The tension in the office eased. A few seconds later, Koharu Utatane spoke.
"In that case, the matter is simple. Hiruzen, since Shinichi has already settled things with Tsunade, our top priority is to send someone to inform her and have her return to the village as soon as possible.
Sunagakure's delegation arrives today. In this sensitive period, having the future Fifth Hokage preside over the negotiations will both demonstrate Konoha's stability and apply sufficient pressure on Sunagakure."
Homura Mitokado nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Tsunade's reputation in the ninja world, especially her authority in medical ninjutsu, will greatly benefit the talks. Sunagakure suffered heavy losses this time and will be desperate to claim back their jinchūriki and captured shinobi. We can use this opportunity to our advantage."
According to recent intelligence, Konoha had confirmed that Sunagakure was now seeking a peaceful resolution. The truth behind the Fourth Kazekage's death had yet to be made public, but Konoha held too many cards. With such overwhelming leverage, Sunagakure didn't dare risk open war—convincing the council that a conflict was unlikely to break out.
With war off the table, the strategic focus had to shift immediately. Konoha's goal was to press its advantage at the negotiating table—forcing concessions, draining Sunagakure's resources, weakening its overall strength, and securing long-term stability.
"Since we need someone to bring Tsunade back…" Jiraiya rubbed his chin, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "I'll take the mission. It's been a long time since I last saw her."
No one in the office objected. They all saw through him—by volunteering, he'd saved them the trouble of assigning someone else.
"However," Jiraiya added, his tone shifting as he looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi with unusual seriousness, "I want to take Naruto with me."
Hiruzen, just about to take a puff from his pipe, paused—his eyes narrowing slightly.
"Nonsense!" Koharu snapped, her brows drawn tight. "Jiraiya, you know Naruto Uzumaki's status. He's the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki—a critical asset to the village. How can he be allowed to leave so casually?"
Homura shook his head in agreement. "I oppose this as well. The jinchūriki's safety is tied to the village's stability. Taking him outside carries too great a risk."
Hiruzen said nothing at first, simply taking a quiet draw from his pipe, his gaze thoughtful and heavy.
"Oh, come on, esteemed advisors—no need to be so tense." Jiraiya spread his hands casually. "With me around, what could possibly go wrong? Besides, I just want to show the kid a bit of the world—give him some real experience. He can't stay cooped up in the village forever."
He looked at Hiruzen, his voice lowering. "More importantly… old man, that kid needs to see more of the world. These past few years haven't been easy on him. As his teacher, I want to take him out, let him clear his head—and teach him something real."
Shinichi glanced at Jiraiya.
'As expected,…decades of a master-and-student bond means he hit the old man's soft spot in an instant.'
A flicker of guilt passed through Hiruzen's eyes. He wasn't blind to the neglect—and the debt—Naruto had endured over the years.
"…Very well. Since it's you taking him, I'll allow it. Make sure he stays safe."
"Hiruzen!" Koharu tried to protest.
"I'm in favor as well," Shinichi's voice cut in. "Naruto traveling with Jiraiya for training offers more gains than risks. His power needs guidance, and his character needs tempering. In the village, some things are... inconvenient."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room before settling on Hiruzen. When he spoke, his words left the advisors slightly puzzled.
"Besides, bringing Naruto along might turn out to be an unexpected help to Sister Tsunade."
With the decision tipping three to two in his favor, Jiraiya broke into a grin. "Great—then it's settled!"
Ignoring Koharu, Jiraiya strode to the window and pushed it open. "I've had enough of staying in Konoha. There's no time to lose, so I'm leaving today!"
Before he even finished speaking, he vaulted out the window. In a few leaps, he vanished among the distant rooftops, leaving only the gently swaying pane.
Watching the still-trembling window, Koharu's mouth twitched while Homura rubbed his brow.
Hiruzen shook his head helplessly and sighed. "Really... there's a perfectly good door, yet he insists on the window. After all these years..."
Shinichi said nothing more. He turned to Hiruzen and inclined his head.
"Teacher, esteemed advisors—if there's nothing further, I'll take my leave. I have some personal matters to attend to today."
.....
Meanwhile, in the once-prosperous Uchiha compound, within the courtyard of a large estate…
Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!
The sharp impacts echoed through the empty yard. A wooden post stood at its center, its surface scarred with fist marks and spreading cracks. Sasuke faced it bare-chested, sweat tracing down his back as his chest heaved and his arms trembled from the strain.
He clenched his fist once more, braced himself, and drove forward.
Crack!
His fist slammed into the post with a dull thud, splinters flying as fresh cracks spread across the wood. He drew his hand back and straightened, his chest rising and falling with sharp breaths. Sasuke stared at the damaged post, frustration and impatience burning in his eyes.
Several days had passed since the end of the Chunin Exams. In that fight, he had forced Gaara to reveal part of his power and even wounded him with the Chidori. But compared to Shinichi—who had suppressed Orochimaru and summoned the Thousand-Armed Kan'on to end the battle—the gap had not closed. It had widened.
"Damn it... Shinichi was right. I grew too complacent, thinking 'close enough' was fine, and ended up..." Sasuke clenched his teeth and raised his arm again.
Just as he was about to throw the next punch—
"Training like this is inefficient."
The voice came from the gate. Sasuke's body stiffened as he spun around.
Shinichi stood there, having arrived who-knew-how-long ago. He leaned against the gateframe, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on Sasuke.
"Shinichi!" Sasuke's eyes lit up instantly.
Shinichi lowered his arms and walked into the yard. "Sorry." He stopped a few steps away from Sasuke and said, "Things have been hectic. My mother only told me this morning that you'd come by several times."
"That doesn't matter." Sasuke shook his head, his eyes burning with hunger. "What I want to know is—what's your plan now? You promised that once I defeated Gaara, you'd tell me about... that man."
Sasuke's gaze bored into Shinichi, intense and unwavering. "Though I don't know whether what I did in that exam... counts as 'defeating' him!"
Upto 30 chapters ahead on patreon :-
patreon.com/Viki2