Chapter 52: Passing the Torch

Chapter 52: Passing the Torch

"Why him?" Mizuki couldn't help but feel puzzled. In the original timeline, it was Moonlight Hayate who had tracked Kabuto Yakushi, only to be swiftly killed by Baki from the Sand Village. Although Mizuki wasn't particularly close to Hayate, they had once fought side by side. If there was anything he could do, he hoped the man would survive.

"Is there a problem?" Kakashi asked. "Hayate is a Tokubetsu Jōnin skilled in tracking and infiltration. His swordsmanship is excellent, and his combat abilities aren't weak. Isn't he a perfect fit for investigating Kabuto?"

Mizuki nodded but remained silent. Without concrete evidence, it was impossible to send a stronger shinobi. He couldn't exactly claim that the Sand Village was planning a betrayal, could he? While there were already some suspicions about their unusual activities, outright stating that they would ally with Orochimaru to attack the Hidden Leaf was still too far-fetched.

"I really can't help much here, Hayate. You'll have to fend for yourself."

As Mizuki and Kakashi spoke, Sakura, who had been listening, suddenly interjected. "Kakashi-sensei, the Moonlight Hayate you're talking about is the Chūnin Exam proctor, and Kabuto-senpai is the examinee who participated with us, right?"

"That's right," Kakashi confirmed.

"But why would Kabuto-senpai, a fellow Konoha ninja, attack Sasuke? And why is a Tokubetsu Jōnin investigating him?"

Mizuki turned to Kakashi. "You really don't tell your students anything, do you?"

Kakashi looked embarrassed. "Well... I kind of forgot. No one asked, so I assumed everyone already knew. Sakura, the Kabuto-senpai you're talking about is actually a subordinate of Orochimaru, a spy working against the village. His goal in approaching you all was never genuine."

"How could that be?" Sakura gasped in shock. She was already frightened by Orochimaru's attack during the Forest of Death, and now she learned that a seemingly friendly senior was actually a traitor. It shattered her understanding of the world.

"Sakura, the ninja world is like this," Mizuki said gently. "Betrayal, injuries, and even death—these are things every shinobi must face."

"Is that true, Mizuki-sensei? Have you experienced things like this before?"

Mizuki sighed. "Sakura, some things are too early for a Genin to hear. But since it happened right beside you, maybe it's time you knew."

Kakashi nodded, deciding to step in. "Sakura, do you remember our mission to the Land of Waves? When we fought Zabuza and Haku, and Naruto and Sasuke nearly died? The truth is, the battle you saw was only part of the story. While you were fighting, Konoha had already sent other ninja—including Mizuki, Moonlight Hayate, and Morino Ibiki—to fend off enemy forces from other villages. If they hadn't intercepted those threats, we wouldn't have only faced Zabuza and Haku."

Kakashi sighed. "Sometimes, the battles you see in the open aren't the full picture. There's always conflict happening in the shadows. The stealth and counterintelligence lessons you learn at the Academy aren't just for exams—they're meant to help you survive in the real world."

Mizuki quickly cut in. "Alright, Kakashi, now isn't the time for a lecture. Don't you have something else to do?"

"You're right. I'll be on my way."

As Kakashi left, Mizuki turned to Sakura. "Some things are better left unknown for now. It's too early for you to carry such burdens."

"Yes, Mizuki-sensei," Sakura murmured, focusing back on her studies. Mizuki sincerely hoped this bright young girl wouldn't overthink things. Getting stuck in thought could be more dangerous than anything else.

---

On a high rooftop in the Hidden Leaf, Jiraiya leaned lazily against the railing, watching an amusing scene below.

The elite teacher Ebisu was training Naruto in chakra control, but the impatient blonde kept messing up, repeatedly scalding himself with hot water from the springs. The whole time, Naruto and Ebisu bickered like a comedy duo.

For the past few days, Jiraiya had been observing these two. The free-spirited sage often found himself laughing at Naruto's antics.

Then, behind him, an uninvited guest appeared.

"Tch, I was spotted, huh?"

"You didn't even try to hide," an aged but firm voice replied. "Jiraiya."

It was none other than his former master, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. "You've been away from the village for so long. What brings you back?"

"Research, of course! I'm a famous writer, after all," Jiraiya replied casually.

Sarutobi gave him a knowing look. "Fine, have it your way. But since you're here, I'm sure you've already noticed the situation in the village."

"You think I've been here for days?" Jiraiya smirked. "Did someone tip you off?"

"Don't dodge the question. You already know about Orochimaru's return," the Third said, his expression growing serious. "This time, I won't let my past mistakes repeat themselves."

He sighed before continuing, "I'm not as young as I used to be, Jiraiya. No matter what happens, I want you to take over as the next Hokage."

"Old man, don't joke about that. I have zero interest in taking that job. Find someone else. There are plenty of people who want it."

Sarutobi shook his head, a trace of regret in his eyes. "I know you've always resented my decisions. If you hadn't, you and Tsunade wouldn't have stayed away for so long. But as Hokage, sacrifices must be made for the village's stability. I couldn't cater to just a few individuals."

As the leader of Konoha for so many years, Sarutobi had made countless difficult decisions. To maintain the village's authority, he had ordered the execution of the Hyūga Clan's Hizashi and allowed the Uchiha Clan's massacre. These were just the more well-known incidents.

"That's exactly why I could never be Hokage," Jiraiya said bluntly. "You need someone who's better suited for it."

Sarutobi sighed. "Then why are you back? Did you hear something troubling?"

"Maybe," Jiraiya replied cryptically. Then, he glanced back down at Naruto.

"Or maybe… I just happened to meet an interesting kid."

"Oh? Is this about that prophecy of yours again?"

"Who knows?" Jiraiya chuckled. "That kid is the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki, right? Minato's son… He's grown up healthy, huh?"

"Yes," Sarutobi said with a faint smile. "Naruto has become an outstanding shinobi—he reminds me of you in your younger days."

"Time sure flies. Minato's been gone for over a decade now, and his son's already this big."

Jiraiya suddenly looked up at his old master.

"Hey… Don't die on me, old man."

---

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