"...And that's why I look like this and She is with me," Jiraiya's voice resonated with a mixture of determination and weariness, his words carried away by the breeze that rustled the leaves of nearby trees.
"Noted," the ANBU member's voice, muffled behind the mask, acknowledged Jiraiya's words.
The ANBU member listened intently, his pen scratching against the parchment as he transcribed Jiraiya's words. Once he finished accounting Jiraiya's report, he looked at Jiraiya, nodded and then disappeared.
Jiraiya stood there, his gaze fixed on the horizon as he felt the gentle breeze that tousled his hair.
The orange hues of the evening sky painted a vivid backdrop, casting a warm, golden glow over the village below.
The rooftops of Konohagakure were bathed in the fading sunlight, casting long shadows that danced with the evening wind.
Beside him, Tsunade stood leaning against the railing, her eyes tracing the familiar streets of the village she once called home.
Her silhouette was outlined against the dying light, and her features were softened by the twilight, lending her an air of both strength and vulnerability.
"Are you okay, Tsunade?" Jiraiya's voice, laced with concern, broke the silence between them, reaching out like a gentle caress in the fading daylight.
"Hmm?" Tsunade turned her head, her expression shining softly under the golden light.
A small, melancholic smile graced her lips, a facade masking the deeper emotions within. "How many times do I have to tell you, Jiraiya. I am fine," she replied, her voice carrying a mixture of reassurance and quiet strength.
Jiraiya, ever perceptive, didn't let it slide. He continued, his words probing the depths of her soul. "You say that, but you sent off Shizune as soon as you stepped into Konoha," he observed, his tone gentle yet firm. "I am sure if not for the fact that we have to report, you would have separated from me as well."
"Your point is?" Tsunade's voice held a hint of irritation, a defence mechanism against the raw honesty of Jiraiya's observation.
Jiraiya's expression remained unwavering, his eyes met hers. "My point is, had I not stuck with you, then you would have gone to some corner of Konoha to torment yourself with past memories, alone," he reiterated, his tone laced with understanding and empathy.
"I..." Tsunade hesitated, her resolve wavered under the weight of Jiraiya's words.
However, Before she could respond, another voice, wise and calm, cut through the tension like a guiding beacon in the darkness.
"That's not necessarily true, Jiraiya," the voice spoke, drawing their attention.
The owner of the voice emerged from the fading light, a figure draped in an oversized white coat and a hat adorned with red accents. It was Hiruzen, their sensei, the Third Hokage, his presence commanding respect and reverence.
"Tsunade might have simply wanted some lone time after spending so much time outside of Konoha," Hiruzen's words were measured, his gaze gentle yet perceptive as it shifted between Jiraiya and Tsunade.
"Y-Yeah, exactly," Tsunade nodded, her voice tinged with a hint of nervousness.
She looked at Jiraiya, "What Sensei said," and confirmed Hiruzen's statement in an attempt to hide the real reason, her words carrying a mixture of gratitude and relief.
Jiraiya was on the verge of speaking when Tsunade gracefully diverted their attention.
Her expression softened into one of profound respect as she inclined her head in a slight bow towards Hiruzen, her voice carrying a note of sincere condolence.
"Greetings, it's been a long time Sensei," she began, her words carrying the weight of tradition and reverence.
"I am sorry for your loss," she added, her eyes reflecting her genuine empathy for Hiruzen's loss of his child.
Hiruzen, his eyes reflecting the weight of his responsibilities, acknowledged Tsunade's words with a small, appreciative smile.
"Thank you, Tsuna. It has been a long time, I hope you're doing well," he said, his voice carrying the burden of the loss of Asuma as well as the wisdom and strength to endure it.
Tsunade remained silent, her expression a portrait of somber understanding.
Hiruzen shifted his gaze to Jiraiya, his eyes softening with a blend of nostalgia and pride. "It's been a while, Jiraiya," he greeted warmly, his voice carrying the undertone of camaraderie that only old friends could share.
"You have done a great job," he commended, his words echoing with genuine appreciation for Jiraiya's dedication to Konoha.
Jiraiya's eyes, though weary, sparkled with determination and regret. "No, Sensei," he replied, his voice laced with sincerity. "Had Orochimaru's pursuit not blindsided me, I could've been here in time. We could have done more, been more prepared against the Akatsuki."
