At this moment, in the eyes of the people of Kirigakure, the strange events happening in Konohagakure were attributed to Minato Namikaze. They now viewed him as the mastermind behind everything, a cunning young man who wasn't easy to deal with.
Even Zabuza Momochi, who had informed them of this, shared the same belief. This perception made negotiating with Minato Namikaze seem daunting, highlighting Zabuza's current value to them.
"Your words put me at ease," the Third Mizukage said, his lips slightly smiling. He had not been in power for long, and his position needed to be more secure. Moreover, tensions with Kumogakure escalated shortly after he took office, turning an expected ally into a significant adversary.
However, with Zabuza as a potential bridge to Konohagakure, the Mizukage saw an opportunity. Establishing relations with a new Hokage who could lead Konoha to new heights was crucial for Kirigakure's future.
"For the village's future, I will complete this mission," Zabuza declared firmly. He understood the weight of his words and the hope resting on his shoulders for Kirigakure's revival.
Initially, Zabuza could have withheld his knowledge of Minato Namikaze, avoiding the risk of this mission. But now, he had committed to a path that carried significant consequences. His statements led to this critical task, and he had no choice but to see it through.
"Very well. I will depart immediately," Zabuza announced. "If my predictions are correct, Konoha's new Hokage will be chosen in the next few days, and that person will be Minato Namikaze. By heading there now, I can establish relations before other villages send their emissaries."
Zabuza's reasoning was clear: he wanted to use the intelligence he had gathered to gain a strategic advantage. Arriving early would allow him to forge a strong connection with Minato Namikaze, ensuring that Kirigakure and Konohagakure could form a beneficial alliance.
The room fell silent as the other shinobi absorbed Zabuza's words. His commitment and clarity earned him their respect and acknowledgement of his crucial role in the village's future.
Meanwhile, the ninja world buzzed with the revelations by Orochimaru and Danzo. Different villages held varying perspectives and conclusions based on these events, each interpreting the situation uniquely.
Kirigakure believed they had the most accurate intelligence and assumed that Minato Namikaze was the key figure behind the upheaval in Konoha. Iwagakure viewed the Third Hokage's actions as a strategic sacrifice to transition power smoothly to Minato, while Kumogakure dismissed the events with disdain, considering them trivial. Sunagakure had no specific theory but remained watchful of the political shifts.
Throughout the ninja world, these events sparked widespread discussion and speculation.
In the Land of Iron, at a tavern entrance, a burly figure with silver-white hair and a forehead protector marked with the kanji for "oil" stepped inside. Despite the bustling atmosphere, he remained indifferent to the gossip about Konoha.
This man was Jiraiya, one of Konoha's legendary Sannin. He was on his way back to Konoha, driven by a mysterious book he had found, "The Tale of the White Ninja."
Seated quietly, Jiraiya listened to the ongoing discussions about Konoha. The more he heard, the more he realised the depth of the chaos back home.
"A cup of sake," Jiraiya called out, his expression unreadable as he waited. The conversations around him painted a picture of betrayal and scandal, with Orochimaru and Danzo exposing Konoha's darkest secrets.
As he drank, Jiraiya thought of his former comrades. Orochimaru's actions baffled him, though he suspected there was more to the story. The Third Hokage's resignation hinted at profound changes in Konoha's leadership.
"It's time to return and see for myself," Jiraiya decided. He had lingering doubts and unfinished business, including a desire to confront Orochimaru and seek answers.
Jiraiya left the tavern and set off towards Konoha, prepared to face whatever awaited him.
Elsewhere, a woman with the kanji for "gamble" on her back in a bustling casino moved through the crowd. Her voluptuous figure and confident demeanour made her well-known among the patrons.
This woman was Tsunade, another of the legendary Sannin. She was notorious for her gambling losses, making her a favoured opponent in the casino.
"Have you heard about the recent events in Konoha?" a man at the gambling table asked, sparking laughter and scornful comments from the others.
Tsunade's interest was piqued as she listened to their ridicule. Despite her attempts to distance herself from Konoha, she couldn't ignore news about her home.
"What happened in Konoha?" Tsunade inquired, her curiosity overpowering her disinterest.
The gamblers exchanged glances, surprised by her question. Recognising her importance as a frequent loser, they hesitated before responding.
"Big scandals," one man began. "Orochimaru and Danzo exposed all of Konoha's dirty secrets, even implicating the Third Hokage. The village is in chaos, and the Third has resigned in disgrace."
Tsunade's face clouded with confusion and concern. Despite her estrangement from Konoha, the village's turmoil troubled her deeply.
"Thank you," Tsunade said abruptly, standing up and leaving the casino. The gamblers watched in astonishment as she left without finishing the game.
"I need to see this for myself," Tsunade muttered. No matter how far she tried to run, she couldn't shake her sense of duty and loyalty to Konoha.
As she returned to Konoha, Tsunade's thoughts turned to the future. The village's upheaval meant it was time to return and confront the changes head-on.
Jiraiya and Tsunade, two of Konoha's most formidable shinobi, were heading back to their village, drawn by the turbulent events and the need to reconnect with their past.