Jiraiya was actually well aware of Obito's history. Despite leaving after the conclusion of the Second Shinobi World War, he occasionally received letters from Minato during that period. In a way, he could consider himself Obito's sensei. Yet, he never anticipated their reunion under such circumstances. Furthermore, Obito had ascended to the position of the current head of the Uchiha clan. It appeared that the remaining Uchiha members had indeed found refuge in the Grass Village.
But why was Obito still pursuing his studies? Jiraiya couldn't help but wonder. After all, Obito should have already graduated from Konoha and had achieved remarkable feats on the battlefield, earning recognition as an exceptional ninja. So, what was the reason for him to continue his education on the Grass Village's side?
Moreover, the amiable rapport between Obito and the leader of the Grass Ninjas raised further questions. It seemed there was more to their relationship than met the eye.
Jiraiya's expression shifted to one of seriousness as he stepped forward, exuding the aura of a hero once more as he locked eyes with Obito. "It appears... the Uchiha have indeed turned against Konoha!"
However, In response, Obito clicked his tongue dismissively. "Konoha seeks to seize the thousand-year legacy of the Uchiha clan, compelling us to rebel. And Lord Fugaku's actions have already demonstrated the Uchiha's clan pride. As for us… we are no longer affiliated with Konoha..."
But before Obito could conclude his statement, Jiraiya interrupted in disbelief. "Hold on a moment! What did you just say? Konoha seeks what?"
Taken aback by Jiraiya's reaction, Obito clarified in a sarcastic tone, "Konoha desires the Uchiha's thousand-year legacy. They seek to claim everything from the clan. They even wanted the Uchiha Clan to donate everything to the Village themselves."
This revelation caught Jiraiya off guard. Such critical information had never been mentioned in the letters from Sarutobi-sensei. Why had this vital detail been omitted? The momentum he had mustered faltered in the face of this unexpected revelation.
Obito observed Jiraiya's reaction with a hint of indifference, noting, "It appears, Lord Jiraiya, that you are also unaware of the situation."
Jiraiya shrugged off Obito's indifference with a nervous chuckle. "Haha~ Well, I've only just returned, so I'm not well-versed in the village's affairs either."
In truth, Jiraiya couldn't help but wonder why such crucial information had been withheld from him. His thoughts also drifted to Sarutobi-sensei, whose decisions seemed increasingly perplexing. Pursuing the Uchiha legacy—did he truly believe the clan would willingly surrender it? Jiraiya grappled with a multitude of conflicting emotions, uncertain of what to think anymore.
Despite his uncertainty regarding Obito's claims, Jiraiya sensed that the situation surrounding the Uchiha Clan's rebellion was far from as straightforward as it seemed. There were undoubtedly hidden complexities behind the situation. With a sigh of resignation, he remarked in a complex tone, "It appears... much has transpired in Konoha in recent years."
Obito shook his head in disappointment, clicking his tongue disapprovingly. "Indeed, much has transpired. It seems you're also unaware of Minato-sensei's rebellion."
"Minato would never rebel!" Jiraiya protested, his expression serious. "As his teacher, I have faith in Minato."
"Indeed, Lord Jiraiya. However, regrettably, Konoha does not share your faith in him. They even label Minato-sensei's child as a traitor," Obito remarked sarcastically, drawing from his years of observation within the Grass Village. "The entire village ostracizes his child. It seems... much like Minato-sensei, you're unable to prevent anything either."
Jiraiya fell silent in response to Obito's pointed words, struggling to find the appropriate response. Eventually, he could only sigh. Can't Sensei really do his Job as Hokage Properly? Why is he causing so much trouble in the village?
With a nonchalant wave of his hand, Obito brushed off the discussion of broader village affairs. "Never mind, these matters don't concern me."
His Mangekyou Sharingan whirled to life once more as he fixed his gaze on Jiraiya. "Let's focus on the Uchiha first."
Jiraiya snapped back to attention, nodding in agreement. "I'll look into the village's affairs. Regarding the Uchiha clan's rebellion..."
However, Before Jiraiya could conclude his statement, a round of applause interrupted him. Clap, clap, clap~ The Grass Village leader, previously unnoticed, emerged into the conversation, accompanied by a group of silent Grass ninjas brandishing chakra blades.
Both Obito and Jiraiya were taken aback by the sudden turn of events, rendered momentarily speechless.
Jiraiya broke the silence with a nervous chuckle. "Well, truth be told, I've been out of touch with village matters for quite some time. You needn't worry; I won't meddle in Uchiha clan affairs. Konoha will send representatives for negotiations."
"Huh? No fighting?" Obito arched an eyebrow skeptically, questioning Jiraiya's reluctance to engage in combat with the Grass ninjas. Surely, the renowned Sannin wasn't afraid of a mere group of ninjas.