Hiruzen's gaze softened as he regarded Jiraiya. "Don't say that," he implored, his voice carrying a mix of understanding and reassurance. "Even from afar, you did what you felt was right, and watched over the village."
A guilt-ridden expression crossed Hiruzen's face as he continued, "Compared to that, I, who was inside the village, still couldn't protect it from Akatsuki."
Tsunade, ever empathetic, offered her mentor a reassuring smile. "The village is still standing strong, Sensei," she said, her voice carrying a soothing tone. "We may have faced losses, but Konoha had endured it all thanks to you."
"That's not because of me, Tsuna," Hiruzen admitted somberly. "It's thanks to the Kazekage and the Raikage's brother's cooperation that Konoha still stands. If it was just me, I fear our village might have been lost."
Jiraiya's frown deepened, his expression contorting with a mix of anger and frustration. "Were the Akatsuki truly that strong?" he asked, his voice laced with disdain. "What was their objective anyway?"
Hiruzen's voice turned grave as he explained, "Their objective is to capture all the tailed beasts. Only six members attacked us initially, splitting into groups of two later. We only fought one pair, and they were powerful enough to challenge me, the Kazekage, the Gyūki Jinchuriki, and an entire ANBU platoon by themselves."
"What about the other two teams?" Tsunade inquired, her voice carrying a note of concern.
Hiruzen shook his head, his expression clouded with worry. "One of them managed to capture their target—The Kazekage's youngest son, The Ichibi Jinchuuriki. The other team searched for the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki in Konoha, but of course they couldn't find it, so they left without causing much harm."
A heavy silence settled over the trio as they absorbed the gravity of the situation, their thoughts swirling with the impending threats of the Akatsuki and the decisions they would have to make to protect their village.
Then, after a few moments, Hiruzen broke the defeating silence with a positive note, his voice carrying a glimmer of hope amid the sombre atmosphere. "However," he said, drawing in his students' attention, "Not everything is bad."
With a small smile, Hiruzen looked towards the horizon, his eyes reflecting a mix of determination and longing for a better future. "Now, in a moment of shared pain, I believe if the villages try to, then all of them, including the five great nations, can come under one roof."
Tsunade scoffed at Hiruzen's words, her cynicism born from her past evident as she looked at her former teacher. "That will never happen, sensei," she retorted, her voice laced with scepticism.
"Tsunade-!" Jiraiya interjected, his voice rising in protest, but Tsunade cut him off, her expression defiant.
"What? You know what I mean, don't you?" she challenged, her eyes narrowing with determination.
Her tone turned void as she continued, "None of the five great villages will agree to such a thing. Even if they did and tried to fight Akatsuki together, once the Akatsuki is gone, peace will also disappear along with it. After all, if things remained peaceful for too long, the Daimyō might start thinking about disbanding the villages."
Tsunade's words held the weight of her experiences, the harsh realities of their world shaping her perspective.
She stared at Jiraiya, her gaze challenging him to dispute her assertions, before shifting her eyes to her teacher.
"To the upper echelons of the world, where violence and death are nothing but political tools, peace is simply not an option," Tsunade declared, her voice firm. "Sooner or later, every Kage will realise that, and conflict will rise again."
Hiruzen looked at Tsunade for a moment, his eyes reflecting understanding and a touch of sadness.
"Even if all of that is true," he said, his voice calm and measured, "We never know what the future holds for us."
He shifted his gaze from Tsunade to Jiraiya and continued, his tone growing slightly more hopeful. "My students, in a week, a Five Kage Summit will commence here in Konoha," he revealed, his voice carrying a mix of excitement and hope. "A summit where, in a long time, all the Kages have agreed to leave their respective villages and attend it"
"...What?" Tsunade asked, her disbelief evident, struggling to comprehend the reality of the news. "Even the Tsuchikage is coming?"
Hiruzen nodded, his eyes alight with the flicker of change. "Yes," he confirmed, his smile genuine. "Even the Fence Sitter Ōnoki is coming to Konoha."
"Tsunade, are you realizing now?" Hiruzen's words carried a note of triumph as he observed Tsunade's widened eyes, her realization dawning upon her.
