Chapter 84

Nara Kaku’s eyes flickered.

As a member of the Yin Stealth family, Nara Kaku was not skilled in perception ninjutsu, yet he still sensed the fleeting kill intent in Jiraiya’s gaze.

But.

He didn’t care.

Yet Jiraiya’s outburst made his expression grow complex.

In fact, during the Third Shinobi War, he and Jiraiya had been on good terms, and this man had once saved his life.

But after the Pig-Deer-Butterfly clans switched allegiances, their bond was cast in shadow.

Watching Jiraiya sink into gloom, he calmly lifted the teacup before him, drained it in one gulp, and finally made his decision.

He gently set down the teacup, took a deep breath, and spoke.

“Lord Jiraiya, let me tell Itachi this.”

“Consider this repayment for the debt from the Third War—but after this, don’t come looking for me again.”

“The reason the Pig-Deer-Butterfly clans and other ninja families chose Uchiha is simple: Uchiha doesn’t restrict ninja family development.”

“As a core member of the village, Itachi must know the village has always favored commoners and steadily weakened ninja family authority.”

“How many within the ninja families have long deserved promotion to Jonin but remain stuck?”

“Even when they can’t be delayed any longer, they’re barely granted Special Jonin status.”

“We don’t ask for special privileges—can’t we at least have fair competition?”

“Uchiha is different—they believe in strength as the sole authority.”

“Perhaps after Uchiha ascends as Hokage, their clan may forever hold the position—but as long as they treat all ninja families fairly, we’ll be satisfied.”

“After all, the Hokage position was never meant for us ninja families to begin with!”

“And your master’s nature is too ruthless—we all know the rumors circulating in Konoha are true. How many ninja families did Hiruzen Sarutobi destroy when he took power?”

“By choosing to side with Uchiha, we’ve severed all ties with Hiruzen Sarutobi.”

“Once an alliance is chosen, there’s no turning back!”

“If we wait until the village destroys Uchiha, every one of us ninja families will die—so your mission here is doomed to fail.”

“Itachi may offer promises, but they’re worthless.”

“Behind me stands the Nara clan—my decision represents the lives of over three thousand clan members, and roughly ten thousand more from the Pig-Deer-Butterfly alliance. Do Itachi think I’d gamble on your word in something like this?”

“Itachi’re a wanderer—how long will Itachi even stay in the village?”

“Even if Hiruzen Sarutobi promises now, what can Itachi do when he breaks it later?”

“Minato Namikaze died under mysterious circumstances—anyone with eyes can see this is tied to Konoha’s high command, since only a handful knew Kushina’s birthing date!”

“So—what have Itachi done?”

“Itachi still run errands for Hiruzen Sarutobi, showing not the slightest intention to avenge Minato Namikaze—he was your only student in Konoha!”

“Itachi won’t even care for your own student—Minato’s only child, Itachi haven’t visited once.”

“So—do Itachi have any credibility?”

“Even if Uchiha gave us no benefits, we still wouldn’t trust Itachi—Minato Namikaze’s case stands before us.”

“If Itachi won’t even care for your own student, how can we expect Itachi to defend our ninja families after the village kills us?”

“And there’s one more thing—haven’t Itachi noticed?”

“Why did Hiruzen Sarutobi send Itachi? Why didn’t he come himself?”

“Itachi’re just a pawn!”

“When Hiruzen Sarutobi reneges later, he’ll face no pressure—after all, it was Itachi who promised the ninja families, not him.”

“He understands Itachi, his disciple—he knows that once things are settled, even if Itachi’re furious inside, Itachi’ll quietly accept.”

“Few among the ninja family leaders are fools. Maybe commoners believe in the word of one of the Legendary Sannin—but we ninja families represent entire clans. Compared to the empty promises of the White Fang, we’ll quietly observe every one of your actions.”

“The Minato Namikaze case alone is enough to prove Itachi’re not worth our trust.”

“So go back.”

“Out of our past friendship, I advise Itachi to leave the village quickly.”

“Power struggles are bloody and cruel—Itachi’re not suited for them. Tsunade is wise; I suggest Itachi learn from her.”

After speaking,

Nara Kaku poured himself another cup of tea and continued sipping calmly.

Yes!

Out of gratitude for his past life-saving deed, he revealed everything without concealment, laying it all bare.

But likewise,

This severed the last thread of their bond—henceforth, when they meet again, they will be enemies, not allies.

And on the other side,

With Nara Kaku’s words, Jiraiya’s mind shattered completely.

Clearly,

Only now did he realize how utterly wrong he’d been from the start.

Ninja families are not like commoners—they care deeply about legacy!

He himself had felt the village’s restrictions on ninja families over the years, for he, along with Orochimaru and Minato Namikaze, were nearly representatives of the commoner faction.

Uchiha is too ruthless!

Just this one point has bound the ninja families irrevocably.

And the credibility issue Nara Kaku raised next left Jiraiya stunned.

Yes.

Though he chose to let go of his grudge for the village’s sake, to others it looked like a lack of integrity.

He hadn’t sought justice for Minato Namikaze, his own student—why should anyone believe his promises?

As for being manipulated by Hiruzen Sarutobi, he didn’t mind.

After all, he wasn’t foolish.

He clearly saw his master’s schemes—but to him, as long as it served the village, he could overlook such petty matters.

He fell silent for a long time.

Moments later,

He spoke, voice hoarse: “Kaku… is there still any way to make things right?”

Nara Kaku frowned slightly.

Looking at Jiraiya’s now-dejected face, he felt no sympathy.

Instead,

After a brief pause, he spoke slowly.

“Lord Jiraiya, Itachi’re beyond saving.”

“Your vision is too lofty—Itachi refuse to even look down.”

“Itachi can’t even handle small matters—talking about grand ideals is meaningless.”

“What Itachi should do now is care for Minato’s child—find out how the boy has been these past years, and reclaim Minato and Kushina’s inheritance for him.”

“Kushina was a fortune-holder—she controlled the Uzumaki clan’s legacy, and Lady Mizukage had also left her a substantial inheritance. The entire street west of the Hokage Tower is hers.”

“As Minato’s teacher, the child’s grandmaster—first reclaim your student’s parents’ inheritance for the child.”