Jiraiya, however, maintained his stance with sincerity. "Young man, violence isn't always the solution," he advised earnestly. "Minato rarely resorted to such measures. There's wisdom in restraint, something you could learn from your teacher."
Obito's expression shifted, his thoughts swirling with complexity. Why was Jiraiya speaking like a Grass Ninja? Could he have also received teachings from the Grass Village?
Meanwhile, Jiraiya harbored no desire to involve himself further. With limited knowledge of recent events in Konoha, and facing the potentially perilous alliance between the Grass ninja leader and Obito, he recognized the wisdom in abstaining from interference.
His mind then wandered to Tsunade. Where had she been during these tumultuous years? Was she aware of the turmoil within Konoha? And more importantly, if she was, did she choose to remain indifferent to the village's affairs even after learning of the situation?
'Forget it, let the sensei worry about this problem himself.' With a sigh of resignation, Jiraiya turned his attention to the Grass leader, Akihiko, flashing a cheerful grin. "Leader Akihiko, may I take my leave? You see, there are countless damsels in distress awaiting my heroic intervention in the ninja world," he quipped lightly, shaking his head with an air of nonchalance. "They're still eagerly anticipating my arrival."
As Jiraiya concluded his jest, Obito pursed his lips, a tinge of disappointment evident in his expression. He had hoped for a confrontation with the Three legendary Ninja of Konoha, particularly upon hearing of Jiraiya's presence in the Grass Village. Believing it might relate to the Uchiha clan, Obito, as its leader, couldn't remain indifferent and had come to confront him. However, to his surprise, nothing of consequence had transpired.
Deciding it was time to return to his studies, Obito resolved to attend school. Graduation loomed on the horizon, and he couldn't afford to wander aimlessly during such a critical period.
"I'll take my leave now. Perhaps I should have requested leave in advance. Speaking of which, Dean Pakura mentioned that this year's graduation ceremony may require your input later." Obito remarked, his form distorting and vanishing from view in a blink, leaving Jiraiya and Akihiko behind.
Akihiko shook his head in amusement, a wry smile playing on his lips. "This kid... after all this time, he's still as impulsive as ever. Next time, I must give him a proper scolding," he resolved.
Jiraiya regarded Akihiko with a mixture of emotions. He hadn't anticipated the strong bond between Minato's disciple and the Grass Village leader. Furthermore, Akihiko's ability to integrate rogue ninjas like Obito into their midst was truly remarkable.
However, Jiraiya's cheerful demeanor faltered as he remembered his own predicament. "Leader Akihiko, you see, I'm..."
"Concerned about the free meal?" Akihiko interjected, understanding Jiraiya's unspoken inquiry.
"That scoundrel Mubuki tricked me into believing he'd treat me. And then, he went ahead and booked me some kind of 'Hokage deluxe suite'. You know, It costs millions per night. It's daylight robbery. I must demand compensation from him!" Jiraiya exclaimed indignantly, his frustration palpable.
"Don't worry, in the Grass Village, we uphold justice. We will ensure that good people are treated fairly and wrongdoers face consequences. You can trust us," Akihiko reassured Jiraiya with conviction. "I'll have someone look into your situation. For now, stay here for a while."
As Jiraiya processed this information, Akihiko continued, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "This place is quite secure and suitable. No need to search for another location. Besides, there's a protective barrier in place."
Then, Akihiko's expression turned slightly cryptic as he added, "Actually, there's someone here who wishes to discuss personal matters with you. Someone you may find familiar… No, it's someone you know very well. "
Jiraiya's curiosity piqued. Personal matters? Here in the Grass Village? With someone he knows? He couldn't help but inquire, "Who?"
"Who, you ask? Well..." Akihiko grinned, his hands coming together in a soft clap. "Kushina, you can come out now!"
At his prompt, Jiraiya's eyes widened in surprise. With a sudden jolt, he turned to look behind Akihiko. And sure enough, there she stood – a figure he hadn't expected to encounter. With her fiery red hair flowing behind her, Kushina emerged, casting a familiar presence. Jiraiya couldn't contain his disbelief. "Kushina? You're... alive?"
"Of course, I am," Kushina affirmed, her smile tinged with a hint of defiance. With a deliberate flex of her hand, she produced a satisfying 'crack.' "If I weren't, perhaps I wouldn't have the chance to witness the true nature of Konoha." Her tone, though lighthearted, her body language wasn't as it can be seen from her clenched fist, "It's been a while, Old Pervert. I have some matters to discuss with you."
As Kushina's words hung in the air, Jiraiya swiftly grasped her intentions. However, he hadn't set foot in the village for quite some time and it wasn't his mistake.
"Wait, hold on," he interjected, a note of urgency creeping into his voice. "Why involve me? You should speak to sensei about this!" he added, trying to redirect Kushina's attention.
But Kushina, fueled by a long-standing anger, seemed oblivious to Jiraiya's words. She advanced towards him, her voice brimming with fury. "How could you allow them to mistreat Naruto?"