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After submitting their report to the village, they quickly received information from the Anbu.
The Third Kazekage indeed possessed a summoning snake with a striking red hue, capable of human speech. It was frequently summoned for battles in the past, but it ceased to be used just before his tenure as the Kazekage began.
Regarding the existence of Shin, Hiruzen had Orochimaru inquire with Manda.
Shin had indeed been betrayed by humans, had a very volatile temperament, and was the most aggressive snake within the Dragon Caverns, to the extent that even Manda preferred not to provoke Shin.
Manda merely enjoyed consuming humans, but Shin would go into a frenzy and attack anyone on sight.
Upon receiving this communication from the Anbu, Jiraiya started to believe the intelligence Yoichi had gathered. Nevertheless, he, along with Shikaku and Yoichi, proceeded to the outskirts.
They asked Yoichi to summon Shin, and carefully inquired about the Third Kazekage.
Shin didn't know much, but what he did know included the Third Kazekage's real name and the summoning snake scales he left behind.
These pieces of evidence, combined with the response from Sunagakure and Sasori's defection, led Shikaku to ponder and speculate repeatedly, finding no conclusion more fitting than the death of the Third Kazekage.
This Sand Ninja Village's Third Kazekage, hailed as the strongest, might truly be dead.
"Lord Jiraiya, this intelligence is highly advantageous for us. If used wisely, it's enough to incite internal strife within Sunagakure. However, we need to consult with Lord Hokage about this matter," Shikaku said. He also noted that if misused, it could potentially lead to war.
Jiraiya nodded, understanding that this was not a decision they could make unilaterally. He told Shikaku, "Shikaku, write down your thoughts. I'll have the Anbu deliver them to the old man, and meanwhile, recall all external reconnaissance teams. To think, such a challenging mission was accomplished by Yoichi. He's a genius, just like Minato."
Shikaku glanced at Jiraiya, seemingly having more to say.
However, noticing Shikaku's hesitance, Jiraiya asked, "What's the matter, Shikaku?"
"Lord Jiraiya, it seems the Third Hokage is reluctant to promote Yoichi to Jonin. A Jonin at fourteen could be a strong contender for Hokage if nothing goes awry."
The Ino-Shika-Cho and Sarutobi clans have been allies for generations, their friendship dating back to the Warring States period. As Jiraiya was Hiruzen's student, such conversations were possible between the two.
With the Hokage around fifty years old and nearing a decade in his position, he would soon reach sixty, beyond his prime.
"At that time, it would be essential to choose a young and vigorous Hokage to rejuvenate the village; and in a few years, it would be the prime time for the Sannin."
"Do you aspire to be Hokage, Lord Jiraiya?"
Shikaku tentatively asked, knowing the benefits the position held. For both public and personal reasons, they naturally hoped the next Hokage would be someone familiar.
Jiraiya, however, had no such ambitions. Upon hearing Shikaku's question, he quickly responded, "Not for me. I'm not suited for Hokage. Expecting me to take up the role is less realistic than betting on my student Minato, who has a much stronger sense of responsibility."
"Minato, huh."
Shikaku thought for a moment before silently shaking his head. While Minato had both the strength and reputation, he was too young.
With the Sannin and Sakumo Hatake still present, Minato's path to becoming the next Hokage seemed challenging.
"We better let the reconnaissance teams return first, then discuss the Sunagakure matter further," Jiraiya concluded.
"Understood," they both agreed, setting aside the topic for now, given the pressing matters at hand.
---
Upon the reconnaissance teams' return, the losses weren't catastrophic, but there were several pieces of bad news.
One team had lost contact entirely, likely perishing in the Land of Wind.
Another team was down by one member, and there were injuries among the others, severe enough that even if they made it back to the village, they might never serve as ninjas again.
This underscored the risk of venturing into the Land of Wind to gather intelligence on the Third Kazekage. Even with their specialized skills and jutsu for detecting enemies, they weren't safe in enemy territory.
Now, with Sunagakure also searching for the Third Kazekage and Konoha joining the fray, it seemed like they were merely providing Sunagakure an outlet for their frustrations.
Moreover, upon hearing that Yoichi had already completed the reconnaissance mission, the other teams were stunned.
The hard work of twenty-four ninjas over a month couldn't match the single-handed efforts of Yoichi, leading to feelings of inequity and the painful reminder of lost teammates and near-death experiences for some.
"Why didn't you share the direction of the investigation with us, causing Rimi to..."
"Shut up, Kentaro!"
Although the voice was low, it was heard by those present, especially Yoichi, who was about to leave the room.
Returning to the scene, Shigeru Aburame quickly stepped in front of Yoichi, apologizing, "Sorry, Yoichi-san. Kentaro is just upset because of his teammate..."
"Shigeru-senpai, I'm not going to start a fight. Why so nervous?"
Yoichi brushed past Shigeru, confronting Kentaro Takigawa; Shigeru was taken aback by the sheer force pushing him aside, far beyond his expectations.
Standing face-to-face with Yoichi, Takigawa felt the pressure mount.
"Do you think I'm responsible for your teammate's death?" Yoichi asked calmly.
Jiraiya, recalling rumors about Yoichi's character and actions in the village, intervened, "Yoichi, he didn't mean that."
"Why the rush, Lord Jiraiya? I'm merely curious. Every time I complete a mission, I'm labeled a killer, responsible for the deaths of my own team members and now, apparently, even those not in my team. It's impressive, really!"
Yoichi's retort left Jiraiya speechless. Takigawa's accusations, even if driven by grief, were illogical and unfair, especially against someone like Yoichi, who had completed missions solo and faced similar rumors before.
"If you lack the resolve, don't be a ninja. I'm not trying to console you; frankly, I think you're worthless. If it's not me you're blaming today, it'll be someone else tomorrow, with no reflection on why you're so inept."
"Yoichi..." Jiraiya tried to intervene as Yoichi continued, "If it weren't for the intelligence I gathered early on, you'd still be risking your life in the Land of Wind.
To think, you don't have the gratitude for that, blaming others for your failures. Reflect on this: was your teammate's death really my fault, or was it because you, being so useless, led her to her demise in the Land of Wind?"
"Enough, Uchiha Yoichi!"
Jiraiya, with a stern face, stepped in front of Takigawa and said, "That's enough."
"I couldn't care less about arguing with a failure; it's as if I'm trying to mentor him. But it's interesting, blaming others for one's incompetence. Heh."
Yoichi laughed mockingly, then turned to leave.
As he was about to exit, he turned back to a nearly breaking-down Takigawa and added, "Maybe you should just stay in the village and be protected instead of being a ninja and risking others' lives, then conveniently blaming others."
After Yoichi had completely left, Takigawa collapsed to the ground, overwhelmed by emotions, and began to cry loudly.
(End of Chapter)