"The times are changing," he said, his voice filled with both excitement and a touch of melancholy. "
Hiruzen's voice, though filled with excitement, carried a weight of bittersweet realization. "The very act of all five Kage gathering in one of their enemy nations is a sign that says the sparks of unity are forming amidst the clash of swords," he proclaimed, his words echoing with the magnitude of the moment. His voice gained intensity, reflecting the fervour of his beliefs.
Before a light of melancholy flickered through them, adding depth to his emotions, as he clenched his fist in a mix of determination and regret.
"Alas," he said, his tone tinged with a touch of ruefulness, "I am too old to welcome this change."
"What do you mean, Sensei?" Jiraiya asked, his expression filled with concern.
Hiruzen looked at Jiraiya and sighed, his gaze alternating between Jiraiya and Tsunade. "I can no longer hold the Will of Fire, Jiraiya." he said, his words carrying the weight of his decision.
Tsunade, quick to understand the implication, shook her head vehemently as she stared at Hiruzen, but Jiraiya was slower to grasp the gravity of the situation.
By the time he comprehended Hiruzen's intentions, the old Hokage had already said, "It's time for Konoha to welcome its fifth Hokage. I want you to be the next Hokage, Jiraiya."
Jiraiya's eyes widened in disbelief, and he scratched the back of his neck nervously. "S-Sensei, even though I understand where you're coming from, I don't think I can do it," he said, his voice laced with uncertainty.
"Why, Jiraiya?" Hiruzen asked, his eyes searching his student's face for an answer.
Jiraiya continued, his expression etched with determination, "Sensei, before my battle with Orochimaru, I might have accepted the position. But now, having faced the reality of our situation, I've come to a different conclusion. Even if another threat other than Akatsuki, someone like Orochimaru were to target us, the village would still suffered significant losses."
He met Hiruzen's gaze, his voice resolute. "I think I should master the perfect sage mode at Mount Myōboku. So that I, at the very least, have the strength to give Orochimaru a proper fight the next time we meet."
"But didn't you say you would never be able to master the perfect sage mode anymore?" Hiruzen pointed out.
Jiraiya looked a bit flustered as he responded, "That's true, I am not talented enough to naturally master it, but I found a Kinjutsu in Orochimaru's lair that's similar to an incomplete sage mode. I want to complete it, Sensei." He then turned to Tsunade. "Besides, if I can become a kage, so can Tsunade. I believe she's a better fit for the role."
"What!?" The air crackled with Tsunade's incredulous shout, her voice a mix of frustration and disbelief.
Her eyes blazed with intensity, reflecting the fierce determination that had earned her the title of the Legendary Sannin.
In an instant, Tsunade grabbed Jiraiya's cheeks firmly, her grip surprisingly strong for her seemingly delicate hands. Their faces were mere inches apart, and her eyes focusing solely, and intensely on Jiraiya's.
"I am drunk all the time! The village administration will be in shambles if I took over!" Tsunade protested, her voice carrying the weight of her convictions. Her conviction to not become the Hokage, that is.
Jiraiya, ever the witty and audacious rogue, countered, "But I am a nomad, Princess. A princess is definitely better than a nomad." He tried to maintain his playful demeanour, despite the seriousness of the situation.
Tsunade's eyes narrowed in defiance. "But I am a gambler, and I lose a lot! I will lose all the village money in gambling!" she argued back, her words laced with frustration and exasperation.
Jiraiya, attempting to diffuse the tension, muttered, "Hmm, that's true." before second thoughts chirmed in, "Wait, no, that's not true, you don't lose in gambling a lot of time; you lose in gambling all the time," he said with a contemplative expression, unwittingly pushing Tsunade's patience to its limits.
"You did NOT mean that!!" Tsunade's voice erupted, her frustration reaching its peak. With lightning speed, she unleashed a barrage of punches upon Jiraiya's head, her fists a blur of righteous fury.
Hiruzen, watching his former students bicker, coughing multiple times to get their attention. "Ahem! Calm down, both of you!"
Tsunade and Jiraiya stopped, their hands frozen mid-air, and turned their attention to Hiruzen. Hiruzen sighed and said, "Take some time to think about it. We will discuss it again after the Kage Summit," as he massaged his temples, clearly feeling the headache coming on from their antics.
With that, Hiruzen's weary figure retreated into the depths of the Hokage building, leaving Tsunade and Jiraiya standing in the fading light, surrounded by the quietude of the village.
The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the village of Konoha as the two Sannin stared at each other before sighing.
