Chapter 61: Passing the Test

The elders were already astonished that Jiraiya, at such a young age, could master an S-rank Lightning Release jutsu.

But when Jiraiya said he had developed this terrifying technique himself, it left them utterly speechless.

Mastery and creation were two entirely different concepts, separated by a vast chasm. It was one thing to train and master a jutsu that someone else had developed, with enough talent and relentless effort, it was achievable.

However, creating a jutsu from scratch was an entirely different feat—an achievement that required exceptional skill, intellect, and creativity.

S-rank jutsu were rare in the shinobi world. Even the previous clan head of the Senju, a true prodigy, had only managed to create a few of them.

And yet, here was Jiraiya, still a boy, already capable of such an extraordinary accomplishment.

"If nothing unexpected happens, Jiraiya will undoubtedly become the cornerstone of Konohagakure, holding significant power within the village in the future," the elder said after a long pause, a sigh of awe escaping his lips.

Jiraiya represented a rare opportunity for the Senju clan to pull themselves out of their current decline. By investing in him now, they could secure his support in the future, ensuring that when he grew stronger, he would help revitalize their clan.

Of course, this plan hinged on one condition—Jiraiya couldn't fall completely under the sway of the Third Hokage's Will of Fire.

If he firmly embraced the Third Hokage's philosophy, then even his growth would not save the Senju.

"Jiraiya, do you know why the Senju clan has declined to this extent?" the Second Elder asked gravely.

"It's because so many of your clansmen died on the battlefield, sacrificing themselves to protect the village," Jiraiya replied.

"You're not entirely wrong," the elder said with a grim expression. "Indeed, we made great sacrifices to safeguard the village, but those losses alone wouldn't have led to our downfall. The real reason for our decline lies in the deliberate suppression we've faced from the village leadership. Our resources have dwindled to almost nothing."

His tone hardened. "Even the women willing to marry into the Senju clan have... diminished in quality. Only civilian women are available to us, while women from more influential families avoid us entirely. This is no coincidence—it's an orchestrated effort to weaken our bloodline."

The elder's voice grew sharp with anger as he continued.

"Our clan gave so much to Konoha, and yet, this is how we're repaid. Were it not for our current lack of strength, we'd consider leaving the village altogether. But even that thought is impossible—we wouldn't survive it. The moment we expressed such intentions, we'd be wiped out the next day."

Jiraiya's expression turned serious. He knew the elders were right. The Senju clan possessed too many secret techniques, too much knowledge. The higher-ups of Konoha would never allow such valuable assets to fall into enemy hands.

"Jiraiya," the First Elder said, his deep gaze locking onto the young man, "if you truly wish to be with Tsunade, then you must align yourself with the Senju. When you grow stronger, you must help us regain our former glory."

The elder's tone turned sharp. "When a conflict arises between the Senju clan and the village, I hope you will stand with us."

"If you cannot promise that, then I cannot permit you to pursue Tsunade."

Jiraiya thought for a moment before replying firmly. "The Senju and Konoha don't have any irreconcilable hatred. The root of the conflict lies in fear—fear from some within the village that the Senju's revival would threaten stability. I think their fears are unfounded."

"If I ever become part of the village leadership, even though I'm the Hokage's student, I won't inherit his Will of Fire."

The elders exchanged glances, their gazes alight with approval.

In the history of Konoha, both the Senju and the Uchiha clans had been oppressed due to their overwhelming power. The leadership feared they would lose control if these clans grew too strong. This fear had driven the village to suppress them to the brink of extinction.

But Jiraiya's answer was different. He didn't shy away from the truth.

"If I rise to power, I will ensure that both the Senju and the Uchiha regain their strength. Suppressing them is nothing but a foolish act of self-sabotage."

He continued, "It was a grave mistake for Konoha to weaken its strongest clans. The annihilation of the Uchiha clan, for example, only accelerated the village's decline. After the Uchiha were destroyed, Konoha lost its status as the strongest Hidden Village and fell into weakness.

"If I aim to lead this village and the shinobi world, I'll need the strength of both the Senju and the Uchiha."

The elders smiled, their faces finally relaxing. They were relieved to see that Jiraiya wasn't a mindless devotee of the Third Hokage's ideals.

"Well said," the Third Elder praised. "A shinobi must have their own will if they are to become strong."

"Then I hope you and Tsunade will get along well," the First Elder added with a smile.

Jiraiya nodded. He knew he had passed their test.

With this, the resources of the Senju clan were now open to him, including access to the secret techniques left behind by Tobirama Senju.

Jiraiya couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Tobirama's forbidden techniques were legendary. Though many had likely been lost, even a few would be invaluable.

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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