Chapter 86: Minato’s Refusal and Danzo’s Madness

In the Training Grounds Outside Konoha

"…Well, I know about your unfinished Sage Mode," Orochimaru said with a sly twist of his lips, addressing Jiraiya.

"That form's incomplete. You barely use it in battle. Too many toad-like features—doesn't exactly suit your obsession with appearances, does it?"

"There's always a chance it'll come in handy!" Jiraiya shot back, mockingly. "Better than not learning it at all."

Orochimaru and Tsunade both fought the urge to hit him. That was a sore spot.

How could the most foolish, clumsiest one among them be the only one to master the Sage Arts? They didn't acknowledge his superiority—just assumed Sage Mode suited someone as simple and bull-headed as Jiraiya.

The wise think too much. Overanalyze. They often can't even pass the meditation phase—let alone find harmony with nature.

The Next Day – Konoha Academy

Gin, Mikoto, Minato, Kushina, Nawaki, and several others had officially filed their early graduation applications.

The Third Hokage, already expecting this, approved them on the spot. The final test would take place the following day.

Afterward, Hiruzen formally announced a special early graduation program for outstanding Academy students. Those who passed would immediately be assigned to handpicked commanders for field training.

Gin and the others remained calm. None of them took the test seriously. At this point, each had power rivaling or exceeding that of a seasoned Jōnin. Even if the exam were personally proctored by the Hokage himself, they were confident of success.

"We'll finally be free!" Kushina cheered, throwing her hands up. "No more Shadow Clones at the Academy! We're done!"

"Yeah, it was annoying getting the memory dumps from the clones every day," Gin muttered. "But don't get too comfortable. A war is coming. We need to train harder, gain experience—and stay sharp."

"For now, only Gin has the strength to handle truly dangerous threats," Mikoto added quietly. "We should avoid risking the others unless absolutely necessary."

"Besides," Gin said, "the space-time gate is still our trump card. But using it will expose our ability. Unless lives are at stake, we don't use it. No witnesses."

"Got it!" Kushina nodded rapidly.

"Oh, by the way!" Minato suddenly spoke up. "I ran into my blond uncle yesterday—Jiraiya. Turns out, he's the Sage of Mount Myōboku now. He offered to take me on as his personal student."

Everyone froze.

Gin's brow twitched. "He still found you, huh? Even after we altered your path…"

"Good instincts or just dumb luck," Mikoto muttered.

Kushina scowled. "Jiraiya? That pervert from Lady Tsunade's old team? Why's he interested in you?"

"Isn't he the guy who always peeks at the women's baths?" Nawaki asked.

"Yep," Kushina said. "Sister Tsunade beat him half to death five times. He spent weeks in the hospital each time. But he just doesn't learn. Even Lady Mito warned us never to go near the hot springs if he's around."

Minato let out an awkward laugh. "Yeah… that's kind of what's making me hesitate. He's strong, and a student of the Third Hokage, so it felt rude to turn him down at first. But now… I think I'll just say no."

"Smart," Kushina grunted. "If you picked up his habits, we'd break up. No question."

Minato laughed nervously again. "That's fair. I'll talk to him today and explain."

Gin gave a quiet nod. He approved of Minato's choice. Jiraiya was talented, but unreliable. Gin had considered offering Orochimaru a contract instead—though his trust in the Snake Sannin was limited.

It wasn't about Jiraiya's perversion. Or even his connection to Hiruzen and the Great Toad. The truth was, if Jiraiya's loyalties shifted, he could become an enemy.

Later That Day – Just Outside Konoha

Minato found Jiraiya relaxing under a tree, scribbling into his ever-present notebook.

"Ah, Minato! Just the person I wanted to see!" Jiraiya grinned. "Ready to start your training? I already have a whole—"

"I'm sorry," Minato said, bowing. "I can't accept."

"…Eh?" Jiraiya blinked.

"I appreciate the offer. Truly. But I'm already being guided by Gin and Hikari-sama. I'm not lacking in teachers or techniques. Besides… Kushina and Lady Tsunade are both against it."

Jiraiya's smile faltered. "Wait, Tsunade? And Kushina? That's a little harsh…"

"They're just worried you'll lead me astray."

"…Tsunade thinks I'm jealous of her disciple?" Jiraiya muttered. "Ridiculous. It's not like I'm trying to compete with that Gin kid…"

Minato shook his head. "There's no competition. I could never surpass Gin—not yet. But I'm okay with that. Also, for your safety, I wouldn't confront Lady Tsunade about this. She… uh, tends to punch."

"Yeah, no kidding…" Jiraiya rubbed his ribs reflexively. "Fine. If you've made your choice, I won't force it."

He sighed deeply, a trace of disappointment in his eyes.

"Just… don't waste your talent. You're one of the brightest I've seen. And if you ever need advice, you can still come to me."

"Thank you, Jiraiya-sama," Minato bowed again. "I appreciate it."

Jiraiya turned away with a dramatic wave of his hand. "Man… it's the peeking, isn't it? Curse you, old man! You turned me into this!"

And with that, he vanished in a swirl of leaves.

Meanwhile – Hokage's Office

"Danzo, have you gone mad?!"

Hiruzen slammed a hand on his desk, rage flashing in his eyes.

Danzo stood calmly, arms folded, flanked by Koharu and Homura.

"I'm not opposed to early graduation," Danzo said. "But you should have consulted us. These children aren't ready for the frontlines."

"Cut the act," Hiruzen snapped. "I know what you want."

Danzo's eyes narrowed. "Then I'll speak plainly. The Root division is short-handed. I need recruits. Strong ones. Send me the Uzumaki, the Uchiha, and the Senju descendants."

Even Koharu and Homura looked at him as if he were insane.

"Are you insane?" Hiruzen said coldly.

Danzo's face didn't flinch. "We can't influence the clans directly, but if we raise their children in Root, we can shape them. In time, they will follow my orders—even if it means turning against their clans. That is how we secure peace."

Hiruzen was deathly silent for a moment.

Then, he stood.

"You overestimate me if you think I can simply 'hand over' children from the Uchiha, Uzumaki, or Senju without consequence. Do you honestly believe they won't revolt?"

Danzo remained stone-faced.

"Open your eyes, Danzo," Hiruzen said coldly. "This isn't four years ago. These clans have grown stronger. Unified. They have enough strength to topple me if they choose. The only reason they haven't is because of Mito-sama, the will of the people, and their desire for stability."

"You want to use children to seize power?" Hiruzen continued. "If the clans find out about this, they won't just oppose you. They'll replace me. That's how reckless this idea is."

Danzo's lips tightened. He hadn't expected this level of resistance.

Hiruzen's gaze sharpened. "If you try to force their hands, I won't protect you."

Danzo said nothing, but his eyes burned with quiet fury.

End of Chapter 86