CHAPTER 248

Chunin Exam Aftermath Meeting

Location: Hidden Leaf Village

Following the failed invasion orchestrated by Orochimaru and Sunagakure, the remaining forces of Sound and Sand quickly lost their momentum. Without their leader and faced with Konoha's elite shinobi, most of the invaders surrendered and were taken to the Intelligence Division for interrogation.

In the Hokage's office, Jiraiya sat at the desk, scanning the report compiled by the ANBU.

The scale of the attack was far smaller than the Nine-Tails' assault years ago. Most battles took place outside the village walls, limiting structural damage within the core district. Only a few buildings were destroyed, making reconstruction a relatively simple process.

Despite the Chunin Exam's disruption, Konoha had gained political leverage over Sunagakure. Deceived by Orochimaru, the Kazekage had perished, leaving the village in turmoil. Now, with their forces weakened and leadership unstable, Sunagakure had no choice but to depend on Konoha.

Ironically, Orochimaru's actions had strengthened Konoha's hold over its former ally.

However, what troubled Jiraiya most was not the invasion itself—but the Sarutobi Clan's involvement. Some members had secretly conspired with Orochimaru, hoping to depose Jiraiya and reinstate Hiruzen Sarutobi as Hokage. Their rebellion was further complicated by the Fire Daimyo's ambiguous stance, as he had subtly supported the idea of Hiruzen's return.

Yet, in the end, the Third Hokage had no intention of reclaiming power. Instead, he sacrificed himself to stop Orochimaru, sealing away his arms with the Dead Demon Consuming Seal.

Jiraiya sighed as he gazed at a framed photograph of Hiruzen Sarutobi. The old man had always worn a gentle smile, a stark contrast to the turmoil he had left behind.

The Sarutobi Clan's betrayal posed a major dilemma.

If Jiraiya acted too leniently, it would weaken the Hokage's authority, emboldening other factions to challenge him. But if he punished them too harshly, it could spark further unrest—perhaps even another Uchiha-style purge.

Just as he was deep in thought, a knock sounded at the door.

Several key figures entered the office: Tsunade, Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, the Ino-Shika-Cho heads, and Hiashi Hyuga. These were the leaders of Konoha's various factions.

After a brief silence, Tsunade spoke first.

"Jiraiya, what do you plan to do about the Sarutobi Clan?"

Jiraiya exhaled. "I haven't decided yet. For now, I'll strip them of all official positions and conduct a full investigation. We'll settle the matter after Sarutobi-sensei's funeral."

Though firm in tone, he was clearly hesitant.

Shifting the topic, Jiraiya continued, "Meanwhile, negotiations with Sunagakure must move forward. Though they were deceived by Orochimaru, Konoha suffered heavy losses. We need reparations. My plan is to station troops in Suna and have them cover the costs. Thoughts?"

Homura and Koharu, Konoha's senior advisors, dismissed the matter with a wave of their hands.

"This is your decision, Jiraiya. You don't need our approval."

The Ino-Shika-Cho and Hyuga leaders remained cautious. The Sarutobi Clan's rebellion was a direct clash between Jiraiya and Hiruzen—a dispute they preferred to avoid.

In years past, they had sought the Hokage position. But after witnessing the downfall of the Uchiha and now the Sarutobi's disgrace, they began to wonder if the title of Hokage was more of a curse than an honor.

After the meeting adjourned, only Jiraiya and Tsunade remained in the office.

Jiraiya glanced at Tsunade. Now that she had overcome her hemophobia, she seemed stronger—more like the Tsunade of old.

Breaking the silence, Jiraiya asked, "How's Naruto? What does he want in return for his help?"

Tsunade crossed her arms. "He hasn't made any demands yet. But during the battle, he summoned Minato and Kushina's reanimated bodies."

Jiraiya's eyes widened. "He reincarnated them?"

Tsunade nodded. "Yeah. Right now, they're just… spending time together. Minato, Kushina, and Naruto—out shopping like a normal family."

Jiraiya sighed. "I can't blame him. He had every right to turn against Konoha. The Third made a mistake. I tried to convince him, but he wouldn't listen. At least Naruto didn't side with Orochimaru… otherwise, Konoha would have been in real trouble."

He paused before continuing, "Still, if Naruto is willing to negotiate, this is our chance. We have to rebuild trust. We can't let him become our enemy."

At that moment, an ANBU agent entered, handing Jiraiya a fresh report.

Skimming the document, Jiraiya's face darkened. "This is Kakashi's report. It confirms something serious… The masked man from Akatsuki—the one who attacked during the invasion—is Uchiha Obito."

Tsunade's eyes widened. "What?!"

Jiraiya's expression was grim. "According to Kakashi, Obito lost himself after Rin's death. That's what pushed him to become the masked man… and what led him to unleash the Nine-Tails all those years ago."

Tsunade clenched her fists. "So many tragedies… and they all tie back to Konoha."

Jiraiya nodded. Nagato, Obito, even Orochimaru—they were all Konoha's ghosts.

Had things been different, had they been guided properly, Konoha could have been stronger than ever.

Instead, they had become its greatest threats.

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