Different Uchihas
Naruto looked at Jiraiya with a puzzled expression and said with mild concern, "Pervy Sage, did you hit your head? I just graduated from the Academy, and I've been following Zabuza Momochi on missions."
Jiraiya ignored Naruto's pretense and said with a serious expression:
"First of all, a Jonin who leads a team should be addressed as 'sensei' or 'captain,' not just 'senpai.' Secondly, although you and Zabuza concealed it well, I noticed that whenever critical decisions were made, he would glance at you for confirmation."
"More importantly, an ordinary ninja wouldn't casually approach an unfamiliar shinobi unless they were confident in countering a surprise attack—or were doing so deliberately…"
Naruto, realizing the act was useless, distanced himself and replied with a faint smile:
"Even if you know this, you can't assume I'm the leader of Uzushio. At best, you might suspect I'm leading a Kirigakure unit. What proof do you have?"
"Your words are proof enough."
Jiraiya smirked and continued, "Besides, when you watched my confrontation with Orochimaru, weren't you a little too calm? And the one who suddenly intervened with a hurricane jutsu against the human puppet…"
"There are too many inconsistencies, all pointing to you."
Jiraiya's analysis made Naruto frown. Nearby, Zabuza, Shisui Uchiha, and others tensed, prepared for a battle at any moment.
Noticing the tension, Naruto gestured for his allies to stand down before locking eyes with Jiraiya.
Jiraiya had expected his identity to be uncovered the moment he set foot on this island.
After all, aside from being a famous author, he was one of Konoha's greatest intelligence operatives—having completed more S-rank missions than any other Leaf shinobi. Hiding from someone like him was unrealistic.
After a moment of silence, Naruto's tone lowered. "If meeting Hōmon wasn't enough to make you leave, then let's walk and talk. I'll show you the Uchiha of Uzushio."
Jiraiya didn't hesitate and nodded—he was curious about Uzushio's development.
The two exited the Uzushio administrative building and entered the district where the Uchiha clan resided.
The moment Naruto arrived, Uchiha families—elders and children alike—greeted him warmly. With just a nod from Naruto, they returned to their daily routines.
Jiraiya was about to comment when Naruto stopped him.
After a brief tour, Naruto led Jiraiya into a small street-side shop. The owner, an elderly Uchiha woman, quickly took their orders and disappeared into the kitchen.
As they waited, Naruto spoke first: "Jiraiya, do you notice the difference between the Uchiha here and those in Konoha?"
Jiraiya nodded solemnly.
Unlike the Uchiha in Konoha, these ones were less arrogant and more integrated with the village. They lived among the other villagers instead of being isolated in a clan compound.
Could the Uchiha of Konoha and those of Uzushio truly be the same people?
As if reading his mind, Naruto smiled. "Uchiha is still Uchiha. But this isn't decaying Konoha—it's thriving Uzushio."
"In this new village, the Uchiha aren't treated as outcasts. They can find their own purpose, so they don't need to flaunt their power or act superior. They love this village more than they ever loved Konoha…"
Jiraiya fell silent, unable to argue.
It was true—under Hiruzen Sarutobi's leadership, Konoha had grown stagnant. That was why Tsunade had left. That was why Jiraiya himself spent most of his time outside the village.
But as a loyal Leaf shinobi, he had to defend Konoha.
Determined, Jiraiya said, "That's not a reason to abandon Konoha. If they return, I'll persuade the Third Hokage to revoke the Uchiha District plan and integrate them with the villagers."
Naruto didn't argue—he simply stared at Jiraiya and asked, "Will the Hokage agree?"
Under Naruto's calm gaze, Jiraiya hesitated.
He could try to convince Hiruzen, but the elders and Danzo would never allow it. If they had, the Uchiha wouldn't have been segregated under constant ANBU surveillance.
The trust between the Uchiha and Konoha had long since shattered.
After a pause, Naruto chuckled. "It's not impossible. If you became Hokage, maybe you could fix this. But whether the Uchiha return or not… is up to them."
"Me? Hokage?"
Jiraiya shook his head. A carefree wanderer like him wasn't suited for that role. And being Hokage would cost him his freedom—something he valued too much.
Shifting topics, Jiraiya's expression hardened. "Even if Uzushio is a better home for the Uchiha, why are you accepting Konoha's deserters?"
Just then, the elderly Uchiha woman returned with two steaming bowls of ramen.
Naruto smiled. "I'm starving. Let's eat first—nothing's more important than food."
Jiraiya didn't touch his chopsticks. He continued staring at Naruto.
Naruto took a bite and sighed. "Worried about poison? I don't do that. And I won't make the Uchiha slaughter their own kin. Uzushio isn't like that."
Jiraiya's expression darkened, but he picked up his chopsticks.
After a few bites, his eyes widened in surprise—the taste was almost identical to Ichiraku Ramen.
Had Teuchi's family been recruited to Uzushio too?
Naruto, already finished, smirked. "Familiar? It's an exact replica of Ichiraku's recipe. Even the narutomaki is identical."
At the mention of narutomaki, Jiraiya paused. But he still finished his ramen.
Without lingering, Naruto led Jiraiya away from the bustling streets toward the Uzumaki Shrine—an ideal place for a more private discussion.
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