Chapter 149: Chapter 151
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"Who knows? The most important thing right now is to find that ANBU for me," Jiraiya declared firmly. His sharp eyes scanned everyone present, imprinting their faces and identities in his mind. His tone suddenly turned icy as he added, half-threateningly, "And let me make this clear: what happened here today must not leave this room. That includes me. If anyone leaks even a word of it... don't blame me for being ruthless."
"Yes, Lord Jiraiya," the group murmured, feeling the chill in his gaze. Their throats tightened as they exchanged nervous glances before nodding in agreement.
After receiving their assurances, Jiraiya sighed deeply, relief flickering across his face. Once the group dispersed, he turned to the Hokage's office door and thought grimly, Old man, this is the best I can do for you.
Shortly afterward, under Nara Shikaku's meticulous arrangements, the ANBU members quickly located the cat-masked ANBU operative in question. To everyone's surprise, however, it wasn't Kirito himself.
The operative was unconscious—the same Nagakune Sarutobi Hiruzen had mentioned earlier.
"He's been unconscious for over an hour. Clearly, it's not him," Jiraiya observed, crouching to examine Nagakune closely. He frowned deeply and asked the ANBU team that had brought him in, "Where did you find him?"
"In the lockers at the ANBU base, Lord Jiraiya," one of the ANBU replied respectfully.
Jiraiya sighed and turned to Shikaku. "So, what do you think we should do now?"
Shikaku hesitated, uncharacteristically uncertain. "Lord Jiraiya, I would value your guidance on this. The stakes are high, and I—"
"Seriously?" Jiraiya rolled his eyes, cutting Shikaku off. "When did Konoha's think tank start getting cold feet?"
"My apologies, Lord Jiraiya," Shikaku said with a wry smile. The sheer sensitivity of the situation, involving Konoha's top leadership, had shaken even his usually composed demeanor. The revelations about Danzo's Sharingan-arm, among other things, had rattled his confidence. "This situation demands extraordinary caution."
"Fine, I get it," Jiraiya said with a dismissive wave. "You're dismissed. I'll handle it from here."
"Thank you, Lord Jiraiya." Shikaku bowed slightly, disappearing in a blur of motion. I need to get far away from this powder keg as quickly as possible, he thought.
Watching Shikaku vanish, Jiraiya muttered, "Always knew that guy was great at self-preservation."
Turning back to the ANBU team, he issued his next order. "Try to wake this guy up. See if you can get anything useful out of him."
"Yes, Lord Jiraiya," the ANBU team responded, lifting the unconscious Nagakune and disappearing into the shadows.
Inside the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen's weary voice called out, "Jiraiya, you're still out there. Come in already."
The once-proud Third Hokage sounded frail, defeated, and drained of vitality, as though social death had sapped what little life he had left.
Jiraiya hesitated briefly before pushing the door open.
Inside, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura had managed to tidy their disheveled appearances. The office, once filled with the overpowering scent of heather, was now spotless. However, Koharu was missing her outer coat, likely taken by Danzo in his hasty exit. All three bore heavy expressions, their bloodshot eyes betraying their emotional exhaustion.
"Jiraiya," Sarutobi Hiruzen began weakly. "I've made a decision. You will succeed me as the Fifth Hokage."
Jiraiya froze in place. His usual carefree demeanor quickly vanished, replaced by an uncharacteristically stern expression. "No. I'm not interested," he replied curtly. Without another word, he turned back toward the door, grabbing the handle.
"Jiraiya, you know as well as I do that after what just happened, I can no longer serve as Hokage," Hiruzen said, his voice tinged with resignation.
"I know, but I'm not the type for that job," Jiraiya said without turning around.
"This decision was made jointly by all three of us," Mitokado Homura interjected. "You're one of the legendary Sannin, a ninja respected throughout the world. If not you, who else is capable of leading Konoha?"
Utatane Koharu added, "Jiraiya, you must understand the gravity of what's happened today. Danzo's... indiscretions... have crossed the line for many of the major clans. Mishandling this could result in a catastrophe greater than anything Orochimaru or Fujiwara Kirito could bring."
Jiraiya's hand stilled on the doorknob. Slowly, he turned back to face the room. "And how do you plan to handle Danzo?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen hesitated before replying, "I will give everyone a proper explanation."
Jiraiya let out a hollow laugh. "That again? If you had reined him in earlier, none of this would've happened. You've spent your life turning a blind eye to his actions, and now you've paid the price—losing the Sarutobi Clan you worked so hard to build. Perhaps it's karma."
Hiruzen ignored the biting sarcasm and pressed on. "So, what's your answer?"
Jiraiya's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "No. But I'll tell you what—I'll find someone else for the job."
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "Who?"
"Tsunade," Jiraiya answered without hesitation. "She's capable, and she's the Hokage Konoha needs right now."
Hiruzen, Koharu, and Homura exchanged uncertain glances. The mention of Tsunade brought mixed feelings. She was undeniably qualified, but her whereabouts were unknown.
"She's the best choice," Jiraiya continued. "And don't worry about finding her—I'll take care of that."
"Wait!" Koharu interjected. "Orochimaru has already infiltrated the village. With both him and Fujiwara Kirito lurking in the shadows, Konoha cannot afford to lose another Sannin. You must stay to defend the village!"
Jiraiya smirked confidently. "Relax. I'll be back before the Chunin Exams start."
Hiruzen frowned. "And what about Orochimaru? What makes you so sure he won't attack sooner?"
"Because I know him," Jiraiya replied, his tone firm. "If Orochimaru plans to make a move, it'll be during the final round of the Chunin Exams, in front of the lords and leaders of the other nations. He's dramatic like that."
(End of Chapter)
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