Land of Fire, Outside Konoha Village
"Is this the Land of Fire?" asked one of the travellers.
"It looks much better than the Land of Rain," remarked another.
"Yes, the weather and the environment here are amazing," added a third person.
Jiraiya had returned from the Land of Rain and was now escorting Yahiko, Nagato, and others back to Konoha. As they travelled, they admired the scenic beauty of the Land of Fire, and even Yahiko and his companions felt a longing for this land.
The stark contrast to the Kingdom of Rain made them realize why other countries in the Ninja World desired to wage war on the Land of Fire. The environment was truly superior.
However, Nagato seemed unusually quiet within the group. His eyes silently observed everything in front of him. Having lost both his parents to Konoha Shinobi, Nagato's decision to accompany Jiraiya to Konoha was not without its emotional conflicts.
What truly interested Nagato were Ryan's words, relayed by Jiraiya. As they neared Konoha, his anticipation grew.
Meanwhile, at the Mountain's Graveyard, deep within an underground space, a voice echoed, "Madara..."
"The situation has changed. Jiraiya took Nagato to Konoha."
White Zetsu, the messenger, reported the news, prompting a terrifying aura to erupt in the space. Madara, though aged, still emitted a formidable presence that made even White Zetsu tremble.
Anxiously, Madara questioned why they hadn't stopped Jiraiya, but it was too late now.
Frustrated with the plan going awry, Madara had intended for Nagato to remain in the Land of Rain, where he could keep a close eye on him using White Zetsu and Black Zetsu.
However, Jiraiya's unexpected intervention disrupted their carefully laid out scheme. To make matters worse, Madara's Last battles against Hashirama had failed. He was too injured and old. He couldn't afford any accidental exposure that would jeopardize his plans.
Realizing the situation couldn't be reversed, Madara reluctantly accepted the turn of events and turned his attention to other matters. He inquired if White Zetsu had made progress on another investigation. White Zetsu confirmed that the Uchiha clan members sent to the battlefield were all unstable individuals due to the actions of the Fourth Hokage, Ryan.
Madara, consumed by his own ambitions, cared little about the Uchiha clan's fate. His primary concern was finding suitable candidates for his plan. He understood that his old body had limited time left, and a successor needed to be indoctrinated quickly to continue his mission.
Madara instructed White Zetsu to expedite the search for potential seedlings among the Uchiha clan, as time was running out.
As White Zetsu left to carry out the mission, Madara settled back in front of the Gedo Statue, renewing his life force. With determination in his eyes, he muttered, "Fourth Hokage Ryan... No one can stop my plan."
Outside Konoha Village, Jiraiya and his team finally arrived at their destination. Jiraiya let out a sigh of relief as he looked at the village entrance.
"Ah, finally, the mission is complete," he said, addressing his apprentice, Yahiko.
"Boy, I really need a vacation this time!"
Yahiko and the others behind him stared wide-eyed at the bustling Konoha Village.
"Wow!" Yahiko exclaimed. "Is this Konoha Village? It's so prosperous! No wonder it's known as the number one ninja village in the world!"
The lively streets, towering buildings, and the Hokage Monument visible in the distance left a deep impression on Yahiko and his companions. The village guards at the gate recognized Jiraiya and warmly welcomed him back. Jiraiya reciprocated their greetings with equal enthusiasm.
"Alright, let's go meet the Fourth Hokage," Jiraiya announced. "From now on, you all will be staying in Konoha. Take the time to explore and learn!"
With that, Jiraiya led Yahiko and the others into the village. Along the way, he noticed a change in the perception of the Konoha guards. People were no longer fearful of the Uchiha clan; instead, they appeared happy. Jiraiya even spotted civilian ninjas among the ranks. This sight moved him deeply.
Jiraiya had initially been hesitant about Ryan's plan when he learned of it from Tsunade. He had considered stopping his teacher, who had retired as the Hokage. However, after seeing the evidence Minato had gathered, Jiraiya fell into contemplative silence.
Ultimately, he chose to trust Ryan and departed on the mission, feeling a sense of relief upon witnessing the prosperous and harmonious Konoha Village.
Jiraiya couldn't help but feel sorry for Sarutobi Hiruzen, the previous Hokage, as he walked alongside Yahiko and the others. Yet, he also believed that his decision was the right one.
He now understood that everything Ryan had done was truly for the sake of Konoha. Jiraiya felt a renewed sense of conviction in supporting Ryan's plan.
Upon reaching the Hokage building, Jiraiya prepared himself to meet the Fourth Hokage. Yahiko and the others, initially excited and curious, suddenly became nervous. Jiraiya reassured them, "Don't worry; the Fourth Hokage is a good person."
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