Tsunade's hand, once poised to strike Jiraiya, resumed its motion, delivering a final, gentle tap on his shoulder before she turned away.
Her expression softened, revealing the vulnerability that lurked beneath her tough exterior. With determined steps, she began to walk away while saying, "Let's Go,"
Jiraiya, his demeanour a mix of hurt and curiosity fell into step behind her. His question hung in the air, laden with a quiet understanding. "Where are we going now, Tsunade?"
The words lingered in the fading light, carrying a sense of reverence and caution. Tsunade paused, her gaze fixed on the horizon where the sun dipped below the edge of the village. "To Konoha Cemetery," she said, her voice soft yet resolute, "to pay my respects to the dead."
Jiraiya hesitated, his respect for Tsunade intertwining with his understanding of her grief.
"Is it fine for me to go there with you?" he asked, his tone careful, aware of the delicate balance between companionship and intrusion.
Tsunade's response came with a pause, a moment of contemplation.
Her eyes, a mix of sorrow and determination, met his gaze. "Yes," she said, her voice carrying a fragile strength, "so that I don't torment myself with my past memories, alone." A faint, almost imperceptible smile graced her lips, a display of the solace she found in his presence.
Meanwhile, Hiruzen's footsteps echoed through the bustling village, each footstep, each greeting by a civilian or ninja, heavy with the burden of his regrets.
The evening breeze rustled the leaves, carrying with it the weight of his unspoken thoughts.
The fading sunlight cast long shadows across his path, mirroring the darkness that clouded his mind.
Hiruzen's weary eyes stared at the Hokage Monument, the stone faces of his predecessors casting judgement upon his failures. The weight of his age seemed to press down upon him, a constant reminder of the years he had spent trying to hold his village together.
The dreams of a peaceful retirement had long evaporated from him, replaced by the harsh reality of his never-ending duties.
He felt the ache in his bones and the weariness in his soul, a toll taken by a lifetime of leadership. His hands, once strong and capable, now trembled with the burden of his responsibilities.
He was tired of his role.
In the quiet moments of the evening night, he often reflected on his legacy, or the lack thereof.
He compared himself to the legends who had come before him – Hashirama, the founder of the village, and Tobirama, his wise and powerful brother. They had left indelible marks on Konoha, shaping it into the formidable village it was known as today.
But Hiruzen? He saw himself as a mere custodian, a placeholder, unable to fill the shoes of his esteemed predecessors. The shadows of his failures haunted him, whispering accusations of incompetence.
His best friend had taken paths he could never condone, yet he couldn't stop him until it was too late.
His best student strayed from his Nishu and went rogue, his other students refused to listen to him, he drove one of the founding clans of Konoha into extinction, and he lost the Nine Tail's jinchuuriki.
As he continued his solitary walk, he couldn't escape the nagging feeling that he had failed his village, his people, and himself.
The village he loved dearly seemed to have moved beyond his grasp, slipping through his fingers like sand. The weight of the Hokage hat felt like a crown of thorns, a constant reminder of his perceived failures.
Perhaps he was the most unsuccessful Hokage in the History of Konoha.
A heavy sigh escaped him, carrying the weight of his self-doubt. The twilight settled over Konoha, casting a melancholic hue over the village he had dedicated his life to.
Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, was a man burdened by the past, haunted by the choices he made, and the ones he didn't.
In the fading light, he continued his walk, until he found himself standing in front of the Nara Quarters.
An ironic smile played on his lips, a mix of self-reflection and bitter amusement. "Maybe this is fate," he whispered, his voice carrying the weariness of his duty.
The Hokage stepped inside, the door creaking slightly as it opened, as if welcoming its revered visitor.
His senses, sharp and attuned after years of experience, guided him along the dimly lit corridors until he reached the tranquil courtyard.
There, on the slightly elevated veranda, sat Shikaku, the village's strategist, engrossed in a game of Shōgi with himself.
The pieces moved with deliberate precision, reflecting the sharp intellect of the man who played them.
Upon noticing Hiruzen's presence, Shikaku's eyes widened with surprise, immediately followed by a respectful bow of his head.
"Hokage-sama," he greeted, his tone carrying both reverence and curiosity.
Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, waved off the formalities, his weathered face softening with a faint smile. "It's fine, Shikaku, It's fine," he said, settling down on the veranda with the ease of someone seeking solace in familiar surroundings.
