Hokage Can't Regret
After Naruto left, Uzumaki Ashina picked up the scroll that had been placed on the ground. His expression shifted as he examined its contents.
Karin, sensing something unsettling in Ashina's smile, hesitated before cautiously asking, "Old patriarch, what are you laughing at?"
Uzumaki Ashina shook his head and replied, "That boy Naruto has assigned me another mission. Xiao Karin, your next few years will be very fulfilling."
Leaving the Uzumaki Temple, Naruto smirked slightly.
The scroll contained the method for practicing Senjutsu and an idea for using White Zetsu to simplify Senjutsu into a curse mark. Having already mastered Ryūchi Cave's Sage Mode, Naruto sought to promote Senjutsu as a means to enhance overall combat effectiveness.
Although the requirements for practicing Senjutsu were far more demanding than becoming a ninja, those who could attain it would experience a substantial power boost.
In Naruto's memory, the Cursed Seal that Orochimaru introduced during the Chūnin Exams allowed even a Chūnin to approach the strength of a Tokubetsu Jōnin. For those already at the Jōnin level, it provided a significant endurance boost in prolonged battles.
As for obtaining the Cursed Seal itself, Orochimaru was an obvious choice.
However, widespread implementation of such a technique couldn't rely solely on Orochimaru. It had to be developed independently. With White Zetsu and his own Sage abilities, Naruto believed Uzushio Village's research progress would not fall behind Orochimaru's.
Recruiting talented researchers was also on the agenda—after all, geniuses weren't limited to just combat ninjas.
---
After leaving Kusagakure, Jiraiya and Tsunade didn't immediately return to Konoha.
Since their goal was to dismantle Danzo and the Third Hokage's authority, meticulous planning was necessary to ensure the operation's success.
Jiraiya initially intended to implement all of Naruto's proposals.
Uzushio Village had the best societal structure he had ever seen in the ninja world. However, Tsunade strongly opposed the idea, arguing that such drastic policies and reforms, if applied in Konoha, would destabilize the village—even if they were correct in principle.
Moreover, any potential allies they could have swayed would inevitably side with Hiruzen.
Following Tsunade's lead, Jiraiya traveled across the major cities and towns of the Land of Fire, eventually arriving at the Daimyō's capital. There, Tsunade engaged in days-long discussions with the Daimyō, demonstrating just how serious she was about overthrowing their former teacher's rule.
For the first time, Jiraiya recognized the political gap between himself and Tsunade.
Tsunade actively sought alliances, engaging with external forces to support her cause. In contrast, he had always taken the blackmail-worthy evidence he had collected and simply reported it to Hiruzen, only to receive mild, dismissive responses in return.
After more than half a month, Jiraiya and Tsunade finally returned to Konoha.
Soon, news of their return spread throughout the village. Upon hearing it, the Third Hokage promptly summoned them.
"Tsunade, you're finally willing to return and see an old man like me," Hiruzen said with a smile, observing the two as they entered his office.
He had assumed Jiraiya left the village out of frustration, unable to tolerate his actions, but his return with Tsunade was unexpected.
Although Tsunade's presence in the ninja world acted as a deterrent, it was nowhere near as effective as having her stationed within Konoha as the hospital director.
After all, Konoha's current medical system was built entirely by Tsunade, and she alone had the expertise to train more medical ninjas.
Tsunade stared at the Third Hokage for a few seconds before speaking impatiently.
"I won't be staying in the village for long this time. But I heard the Uchiha clan and the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki have defected?"
"Yes," the Third Hokage replied, his smile gradually fading. "They've defected... and even established a village."
After a brief pause, he added, "But perhaps it's for the best. The village despised both Uchiha and the Jinchūriki."
At this, Tsunade glanced at Jiraiya before turning her gaze back to Hiruzen.
"..."
After a few moments of silence, she sighed softly, turned around, and left the office. Jiraiya followed, closing the door behind them.
Watching them leave, the Third Hokage let out a quiet sigh. He had anticipated this.
Ever since Jiraiya's attempt to impeach Danzo had been rejected, their relationship had fractured irreparably. Though the surface-level bond between master and apprentice remained, the closeness they once shared was beyond repair.
Jiraiya would still follow orders—but only because Hiruzen was Hokage, not because he was his teacher.
---
A few minutes later, the office door swung open once again.
This time, it was none other than Danzo, the leader of Root. Leaning on his cane, he observed Hiruzen for a moment before stating flatly, "Jiraiya and Tsunade are back. You need to prepare."
"Prepare for what?" the Third Hokage asked, confused.
Danzo's gaze darkened. "Don't play dumb, Hiruzen. Even my Root operatives have confirmed that Tsunade met with the Daimyō. Do you really think the Twelve Guardian Ninja wouldn't notice?"
"I've known for some time," Hiruzen replied, frowning. "Tsunade-hime is related to the Daimyō. It's natural for them to meet."
"True," Danzo admitted. "But Tsunade and Jiraiya were also spotted in Kusagakure. Soon after, all Konoha spies stationed there lost contact."
"Are you suggesting Jiraiya and Tsunade betrayed the village?" Hiruzen's expression hardened. "That's impossible. Anyone might betray Konoha—but not them. Their love for the village is as strong as ours."
Danzo scoffed. "Then explain why Jiraiya returned with Tsunade, why he didn't report to you immediately upon arrival, and why you had to summon him instead."
Hiruzen fixed Danzo with a stern glare. "Don't stir up unnecessary trouble. If Jiraiya or Tsunade wanted to challenge me for the Hokage seat, they could do so at any time. You, however, have spent too much time in the shadows. Now, you assume everyone is scheming as you do."
Danzo's lips curled in disdain. "Believe what you want. You'll regret this soon enough."
With that, he turned sharply and left, slamming the door behind him.
Hiruzen remained seated, staring at the closed door. Danzo, ever the pragmatist, refused to ignore the warning signs. Unlike the Third Hokage, he would take precautions.
Muttering under his breath, Hiruzen spoke in a solemn tone:
"Danzo, I am not like you. I will not regret my decisions. And even if I do... I will never show it. I will never explain myself."
"A Hokage cannot regret."
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