Hizashi's mind was as clear as a mirror. He understood very well that although Hiruzen asked about the "children's" performance, his real focus was only on one person.
So, Hizashi recounted the entire mission outside the village almost entirely from Shimura Yami's perspective.
Hiruzen listened intently without interrupting any part of Hizashi's account.
It wasn't until Hizashi spoke about Yami's actions during the assassination mission that Hiruzen finally spoke.
"What does that old man Danzō usually teach? A seven-year-old child thinking about killing everyone to silence them at any moment, how can he have such intense killing intent?"
Jiraiya said flatly, "If it's Danzō-related, even the most absurd things become normal, don't they?"
Hizashi lowered his head and didn't dare to speak. Their words went in one ear and out the other.
The two big names could casually speak about Danzō, but he, as a minor branch member of the Hyūga clan, neither had the qualifications nor the courage to comment.
"Hizashi, go on."
Yami's strategic judgment somewhat eased Hiruzen's worries. It showed the boy could still be guided, so he wasn't overly concerned.
Hizashi continued his report.
He had originally considered hiding some parts, but fearing it might come to light later, he chose to reveal his dark history and the full story of how Yami identified the spy.
At that moment, both Hiruzen and Jiraiya were at a loss for how to react.
No way… he really did that?
He used that method to identify a spy?
Jiraiya prided himself on his familiarity with women, having been in a sea of flowers and touched every petal, yet he had never thought to associate a location's environment with the quality of women.
Those words had opened a new door for him.
Truly—
Wonderful!
After a long silence, the awkward atmosphere was finally broken.
Hiruzen frowned and spoke in a serious tone. "Hizashi… you're an experienced jonin. How could you make such a rookie mistake? I won't punish you this time, but don't let there be a next."
"Yes, I'll be more careful," Hizashi replied, forehead damp with sweat.
"Hahaha, old man, don't be so uptight." Jiraiya laughed heartily and patted Hizashi on the shoulder comfortingly, adding with a wink, "Don't take it too seriously, Hizashi. You just made the kind of mistake any man could make."
"If beauty is your weakness, then let's face it head-on tonight. We can't have such vulnerabilities during missions."
Hearing this, Hizashi was actually moved.
What Jiraiya said… made sense!
A real man should confront his weaknesses. Once he becomes fully desensitized to beauty, wouldn't he become invincible?
"Nonsense!" Hiruzen scolded Jiraiya. "If you lead Hizashi astray, don't come to me when he hunts you down for answers."
After that, his expression softened a bit, and he said to Hizashi, "You may leave. I'll keep an eye on Yami's psychological condition so that he doesn't go astray."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Hizashi turned and left the Hokage's office with a sigh of relief, closing the door carefully behind him.
As he closed it, he caught sight of Jiraiya winking at him repeatedly.
With the tacit understanding shared by men, Hizashi immediately grasped the message and nodded solemnly.
Red-light district. 10 o'clock tonight.
...
Inside the office, Hiruzen was still puffing on his pipe. He didn't speak right away, only finishing the last bit of tobacco before asking, "Jiraiya, what do you think?"
"What do you mean, 'what do I think'?" Jiraiya tried to feign ignorance, but Hiruzen had brought him here specifically for his insight into people—there was no way he'd let him dodge it.
"Don't play dumb. If you won't give me your opinion, I'll assign Shinnosuke to follow you around every day. Forget about going near the red-light district."
"You're too cruel, old man."
Jiraiya's face collapsed instantly, and he slumped onto the sofa.
Hiruzen let out a long sigh and said earnestly, "Jiraiya, I don't want to see anyone walk the same path as Danzō… or Orochimaru."
At the mention of his old friend, Jiraiya fell silent. His usual carefree attitude vanished, replaced by seriousness.
"Old man, I haven't seen that kid myself yet, so I can't make a judgment. That wouldn't be fair, to him or to the village."
He stroked the armrest of the sofa and spoke in a low voice, "But judging from what Hizashi reported, that kid's talent is undeniable. He surpasses Kakashi, and even Minato wasn't this impressive at his age."
Mentioning his former disciple caused a shadow to fall over Jiraiya's heart again. Forcing a smile, he asked, "But is there something wrong with Hizashi's Byakugan? How could Yami have more chakra than him?"
Hiruzen shook his head slightly. "Shimura Arashi is nothing special, but his wife, Shimura Saki, once had another name—Senju Saki."
"Senju clan?"
Jiraiya was surprised. Since he didn't get along well with Danzō, he knew little about the Shimura family and wasn't aware of this.
"You mean… he awakened the Senju bloodline?"
"That's the only explanation." Sarutobi Hiruzen refilled his pipe and lit it again.
"I suspected it ever since his duel with Uchiha Itachi. His remarkable chakra control and nature transformation are characteristics of the Senju clan. After hearing Hizashi's report, I'm almost certain…"
"Shimura Yami has awakened the Senju bloodline and it's not a thin one."
Another moment of silence.
Then Jiraiya slowly stood up and suddenly laughed.
"Hahaha! So that's why you've been so concerned, old man."
"But it's not that big a deal. The Senju bloodline isn't the same as Wood Release. Let me go meet the kid myself and see what kind of person he is."
As he said that, he had already stepped onto the windowsill of the office.
"If possible, I hope you'll consider taking him as your student," Hiruzen said seriously. "There are very few in Konoha who can oppose Danzō's darkness. You're the best choice."
"I have no plans to take on a disciple for now."
Jiraiya had already leapt out the window, and his voice drifted in with the breeze.
(To be continued.)
***
For every 200 PS = 1 extra chapter. Support me on patreon to read 30+ advanced chapters: patreon.com/Blownleaves.