Jiraiya used to be stressed out because he couldn't find the so-called "Child of the Prophecy," the one who's supposed to shape the destiny of the entire world.
With Senshi's help, he finally tracked down the Child of the Prophecy—Naruto. But now he's hit a new snag: he has no real way to teach Naruto, at least for the time being.
Whether it's ninjutsu or real combat experience, Naruto's already got it covered.
Sure, Jiraiya could teach him a thing or two about intelligence gathering, but he couldn't exactly say, "I'm just here to be your intel teacher" and expect to guide the Child of the Prophecy toward world peace, right?
It's like if the Third Hokage had once said, "Young Jiraiya, you're shouldering a huge destiny. You gotta become a Legendary Sannin. So, let me teach you how to enjoy checking out beautiful women."
Jiraiya couldn't help but feel that teaching Naruto intel-gathering to steer the whole ninja world toward peace would be just as ridiculous.
At the moment, Jiraiya had just wrapped up a joint training session with Naruto and Sasuke and was taking them to Ichiraku Ramen.
Seeing him all deep in thought, Naruto got curious. "Pervy Sage, what's on your mind?"
Jiraiya just said offhandedly, "I'm thinking about how to help you two grow faster."
Naruto shrugged. "But Sasuke and I have already grown a lot, and it doesn't seem like you've got much to teach us anymore."
Naruto was basically telling the truth—Jiraiya had tried to train them twice, only to fail both times.
They already had plenty of combat experience, and they knew even more jutsu than Jiraiya himself.
Hearing this, Jiraiya couldn't help rolling his eyes. In his mind, the Great Toad Sage's prophecy states that the Child of the Prophecy will change the world under his influence, which means there must be something he can offer Naruto, right?
For instance, just now he'd shown a strong desire to help Naruto and Sasuke grow, yet no matter how little or how much he helped, Naruto should at least say thank you out of basic courtesy, instead of blurting out blunt truths like that.
After all, these little encounters and manners are definitely part of the personal growth Jiraiya could guide him through.
Before Jiraiya could chime in, Sasuke spoke up:
"Hey, Naruto, Jiraiya-senpai has been training with us, taking it seriously, and now he's treating us to a meal. You could at least say thanks."
Naruto scratched his head. "Oh, right! Pervy Sage, thanks for wanting to teach us jutsu, for going through all that trouble sparring with us, and, y'know, for springing for dinner."
This time Sasuke was the one feeling awkward—those were literally the same words he'd once used when thanking someone on a mission. Naruto was a quick learner.
Jiraiya burst out laughing. "Hahahaha! It's no big deal. All you need to know is that I'll do my best to help you both improve, in every way possible."
This time, Naruto and Sasuke expressed their gratitude together:
"Thanks, Pervy Sage!"
"Thanks a lot, Jiraiya-senpai. We really appreciate it!"
That wiped away Jiraiya's gloomy mood.
He decided he wouldn't sweat what exactly he should teach Naruto. Whatever he could teach, he would. As long as Naruto eventually grew into the hero who'd guide the world toward peace, that was enough.
They walked a while and arrived outside Ichiraku Ramen.
The moment they got there, Naruto rushed excitedly to the counter to say hi to Teuchi. Jiraiya and Sasuke stepped up too, and that's when Jiraiya noticed another familiar face: Orochimaru. It looked like Orochimaru had just gotten there a bit earlier.
Seeing him, Jiraiya lit up. "Wow, I never expected everything to turn out so well. Now you're totally committed to the village—Sensei must be thrilled."
"Heh." Orochimaru just gave a cold chuckle, not really answering.
Jiraiya didn't mind, though, and kept talking. "You haven't changed a bit. Even if you're working for the village, you're still as aloof as ever, tough to approach."
"But whatever. I know you've always been that way. I heard a lot of stories about you while traveling. You really have found the right path this time."
"As a friend, I'm genuinely happy for you."
Deep down, Orochimaru sneered. Other people found him unapproachable because he just didn't see a reason to talk to most of them. And he wasn't exactly "doing his best for the village"—he was just handing over spare results from his research to keep them at bay.
Still, Jiraiya was right about one thing: Orochimaru truly was on the right track now. He was making a fortune from developing and selling new tech, then using that cash to hire Senshi to boost his skills, which let him make even more money. Ever since he'd come up with his first "Eternal Chakra Elixir," he'd been on a fast-growth loop.
