Jiraiya sat immersed in a wooden tub, both arms resting on the rim. His eyes were closed as chakra flowed through the water, circulating it around his body, washing away grime while forcing impurities out from within.
Nearby, Orochimaru lounged comfortably, munching on potato chips while watching television. In his other hand was a copy of Konoha Daily, which he was reading with keen interest—the exposés detailing the hidden dealings between Shimura Danzō and the Third Hokage, along with the concrete evidence of their crimes.
Whoever created Konoha Daily was a true genius.
Because of information asymmetry, the villagers were kept ignorant. But newspapers could enlighten the masses—and, more importantly, control public opinion.
With a newspaper in hand, you could turn a clan into a pillar of honor overnight. Or, just as easily, smear them into irredeemable filth.
Orochimaru clicked his tongue.
Jiraiya stood up. The impurities had been fully expelled, and even his white hair looked noticeably brighter.
Without looking back, Orochimaru tossed him a kimono. Jiraiya caught it and quickly put it on.
"Tell me," Jiraiya said while adjusting his clothes, "if we copied this method and ran something similar, could we win back the hearts of the people?"
Orochimaru looked at him like he was staring at an idiot.
"First of all, do you even know how to run a newspaper? Or where the information would come from?"
"And even if you somehow pulled it off, do you really think Uchiha Ran would let it succeed?"
"One Susanoo, and both you and your newspaper stall would be selling papers in the Pure Land."
Jiraiya froze—then sighed.
That really was wishful thinking.
He grabbed a towel and dried his hair. "Alright. Let's go. Time to head out."
Orochimaru nodded and reverted into a small snake, coiling itself around Jiraiya's wrist.
At the same time, a thought crossed his mind.
After all these years… had Teacher Hiruzen's eloquence improved at all?
Was he still preaching that hollow, high-sounding Will of Fire?
He would find out soon enough.
---
Sarutobi Clan Compound
Hiruzen Sarutobi waited—and waited.
Jiraiya still hadn't arrived.
His anger simmered, but since he needed Jiraiya's cooperation, he forced himself to remain patient.
In truth, less than thirty minutes had passed. But time dragged unbearably for the one waiting. The one being waited on never felt pressure.
It was like college students standing under a girls' dorm at dawn—skipping class didn't matter, but missing breakfast delivery did.
If the girlfriend was considerate, you got love and a future.
If she was picky, you prayed for mercy.
Utatane Koharu, seated beside him, was also visibly displeased.
What had gotten into Jiraiya? Had his nature suddenly changed?
Just then, the door opened.
Jiraiya walked in, dressed in a black kimono. The outfit made him look slimmer, and after bathing, his white hair only made him appear more striking.
"Jiraiya!"
A smile bloomed across Hiruzen's aged face.
He stood up and walked down, grasping Jiraiya's arm with visible warmth.
"If Teacher calls, of course I'll return," Jiraiya said with a bright smile.
With Koharu present, he couldn't call him Old Man. "Teacher" would have to do.
Hiruzen was delighted and pulled Jiraiya further inside.
Jiraiya allowed himself to be led—halfway.
Suddenly, a voice echoed in his mind.
How tempting. I really want to inject a lethal toxin into the Old Man right now. Even if he doesn't die, he'll be crippled. Then I'll finish him with a blade.
Jiraiya hurriedly circulated chakra in response.
Don't be reckless! If you do that, I'll be expelled from Konoha for sure.
If I weren't worried about that, Orochimaru replied calmly, I'd already be done. I even picked an escape route for you.
Jiraiya exhaled in relief.
At that moment, an ANBU ninja rushed in.
"Report! Lord Third Hokage—Namikaze Minato and Hatake Kakashi request an audience!"
Hiruzen's good mood vanished instantly.
"I won't see them. Tell them I'm not here."
Before the order could even be carried out—
"Rasengan!"
A figure appeared in the center of the hall, a spinning Rasengan blazing in his hand.
"I say, Lord Third Hokage," Minato said coldly, controlling Naruto's body, "if you're not home—why are you standing right here lying to me?"
"Protect the Fourth Hokage!"
Kakashi was the first to move.
Behind him surged the ANBU who had chosen to follow him—the original neutral faction.
They immediately formed a defensive ring around Naruto's body, preventing any underhanded attack from the Third Hokage's side.
Jiraiya was stunned.
Damn it… how did I get dragged into the power struggle between the old and new Hokage?
He seriously wanted to flee.
But Kakashi had sealed off the exits.
Then Orochimaru's voice came again.
Don't panic. Just watch.
Minato values loyalty above all else. You're his teacher—he would never harm you.
If you reject Hiruzen and he fails, he'll temporarily withdraw. But once there's any instability in the new Hokage's position, he'll regain control.
That cannot be allowed.
So, Jiraiya—play along for now. When the inauguration comes, I'll take all the blame.
Jiraiya was deeply shaken.
"Fourth Hokage," Hiruzen said coldly, "shouldn't you have informed me before barging in like this? So I could at least prepare tea?"
"Heh," Minato replied. "I can't afford the Third Hokage's tea."
"I'm here to remind you, Teacher—don't go down the wrong path."
He looked straight at Jiraiya, sincerity burning in his eyes.
Jiraiya lowered his head, unable to meet his gaze.
Minato's body trembled.
Has Teacher… already chosen?
Even knowing the Third Hokage was harming the Village…
Was Jiraiya still going to help him seize the position of Fifth Hokage?
Countless thoughts flashed through Minato's mind.
Then—
Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed.
"Jiraiya," he said sharply, "you should discipline your student better. He's confused about right and wrong."
"Everything I've done is for Konoha. For Lord Tobirama."
"You should remember—I am the Hokage appointed by Lord Tobirama."
"I am the Third Hokage—Hiruzen Sarutobi!"
His chakra surged as he roared, the room trembling with pressure.
------
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