Just thinking about spending the night with Tsunade had Jiraiya excited.
Finally, he could tell her the story about the old man and the wheelbarrow.
"Sensei, I'll always put the safety and stability of the village first. If anyone ever threatens that, no matter how close they are to me, I won't hesitate to cut them down."
Jiraiya solemnly promised Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Hiruzen nodded, reassured by Jiraiya's words. With that, Jiraiya left the Hokage's office.
As soon as he stepped out of the Hokage Building, he ran into Danzo Shimura.
Danzo's single eye widened with surprise. He clearly hadn't expected to see Jiraiya here. His initial shock quickly gave way to a dark glare as he locked eyes with Jiraiya.
In that moment, Danzo knew the truth—his entire Root squad had been wiped out.There was no other way Jiraiya could have made it back to the village.
Danzo's heart churned with disbelief.
He had sent an elite Jonin-led team after Jiraiya, along with a bounty on the black market that drew in numerous bounty hunters.
Jiraiya, even with the training he'd undergone at Mount Myoboku, shouldn't have survived.
Yet here he stood.
And Danzo's team had not returned.
The conclusion was obvious. His Root squad had been annihilated.
Danzo's mind raced.
"Did Hiruzen send someone to protect Jiraiya in secret?"
But he immediately dismissed the thought.
He'd already investigated thoroughly before sending the assassination order—Hiruzen hadn't assigned any guards to Jiraiya. Jiraiya had left the village alone.
"Danzo, why are you looking at me like that? You seem surprised to see me," Jiraiya said with a smile.
He didn't mention the assassination attempt outright.
"I'm just surprised the fortress was completed so quickly," Danzo said, forcing a smile.
But inwardly, he was bleeding. He had spent countless resources and time cultivating that squad. Their loss was a significant blow to his power in the village.
Jiraiya's tone made it clear he knew about the assassination attempt.
Danzo's mind filled with worry—had Jiraiya told Hiruzen?
If he had, the consequences would be disastrous.
"We'll handle our business privately. I haven't told anyone," Jiraiya said, stepping closer. His seemingly harmless smile carried a hidden threat.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Danzo feigned ignorance.
As long as he didn't admit it, he could shift the blame onto Root acting independently, thus escaping full responsibility.
Admitting it would ruin any chance he had of becoming Hokage.
No one would back someone who targeted the village's geniuses.
Danzo's denial didn't surprise Jiraiya. Without another word, he headed for the Senju compound.
Danzo's lone eye followed Jiraiya's retreating figure, filled with malice.
"Damn brat. How dare you challenge me. You're courting death."
Danzo wasn't giving up. He began planning to personally lead Root on the next attack. Jiraiya had to be eliminated.
After standing there for a moment, Danzo headed to the Hokage's office.
His nerves tightened—if Jiraiya had told Hiruzen, the game was over.
But Hiruzen's face remained neutral, which eased Danzo's fears.
As Jiraiya had promised, he hadn't exposed the assassination attempt.
"Arrogant brat. Does he really think he can handle me on his own? Foolish." Danzo's irritation only grew. Jiraiya's decision to handle things privately felt like an insult.
"Hokage-sama, I formally request to lead the offensive against Amegakure," Danzo announced.
For someone like Danzo, war was a perfect way to accumulate merit and boost his reputation—a stepping stone to the Hokage seat.
"The command is yours, but make sure to weaken certain clans during the mission," Hiruzen replied.
Even without Danzo's request, Hiruzen had already planned to give him command. They needed to use this war to thin the ranks of the Uchiha and other powerful clans.
"No need to worry. I'll handle it." Danzo's smile was cold.
...
Meanwhile, at the Senju compound...
"What?! The Hokage made you acting head of the Anbu?"
Isamu stared at Jiraiya, shocked.
"I don't believe you!"
"I have no reason to lie," Jiraiya replied, showing Isamu his new identification.
Isamu's eyes widened further. Jiraiya had only just been promoted to Anbu squad leader, and now he was acting Anbu commander? His rise through the ranks was unprecedented.
"Stop being so dramatic." Jiraiya teased.
Jiraiya had come to see Isamu before heading to Tsunade. He needed the Senju clan's blessing before making his relationship with Tsunade public.
And he could hardly wait to spend the night with her.
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
Read more than +100 chapters and support me on Patreon
Patreon(.)com/Jixo