"I'll find her and persuade her. If I fail, I'll come back and take on the role of Hokage," Jiraiya said firmly. For the sake of his free-spirited life, he had no choice but to say so.
Xia Li nodded. "Tsunade is indeed more suitable for the position than a half-hearted Jiraiya."
As for herself, Xia Li had no intention of becoming Hokage right now—the restrictions were simply too many.
As for Tsunade, although she often claimed that anyone who wanted to become Hokage was a fool, as the granddaughter of one of the village's founders, her attachment to Konoha was no less than anyone else's.
Moreover, Orochimaru's arms had not been sealed this time… so he probably wouldn't go looking for Tsunade, right?
Xia Li's heart suddenly skipped a beat as she recalled what the Third Hokage had told her—Orochimaru's goal this time was to destroy Konoha and set the ninja world in motion again. He likened the ninja world to a windmill: destroying Konoha would be like removing the leaves that drive the wind.
Now that the wind had stopped, what would Orochimaru do next? He couldn't possibly remain idle.
No… just in case, Kakashi and Might Guy should stay in the village. Even if Kakashi couldn't defeat Orochimaru, he could stall for time and buy enough for his close friend Guy to open the Seventh Gate.
"If you can find Tsunade, then go ahead," the Third Hokage finally agreed.
He had thought it through—if it were Tsunade, she wouldn't cling too tightly to the Hokage position. When the time came, she might be willing to pass it on to Xia Li.
As for whether Xia Li could gain Tsunade's approval, the Third didn't even consider it an issue.
"Oh right, old man—I'll need your help locating Tsunade," Jiraiya suddenly added.
"Hm?" The Third looked puzzled.
"Don't you think Naruto looks a lot like Nawaki, Tsunade's younger brother?" Jiraiya said.
The Third Hokage froze for a moment, then nodded slowly after thinking it over. It seemed Jiraiya had actually put some thought into this whole matter…
Which only made him more annoyed.
The Third glared at Jiraiya, giving himself a headache.
Jiraiya, confused, scratched his head—but fortunately, the Third still agreed. Jiraiya then took Naruto along, and during the journey, he successfully began teaching him the Rasengan.
He had mastered it in three days. Xia Li had done it in half a day… so as for Naruto—well, considering his mediocre talent in ninjutsu, it should still be enough time, right?
Chapter 147: Speculation and Itachi
"Hey, Inoichi—you should treat us to a drink," Shikaku said, slinging an arm around Yamanaka Inoichi's shoulders. "Having a son-in-law like that—we're jealous."
"I'll arrange it soon," Inoichi replied with a smile, clearly pleased.
Even though some claimed Xia Li was merely relaying the Third Hokage's ideas, her clarity, as well as her ability to debate and counter Danzo and the advisors, proved she had deeply participated in shaping those strategies.
This was far more than simple repetition.
"And count me in," Choza added with a grin.
"Alright, everyone's invited," Inoichi said happily.
At that moment, Xia Li caught up with them.
"Inoichi-sensei, Uncle Shikaku—I have something I'd like to ask," she said.
"Let's talk as we walk," Shikaku replied, now treating her seriously rather than as a mere thirteen-year-old.
Xia Li then shared all her speculations regarding Orochimaru's goals and possible next moves.
Shikaku frowned after listening.
"If Orochimaru truly has that objective, then he's already halfway there."
The others were startled. Xia Li suddenly said, "The Sand Village?"
Shikaku nodded.
"After this incident, Konoha isn't the only one whose reputation suffered. The Sand Village took the heaviest losses—many ninja were killed, and even the Kazekage was assassinated by Orochimaru."
"They're now the weakest among the Five Great Nations. Their position may even be shaken for some time."
"If we don't need to worry about the Sand Village… then is Konoha still in danger?" Xia Li asked, rubbing her temples.
"I originally came to suggest leaving Kakashi and Might Guy in the village as a precaution."
"That's reasonable," Shikaku said after a pause. "Orochimaru is unlikely to launch another direct attack, but we should still strengthen our defenses."
Inoichi nodded. "Understood."
Still, Xia Li felt uneasy. Passive defense wasn't her style.
She wanted the Sand Village to help locate Orochimaru's base—if they could strike first and deal him a heavy blow, it would prevent further trouble.
"Uncle Shikaku… can you guess what Orochimaru will do next?" she asked casually.
Shikaku thought for a long time, staring at the sky.
"It likely relates to Konoha's reputation. The best move would be to disrupt your efforts to restore it… but without intelligence or resources, that's difficult."
He shook his head. "I don't have enough information to make a solid prediction."
"That's enough. Thank you," Xia Li said sincerely.
After parting ways, Xia Li walked alone, reflecting.
How could Orochimaru damage Konoha's reputation further?
The Third Hokage's death had failed. A normal death wouldn't matter—only something shocking would.
Who represented Konoha?
The Sannin.
Jiraiya was here. That left only one—
"Tsunade…"
Could Orochimaru be targeting her?
If so, it made sense. The death or betrayal of another Sannin would deal a devastating blow to Konoha's reputation.
And while Konoha focused on damage control… its defenses would weaken again.
At that moment, Orochimaru might strike—perhaps for Sasuke.
Xia Li quickly summoned a messenger toad to pass her speculation to Jiraiya, urging caution.
Everything was uncertain—but better safe than sorry.
Walking through the village, Xia Li noticed people staring at her.
"Is that Master Xia Li?"
"Yes," she nodded.
Suddenly, the street erupted in excitement.
Only then did she realize—many of the civilians she had rescued recognized her.
Her reputation had spread rapidly.
She hesitated. If she had known, she would've used Flying Thunder God to go straight home.
Now it was too late.
All she could do was smile politely and respond kindly.
By the time she got home, her arms were full of gifts.
Ino blinked, then burst out laughing. "Xia Li, what's all this?"
"There's more?" Xia Li asked in shock.
Ino nodded helplessly. "Your mom already got a bunch earlier."
"Thanks for your hard work," Xia Li said with a grin. "You're such a good wife."
"W-Wife?! It's too early for that!" Ino blushed furiously.
Later, atop the village walls, two figures in black cloaks with red clouds overlooked Konoha.
"So this is your village, Itachi," Kisame said. "Doesn't look like it was just attacked."
"Orochimaru's strength was limited," Itachi replied coldly. "It's not surprising."
"Ever thought about saying hello?" Kisame asked casually.
"No. Don't forget our mission."
"Fine, you're no fun."
"How do we get in? There should be security."
"There is a barrier," Itachi said.
"Really? I don't see anything."
"We're already inside."
"…Huh?"
Kisame scratched his head in confusion.
Itachi remained silent.
The truth was simple—
The barrier code had never been changed.
And entering Konoha?
Through the front gate.
Sharingan.
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