Chapter 26: Jiraiya  

Sasuke was curious about the "senior" in the ninja world that Shiranui Genma mentioned. With the mysterious aura Genma had, could it be Orochimaru? He wondered.

Shiranui Genma led Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura to a dense forest. As they reached a secluded spot, Genma turned to a white-haired figure hiding behind a tree and said, "Jiraiya, I've brought the winners of this session."

After that, Genma used the Body Flicker Technique and disappeared, leaving the trio alone.

With a wide grin on his face, Jiraiya leaped from behind the tree and declared, "Ta-da! Standing before you is the Toad Sage, one of the legendary Sannin of Konoha—Jiraiya!"

Jiraiya expected to see looks of awe and admiration on the faces of the three young shinobi. Instead, they stared at him with blank expressions.

Jiraiya's enthusiasm dimmed a bit. "Haven't you three heard of my name?"

Sasuke shook his head. "Yeah, I've heard of you. But I also heard that Jiraiya is a pervert who likes to peek at the women's bathhouse!"

Naruto and Sakura also shook their heads, indicating they had never heard of him.

Jiraiya's heart sank. "This is the biggest slander against me! But haven't you read 'Icha Icha Paradise' or 'The Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi,' both of which I wrote?"

Sasuke replied, "My father said it's an inappropriate book, and he doesn't allow me to read it."

Jiraiya was crestfallen. "Kids these days... not even familiar with my name. It looks like I'll have to write more books in the future!"

Sasuke observed Jiraiya closely. His white hair was thick and wild, and he wore a forehead protector with the kanji for "oil" etched on it. There were long red marks beneath his eyes, and his stature was imposing.

Clearing his throat, Jiraiya got to the point. "Ahem, actually, I want to take one of you three as my disciple!"

Naruto immediately responded, "Jiraiya-sensei, please take Sasuke as your disciple! He's a true genius!"

Sasuke shook his head. "While Jiraiya-sensei is undoubtedly strong, his teachings aren't suitable for me. The Uchiha have their own legacy to uphold."

With that, Sasuke used the Body Flicker Technique and vanished.

Jiraiya chuckled. "Haha, what a prideful boy. Well then, I'll choose one of you two to be my disciple!"

Meanwhile, Sasuke continued walking through the woods, deep in thought. Although Jiraiya was powerful, his techniques weren't aligned with Sasuke's needs. Without Wind-style chakra, Sasuke couldn't even learn the basics like the Rasengan.

Moreover, the Toads of Mount Myoboku were not as appealing to Sasuke as the serpents of Ryūchi Cave. He also believed the Sage Techniques from Ryūchi Cave were superior to those from Mount Myoboku.

Suddenly, Sasuke sensed a strong Thunder-style chakra nearby. He quickly halted and perched on a tree, scanning the area below.

Two figures, unmistakably from the Hidden Cloud Village due to their dark skin and the blue lightning arcing across their muscles, dashed through the forest. They weren't wearing forehead protectors, but their appearance and chakra made their identities clear.

Later, at home, Sasuke asked his father, Fugaku, "Father, did anyone from the Hidden Cloud Village come to Konoha?"

Fugaku nodded. "How did you know? The Fourth Raikage came in person, along with others, to sign a 'Peace Agreement' with the Third Hokage."

This "Peace Agreement" was an arrangement between Konoha and the Hidden Cloud Village to avoid conflict.

Sasuke asked, "Father, what's the real purpose of this peace agreement?"

Fugaku replied, "It's merely to placate the Third Hokage. Agreements like these can be torn up at any moment by either Konoha or the Hidden Cloud Village."

Sasuke pondered this. The peace agreement seemed pointless to him. Then, an idea struck him.

"Could their real objective be Hinata?" he thought.

It was well-known that the Hidden Cloud Village had long coveted the Byakugan of the Hyuga Clan. Although Hinata was timid, her Byakugan was pure.

Anger flared up in Sasuke. He sought out Itachi and said, "Onii-chan, the Hidden Cloud Village might be targeting Hinata."

Itachi remained silent, observing his brother, curious to see what Sasuke would do.

Sasuke declared, "If the Hidden Cloud Village is unkind, they shouldn't expect kindness from us! If they want Hinata's Byakugan, then we should take one of their tailed beasts!"

Itachi was startled. "Are you really thinking about capturing the Jinchūriki of the Hidden Cloud Village?"

Sasuke nodded firmly. "Yes. We're not going after the Eight-Tails—just the Two-Tails. If we capture Killer Bee, the Fourth Raikage would definitely wage war on Konoha. But the Two-Tails' Jinchūriki is different. She doesn't hold the same status in the Raikage's heart as his brother."

Sasuke then went to the Hyuga clan's compound. He was greeted by Hiashi, who was on duty. "Uncle Hiashi, where's Uncle Hizashi?"

Hiashi responded, "Oh, the Fourth Raikage came to sign the peace agreement. My brother went to the Hokage's office to give his regards. What brings you here?"

"I wanted to see Hinata," Sasuke replied.

Hiashi laughed heartily. "Haha, you little rascal. It's only been a day since you last saw her. Who did you meet today?"

Sasuke casually answered, "Jiraiya."

Upon hearing this, Hiashi's eyes widened in excitement. "Jiraiya, one of the Legendary Sannin?! I love his book 'Icha Icha Paradise.' Could you get me an autograph the next time you see him?"

Sasuke agreed but was taken aback. "Is the audience for 'Icha Icha Paradise' really middle-aged men?" he wondered.

Meanwhile, Neji was training hard at the Hyuga compound, striking a wooden training dummy. Sweat poured from him, and his palms were red, yet he refrained from using chakra to protect his body. Sasuke observed Neji's determination.

"If it weren't for the Caged Bird seal, Neji's potential would be limitless," Sasuke thought. "The Hyuga clan would be twice as strong if not for those restrictions."