He didn't bother mentioning any of that to Jiraiya—too much info is too risky. Instead, he glanced at Naruto and Sasuke and casually asked, "Why're you with those two kids?"
Jiraiya just laughed and said, "I'm pretty much their teacher now. I'll be training them from here on."
As he chatted, Jiraiya was reminded of how hiring Senshi to handle Orochimaru back then was definitely the right move.
Orochimaru contributed his abilities and research talents to Konoha, and the village was thriving. With all those achievements, people would someday recognize him fully.
If the old man ever stepped down, Orochimaru would be high on the list of Hokage candidates.
The thought made Jiraiya grin.
With Orochimaru's tech, Konoha's future was looking bright.
Orochimaru would keep piling up achievements, setting him up as a future Hokage.
Plus, the Child of the Prophecy was now Jiraiya's student—meaning the world's future was also secure.
In short, he felt like he was winning on all fronts.
…
Deep underground in the Mountain Graveyard, Obito was briefing Madara in front of the giant Gedo Statue.
Madara insisted that Senshi's strength was overrated and that the real problem was Obito's incompetence, but he still needed updates on the other big changes in the ninja world.
After Obito relayed all the other intel, he got to his deal with Danzo.
"There's another important piece of information I need to share."
Madara asked, "What is it?"
Obito told him straight: "I made a deal with Danzo. He wants my help to take down the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and in return he'll help me capture the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."
"Danzo?" Madara mused. He remembered Danzo and Sarutobi, both once Tobirama Senju's disciples. Hearing Obito needed Danzo's help just to nab the Nine-Tails reaffirmed Madara's opinion: Senshi wasn't the real issue—Obito was just weak.
Still, teaming up with Danzo wasn't a bad move. If some insider could help them get tailed beasts more easily, why not?
Madara nodded. "Nicely done. Anyone who helps us realize our final plan can be used. That should help us move forward."
Obito thought, "You're wrong, old man. It's my final plan, not 'ours.' Anyone who can help me is fair game, including you."
Unbeknownst to Obito, both he and Madara were basically using each other. Madara figured he was using Obito and Obito didn't realize it, while Obito thought he was using Madara and Madara didn't realize it.
Black Zetsu was the real mastermind in the shadows, quietly digging up other people's graves behind the scenes.
Once he was done mentioning the deal with Danzo, Obito added something else:
"The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki has been showing some bizarre changes."
Madara frowned. "What sort of changes?"
He noted that Obito never blamed himself and kept labeling everything 'unbelievable.'
Obito ignored what Madara might be thinking and spelled it out:
"The Jinchuriki and an Uchiha from our clan have a combo jutsu that fuses them into a new form."
Madara rolled his eyes internally—fusion jutsu wasn't that strange. The ninja world was packed with oddball techniques.
But then Obito said:
"When they fuse, the result is a super-strong ninja who even has the Rinnegan."
"Oh?" Now Madara was actually surprised. He'd awakened the Rinnegan himself, so he knew what was up.
He just never imagined there'd be another route to it aside from the whole 'Hashirama-cell transplant' approach—especially one that let the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki wield it. That definitely got his attention.
After a pause, Madara told Obito, "Go meet with Danzo again and handle the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki situation."
"Sure, they have the Rinnegan, but they won't know how to fully use it. At best they'll be like another Nagato."
Obito nodded. "Understood. I'll deal with it right away."
He kept his cool in front of Madara, but as he left, he couldn't help thinking Madara was way too casual about Senshi. Times had changed—this was no longer the era of Hashirama vs. Madara. Obito figured Madara would learn his lesson the hard way as soon as he faced Senshi in person.
At the same time, back at Konoha Hospital, Danzo was still looking for a way to turn the situation around. This was not the outcome he'd wanted, and he knew he couldn't do it all alone. So he really hoped that "Madara" would come through like he used to.
Meanwhile, at the apartment shared by Sasuke and Naruto, Sasuke was also thinking. Naruto noticed Sasuke hadn't turned in for the night yet and asked, "Sasuke, since when do you zone out like Pervy Sage?"
Sasuke: (O_O)???
It was like Naruto was implying Sasuke never used his brain at all; in reality, Naruto's the one who rarely thinks anything through.
After a brief pause, Sasuke told him, "Naruto, I'm planning to take Danzo out. I want revenge."
