Breaking Between Master and Apprentice
After a moment of contemplation, Utatane Koharu turned to the other Konoha elders and spoke gravely: "Since the Akatsuki's threat is growing, shouldn't we propose a Five Kage Summit? If the five great villages unite, we may have the strength to eliminate them."
Mitokado Homura nodded in agreement. "Koharu is right. The Akatsuki's ambitions must be crushed before it's too late."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression darkened. He had already warned Sunagakure about the Akatsuki, yet the village refused to cooperate—even after the mysterious disappearance of the Third Kazekage, a tragedy later linked to Sasori of the Red Sand.
Danzo Shimura scoffed. "A Five Kage Summit? Impossible. Onoki of Iwagakure still resents Konoha for the wars, and A of Kumogakure has no reason to trust us. They won't ally with us until their own Jinchuriki fall into Akatsuki's hands. Even if Mei Terumi of Kirigakure and the Kazekage support us, that won't be enough."
He continued coldly, "Besides, Naruto Uzumaki isn't under our control. If Akatsuki hunts the Tailed Beasts, that works in our favor—we can manipulate the smaller nations around us. The strategy is yours to decide, Hiruzen."
Sarutobi remained silent as Danzo spoke, their usual dynamic playing out seamlessly. Koharu and Homura exchanged glances, momentarily taken aback. When had Danzo begun deferring to Hiruzen again? It felt like a scene from decades ago—when they all stood united under Tobirama Senju's leadership during the First Shinobi War.
Clearing his throat, the Third Hokage finally spoke. "For now, we maintain the status quo. Once the younger generation matures, Konoha will have the strength to counter Akatsuki."
With that, the meeting concluded.
Koharu and Homura left to negotiate with the Fire Daimyo for additional village funds, while Danzo resumed his secret experiments—projects even Orochimaru had abandoned. But Danzo persisted, convinced that increased investment in Hashirama Senju's DNA and the Sharingan experiments would eventually yield results.
As he exited the Hokage building, leaning on his cane, Danzo suddenly found himself face-to-face with Jiraiya. The Sannin gave him a long, piercing look before striding inside.
Danzo frowned. When had he last antagonized Jiraiya? Their ideologies had always clashed—Jiraiya believed in bonds, while Danzo saw shinobi as tools of war. Yet, despite their differences, both were undeniably loyal to Konoha.
Still, Jiraiya was an obstacle. His influence had grown over the years, and if the elders ever sought a replacement for Hiruzen, Jiraiya was a natural candidate.
Inside, Jiraiya entered the Hokage's office, finding Sarutobi surrounded by the haze of his tobacco pipe. Unlike his usual lighthearted demeanor, Jiraiya's expression was unusually somber, prompting Sarutobi to straighten up.
"Jiraiya, any word from Uzushiogakure's remnants?"
Jiraiya shook his head. "Nothing new. But that's not why I'm here—I came to discuss Konoha's internal decay. The village is rotting from the inside. It's time for change."
Sarutobi exhaled slowly, setting down his pipe. "What issues are you referring to?"
Jiraiya didn't hesitate, pointing out Konoha's stagnation while the smaller Hidden Eddy Village had modernized. "Sensei, if Naruto can inspire change, why can't Konoha?"
Sarutobi clasped his hands together, contemplating Jiraiya's words. "Uzushio rebuilt itself after near destruction. But Konoha has always been at the center of the great nations. Dozens of clans shape our politics. If you become Hokage, you'll have to balance those complexities."
Jiraiya understood that all too well. It was why he had distanced himself, choosing missions over politics. He had buried himself in work, placing his hopes in the Child of Prophecy.
But Naruto had rejected his help. Left adrift, Jiraiya had no choice but to confront Konoha's ugly truths.
That was why he had agreed to help Kakashi Hatake investigate the village's hidden past. In six months, they had gathered enough evidence to confirm their worst fears.
Taking a deep breath, Jiraiya locked eyes with Sarutobi and tossed a stack of documents onto the desk.
"Explain this. Sensei, you outlawed human experimentation, yet it continues. Why?"
Sarutobi didn't even glance at the documents. "I prohibited experiments on Konoha's civilians and shinobi. Those subjects are criminals and rogue-nin, outside our protection."
"If we abandon all research, Konoha will fall behind the other villages."
Jiraiya remained silent before throwing down another set of papers. "And what about this? Danzo has been acting in your name—why hasn't he been punished?"
For the first time, Sarutobi hesitated. "Everything Danzo does is for the village's security. You were in the Anbu, Jiraiya. You know that the Will of Fire alone cannot protect Konoha forever."
"So you let him become the village's shadow Hokage?" Jiraiya accused.
Sarutobi gave a slow nod. "The Hokage must remain a symbol of righteousness. Darkness must exist elsewhere."
Jiraiya's expression darkened. He had more evidence, more proof of Konoha's corruption, but suddenly, he no longer wanted to present it.
Sarutobi hadn't punished Danzo because he needed him. Worse, Sarutobi feared that condemning Danzo would expose his own failures.
Jiraiya had never wanted to challenge his former master—only to stop Danzo's unchecked power. But now, he saw the truth: the man he once admired had changed.
Years ago, Sarutobi had willingly stepped down for Minato Namikaze. But after Minato's death, he had allowed Danzo's influence to fester unchecked.
Orochimaru had been exiled for human experimentation.
But Danzo? He was free to conduct atrocities within the village. He recruited orphaned children into Root, forcing them to kill their comrades in brutal graduation exams.
Sarutobi placed a reassuring hand on Jiraiya's shoulder. "Once this crisis passes, I'll make you the Fifth Hokage."
Jiraiya shook his head. "No… I prefer my freedom." His voice was low, almost resigned. "Are there any missions for me? I think I need to get away for a while."
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