Chapter 70: Jiraiya Returns to the Village
The moment Hiruzen Sarutobi's words fell, Kakashi rejected the proposal without hesitation:
"Forget it, Lord Third. Let the White Fang rest in peace with my father at the family shrine."
The living room of the Hatake estate fell silent once more, with Hiruzen puffing on his pipe. After a long while, he took out a scroll and placed it on the table.
"Lord Third, what's this?" Kakashi asked curiously.
"Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu. It's about time for Naruto to start formally training in ninjutsu. This is the most suitable technique for his physique. You can start by teaching him the basic Shadow Clone Jutsu, and when he's a bit older, teach him this."
Kakashi remained silent. Anything else he might have refused, but when it came to Naruto, he couldn't.
"Then, on behalf of Naruto, thank you, Lord Hokage." Kakashi took the scroll and put it away.
"It's only right," Hiruzen said. "I've been too occupied with village affairs to properly look after Naruto. Fortunately, now that you're taking care of him, I can finally rest easy. As for another technique, I have found a more suitable teacher for him, who will personally pass it on in a few years."
Kakashi's eyes flickered. A technique worthy of special mention—most likely Flying Thunder God Technique or the Rasengan, techniques developed by the Fourth Hokage. Among them, the Flying Thunder God Technique might not be suited to Naruto's natural talent, but Rasengan would be a different story. And the one who could teach him that...
"Is Jiraiya-sama coming back?" Kakashi asked.
"Yes," Hiruzen replied with a smile. "That rascal has been wandering outside for long enough. It's time he returns to share some of the burden with this old man."
Kakashi didn't respond. He knew that mentioning Jiraiya at this time was more of a subtle warning to him and to Uchiha Douhuan. Unlike the now-aged Third Hokage, Jiraiya, who had mastered Sage Mode, would undoubtedly be the most powerful presence in the village upon his return. Though Uchiha Douhuan was strong, he was still a level below the full-powered Jiraiya.
But was that really the case? Kakashi couldn't help but recall the faint purple eyeshadow around Douhuan's eyes that night—a clear sign of Sage Mode. And, would Jiraiya really be willing to get involved in such internal strife?
Seeing Kakashi lost in thought, Hiruzen continued, "Kakashi, are you sure you don't want to consider becoming the Fifth Hokage? I can have Jiraiya assist you."
"Please don't joke, Lord Third. Jiraiya-sama is far more qualified to be Hokage than I am," Kakashi responded.
"That's not true," Hiruzen sighed. "As his teacher, I know that knucklehead too well. There's no way he'd willingly take on this burden."
"Jiraiya-sama will understand your intentions, Lord Third," Kakashi said, trying to reassure him.
"Alright." Seeing that Kakashi's attitude was unwavering, Hiruzen reluctantly changed the topic.
"Let's put aside the matter of the Fifth Hokage for now. What are your plans from here on out?"
"Douhuan invited me to work at the Police Force, overseeing the detention and interrogation of high-profile criminals," Kakashi replied. He didn't bother hiding it, knowing that the Third would find out soon enough. Being upfront was more prudent.
"The Police Force, huh?" Hiruzen's eyelids twitched slightly. The relationship between Kakashi and Uchiha Douhuan was evidently even closer than he had thought. But he kept his composure and replied calmly, "That's a good position. Douhuan truly is a child with a deep understanding of the Will of Fire."
"Indeed. His interpretation of the Will of Fire is so profound that it often leaves me in awe," Kakashi said with a straight face.
"Having young talents like you around truly brings comfort to an old man like me. Perhaps the First and Second Hokage would also be at ease seeing such conviction." Hiruzen sighed. "Well then, I won't disturb you any longer."
"I'll see you out," Kakashi offered.
Hiruzen waved him off with a kind smile. "I already troubled you by coming so late. I'll just take a walk back myself. Consider it a way to digest my meal. That ramen really was quite good. No wonder Naruto loves it so much."
Though he said so, Kakashi still insisted on escorting him to the door.
Just before leaving, Hiruzen turned around once more, his tone serious yet hopeful. "Kakashi, since you've gotten back on your feet, it's time to resume your training. I may not have many years left, but I sincerely hope to one day see the Fifth Hokage's robes draped over your shoulders."
Kakashi remained silent, knowing that his silence spoke volumes.
---
Time passed quickly after that night. Three days had gone by since the village lockdown. In the aftermath, the village's public security had noticeably improved, and the workload of the Police Force had significantly decreased. Complaints about the Police Force also dropped drastically.
Kakashi officially took up his position at the newly established detention facility on the Naka River's bank. Meanwhile, the Anbu team assigned to investigate the case of collusion between the three clans and Orochimaru had also arrived. With old case files brought out and the joint investigation unit established under Uchiha Douhuan's leadership, the investigation formally began.
In the meeting room, Douhuan gave his instructions:
"All involved clan members will be severely punished. Their assets will be confiscated as necessary, and compensation must be provided to the victims' families."
The meeting was only halfway through when Uchiha Inoka knocked on the door. Walking over to Douhuan, he whispered a few words in his ear, making Douhuan's expression turn strangely amused.
---
Two hours earlier...
Near the Hokage Rock, where Konoha's biggest hot spring resort cluster was located, many villagers—both shinobi and civilians—would come here to unwind after a long day.
Among the trees by the open-air bath, a white-haired man with a pervy grin crouched, clearly up to no good. His eyes gleamed as he peeked, occasionally letting out lecherous giggles.
Unfortunately for him, his voyeuristic endeavors were cut short when a chorus of feminine shrieks pierced the air. Patrol units from the Police Force, alerted by the commotion, hurried over.
After dispatching three patrol teams, they finally captured the white-haired pervert and brought him to the Police Force headquarters. When the Uchiha captains on duty got a good look at the detainee, they nearly lost their composure.
This old pervert wasn't just anyone—he was none other than one of the legendary Sannin, Jiraiya!
Back in the meeting room, Uchiha Douhuan took a deep breath to suppress his laughter. Clearing his throat, he addressed the others, "Everyone, excuse me for a moment. There's an urgent matter at the Police Force that needs my attention."
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