Naruto blinked. "Right now?"
Sasuke nodded. "Yeah. Based on what I've dug up, Danzo's been in Konoha Hospital for a while. All his Anbu got absorbed by Orochimaru. This is probably our best chance to kill him. So I've decided. I'm going for revenge."
Naruto shrugged. "Well, let's do it, then."
"Right. Let's just get ready and then head out." Sasuke felt a surge of gratitude toward Naruto. Sasuke might be strong enough on his own, but with Naruto at his side, they could unleash that crazy tag-team power for an even bigger advantage.
So the two of them made their final preparations. Once everything was set, they'd head for the hospital to finish Danzo off.
Elsewhere, in Orochimaru's lab at the Root's base, Orochimaru—now the head of the Root—had more intel sources at his disposal than ever. As he continued researching Senshi's chakra, Kabuto stepped up from behind and said respectfully, "Orochimaru-sama, Uchiha Sasuke has been quietly looking into Danzo's situation for a while. I think he's about to make a move."
As far as Orochimaru was concerned, hardly anything in the village could happen without him hearing about it.
He responded casually, "Right now, the Root's job is to protect our paying clients' lives and assets. Danzo isn't one of them, so we're not responsible for keeping him safe."
Kabuto nodded. "Understood, Orochimaru-sama. We'll stay out of it."
He also realized that, along with funding their research, Orochimaru's sponsors had basically bought insurance. The Root only stepped in if someone who paid up was in danger. Danzo, ironically, no longer counted as a "client."
After a moment's thought, Kabuto said, "Orochimaru-sama, it looks like Danzo might be talking to some outsiders, but we haven't found hard proof."
Orochimaru shrugged. "That's not exactly news. He's always been secretive. Who knows how many shady connections he has?"
"Keep an eye on him, but if he doesn't mess with our business, there's no need to interfere."
"Got it," Kabuto said, then left to make arrangements.
Sure enough, Danzo and Obito were busy scheming inside Danzo's hospital room. Before Obito arrived, Danzo stayed perfectly still, like a dying old man. Then Obito showed up, and suddenly Danzo sat right up, full of life.
"Madara, finally. Are you ready?"
Obito had basically prepared everything, especially since he'd awakened the real Madara himself. He replied, "I'm good to go. What's your plan?"
Danzo said, "We can't plan it down to the last detail right now—it's complicated. But we can split it into two steps."
"First, you take out Hiruzen Sarutobi so I can become Hokage."
"Then I'll go all-in on helping you capture the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, or whatever else you need."
He hurriedly added, "Your identity is a hot topic. There's a lot you probably can't do too openly, right? I'm not in the same boat. We both need each other. You help me, you help yourself."
Of course, Obito knew Danzo was looking out for himself. Still, he had to admit Danzo had a point. Working together was advantageous for Obito's plans.
He asked, "So how exactly do you want me to handle Sarutobi and help you take his place?"
Danzo shook his head. "I can't be involved, which is exactly why it'll work. Right now, I'm a prime suspect in everyone's eyes—if I so much as make a move, you'll lose your chance."
Obito nearly lost it. Danzo was the one who wanted help offing the Hokage, but now he insisted that not helping was the biggest help he could offer.
He snorted. "If that's your idea of sincere cooperation, there's no point to any of this."
Danzo was frustrated and pissed. He thought Obito was clueless. Sure, he was using Obito, but what he said was logical. Danzo's injuries weren't fully healed, and even if they were, he still couldn't openly move against the Hokage since people were watching him like hawks.
His old Anbu were all under Orochimaru's control. All he had left were a few hidden operatives and those outside the village—his last trump cards, which he couldn't blow on something risky. And honestly, the fewer people involved in an assassination, the better.
He tried to explain, "Madara, I carefully plan my every move. You might not get my reasoning, but trust me, my strategy is solid."
Obito pointed at Danzo lying in bed. "If your strategy's so solid, why are you stuck here in the ICU?"
Danzo: (O_O)!!!
That retort left the normally sly Danzo speechless for a moment. Then he recovered: "It's exactly because I'm here that I can still pull this off. If it were anyone else, they'd have been disposed of ages ago. This is part of my plan."
Obito knew why Danzo was in the hospital, and if he put it that way, it did make some sense. If anyone else had done what Danzo did, they'd probably have been executed already. Danzo might be bedridden, but he was still around, even cooking up a plan to murder the Hokage.
