The group breathed a collective sigh of relief, grateful for the relatively light punishment. Given the seriousness of their actions—operating outside Konoha's authority—they had expected harsher repercussions, like confinement or public reprimands. Instead, they'd only had to pay a fine.
The one who seemed most affected was Hatake Sakumo. The leniency felt like a stark contrast to his own ordeal, where he'd been ostracized and nearly driven to suicide by public opinion after a mission-related mistake. Compared to that, this outcome seemed mild.
"Jiraiya, what happened?" Tsunade called, catching sight of them as they left the Hokage's office. She'd hurried over, concern evident in her expression.
"It's all fine now," Jiraiya reassured her. "We just had to pay a minor fine."
Tsunade sighed, her tense expression easing. "Well, good. I'd say you deserve a break."
Hinata chuckled. "What do you say, Jiraiya-sama? Care to treat us to a nice meal to celebrate?"
Uchiha Ze chimed in, "I could go for some barbecue and sake—no limits tonight, right, Jiraiya-sama?"
Even Hatake Sakumo was grinning, clearly on board with the idea.
"Alright, alright," Jiraiya laughed, accepting their request. "Tonight's on me. But really, thank you all…"
With that, they headed to the barbecue restaurant, sharing a rare moment of camaraderie and relief.
---
Inside the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen stood by the window, watching them depart with a conflicted expression. Jiraiya had been under consideration for the Hokage role, but his recent actions made Hiruzen wonder if he was truly prepared for the responsibility.
"It seems I'll have to speed up my plans…" Hiruzen muttered to himself, a glint of determination flashing in his eyes.
---
Meanwhile, in the dimly lit office of Root, Danzo listened with disbelief as his subordinate recounted the penalty's outcome.
"They were only fined?" Danzo's voice was tight with anger. "Leave me."
Once alone, he clenched his fists, his expression darkening. Moments later, Orochimaru entered, looking drained and disheveled from his research.
"Danzo-sama, you summoned me. What's this about?"
Danzo wasted no time. "The Third Hokage may be preparing to pass on the title—to Jiraiya."
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed slightly. Though he had no intrinsic desire to be Hokage, he saw the title as a useful tool to further his research under the protection of Konoha's highest authority. If Sarutobi Hiruzen were now considering Jiraiya, it would throw a wrench into Orochimaru's plans.
"Jiraiya?" Orochimaru mused. "He's an open book—simple and headstrong. But would he really heed Hiruzen's guidance as Hokage?"
Orochimaru could easily envision Jiraiya's independent streak clashing with Hiruzen's influence. Jiraiya was known for his strong moral compass and would likely act according to his own convictions rather than Sarutobi Hiruzen's advice.
"Are you certain, Danzo-sama? Is there solid evidence for this, or is it just speculation?"
"You know about the incident in Yuyin Village," Danzo replied. "Jiraiya took Hatake Sakumo and others to Amegakure without permission. And what was the punishment? A fine."
Danzo went on to recount the events, including the involvement of prominent clan members, and the lightness of the punishment. Orochimaru, listening closely, could see Danzo's point: Hiruzen had let them off incredibly lightly, especially given that the Hyuga and Uchiha clans were involved. This leniency implied Sarutobi Hiruzen might be grooming Jiraiya as his successor.
"It's odd that the Third didn't take this opportunity to suppress them," Orochimaru noted. "It's almost as if… he's cleared the way for Jiraiya."
"Exactly. And the others with him—Hyuga Omo, Uchiha Ze, and Hatake Sakumo—aren't viable choices for Hokage. Hyuga Omo isn't part of the clan's main family, and both the Hyuga and Uchiha clans are too unpredictable for Hiruzen to rely on. Sakumo, given his association with Sarutobi Shinnosuke's death, is out of the question."
Danzo continued, "As for Tsunade, her chances are even slimmer than Jiraiya's."
Orochimaru fell silent, considering the implications. While he wasn't deeply concerned initially, Danzo's assessment had raised a genuine worry. If Jiraiya truly became Hokage, his uncompromising nature would make him a formidable adversary. Orochimaru's secret research would be at risk if Jiraiya uncovered it, and Jiraiya would surely pursue him relentlessly, making no room for subtlety or diplomacy.
No one wanted to face an opponent like Jiraiya—a man of straightforward ideals who would never hesitate or yield.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 330 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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