The Sixth Hokage. This is what everyone in Konoha calls Neji behind his back, because, no matter how you look at it, Neji is the most suitable.
Some even joked that the Fifth Hokage would step down immediately if Neji just said the word.
While a bit of an exaggeration, it did reflect Neji's influence. Because of this, Hyuga Hiashi felt quite distinguished when he was out and about, walking with his chest puffed out and head held high.
However, Neji didn't really have such aspirations. Being Hokage is just an empty title, no different from being flattered and set up for a fall. He hadn't reached a noble state where he could sacrifice himself for others.
Otherwise, he would have already been the Fifth Hokage.
"What? Sixth Hokage, aren't you going to turn around and look?" The incredibly beautiful female voice from behind Neji sounded again, still teasing him.
Neji didn't need to turn his head to know who it was. He immediately turned around and greeted the person behind him, "Teacher Kurenai, what a coincidence."
Neji and Yuhi Kurenai hadn't seen each other in a while. First, there was the Hiruko matter, and then he was busy leading Sasuke and the others to dig up bodies.
Kurenai had also been out on missions frequently due to the growing unrest in the ninja world. She had just returned that morning and was called to the Hokage building. As soon as the meeting ended, she ran into Neji, who was out shopping.
"What were you spacing out about just now?" Kurenai asked Neji, looking confused.
"Nothing. On the contrary, Teacher Kurenai, you look a little unsettled," Neji said, looking at Yuhi Kurenai's troubled expression, and couldn't help but ask.
"It's a long story. Are you interested in sitting with me for a while?" Yuhi Kurenai said with a smile in her eyes.
"Sure."
Then, Neji and Yuhi Kurenai walked towards a nearby tavern.
Upon arriving at the tavern, Yuhi Kurenai and Neji no doubt went to a private room. This was undoubtedly thanks to Neji's influence, and he even received many gifts from enthusiastic citizens along the way.
Facing Kurenai's teasing, Neji could only helplessly use a wood clone to send these things home.
"You, even before becoming the Sixth Hokage, you're already this popular. It's hard to believe," Kurenai said with a smile.
"It's okay, it's okay," Neji said helplessly and asked, "What exactly happened?"
"Hmm... to put it simply, Jiraiya-sama is dead."
"Oh, that thing," Neji shook his head and took a sip of wine, showing no surprise. It was obvious; he had planned it himself.
"It seems this really has something to do with you." Kurenai was stunned for a moment, then gave a wry smile. Although she didn't know what Tsunade had seen, she could infer something from what Sage Fukasaku said.
"In that case, it seems Jiraiya's body was brought back, and Tsunade should have seen the note."
"Neji, what did the note say?" Kurenai leaned in curiously and asked. The gentle fragrance of her hair wafted towards him, making Neji's heart flutter slightly. They were very close now, in a very intimate way.
However, Kurenai didn't seem to notice this, or perhaps she had unconsciously let her guard down around Neji. She was extremely curious, and Tsunade's laughter after seeing the note was something she couldn't shake from her mind, making her restless.
"It's nothing, just something like ['Remember to die, and bring the complete body back to Konoha when you're done']," Neji said truthfully after calming his emotions.
He had indeed forgotten the exact wording, but that was the general meaning.
"I see," Kurenai pouted secretly, thinking it was boring.
Wait? Something doesn't seem right?
Remember to die?
Neji told Jiraiya-sama to die? Kurenai was momentarily shocked and confused.
"No, Neji isn't that kind of person. I must have misunderstood something. Yes, that's it," Kurenai thought to herself. Then, biting her lip slightly, she asked, "Neji, why did you tell Jiraiya-sama to die?"
"Uh..." Neji was surprised and replied, "If I have to say, it was his fate to face this tribulation."
Kurenai's eyebrows furrowed slightly, and she said with dissatisfaction, "Tell me the truth."
"It's actually very simple, to lure the entire Akatsuki organization to attack," Neji said after taking a sip of wine.
"Konoha's strength is at its peak right now, so even Akatsuki wouldn't dare to confront us head-on. However, their members are scattered, and it's difficult for us to track them. Instead of wasting time searching, it's better to have them come to us."
Now, excluding Sasuke, who had just leveled up, Konoha had two Mangekyo users, plus two of the Legendary Three Sannin, and Neji and the perfect Jinchuriki Naruto. Akatsuki would have to be out of their minds to attack head-on.
But if Jiraiya died, Tsunade, although powerful, would be more focused on support. Itachi was ill, Kakashi was low on chakra. If it were just Neji and Naruto, Akatsuki engaging them all wouldn't be a hopeless fight.
"This is a great opportunity, they won't miss it," Neji said confidently, because they had misjudged his strength, and he had predicted their prediction.
"I see, but Jiraiya-sama..."
"Teacher Kurenai, believe me, since I asked Jiraiya to preserve his body, I can naturally revive him," Neji said seriously.
Looking at Neji's serious and earnest expression, Yuhi Kurenai felt as if her heart had been suddenly gripped, beating rapidly. She dared not look Neji in the eyes, lowering her head and replying.
Her delicate hand unconsciously reached below her left chest, feeling her heart race, and she was greatly alarmed.
Oh no, it's the feeling of falling in love!
"Speaking of which, Teacher Kurenai, isn't Anko with you?"
At a crucial moment, Neji said such an annoying thing, causing Yuhi Kurenai to glare at him resentfully.
Actually, it wasn't that Neji was insensitive; he really needed to find Anko, and it was very urgent.
"What do you need Anko for?" Yuhi Kurenai's attitude turned cold, clearly unhappy that Neji mentioned another woman, and even called her so familiarly, even if she was her best friend.
As expected, guard against fire, guard against theft, and guard against best friends!
"I want to revive Orochimaru using the cursed seals on Anko," Neji said to Yuhi Kurenai after a moment of hesitation.
Yuhi Kurenai clenched her hands. The more she listened to Neji's plan, the more her heart pounded, and she even felt a sense of fear. If Neji's plan succeeded, it would turn the entire ninja world upside down, and Konoha would possess the most terrifying power in its history.
"Alright, I'll take you to her," Yuhi Kurenai stood up, but her gaze was wary, and she said sternly, "But you can't touch her when you get there."
"Ah, I understand," Neji said.
However, as soon as they stepped out of the tavern door, the system prompt sounded.
"Host accompanied Yuhi Kurenai for drinks, rewarded with..."
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