Naruto: Starting with Infinite Chakra-Chapter 208: Not Worthy Yet

Until he could cultivate new Kage-level warriors, Jiraiya had no choice but to continue relying on Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Hiruzen simply nodded at Jiraiya's appointment, choosing not to say anything.

"As for village affairs moving forward, the two of you will no longer participate in decision-making."

Jiraiya's gaze fell upon Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu as he spoke.

The two elders were known for their stubborn adherence to old ideals. Now that he had taken the reins of the village, there was no need to keep them in power. Their way of thinking aligned too closely with Hiruzen's, and allowing them to remain in leadership would only hinder the reforms he intended to implement. They offered no real benefit—only obstacles.

Homura and Koharu's expressions changed. They hadn't expected Jiraiya to strip them of their authority so swiftly.

They instinctively turned to Hiruzen, hoping he would speak on their behalf.

Even though there was tension between Hiruzen and Jiraiya, the latter was still his student. They believed that if Hiruzen endorsed Jiraiya's authority, he would not be sidelined completely.

Homura and Koharu were unwilling to relinquish their influence in Konoha. After holding power for so long, the prospect of losing it in an instant was difficult to accept.

They waited expectantly for Hiruzen to intercede, but he merely shook his head.

Hiruzen had no intention of speaking up for them. In his mind, his position as an advisor to the Hokage rendered the presence of Homura and Koharu redundant.

"We understand, Lord Jiraiya."

Despite their inner reluctance, the two elders maintained a respectful facade before turning to leave the Hokage's office.

"You could've handled that more delicately," Hiruzen sighed. "Stripping them of power so abruptly will only breed resentment. A gradual reduction of their authority would have been more prudent."

Jiraiya understood their frustration but remained indifferent. He replied calmly, "So what if they resent me? Their rigid thinking will only slow the village's progress. If they dare act against Konoha's interests, their lives will be forfeit."

He had no concern for Homura and Koharu. Eliminating them would be nothing more than a flick of his blade.

"I'll leave the existing ANBU under your command," Jiraiya continued. "I intend to cultivate a new force of my own."

He had no desire to inherit Hiruzen's ANBU. The selection of its members had largely been overseen by Hiruzen himself, meaning they were deeply loyal to him. Keeping them in place would only limit their effectiveness under a new leader. Rather than waste time attempting to earn their trust, Jiraiya preferred to start from scratch.

...

A few days later, envoys from the Land of Wind arrived in Konoha.

There were three of them, led by an elite jōnin named Akita Kazuno, accompanied by two young chūnin.

"Elder, we're almost at Konoha," one of the younger shinobi said to Akita. "Do you think our mission will succeed?"

"No matter how difficult it may be, we must retrieve Shukaku," Akita sighed, staring at the village ahead. "If we fail, our nation will face destruction."

He wasn't optimistic. He knew that reclaiming Shukaku from Konoha would not be easy.

Upon reaching Konoha's gates, the trio was promptly stopped by guards.

After stating their identities and purpose, one of the gatekeepers responded coldly, "Follow me." freewebnσvel.cøm

The Konoha shinobi had already been informed of the Wind Country envoys' arrival and had been instructed to bring them directly to the Hokage's office.

By now, the news of Jiraiya's victory over Hanzo of the Salamander and his capture of Shukaku had spread throughout the village. Jiraiya's prestige had soared, and many in Konoha revered him as a living legend.

Even if Hiruzen had not formally ceded the Hokage title, Jiraiya already had the unwavering support of the majority. His influence now far exceeded Hiruzen's.

Realistically, even if Jiraiya hadn't bested Hiruzen in direct combat, the former Hokage would still have had no choice but to pass the mantle to him. The only way Hiruzen could have retained power was through treachery—an unlikely option, as no one in the village could oppose Jiraiya.

...

Upon arriving at the Hokage's office, the Wind Country envoys took a moment to straighten their garments before stepping inside.

"Greetings, Lord Hokage. Lord Jiraiya."

Jiraiya and Hiruzen had already received word of their arrival in advance.

Hiruzen remained seated at the head of the room, while Jiraiya stood just behind him. Though Hiruzen technically held the highest position, it was clear who truly held authority.

After exchanging some pleasantries, Akita Kazuno got to the point.

"Lord Hokage, our village's jinchūriki went to the battlefield in the Land of Rain without our Kazekage's knowledge. His actions were not sanctioned by the Land of Wind. We are deeply saddened and shocked by what transpired, but what's done is done. Fortunately, this incident caused no losses to your forces."

"Lord Hokage, I have come to retrieve Shukaku."

His words were bitter. The Land of Wind had lost its jinchūriki and its tailed beast, yet Konoha had emerged unscathed.

"How laughable," Hiruzen scoffed, his expression darkening. "You expect us to believe you had no knowledge of your jinchūriki's actions? If that's the attitude you're bringing to this negotiation, you might as well leave now."

"You talk as if your village bears no responsibility," Jiraiya added coldly. "Had I not subdued your jinchūriki and contained Shukaku, how many Konoha shinobi would have died?"

He narrowed his eyes before delivering his final verdict.

"If you want Shukaku back, send your Kazekage to discuss terms personally. You are not worthy of this negotiation."

Jiraiya had already devised a plan. He would use Shukaku as bait to lure the Kazekage to Konoha, then eliminate him with overwhelming force.

If the plan succeeded, the Land of Wind would lose its strongest leader, significantly weakening them in any future conflict.

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