"Jiraiya is here?" Both Kushina and Mikoto, who had just exited the cinema, were startled by Akihiko's words. One wore a furious expression, ready for action, while the other looked concerned, unsure of how to respond.
Kushina's fiery demeanor matched her red hair, as she clenched her fist with determination. "That guy dares to show his face here? Well, before we go after the Third Old Man, let's teach this perverted sage a lesson!"
The sight of Kushina's fierce expression sent a shiver down Naruto's spine, momentarily overshadowing his excitement over his new movie merchandise. 'Mom can be really scary sometimes. She may not be as gentle as Aunt Fuso or Aunt Kana, but she's never been this terrifying.'
Even little Karin, who usually adored Kushina, found herself clinging to her mother, Kana, with a fearful expression.
Sasuke, on the other hand, though visibly shaken, stood his ground like a miniature adult. Well, except for the fact that he also sported the same Fire Dragon Ninja merchandise toy as Naruto, which somewhat undermined his attempt to appear mature.
"Kushina, calm down," Fuso quickly reassured, noting the children's reactions. "You're scaring them."
Noticing their unease, Kushina laughed awkwardly and scratched her head apologetically. "Sorry, Karin, Naruto. Mom got a little carried away just now. Otherwise, Your mom is very gentle."
After soothing the children, she turned back to Akihiko, frowning. "What's that guy doing here? Isn't he searching for the so-called Child of Destiny? What a fool! Even first-year academy students know to rely on themselves. Does he still enjoy kids' stories like Fire Dragon Ninja?"
The Fire Dragon Ninja tale depicted a hero clad in Fire Dragon Armor saving the world. It had a certain appeal, invoking the notion of being a chosen savior.
Despite the joke, everyone understood Kushina's underlying concern. Jiraiya's visit to the Grass Village at this time likely had something to do with Naruto and the Uchiha clan. But regardless of his intentions, Kushina was determined not to let anyone take Naruto away.
Mikoto, standing nearby, wore a complex expression. She too grasped the potential significance of Jiraiya's presence. However, unlike Kushina's intense reaction, Mikoto's thoughts turned to the precarious situation of the Uchiha clan.
Indeed, the current state of the Uchiha clan was dire. Yet, Mikoto found herself grappling with a sense of helplessness. After all, What could she do in such circumstances?
"Probably... maybe..." Akihiko seemed to grasp the underlying concerns of Kushina and Mikoto, shrugging nonchalantly. "Perhaps he's just here to deliver Danzo's travel expenses?"
Speaking of Danzo, given his claim of being part of a tour group, it would be unwise for the Grass Village to act impolitely and coerce him into unnecessary spending. Hence, he had been invited to tour the Land of Rain by Hanzo earlier in the day. By now, Danzo should have tasted the Land of Rain's special fish.
Akihiko made a mental note to inform Hanzo to arrange for Danzo's return. "As for Kushina and Mrs. Mikoto..."
However, Before Akihiko could complete his sentence, Mikoto swiftly bowed. Without awaiting his reaction, she spoke gently yet earnestly, "The Uchiha clan will abide by Leader Akihiko's directives. I will personally ensure that the clan members understand and restrain their actions, preventing any unwanted appearances."
As a former Konoha shinobi, Mikoto comprehended the situation at hand. Kushina, upon hearing Mikoto's words, also paused, seemingly awakening to the reality of their situation. It dawned on her that, in the eyes of Konoha, she had long been presumed deceased.
Kushina's expression became complex, tinged with a hint of embarrassment. "I apologize. Akihiko, I'll keep a low profile and avoid causing any trouble for you," she added after a moment's hesitation. "If there's anything you need from me, just let me know."
However, before she could finish her sentence, Akihiko interjected, "Ah, no need for that!"
And before even Kushina and Mikoto could react, he continued, "Just do as you please." A casual wave of his hand accompanied his words. "There's no need to hide."
"But if we're exposed..." However, as his words fell, both Kushina and Mikoto still hesitated, considering the potential consequences of being discovered.
"Don't worry. Whether you're exposed or not, Konoha's desire to attack the Grass Village has been brewing for a long time," Akihiko reassured them in a nonchalant tone.
With that said, both women were left speechless. It seemed to be the harsh reality. With the Grass Village's current reputation, it was considered an enemy of the ninja world. There were few who didn't harbor ill intentions toward it; even its only two allies, Konoha and Suna, were seething with animosity toward the Grass Village. It appeared that the Grass Village had no true friends in the ninja world.
Mikoto regarded Akihiko with a peculiar expression, while Kushina, once again rolling up her sleeves, asked eagerly, "So, if I want to give him a good beating..."
"Go right ahead. The Grass Village won't intervene in personal disputes like this," Akihiko confirmed with a nod.
"You're incredible, Akihiko!" Kushina exclaimed energetically, thrilled at the prospect of getting permission to beat Jiraiya.
