What the heck!
Jiraiya had initially thought he was under attack by a special enemy. Though the tactic of exposing his peeping behavior and then kicking him into the elderly bath section was strange, for a ninja with a multitude of combat strategies, it could be considered a unique psychological warfare tactic, even a form of intimidation.
He had prepared himself for various possibilities in a very short time. However, no matter how much he racked his brain, he couldn’t fathom that this grand scene, which could escalate into a major battle, was all because he was peeping…
No!
It was for the sake of sacrificing for the arts, a pure and innocent act of gathering material, though it did get his blood pumping…
But now, faced with this situation!
Jiraiya’s eyes filled with confusion, then became serious as he realized the gravity of the situation. This wasn’t just a show.
“Uchiha Jin?”
Jiraiya’s tone carried a question, but his determined eyes confirmed his guess.
“Legendary Jiraiya?”
Although Jin despised the peeping behavior, he couldn’t help but smile slightly after scrutinizing Jiraiya.
The perfect ninja?
Interesting…
Hearing Uchiha Jin call out his name again, Jiraiya’s sense of unease grew. He lowered his gaze slightly to mask his emotions. Still, his once stiff demeanor relaxed as he suddenly transformed into a performer on stage, striking exaggerated poses and speaking in an elongated tone.
“I am the great Toad Sage from Mount Myoboku, known far and wide as the Toad Sage, one of the Legendary Sannin, Jiraiya the Gallant!”
While striking these comical poses, Jiraiya kept a keen eye on Uchiha Jin, but Jin was unfazed. Only after Jiraiya’s performance did Jin speak slowly.
“Sarutobi Hiruzen called you back?”
Hmm!
The once comical Jiraiya’s eyes suddenly sharpened, and his expression turned serious.
Simple! Direct!
Uchiha Jin’s words hit the mark. Clearly, this Uchiha was different from those Jiraiya had encountered before. Using petty tricks now would only make him seem small-minded.
Jiraiya nodded slightly. He met Jin’s gaze, seemingly wanting to assess this troublemaker who had stirred up Konoha in just a few days.
Jin didn’t mind and continued in a calm, direct tone.
“Do you want to become Hokage?”
Uh…
Such a simple question, especially for a disciple raised under Hiruzen Sarutobi’s Will of Fire, naturally, becoming Hokage had been Jiraiya’s dream in his youth.
But now, this simple question seemed to stump Jiraiya. The current Sannin—who among them still dreamed of becoming Hokage?
Jiraiya sighed inwardly. After witnessing the many dark sides of Konoha and the ninja world, influenced by the Toad Sages of Mount Myoboku, his current dream was solely to guide the prophesied Child of Prophecy on the right path. That was his ninja way now.
However, Sarutobi Hiruzen was still his teacher. Seeing him so earnest and desperate for Konoha’s sake, Jiraiya couldn’t ignore him.
It would be best if Tsunade could take over, but if that didn’t work…
Jiraiya met Uchiha Jin’s gaze, his eyes filled with determination, and said calmly and firmly.
“If necessary.”
If anyone else had given such an answer, it would have sounded arrogant, as if becoming Hokage was a mere trinket. But from Jiraiya’s mouth, it seemed entirely natural.
In the original story, Jiraiya had twice declined the position of Hokage. Now, having refused once more, he was fully qualified to say such a thing.
Hmm!
Until today!
Jin’s eyes showed a little surprise. From the moment Jiraiya appeared in Konoha, many outcomes had already been decided.
However, Jiraiya might make a good ninja, but could he be a good Hokage?
“Do you believe in the Will of Fire?”
Uchiha Jin’s words were plain, but Jiraiya seemed to see the shadow of his teacher behind Jin.
“Of course!”
Though discussing the Will of Fire with a Uchiha felt odd, Jiraiya’s response was firm and unwavering.
“Where the leaves dance, the fire burns. The shadow of the fire will illuminate the village and allow new leaves to sprout.”
Jin recited earnestly while Jiraiya’s eyes grew more peculiar.
“Do you dare?”
Jin’s sudden question caused Jiraiya’s heart to skip a beat, understanding that the critical moment had arrived.
Snort!
A sneer appeared in Jin’s eyes as he continued his questioning with a serious tone.
“In some ways, you are indeed the best candidate for Hokage. If willing, you could bring peace between the village and the Uchiha. But do you dare?”
“As Hokage of Konoha, do you dare to treat the Uchiha clan fairly?”
“As Hokage of Konoha, do you dare to judge Sarutobi Hiruzen and the current Konoha high-ups fairly and make them pay for their past crimes?”
“As Hokage of Konoha, do you dare to treat every Konoha villager with fairness, justice, and openness, truly bearing the name of Hokage?”
“If you dare to do all this, then the Uchiha clan has no objections.”
Each question struck deep into Jiraiya’s heart, causing his previously calm demeanor to stir violently. The oppressive atmosphere grew thicker as Jin and the Uchiha Police Force members fixed their crimson eyes on him.
“This…”
Jiraiya wanted to give a confident answer. Though disheartened by the internal strife upon learning of Danzo’s death, he also saw a glimmer of hope for peace. However, Jin’s relentless questioning shattered his delusions, making it impossible for him to respond honestly.
At that moment!
Hesitation, guilt, regret, and melancholy…
Various complex emotions flickered in Jiraiya’s eyes, even causing this near-perfect ninja to drop his guard.
Jiraiya’s reaction was expected by Jin, who, despite the opportunity, did not take advantage to attack.
Jin stood casually, a look of contempt gradually replacing his smile.
“You don’t dare!”
Jin’s declaration was firm, his disdain unmistakable.
Hearing this, Jiraiya’s resolute expression faltered slightly, but Jin didn’t stop. His eyes filled with determination and killing intent.
“I dare!”
…
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