Uchiha Fugaku had returned.
The first thing he did was head straight to the Police Force headquarters to see Chiyu. Even though he was on the battlefield, he was never cut off from information and always followed the developments in Konoha. After all, he knew well the tensions and dangers the Uchiha clan was facing.
"Chiyu, in such a short time while I was away, so many major events have happened…
You even killed Shimura Danzo!
And uprooted the entire Root organization!"
Uchiha Fugaku was deeply shocked.
Chiyu instead asked him:
"How is the war at the front?"
Fugaku shook his head:
"Though the Raikage was enraged, he clearly knows now is not the time for an all-out invasion. So he didn't actually lead a large army into a major offensive.
Only Tutai, Darui, C, and a few other shinobi. The only troublesome factor is the Two-Tails jinchūriki—Yugito Nii—but…
She's ultimately just one person. With the Uchiha clan present, plus the Hyūga clan and the Ino–Shika–Chō trio, they haven't managed much.
In short, each side took losses, but Kumo's losses have been heavier."
"What about the other clans' attitudes?"
Fugaku understood what he was really asking. One key reason he had consented to go to war, aside from following Hiruzen's orders, was to win over the Hyūga and Ino–Shika–Chō alliances.
"It's impossible for them to fully side with the Uchiha.
However, at least…they no longer oppose us.
I tested their bottom line, and in the end it's all the same old story—
'Whoever wins, they'll follow.'"
"That's already enough; even better than expected."
"Indeed. It's Sarutobi Hiruzen's own fault as well. In the Hyūga clan incident before, he showed his displeasure toward Hyūga and Ino–Shika–Chō. Naturally, they bore a grudge.
Not to mention Danzo's ugly deeds affecting the core interests of the Ino–Shika–Chō families. They're no fools; of course they understand who was really behind Danzo.
Their patience with Hiruzen has hit its limit.
Whether it's Hyūga Hiashi, or Nara Shikaku, they've quietly hinted at their stance… Follow current novels on n0velfire.net
But these people are old foxes; they won't speak too definitively or go to extremes. Basically, they'll sit on the mountain and watch tigers fight, following whoever emerges victorious.
Still, compared to before—when even if we rose in rebellion, we couldn't claim the seat of power—this already counts as a dramatic shift and improvement."
Fugaku gazed intently at Chiyu.
"All of this is thanks to you, Chiyu.
Without you, no matter how disillusioned they might be with Hiruzen and the village, they'd never consider supporting the Uchiha.
Therefore…whatever you decide now, as clan head, I'll listen to your orders.
If you want war, we go to war!"
Chiyu's mind stirred slightly. Uchiha Fugaku had changed a great deal. Previously, he was not in favor of taking risks—one might call him indecisive. Which Chiyu could understand, because compared to all of Konoha, the Uchiha forces still seemed too small.
If Shisui had been loyal to the clan, there might have been a faint possibility. But Shisui ended up siding with the village's leadership. Under those circumstances, fighting a coup with just Fugaku and the Police Force was practically throwing eggs against a rock.
With Uchiha Chiyu rising to prominence, Fugaku's confidence had soared.
Still, he remained calm:
"Chiyu, even if your personal strength is at the summit, the Uchiha clan as a whole is still not truly powerful. While I support whatever decision you make, you must carefully consider the clan's safety…"
"Don't worry. I've arranged everything.
Fugaku exhaled and said:
"All right, then. I'll entrust the Uchiha clan's fate…
Entirely into your hands!"
After Danzo's death and the Uchiha clan's return from the battlefield, Konoha found itself awash in turmoil, heavy undercurrents, dark clouds looming. Though no one took any open actions, everyone sensed the foreboding tension, a stifling pressure as though the air itself weighed upon them.
The Hyūga clan, Ino–Shika–Chō, and other big clans remained silent. Even Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't hold a formal large meeting about the war's end. This alone spoke volumes.
Those clans all understood that the inevitable showdown was near and chose to wait in silence to see the final outcome.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office…
Hiruzen had been waiting for his disciple.
Jiraiya returned at last.
He arrived without alerting anyone else, entering quietly. Travel-worn, his face looked rather weathered, absent his usual carefree grin.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, seeing this familiar yet strange face, felt both relief and sorrow:
"So you're back, Jiraiya.
You look more worn than I remember…"
Jiraiya gave a wry smile:
"Heh, sensei, you've become more aged too…
If none of us are here to help shoulder your troubles, how could you not be old?"
Hiruzen puffed from his pipe:
"You were off who-knows-where, so how could I not age? Without you, Orochimaru, and Tsunade, everything's been on my shoulders…"
"I'd be ill-suited to sit around in an office anyway. Wandering the land, roaming far and wide—that's just my style."
Koharu spoke in a serious tone:
"Jiraiya, no need to be modest. Even if you're away from the village, you've been completing S-rank missions, quietly defending Konoha. You're practically a pillar of the village."
Jiraiya waved a hand:
"Ehh, that's just a side-hustle. I see myself as an author these days."
"All right, let's cut the pleasantries…
Jiraiya, with your information-gathering, you should be aware of Konoha's situation. What do you think of it all?"
"I'm not interested in political power struggles. At present, I've found my calling in seeking out the 'Child of Prophecy' that Great Toad Sage spoke of, to end this world's hatred and war."
"Jiraiya, it's pointless to fixate on such a far-fetched prophecy. The village needs you here, and so do I as your teacher."
Jiraiya gave a slow sigh:
"Sensei, let's just speak plainly, shall we…
I can do anything for Konoha's sake, but…
If it's about your personal battles for power, or any internal slaughter—
I'm not going to be part of that."
Hiruzen was about to speak when Jiraiya raised a hand to stop him:
"In other words… If you want me to move against Uchiha Chiyu or the entire Uchiha clan for your own sake, I refuse.
Besides, I'm probably not his match anyway…"
Sarutobi Hiruzen's face darkened, but he also wasn't surprised. He knew his disciple well.
"Jiraiya, I won't ask you to do that. That's my responsibility as Hokage."
Jiraiya gave a short laugh:
"Then why so eager to call me back?"
Hiruzen spoke quietly:
"I just want to ask you one thing—
Could you really watch your old teacher die without lifting a finger?!"
Jiraiya stood silent for a moment, then sighed deeply:
I promise I won't fight the Uchiha. But if the Uchiha come for your life, I promise I won't stand by and watch you die.
That's all I can guarantee."
Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled, revealing a faint smile:
"That's enough, Jiraiya.
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