"The Ninja World has completely changed, Sakumo. Will you still stick to your beliefs?"
Jiraiya had just returned to Konoha after a short journey and immediately sought out Hatake Sakumo for a face-to-face talk.
"And then what?"
Without lifting his head, Sakumo replied while finishing up the small pile of paperwork on his desk, "In your opinion, is the world improving or deteriorating because of everything happening now?"
"The traditional one-village-one-nation system and the peace order across the Ninja World have been completely destroyed. Can that really be considered a good thing?"
Jiraiya shot back.
"So where exactly is the harm?"
Sakumo quickly finished signing off on the documents before looking directly at Jiraiya, whose expression remained serious. "Which tradition are you talking about? And whose order are you referring to?"
"The tradition of one-village-one-nation and the peace throughout the Ninja World."
Jiraiya answered immediately.
Sakumo only shook his head, clearly unsatisfied with Jiraiya's response.
"Even the worst peace is better than the best war!"
Jiraiya emphasized again.
"That's not enough reason to ask common ninja who've finally found some satisfaction in life to give up their lives."
Sakumo's reply was brutally realistic.
Sakumo perfectly understood why Jiraiya kept coming to seek him out repeatedly.
Although the Reformist faction among the Jonin Units had practically collapsed after yet another expansion of living space for common ninja in Konoha, Sakumo's prestige among the rank-and-file common ninja remained unaffected—and this was precisely what Jiraiya urgently needed.
After all, no matter the mission, people were always the key—and the hardest thing to come by.
Whether stealing intelligence or filling the frontlines during battles, having a large number of fearless ninja was absolutely essential.
Therefore, having definitively fallen out with his teacher Hiruzen Sarutobi, Jiraiya's only viable external force to rely upon was the group of common ninja centered around Hatake Sakumo.
However, the crux was that although ordinary common ninja might indeed lack vision or occasionally remain trapped within ideological constraints, they weren't without self-interest. As a result, Jiraiya's grand vision regarding order, the future, and equality across the Ninja World failed to stir much resonance among them.
Sakumo fully understood this issue, which was why he was extremely reluctant to recklessly spend his personal reputation urging these common ninja to risk their lives for Jiraiya's ideals and an uncertain tomorrow.
After all, the blades of the Ninja Clan Capital Corporations don't distinguish whether their targets are truly from Konoha or not.
Even among the common ninja who had already joined such corporations, few would still consider themselves belonging to the same class as those remaining loyal to Konoha.
This divide was the era's doing—a force no one could stop.
"If nobody steps up, Konoha's future will just bleed out into complete ruin,"
Jiraiya pointed out a harsh truth.
"Once your martial and literary skills are perfected, they're sold to the highest bidder—the Daimyos."
This was once the creed revered by the samurai.
Ninja, on the other hand, came under the jurisdiction of Hidden Leaf Village. They earned incomes far surpassing that of ordinary people in the ninja world through missions and were able to gain extraordinary returns while undertaking extreme risks. This had once been the very reason why Hidden Leaf Village became the mainstream organizational form for managing ninja.
In simple terms, it meant that the new generation of ninja gave up some freedom in accepting missions in exchange for the security offered by the village, gaining a peaceful living environment and relatively abundant settlements. At the same time, they could continue to rise based on personal capability. For ninja during the Warring States period who lived precarious lives with constant threats of death and possible annihilation of their entire clan, this system was indeed highly appealing.
But now, the Hidden Leaf system has already been in operation for over forty years, and the situation and challenges faced by ninja—especially those from ninja clans—are a whole new ballgame.
"An organizational form without vitality has only one fate—to perish. It's no surprise—and there's no room for debate."
Sakumo Hatake remained calm as ever.
However, the brush in his hand unconsciously drew several irregular ink lines across the blank paper on the table. Jiraiya noticed and realized Sakumo's inside wasn't as calm as his face showed.
This was also precisely why Jiraiya hadn't completely given up continuing discussions with Sakumo Hatake.
After all, within the upper echelons of Konoha, the only person with prestige and the possibility of being convinced was Sakumo Hatake himself—the leader of the Jonin Unit.
As for his teacher Hiruzen Sarutobi and his three old companions, in Jiraiya's opinion, they had essentially become another form of Ninja Clan Capital Corporation. Even the Ruling Four Ninja Clans, which made up Konoha's F4, had already become members of the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation.