Meanwhile, Mikoto watched Kushina's enthusiasm with a speechless expression, unable to fathom her friend's energy when it came to beating someone.
"Thank you, Akihiko. And..." Kushina's tone turned gentler yet colder as she narrowed her eyes slightly. "Where can I find that perverted sage?"
It was clear she was ready to confront Jiraiya as soon as she knew his whereabouts. Her anger toward the Third Hokage and Jiraiya seemed palpable.
Akihiko's mouth twitched as he rubbed his chin, contemplating for a moment. "As for Jiraiya... he's probably still in the midst of an interview."
…
"May I ask, what are your views on Konoha?" A Journalist questioned Jiraiya in the midst interview.
"While Konoha has certainly made its fair share of mistakes, I've always held onto the belief in the Will of Fire. There's no doubt, Konoha will undoubtedly improve. Please have faith in Konoha," Jiraiya responded earnestly.
"Is that so?" The renowned journalist, White Zetsu, nodded thoughtfully, jotting down notes in his notebook. 'The student of the Third Hokage, one of the Konoha Sannin - Jiraiya, publicly acknowledges Konoha's mistakes,' he wrote.
"Um... what language is this?" Jiraiya asked, puzzled by the characters in White Zetsu's notebook.
"These are encrypted characters. It's an industry practice to safeguard sensitive information. However, I assure you, on the honor of our chief editor, that nothing here is fabricated. Your words remain untouched." White Zetsu explained, offering reassurance.
"I understand," Jiraiya acknowledged, realizing the necessity for confidentiality in journalism. It was a precautionary measure to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information or maybe even exclusive news.
White Zetsu, resuming his professional demeanor, continued, "Next, I have another question, Jiraiya-sama. What are your thoughts on the Grass Village?"
Jiraiya, snapping out of his reverie, nodded thoughtfully and responded, "The Grass Village is truly remarkable. Its growth from a small village to its current state is nothing short of extraordinary. I must commend the Grass Village leader for his remarkable leadership and vision. However, I've heard reports of some Grass ninjas straying from the path of ninja ethics in recent years. As allies, Konoha..."
'Jiraiya, renowned as one of Konoha's Three Legendary Ninjas, expressed genuine awe and respect for the prosperous Grass Village and lauded its leader with heartfelt admiration. After experiencing the warmth and openness of Grass Ninja, he couldn't help but hold them in high regard...' White Zetsu swiftly recorded Jiraiya's words, then offered a professional smile. "Thank you for your insights."
Jiraiya looked puzzled as he was abruptly interrupted, "But I haven't finished speaking."
"That's not important," White Zetsu dismissed with a shake of his head.
"May I see your notebook?" Jiraiya's suspicion grew, prompting him to inquire.
"Sorry, this is a tool for my journalistic work and must remain confidential. Please trust in our professionalism; I can assure you on behalf of our editor-in-chief," White Zetsu insisted, shaking his head.
Despite his assurance, Jiraiya still persisted feeling a little uneasy, "Could you tell me who your editor-in-chief is?"
"Unfortunately, It's getting late, and I must take my leave now. Thank you for your cooperation," White Zetsu abruptly cut off Jiraiya before he could finish his sentence, turning to leave just as Jiraiya was about to press further.
"It seems the interview's done. Jiraiya, my old friend!" A familiar voice rang out, and a figure stepped directly in front of Jiraiya. "It's getting late. Brother, I've arranged a welcoming banquet for you. Let's not keep everyone waiting. Come on, we have some catching up to do," he added with a playful wink. "And... hehe."
Jiraiya's expression shifted as if he'd suddenly remembered something important. He hugged Mubuki tightly, exclaiming, "Mubuki, you're too generous."
"Jiraiya, my friend, I'm really thrilled to see you. Let's not waste any time. Follow me; I've got a treat waiting for you." Mubuki's excitement was palpable.
"I appreciate it, Mubuki. Let's not dwell on it any longer. Lead the way." Jiraiya responded eagerly, ready to follow Mubuki to the feast and… exchange some materials.
The two of them strolled arm in arm for a few steps before Jiraiya's expression shifted as if a thought had struck him. He asked cheerfully, "Oh, by the way, Mubuki, do you know who the editor-in-chief of the Shinobi Times is?"
Mubuki seemed momentarily stunned before replying without hesitation, "Of course, I know~."
Jiraiya's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Really? Then, can you tell me, my friend?"
"Of course, it's... me. Pretty impressive, huh? Your brother has quite a stature now... Hey, hey! Jiraiya, what's wrong?" Mubuki's prideful expression quickly turned to concern as he noticed Jiraiya's sudden change in demeanor.
Without a moment's hesitation, Jiraiya spun around to face the direction the award-winning journalist had departed and called out loudly, "Hold on, Let this sage take a look at that notebook!"
Where's your oath? Where's your integrity? You call yourself a journalist?!