire to speak.

Jiraiya, deeply frustrated, took the initiative: “Shino, go back.”

“No,” Aburame Shino shook his head.

Jiraiya said: “Itachi were given a false order by Danzo—the old man never meant it; he’s already revoked it. The Root will never forcibly conscript Aburame clan members again!”

“Go back and live peacefully. Don’t get involved in this mess—the village’s stability is most important.”

Jiraiya was serious.

Though he didn’t say it outright, his meaning was crystal clear.

He didn’t approve of the village elders’ methods, yet he already viewed Uchiha as a destabilizing force.

But, unfortunately.

Aburame Shino’s eyes showed no flicker of emotion—he simply shook his head again.

“No.”

Jiraiya clenched his teeth: “Why?”

“Uchiha is good,” Aburame Shino remained calm.

Of course!

Facing a leader who didn’t suppress clans—and who was willing to help the Aburame clan thrive—this was the first opportunity the Aburame had seen since joining Konoha.

Give it up?

Do Itachi think I’m an idiot?