What a coincidence?
Tomoki pondered for a moment and thought of a possibility: what if, after the Shinobi Alliance truly developed and grew stronger in the future,
Ninja gradually gained everything except power, and after clearing out the old nobility, they changed their name.
After all, 'Ninja' isn't exactly a pleasant title.
This name has been thoroughly tainted for over a thousand years, almost synonymous with negative terms like 'bloody,' 'cruel,' and 'war-torn.'
However, after a brief consideration, Tomoki felt this possibility was unlikely.
Konoha had just started its meeting and hadn't finished yet when Gamamaru's prophecy came out.
Jiraiya heard the prophecy before noon that day, and even before that, Gamamaru had already had his dream.
Tomoki began to think back, also considering what else had happened.
He recalled that the previous night, he had handed Ōnoki over to Orochimaru, and Orochimaru was researching Chakra.
According to Orochimaru, with basic and high-end samples, plus the intermediate sample of Dust Release from Ōnoki, there was a high probability of success.
Compared to the unreliable Shinobi Alliance speculation, Tomoki felt that Orochimaru's side was more likely.
Orochimaru would definitely research something incredible later, and this was also the Six Paths Sage's hidden purpose in going to such great lengths to spread Chakra.
Then, as Tomoki learned everything, he began to make corresponding arrangements.
After the conflict began, perhaps the Six Paths Sage, finding himself at a disadvantage or in a desperate situation, also overturned the table.
Using the backdoor he left, he recklessly reclaimed all Chakra.
This made much more sense.
Tomoki, leaning towards the latter possibility, now faced a choice.
Should Orochimaru's research continue?
After only a moment's thought, Tomoki made his decision.
Continue!
Not only continue, but intensify efforts!
Tomoki, who was becoming more and more like Hiruzen Sarutobi, was ultimately not Hiruzen Sarutobi; when faced with such a dilemma, compromise was never the right approach.
Tomoki's great instructor in his previous life once said: "Whatever the enemy opposes, we must resolutely support; whatever the enemy supports, we must resolutely oppose!"
Regardless of whether Orochimaru's research and Gamamaru's prophecy were related, Tomoki always believed that understanding the essence of Chakra was the correct path.
Within the system established by the opponent, and the standards they set, if one couldn't fully understand everything and then break free from the framework to overtake them, it would be impossible to win against them.
Forget about the current pirated Mangekyo; even if Tomoki had the Rinnegan in his left eye, the Tenseigan in his right eye, and a tomoe Rinnegan on his forehead, it wouldn't be enough.
Uchiha Madara was so strong after becoming the ten-tails jinchuriki, yet it was still just a matter of Black Zetsu's Black Tiger Steals Heart.
Black Zetsu was Kaguya's will, and Kaguya was a loser.
After solidifying his inner thoughts, Tomoki's face showed an expression of great shock.
"Jiraiya-senpai, if it's true, then everything is too terrifying. I don't know how we can stop such a future?"
There were both immediate and distant concerns, but one couldn't just focus on the present; what needed to be done still had to be continued.
Many things Tomoki didn't need to handle personally; he just needed to arrange them well.
Unexpected events always arrive unknowingly, and losing composure due to them is absolutely unacceptable.
Tomoki's psychological fortitude was undoubtedly up to par; he did not lose his calm when faced with sudden, unexpected events.
"I'm not sure either. If possible, I hope to get all the intelligence Konoha has gathered recently about the Ninja World. Perhaps we can analyze something from it?"
Jiraiya stated the true purpose of his return to Konoha, and after speaking, he stared motionlessly at Tomoki.
Such a request, let alone with Tomoki as Hokage now, even when Hiruzen Sarutobi was Hokage, he would not have agreed to Jiraiya's request.
Upon hearing Jiraiya's words, Tomoki's face once again broke into a smile.
So, he had a request. If he had a request, it would be easy to handle.
Tomoki, who had been thinking of lowering his stance, changing Jiraiya's impression of him, and easing their relationship,
instantly perked up.
"Jiraiya Jonin, do you know what you're saying?"
He no longer called him'senpai,' the warmth in his tone was gone, only that familiar smile became even more radiant.
Jiraiya fell silent at his words, but after only a moment, he spoke again with an exceptionally firm tone.
"Hokage-sama, I know the request is indeed excessive, but..."
"No 'buts'!"
Tomoki directly interrupted Jiraiya's words, even waving his right hand to stop him from speaking further.
Jiraiya's heart sank with Tomoki's actions.
This was why Jiraiya didn't want to become Hokage; that position would change a person into someone else.
While disappointed, he made another decision. Having outwitted intelligence officers from various villages, Jiraiya decided to test the mettle of Konoha's intelligence personnel.
"I will steal the intelligence, no one can stop me, Jiraiya says so!"
However, being proven wrong always happens so quickly.
Jiraiya had just solidified his resolve when it was completely shattered.
After Tomoki waved his hand to stop Jiraiya from speaking, he also carefully stared at Jiraiya, not missing any detail. Upon seeing his renewed fighting spirit, he spoke again.
"I agree!"
"What?!"
Jiraiya's exclamation burst out uncontrollably, and Tomoki once again showed that radiant smile.
"I agree! Whether it's the Konoha Intelligence Department, the Military Police Force, or even the now-defunct Anbu and Root, all intelligence from the past five years will be open to you, senpai!"
"As I said before, whatever Jiraiya-senpai requests, Konoha will fulfill."
Looking at Tomoki's equally firm gaze and radiant smile, Jiraiya somehow felt that Tomoki had suddenly become more agreeable.
Tomoki noticed Jiraiya's change in attitude and wasn't surprised; emotional manipulation techniques had almost become second nature to Tomoki.
And Tomoki would not miss this opportunity, speaking again.
"Of course, all of this is not without conditions. I also have a small request that I need Jiraiya-senpai's help with."
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