"Jiraiya, did you find the information you needed?"
A gentle, aged voice sounded from behind Jiraiya. Turning around, he saw his teacher, the Third Hokage.
"I found it, Sensei," Jiraiya replied with a heavy sigh, his face showing a weary expression.
The Third Hokage's face shifted slightly. He hadn't expected Jiraiya to find information about the Kurogami. Did this mean that the Kurogami was indeed from Konoha?
Honestly, the Third Hokage initially doubted that the Kurogami was from Konoha, given the unique nature of the ninjutsu he used. Still, out of trust in Jiraiya, he allowed him to search the records.
But with Jiraiya's success, the implications weighed heavily. If the Kurogami was indeed from Konoha, then was he a rogue ninja? And if so, the responsibility would inevitably fall back on him, the Third Hokage. Who else would bear the burden?
Noticing his teacher's unsettled expression, Jiraiya instantly guessed his thoughts and felt frustrated.
"Don't worry, Sensei. I believe no one else will connect the two," Jiraiya said, handing over the information file to the Third Hokage.
The Third Hokage scanned the file, and an expression of disbelief appeared on his face after a few moments.
He had seen his share of unlikely successes in his long years, even so-called "failures" who later showed surprising skill. But those cases usually involved hidden talents or geniuses who had yet to find their path.
However, this case was different. Here was a shinobi who could only be described as "cannon fodder" by the standards of his academy days. And yet, in just six years, he'd developed the strength to infiltrate and challenge Konoha. It defied all logic in the world.
There was no doubting Jiraiya's honesty, though. He knew his student's character well.
But this drastic transformation? Could it have been the result of a human experiment?
Considering the possibility, the Third Hokage looked at Jiraiya. "Jiraiya, have you heard any recent news about Orochimaru?"
Jiraiya was taken aback momentarily, but he quickly understood the Hokage's meaning. "I haven't found any trace of Orochimaru... but based on my knowledge of him, I don't believe the Kurogami could be one of his experiments."
The Third Hokage cast him a curious look, prompting Jiraiya to explain further. "Before Orochimaru defected from Konoha a few years ago, his activities were far more limited. His experiments hadn't progressed to this level."
"And since his defection, he's lost access to many resources and facilities. With the constant need to evade Konoha's pursuit, he wouldn't have the time or materials to achieve something like this so quickly."
Beyond that, Jiraiya felt confident that Shin's demeanor and strength were far beyond what Orochimaru could mold or control. The Kurogami 's uncanny ability to predict events and knowledge of Konoha's secrets only reinforced his belief.
However, he refrained from sharing these insights with his teacher.
Returning to Konoha this time, Jiraiya had sensed his teacher's weariness. The Third Hokage was no longer the formidable shinobi of his prime but an older man worn by responsibility.
'What would be the point in explaining all this?' he thought. It might only attract the attention of Danzo, whose extremist ideas could accelerate Konoha's decline if he got involved.
After listening to Jiraiya, the Third Hokage nodded in agreement. He, too, realized that if the Kurogami were one of Orochimaru's creations, Orochimaru's actions would likely be far more aggressive by now.
But if that wasn't the case, then how had the Kurogami reached such a formidable level in just six years?
Watching his teacher's contemplative expression, Jiraiya continued, "What we really need to consider is not how he became so strong but how we're going to handle him in the future."
"If his goal is to reshape the shinobi world, he must confront the Five Great Shinobi Villages. In other words, he will come for us at some point."
The Third Hokage frowned. "While I acknowledge the Kurogami 's strength, taking on the entire shinobi world seems beyond even him."
"Sensei, the Kurogami you encountered was from over two years ago. Don't forget, he's since stolen countless resources from Konoha. By now, he's certainly grown far stronger."
"At this point, even if I activate Sage Mode, I can't hold my own against him," Jiraiya added.
Hearing this, the Third Hokage's face grew more troubled. Jiraiya's Sage Mode was practically Konoha's strongest weapon, and if even he stood no chance, Konoha's defenses against the Kurogami would be insubstantial indeed.
After a moment of thought, the Third Hokage let out a sigh. "Do not worry, Jiraiya. I still have a jutsu that can deal with him."
Jiraiya's mind immediately turned to the Reaper Death Seal. While he knew of the jutsu and the grim sacrifice it demanded, he chose not to respond. His teacher's heavy expression was enough to convey his determination.
'But what would saying anything change?' Jiraiya thought. The Third Hokage was no longer the fierce leader he once was but a man burdened by the weight of his years.
The Third Hokage broke the silence, "Jiraiya, are you still reluctant to take on the role of Hokage? You've spent over a decade searching for this 'Child of Prophecy,' right?"
Jiraiya hesitated. He already knew the identity of the Child of Prophecy from the information he'd learned. With that knowledge, his travels seemed less necessary than before.
But as for becoming Hokage, Jiraiya doubted he was suited for the role.
Staying in Konoha as an ordinary ninja would not be easy either. His presence alone would create expectations, whether he took the title of Hokage or not.
"Let me think about it," Jiraiya finally said, sighing deeply.
Hearing this, the Third Hokage's eyes lit up. "Very well. Stay in Konoha for a while."
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