A Dangerous Proposition
"If you become Danzo's disciple, I believe everything will be under his control. And let's not forget—Danzo isn't even the Hokage!" Naruto sat cross-legged in the sealed space, deep in thought. "It's best to maintain the status quo for now."
"That's the right mindset. Remember, Naruto, the farther you stay from Danzo, the better," Minato advised, his expression serious. "Over the decades, Danzo's roots have grown deep within Konoha. Compared to the Third Hokage, Danzo is a man who has completely abandoned kindness."
As the Fourth Hokage, Minato had been privy to many of Konoha's darkest secrets. He understood just how dangerous Danzo truly was. During his tenure, Minato had often found his decisions obstructed by both the Third Hokage and Danzo. In many ways, he had been a Hokage in name only, stripped of real power and left feeling deeply frustrated.
The Third Hokage and Danzo had effectively controlled Konoha from within and without, leaving little room for Minato to enact meaningful change. Even the legendary Sannin had eventually left, one by one, unable to reconcile their ideals with the village's corrupt leadership.
"I suspect Danzo may have colluded with Orochimaru in the past," Minato added, his voice tinged with suspicion. "Orochimaru's defection might even be linked to Danzo's machinations."
"Whatever the case, getting involved with that old man is a terrible idea," Kurama interjected, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder. "Naruto, you're developing just fine on your own. When the time comes, I'll lend you all my power, and you can defect from Konoha. Imagine the shock on their faces when the gentle, refined Naruto Uzumaki turns his back on the village. That Uchiha brat would probably lose his mind, maybe even evolve his Sharingan again."
Kurama's excitement grew as he continued, his fur bristling with anticipation. "Then you could stab him and tell him, 'Eyes can't be trusted.' Oh, the chaos! The drama! It's better than any game!"
Minato sighed, his expression a mix of concern and resignation. He wanted to argue, to defend Konoha, but he feared pushing Naruto further away. "Konoha isn't beyond saving," he said quietly. "The younger generation could still bring about change if given the chance."
Kurama snorted, cutting him off. "The younger generation will be crushed by the old guard, Fourth Hokage. This is your fault. Why did you push Naruto into this mess?"
"Enough," Naruto said, his voice calm but firm, cutting through the tension. "Konoha's future has nothing to do with me. I'll do what I need to do, and that's all that matters."
He turned to Minato, his gaze steady. "Fourth Hokage, I may need your help in the future. Be ready to leave at a moment's notice."
With that, Naruto exited the sealed space, leaving Minato and Kurama to exchange uneasy glances.
"Hmph," Kurama grumbled, settling back in front of his computer. "Typical."
The Return of a Legend
After the unsettling encounter with Danzo, Naruto returned to his routine—training, resting, and preparing for whatever challenges lay ahead. Meanwhile, Danzo waited impatiently for Naruto's response, only to learn from the Third Hokage's smug tone that Naruto had no interest in becoming his disciple. The news left Danzo seething with frustration and resentment.
Outside Konoha, a towering figure moved swiftly through the forest. His attire was eccentric—a red coat over brown clothing, clogs on his feet, and a forehead protector bearing the character for "oil." This was Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin and a man of many contradictions.
Over the years, Jiraiya had been traveling the world, gathering intelligence on Orochimaru and searching for the child of prophecy foretold by the Great Toad Sage. As a ninja, he was undeniably successful, his strength and reputation feared across the ninja world. But as a disciple and mentor, he carried the weight of his failures—most notably, his inability to protect Minato and guide Naruto.
When the Third Hokage summoned him, Jiraiya dropped everything and rushed back to Konoha. As he approached the village, memories of the past flooded his mind. "So much has changed in just a few years," he murmured, a hint of sadness in his voice.
Entering the Hokage's office, Jiraiya exchanged brief greetings with the Third Hokage before learning the reason for his summons. "Kakashi can no longer teach Naruto? His talent is that extraordinary?" Jiraiya exclaimed, his eyes widening in surprise.
The Third Hokage nodded, a proud smile on his face. "Naruto has awakened a powerful Bloodline Limit. In my opinion, he has the potential to become Hokage one day."
"Hokage, huh?" Jiraiya muttered, his tone laced with bitterness. Despite his carefree demeanor, Jiraiya was acutely aware of the political struggles that had plagued Konoha for years. The title of Hokage, once a symbol of hope and leadership, had become a tool for power and control.
Seeing Jiraiya's reluctance, the Third Hokage sighed. "I'm getting old, Jiraiya. Perhaps it's time for you to take up the mantle of Hokage. Stay this time—don't leave again."
Jiraiya shook his head vehemently. "No, no, I'm not cut out for that role. Let Tsunade handle it. I'll go find Naruto."
Without waiting for a response, Jiraiya leaped out of the window, his movements as fluid as ever. The Third Hokage chuckled softly. "After all these years, he still can't break the habit of jumping out of windows."
A Chance Encounter
As Jiraiya wandered the streets of Konoha, memories of the past mingled with his thoughts of the future. He had heard rumors of Naruto's growth—how the boy had become a beacon of hope and kindness, a far cry from the lonely child he had once been.
"It might be best to observe him from a distance first," Jiraiya mused. "A chance encounter would feel more natural."
The weight of his guilt toward Minato and Naruto pressed heavily on his heart. He had failed them both in different ways, and now he sought to make amends by passing on everything he had learned.
As he walked, Jiraiya's mind drifted to the prophecy of the Great Toad Sage: "In the future, the disciples you take will bring about great change in the ninja world. If guided correctly, the Child of Prophecy will save the world."
Could Naruto be that child? Jiraiya's heart swelled with hope and determination. Whatever the answer, he was ready to guide Naruto toward his destiny.