As for his fellow student Orochimaru, his whereabouts had recently become strange and elusive; while Tsunade basically never left her house, having practically no public activity except for ceremonial exchanges with the Fire Daimyo.
So, Jiraiya felt very lonely.
Ever since receiving the prophecy from the Great Sage of Mount Myoboku, he felt an inexplicable sense of responsibility that kept him constantly vigilant. His sole mission now was to find the true savior and help that person pull the ninja world back from the edge of destruction.
"What exactly are you planning with Mount Myoboku's help?"
Sakumo Hatake suddenly asked.
"The Holy Place will provide every possible support!"
Jiraiya replied immediately.
Sakumo Hatake shook his head slightly but didn't say anything.
"The Ninja Frogs of Mount Myoboku have enough power to support a large-scale ninja war!"
Jiraiya continued passionately.
"They're still foreigners," Sakumo said coolly.
"If these outsiders truly possessed such overwhelming strength, they wouldn't need to seek representatives. They could directly manipulate the ninja world to follow their own will."
To Jiraiya—an ardent believer in Mount Myoboku—these words sounded somewhat irreverent. Yet, they also thrilled him greatly—this was the first time Sakumo Hatake had willingly engaged in discussing practicality!
Regardless of today's outcome, this would always be a good beginning!
"The Holy Place stands above worldly affairs and will not directly interfere in the direction the ninja world takes."
"Of course, Jiraiya had his own complete logic: 'Therefore, the future of the Ninja World still depends on human struggle, though we cannot deny the role of the Holy Place.'"
"'What if humanity intends to destroy itself? Would the Holy Place then send in so-called Ninja Frogs to directly intervene and participate in the conflict?'"
Hatake Sakumo's questions grew increasingly sharp.
"'Cannot be certain, but such a thing has never occurred before.'"
Jiraiya was silent for a while before finally responding.
"'So will Mount Myoboku break with tradition then?'"
Sakumo stood up, letting out a long sigh before solemnly asking, "Jonin Jiraiya, is your vision of the future worth completely severing my relationship with Soushu? Worth having thousands upon thousands of common Konoha ninja sacrificing their lives?"
"..."
Jiraiya had no words to answer.
"Today I have other matters to attend to, so I'll end work early."
Sakumo politely issued a dismissal notice.
With no choice, Jiraiya could only stand up and leave.
After Jiraiya voluntarily visited Mount Myoboku to pour out his troubles, the Great Toad Sage of Mount Myoboku remained entirely unshocked about this predicament while listening through the entire account.
"Selfishness is part of being human, Jiraiya. This is quite normal; there's absolutely no need for you to feel discouraged over it."
The giant Great Toad Sage lounged lazily on his massive throne, appearing half-asleep in a dazed state.
But whether it was Jiraiya himself or other sages like Senior Fukasaku and Shima, they all listened with the utmost respect, showing no sign of impatience or disrespect.
Even Senior Fukasaku, who usually privately nicknamed the Great Toad Sage as 'the senile old fool,' made no exception.
"Your gaze should not remain limited solely to Konoha."
The Great Toad Sage slowly spoke: "The Ninja World is vast, filled with numerous ninja. Opening your eyes to see the world will always offer new possibilities."
"Please offer guidance, Great Sage."
Jiraiya immediately bowed respectfully, seeking advice.
"The Land of Water."
The Great Toad Sage's voice sounded dreamy yet mesmerizing, carrying an inexplicable persuasive power: "That place is where order collapses, where remnants from the old era are most concentrated, and ultimately, the root of future chaos."
"This..."
Jiraiya was puzzled.
Previously, both the Great Sage and Jiraiya had reached a consensus, regarding the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation led by Hyuga Soushu as the greatest variable within the Ninja World. This powerful faction overturned the traditional ninja survival model that had persisted since the Warring States period with bewildering speed and strength, hastening the collapse of the peace order built upon one-village governance per country. Precisely because of this, Jiraiya kept his focus tightly locked on the Hyuga Clan and its affiliated forces, striving to explore every possible approach to fundamentally weaken Soushu's constructed political power structure.
His entanglements with Hatake Sakumo were rooted in exactly that.
After all, the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation also employed a large number of common Konoha ninja. If they could utilize Sakumo's widespread influence as a breakthrough point, it would potentially be possible to shake the foundation of the Corporation itself.
