Upon hearing that Jiraiya wanted to leave to bring back Orochimaru, the Third Hokage pondered for a few seconds before slowly responding,
"Jiraiya, you should know that Orochimaru won't come back easily. Moreover, he has harmed comrades in the village and is now a dangerous rogue ninja. Even if you manage to bring Orochimaru back, he will receive the punishment he deserves."
"I understand…" Jiraiya said with a determined look. "But I still insist on bringing Orochimaru back. I won't allow him to continue down the wrong path."
The Third Hokage shook his head and replied, "I can't agree to this. The village is currently in a state of disarray and needs you, a war hero, to stabilize things. If word gets out that you're pursuing Orochimaru, the village could easily fall into chaos. And besides, I'm getting old. The position of Fifth Hokage can only be handed over to you."
Upon hearing this, Jiraiya hesitated, unsure of how to express his inner thoughts to his teacher. While he wanted to bring back Orochimaru, more importantly, he didn't want to stay in the village any longer.
He had begun to despise Danzo's insidiousness, the hypocrisy of the advisor duo, and the tedious political maneuvers of the Third Hokage.
Because of these experiences, Tsunade had left the village, and Orochimaru had recently defected.
In fact, thoughts of leaving the village and wandering the world had begun to emerge in his mind. However, if he truly left Konoha, his teacher would be left without a student.
After leaving Konoha, he wouldn't find another place to belong. Even the trusted sanctuary of Myoboku Mountain wasn't a permanent solution. He had only one homeland, and that was Konoha.
Seemingly aware of Jiraiya's thoughts, the Third Hokage sighed softly and then took out a scroll from his drawer, handing it to Jiraiya.
Jiraiya took the scroll, noticing it was blank, and looked at the Third Hokage in confusion.
The Third Hokage slowly said, "This is a long-term S-rank infiltration mission. Your task is to wander through various countries and seek out illegal elements that are secretly targeting the village. Remember to stay in touch... submit a mission report periodically."
Jiraiya wasn't foolish and quickly understood the Third Hokage's intention.
The old man didn't agree to his pursuit of Orochimaru, but he also didn't oppose it. This blank mission assignment seemed more like a grant of authority to act as he pleased.
"Old man, then I'll take my leave…"
Having obtained what he wanted, Jiraiya intended to leave immediately. Before stepping out of the office, he turned to the Third Hokage and said, "Third Hokage, the policy of suppressing the ninja clans and supporting civilian ninjas isn't wrong, but I believe the reason comrades in the village are willing to give their lives in war relies on the Will of Fire…"
"Jiraiya, I know the meaning of the Will of Fire better than you do."
Once Jiraiya left, the Third Hokage murmured to himself, then re-lit his pipe and began to smoke quietly.
With Jiraiya's departure, he would become a complete loner.
Although the head of the Anbu, Shinno, was his son, all the true inheritors of the legendary Sannin had already left the village.
Why had this all come to pass?
The Third Hokage gazed at the portrait of Hashirama Senju, talking to himself in his heart.
Jiraiya also quietly left Konoha, without alerting any ninjas during his departure.
However, as time went on, Konoha ninjas discovered that Jiraiya had already left, and this news spread quickly throughout the village. Almost every ninja in Konoha became aware of it.
There was much speculation within the village about why Jiraiya had suddenly left Konoha.
Under normal circumstances, it wouldn't be unusual for a powerhouse like Jiraiya to go out on a mission, but just after concluding the war with the Cloud Village, and having been sidelined at the celebration, his behavior raised suspicions among the Konoha ninjas.
They wondered if Jiraiya had fallen out with the Third Hokage; otherwise, wouldn't it have been better to take advantage of the war's end to start campaigning for the position of Fifth Hokage?
Faced with the village's rumors and speculation, the Third Hokage chose not to explain himself.
As time passed, these rumors would naturally dissipate. He no longer cared much about his reputation, so let them say what they wanted.
Danzo Shimura, who loved to spread rumors, also chose not to attack the Third Hokage at this time.
Now, he was more clear-headed than ever. Instead of risking failure by attacking the Third Hokage, it was better to wait quietly for the Third Hokage to make a mistake.
Today, he taught Tenzo several Wood Release techniques, all of which Tenzo mastered.
There was also significant progress in the Root laboratory, where they reportedly discovered a subject with a unique physique that could withstand the corruption of Hashirama's cells and even reduce the side effects of transplanting the Sharingan.
Once this technology was fully developed, he could possess both Wood Release and the Sharingan.
When the powers of the Senju of the Forest and the Uchiha Clan combined, no one in the ninja world would be his match—not even the Third Hokage or Kakashi.
Within the Uchiha Clan's territory,
Itachi had heard about Jiraiya's departure. He didn't know why Jiraiya had left, but he was about to embark on a new chapter in his life.
Upon learning that he had awakened the Sharingan, the Third Hokage not only didn't doubt him but also transferred him to the Anbu, cultivating him as a trusted subordinate.
In the past, he would have been deeply grateful to the Third Hokage.
He would have thanked the Third Hokage for allowing him to be a bridge between the Uchiha and the village, but the successive departures of the Sannin left him with more doubts.
If the Third Hokage were truly flawless, why had the Sannin left one after another?
Was it possible that the Third Hokage intended to use him to create a rift between himself and his clan, ultimately seeking to divide the Uchiha?
Could he instead leverage the Third Hokage to bring about a transformation in his clan?
---
In the Hyuga Clan's territory, a meeting of the main family was taking place.
Aside from Hiashi Hyuga, all the attendees were members of the main family. Hiashi had only managed to secure his place here due to his accomplishments as the leader of the branch family and on the battlefield against the Cloud Village.
The main family elder, sitting in the first seat, first glanced at Hiashi and then said, "Hiashi, you did very well on the front lines this time, earning a lot of opportunities for the family. However, your rise has overshadowed your brother too much; try not to do that next time."
Hiashi nodded in agreement. Although he was strong, he wasn't brave enough to challenge the Caged Bird System.
After a pause, the main family elder continued, "As for the head of the family, Hinata will be turning four in two months. This year, her birthday should be celebrated grandly to mark the rise of the Hyuga Clan."
The usually silent Hiashi spoke up, "Hinata's birthday party is already in preparation. Please don't worry about that, Elder. However, the battlefield has just concluded; is it really appropriate to be so extravagant?"
"It's all for the Hyuga Clan. Let's proceed with it," the main family elder said authoritatively. "Additionally, it's time for the family to prepare for the Caged Bird ceremony."
Upon hearing this, Hiashi felt as if he had been struck by lightning but dared not voice any objections.
He could accept having the Caged Bird mark branded upon himself, but he could not accept Neji also receiving the mark. Yet this was the fate of the branch family.
Over the centuries, many had rebelled, but they all turned to dust in history.
The Caged Bird System had always existed, and the children of the branch family would forever remain as branch family members.