Early the next morning, an intelligence report was placed on Hiruzen Sarutobi's desk. It detailed a sudden, violent "internal rebellion" within the Ino-Shika-Cho alliance, resulting in exactly half of their members defecting to the Uchiha compound.
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed into a cold, predatory glare. He did not need to summon Shikaku Nara to understand what had happened.
Hiruzen's Internal Monologue: A fabricated rebellion. The Nara clan is too intelligent and apathetic to engage in genuine civil war. Shikaku is simply hedging his bets. By leaving half his forces here, he maintains his political standing with me. By sending the other half to Jin, he ensures his clan's survival if I am defeated. I will tolerate this insult for now to avoid fighting a war on two fronts. But once the Uchiha are eradicated, I will purge the Ino-Shika-Cho for their disloyalty.
Regaining his composure, Hiruzen pulled out a brand-new smoking pipe. He lit it, staring out the window at the village below. He was the Hokage who had ruled for decades; he would not let the shifting allegiances of a few clans break his focus.
Just then, a figure appeared on the windowsill of the Hokage's office.
It was a tall, white-haired man wearing wooden clogs and a horned headband bearing the kanji for 'Oil'. He hopped down into the office, his demeanor entirely relaxed.
"Old man," Jiraiya, the Toad Sage, greeted with a lazy smirk. "All these years, and you haven't changed a bit. Now, tell me. Why the urgent recall? What happened?"
Seeing his former student, Hiruzen let out a long, genuine sigh of relief. Jiraiya possessed an absolute, foundational love for the village. However, he was also hopelessly obsessed with a prophecy regarding a "Child of Destiny" who would save the world, which made him difficult to control.
Hiruzen briefly outlined the recent chaos: Danzo's actions, the Uchiha's militarization, and Kakashi's defection. Then, he presented his ultimate demand.
"Jiraiya, you must stay," Hiruzen pleaded, his voice heavy with age. "I am too old to stabilize this village. The only way to restore peace is for you to succeed me as the Fifth Hokage."
Hiruzen's Internal Monologue: Jiraiya has the martial strength and reputation to pacify the noble clans. However, he is politically naive and detests administrative work. If he takes the title, he will naturally rely on me to handle the village's governance. I can continue to rule from the shadows, stabilize the infrastructure, and eventually pass the Hokage seat to my son, Asuma, when he is ready.
Jiraiya did not even pause to consider the offer. He shook his head immediately.
"Give it up, old man. I am absolutely not becoming Hokage. I have far more important things to do regarding the prophecy," Jiraiya stated firmly. "However, I will go speak to this Jin Uchiha. Let me see if I can de-escalate the situation."
Without waiting for a response, Jiraiya turned and left.
***
The Uchiha Compound
Ten minutes later, Jiraiya arrived at the borders of the Uchiha territory.
His initial plan had been to leap over the walls and drop directly into the leader's courtyard to assert dominance. However, as he approached, his senses flared.
Jiraiya's Internal Monologue: The perimeter is flawlessly fortified. I sense overlapping patrol routes, hidden sentries, and heavily armed Anbu-level guards. If I force entry, it will trigger an immediate, lethal response and shatter any chance for diplomacy.
Choosing the pragmatic approach, Jiraiya walked to the main gate and formally requested an audience. The Uchiha guards, recognizing the legendary Sannin and respecting his immense strength, did not provoke him. They relayed the request. Once Jin Uchiha granted approval, Jiraiya was escorted directly to the central courtyard.
The Reception Room
Tsuki Uchiha silently poured two cups of tea, bowed, and exited the room.
Jin picked up his cup, drained it in one swallow, and looked coldly at the legendary shinobi sitting across from him.
"You shouldn't have returned. This conflict does not concern you," Jin stated bluntly. "Go back to searching for your savior. Why involve yourself in this mess?"
Jiraiya remained silent for a moment, sipping his tea. He observed the young, imposing Clan Head.
"I have my own plans," Jiraiya finally replied. "I heard my teacher's version of events, but I came to hear the Uchiha's perspective. The village belongs to all of us. There is no need for this extreme hostility. We should sit down and negotiate."
Jin shook his head dismissively. "Negotiation implies a two-sided conflict. The Uchiha are merely executing a passive defense. If the village administration ceases its systemic persecution, issues a formal apology, and subjects the guilty parties to a public tribunal, the hostility will end."
Jin's Sharingan flared briefly. "But if the village continues to use underhanded tactics, the Uchiha will drag Konoha down into oblivion with us. That is not a threat; it is a guarantee."
Jin's Internal Monologue: Jiraiya is immensely powerful, but politically cowardly. He allows himself to be manipulated by the prophecies of the Toad summons rather than confronting the corruption festering in his own home. If he possessed the resolve to become Hokage, he could easily dismantle my political leverage. Fortunately, he will run from the responsibility.
"Persecution?" Jiraiya frowned, leaning forward. "What exactly has the village done to persecute you?"
"I am not going to waste my breath reciting decades of marginalization," Jin replied coldly. "Investigate it yourself. But if you truly want to act as a peacemaker, you can start with a concrete gesture of goodwill."
Jin leaned back, his gaze piercing Jiraiya.
"Have Danzo Shimura return the Mangekyou Sharingan he implanted in his right eye, as well as the multiple three-tomoe Sharingan embedded in his right arm."
System Explanation: The Mangekyou Sharingan is an advanced, highly destructive evolution of the standard Sharingan. Danzo stole one from Shisui Uchiha to wield its mind-control abilities on another life. (🎵 In another life....)
"I do not care about the Hashirama Senju cells Danzo harvested to sustain those eyes," Jin continued, his tone turning venomous. "Tsunade is the last living Senju, and if she doesn't care that her grandfather's corpse was desecrated by the village elders, neither do I. But the Sharingan belongs to my clan. As the Head of the Uchiha, I will extract justice for my people."