Only, clearly, Hatake Sakumo was unwilling to use those common ninjas who still trusted him as tools for struggle.
Moreover, exactly what did the Great Sage mean by "remnants of the old era"? Jiraiya couldn't wrap his head around it.
As far as he knew, the nobles, courtiers, and even their despotic samurai enforcers of the Land of Water had been almost entirely wiped out during the brutal civil war and the drastic upheaval in the Daimyo's court. So how could there still be any remaining forces?
Could it possibly refer to those former Mist Ninja Clan members deceived by Hyuga Soushu?
Jiraiya didn't mean to belittle them, but if those former Mist ninjas had any ambition or intelligence at all, they wouldn't have been tricked into such an embarrassing situation.
"I have seen some new futures."
Senior Toad Sage spoke solemnly, "The artifact of the God Tree, from the same era as the Rabbit Hour Goddess, has once again appeared in the Ninja World."
"And it's now under control of Indra's descendants!"
Jiraiya still couldn't grasp what this meant.
However, seeing the shocked expressions on Senior Fukasaku's and Shima's faces, Jiraiya held back his questions for now, choosing instead to listen quietly before consulting the two sages later.
"The White Calamity is already spreading across the Land of Water; but the weapon itself bears no guilt. It's only a matter of who wields it," continued Senior Toad Sage. "Jiraiya, this might be a subtle hint from destiny itself."
"May I humbly ask, Great Sage—what should I do then?"
Jiraiya asked respectfully.
"Go to the Land of Water. Mount Myoboku will fully support your mission."
Said Senior Toad Sage.
As for exactly how he'd help or what needed doing, the Great Sage did not elaborate.
Jiraiya didn't ask directly either, because he well understood the Great Sage's way of speaking—it was always vague about definite outcomes, often expressed through obscure prophecies that were usually extremely accurate, except curiously when concerning matters involving Hyuga Soushu.
"I understand."
Jiraiya bowed deeply.
Then Senior Toad Sage slowly closed his eyes.
All the ninja frogs held their breaths. After waiting another dozen minutes and confirming the Great Sage had nothing further to say, they gradually withdrew from the palace quarters.
"Little Jiraiya, come with me."
Senior Fukasaku knew Jiraiya's inner confusion, so he softly called out, "There are some hidden chronicles you may not know about. The Repository on Mount Myoboku holds related scrolls."
"That would be good!"
Jiraiya followed closely behind Senior Fukasaku as they entered a dark cave together.
"Lately, those nuisance thunder frogs have been multiplying."
Hyuga Soushu casually flicked his fingers, sending a single flower petal flying which instantly killed a Thunder Frog emerging from a garden pond.
"Probably due to weather changes."
Mahiru Uchiha wasn't particularly concerned about these harmless native creatures, so after glancing briefly, she focused her attention back on Hyuga Soushu.
Although the two were strolling through the gardens of their mansion, Mahiru's hands weren't behaving themselves at all. Overtly and covertly, she constantly tried to grab hold of Hyuga Soushu, her eager expression betraying a desire to execute him on the spot.
Hyuga Soushu found her antics amusing, though they also stirred a quiet unease inside him.
Although he never hesitated to release his most primal desires, timing and setting still mattered—especially now that Mahiru Uchiha's pregnancy was becoming more noticeable. Hyuga Soushu had no choice but to balance moderate indulgence with self-restraint. Yet, perhaps due to the hormonal changes brought on by her pregnancy, Mahiru seemed hungrier for it than ever.
Still, while being in the passenger seat might feel good at first, staying there for too long eventually got frustrating. As a result, Hyuga Soushu's frustration kept building. These days, all it took was a little provocation from Mahiru to make him breathe heavily again, his emotions intensifying rapidly.
But he couldn't act recklessly—they were carrying the first life they'd created across two lifetimes.
"I keep feeling like something is watching us,"
Hyuga Soushu quickly changed the subject, pulling down his shirt to cover the obvious bulge in his pants.
"Maybe, maybe not. But chances are it's just psychological."
Mahiru licked her lips suggestively, her words implying more: "Of course, if you're worried about being outside, we could always go back to the bedroom and put up a barrier."
"I…"
Hyuga Soushu's heart skipped a beat.
As for that earlier mysterious sense of being watched—it was already far from his mind, cast aside into oblivion.
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