Still, Obito wasn't about to solo this mission. The Third Hokage wasn't Nagato—there was no way he'd be taken down so easily. Without an inside man, it'd be tough to avoid tipping him off.
Just then, Obito noticed two figures sneaking around the rooftops outside. In the faint moonlight, he recognized them as Naruto and Sasuke.
Danzo saw Obito's face change. "What's up?"
Obito pointed at the pair. "Those two are coming this way. I need to get out of here."
Danzo peered into the distance and only saw two brats. One was the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, and the other was an inherently 'evil' Uchiha. "They're just a couple of kids. Why are you freaking out?"
Obito thought Danzo was basically talking tough while ignoring the facts. If Danzo knew how strong those two had gotten, he'd think twice. So Obito explained, "You don't get it. They're way stronger now."
Danzo scoffed. "There's no one in Konoha I don't know about. The Chunin Exams ended not long ago, and based on how they did, I can guess their power level. Are you telling me the legendary Madara, one of the two titans of the Warring States era, can't handle a couple of kids who only made chunin less than a year ago?"
Obito: (O_O)???
That got him pretty mad. He once fought the Fourth Hokage and hadn't felt the same sense of real threat that he now felt facing Naruto and Sasuke. Their fusion jutsu especially freaked him out, not to mention the Rinnegan or any other hidden aces they might have. He had no interest in fighting them in Konoha, especially if they fused.
But he also didn't want Danzo underestimating them and making a fatal mistake. So he spelled out the details:
"They're decent individually, but they've got a special tag-team jutsu that literally fuses them into a whole new fighter. That form is maybe ten, fifteen times stronger than usual—maybe more—and has some insane special moves."
Danzo: (O_O)???
He was stunned. Apparently, while he'd been stuck in the hospital, the world had flipped upside down without him.
At that very moment, Naruto and Sasuke landed nearby. They noticed Danzo with Obito and were just as surprised.
Naruto frowned. "That guy again… What's he doing in Konoha?"
Sasuke was also surprised, though he'd seen no sign of Obito while investigating Danzo. But he wasn't too bothered; he and Naruto had clashed with Obito before. They could either beat Obito first, then Danzo, or tell him to step aside while they dealt with Danzo directly.
Obito could tell Naruto and Sasuke were 100% focused on Danzo. He said to Danzo, "Looks like they're coming for you. You handle it—I'm out."
He turned to leave, but Danzo grabbed him, obviously unwilling to face those two alone—especially not after hearing about their fusion jutsu.
"You said they need some special ritual to fuse, right? Just stop them from doing it."
Technically that made sense, but on the other side of the room Naruto and Sasuke had already started their weird left-hand-right-hand motions to trigger their "Fusion Dance."
Danzo had no idea what was happening, but he shouted out to Naruto, "Hey, Nine-Tails brat! Don't you want to know how your parents really died?"
Naruto stopped mid-fusion, and Sasuke's heart sank. Danzo was clearly an old pro at dirty tactics—he'd brought up something guaranteed to shake Naruto up right when they were about to fuse.
Naruto turned pale, staring at Danzo. Since childhood, he'd envied kids who had real families, while he had no idea what exactly had happened to his parents.
Now, as he was here to help Sasuke get revenge, he suddenly heard Danzo hinting at some deeper story regarding his mom and dad's deaths.
Naruto's emotions were all over the place. He glared at Danzo, waiting for more. Danzo wasn't even sure himself what he'd say next—he'd just tossed out the question to break their concentration, and it was working.
Obito, already half out the door, noticed Danzo's words were distracting Naruto. He felt a wave of relief. This was exactly the kind of cunning you'd expect from a wily old fox. If Naruto and Sasuke didn't fuse, they weren't that threatening.
Naruto demanded, "How did my parents die?"
Before Danzo could answer, Sasuke quickly tried to refocus him. "Naruto, don't let him get to you! Let's fuse first, beat them both to a pulp, then interrogate them."
That snapped Naruto out of it a bit. Sasuke was right—he shouldn't let his emotions run the show. If he really wanted answers, beating Danzo and Obito half to death first was way easier. It's not like Danzo or Obito deserved any kindness.
But no matter how determined Naruto and Sasuke were, Danzo was an old master at mind games. Just as Naruto was trying to calm down, Danzo was already revving up to hit him with another mental blow…
~~~
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