Amidst the serenity of the courtyard, Hiruzen looked at Shikaku, his wise eyes holding a quiet intensity. "What brings you here, Hokage-sama?" Shikaku inquired, his curiosity piqued by the unexpected visit.
Hiruzen's smile deepened, his gaze wandering momentarily to the starlit sky above. "Nothing, I was just walking by and chose to pay you a visit," he replied, his words carrying the weight of unspoken thoughts and the hope for guidance in uncertain times.
"I see," Shikaku said, his voice calm and measured, before extending an invitation, "Then would you like to play a round of Shōgi with me?"
Hiruzen chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Playing Shōgi with you is a losing battle, Shikaku," he replied, acknowledging the Nara Clan head's renowned expertise.
He was about to delve into a more profound topic, but the sliding door behind them opened, revealing Shikamaru.
The young Nara, observant as ever, acknowledged the Hokage with respect before hesitating momentarily. Shikaku, sensing his son's unspoken query, encouraged him to speak. "What is it, Shikamaru?"
Shikamaru, thoughtful and composed, glanced at his father before addressing his request. "Father, I would like the right to read our family heirloom. Can you tell me where I can find the Nara tomb of medicine?"
Shikaku's gaze softened, a mixture of pride and understanding in his eyes. "...Sure, ask your mother about it. She will give it to you," he replied, granting his son access to their clan's heritage.
With a nod of gratitude, Shikamaru excused himself, leaving the room in pursuit of knowledge about his heirloom.
Shikaku turned his attention back to Hiruzen, a smile playing on his lips. "Hokage-sama, then shall we?" he inquired, readying the Shōgi board for their game.
Hiruzen nodded, expressing his agreement. "I am impressed by your son. To think he is actually interested in learning about his clan's heritage, for the next Nara Heir, that's quite rare," he remarked, his tone a blend of curiosity and subtle criticism.
Shikaku, understanding the underlying nuances of Hiruzen's words, wore a knowing smile.
The subtle insult was water off a duck's back for the Nara Clan head. After all, it was an open secret that the main family of the Nara Clan was filled with both brilliant yet lazy individuals.
"Yeah," Shikaku responded, his smile widening, "He has even mastered our clan's technique. At times, I even start to wonder if he really is my child or not," he said with a touch of humour.
Hiruzen's curiosity flickered, intrigued by the complexity of Shikamaru's character. "Is that so?" he inquired, his gaze thoughtful, "That's truly unbelievable."
Shikaku's tone shifted, carrying a note of melancholy as he mentioned Shikamaru's deceased teacher. "The death of his teacher seemed to have changed him," he added, his eyes distant with memories of the past.
For the next few moments, an understanding silence settled between them.
In the tranquil ambiance of the Nara Headquarters, the soft glow of lanterns illuminated the room, casting a warm, inviting light upon the Shōgi board.
Hiruzen's eyes, deep pools of wisdom, met Shikaku's as they engaged in the intricate dance of strategy and intellect.
The Shōgi board became the canvas upon which their unspoken thoughts and emotions played out, illuminated by the fading light of the setting sun.
As the day drew to a close, they continued their game, two strategic minds engaged in a battle of wits, welcoming the night and the days beyond.
—X—X—
First of all, Review if you like it (or don't like it) it's the review that matters.
Secondly, I never really thought about this before but, If you find any scene of this story ridiculous consider reading the comments of that paragraph or that chapter.
I have likely explained that situation there, or someone has likely commented there about it which has been answered by yours truly.
I am a new author, and I am still getting used to writing (especially the Storytelling and dialogue aspect of it).
I am also an introvert so writing proper scenes are somewhat difficult for me (because I have never really understood social interactions in the first place) but, 99.9 percent of the things happening in my story has a reason behind it, and can be explained with common sense.
Things like, How is The Raikage still alive after dying, or How is Hidan going to survive, and even things like, Why am I making it seem like Itachi is Innocent.
All of them are explained in the comments of their respective chapters—Either directly by me, or in the form of an answer to a curious reader by me.
I simply haven't explained them in the story, either because (1) It would be a forced explanation (Info Dump) or (2) It can't be explained in the story.
Anyways, that's all, I hope you had a good read. Next chapter coming in a few hours.