160 Chapter 160

After returning home, Kaito did not bother to pay attention to Jiraiya's 'old classmates' gathering, but he still had Shisui on standby in the distance.

He had to be careful with Orochimaru no matter what because this guy was truly capable of causing trouble.

If he wasn't careful, Orochimaru could cause a big fuss, especially since this scoundrel had mastered the Impure World Reincarnation technique.

Kaito knew he was being a bit overly cautious, after all, both Jiraiya and Tsunade were there and probably wouldn't allow Orochimaru to make any mischief.

Moreover, Kaito had given Orochimaru a heads up in advance, letting Tsunade know that Orochimaru had the ability to awaken her grandfather.

Therefore, for whatever reason, these two probably wouldn't let Orochimaru do anything. If he dared to make a move, it would inevitably lead to a battle.

"What a pity that Shisui's pupil technique hasn't fully cooled down yet, otherwise we could have held Orochimaru down."

Holding an umbrella, Kaito walked home, really regretting that Shisui's ability hadn't cooled down.

Orochimaru's research ability had always been recognized by Kaito and was something he yearned for.

But unfortunately, if this guy didn't cooperate, there was nothing he could do. Even if you caught him, he might still be able to escape.

Therefore, he couldn't be bothered to do anything and just let Jiraiya save some face.

Kaito was always a cautious person, if anyone provoked him he would certainly look for an opportunity to retaliate.

Whether it was Danzo or Sarutobi Hiruzen, aren't all these guys now having tea in the pure land?

Orochimaru had created an Impure World Reincarnation which made Kaito extremely embarrassed. Even though, in some sense, Kaito should thank him for giving him the opportunity to fight with Uchiha Madara.

But if you provoked him, then you provoked him. Kaito, who was never a virtuous and kind-hearted person, would certainly do something.

And his idea was very simple, either you work honestly for me, or I'll use Kotoamatsukami to control you to work for me.

There were no other choices, no other considerations, just a matter of freedom or not.

"But we still have to wait for a while, waiting for Shisui's situation to recover."

After returning home, Kaito rested well for a night. Early the next day, he went straight to the guard department to clock in for work.

As the head of the guard department, Kaito had been too busy to take care of many things, and so he had left them to Uchiha Fugaku, which was admittedly somewhat irresponsible.

But there was no choice for Kaito, the entire guard department knew just how busy their chief was, so no one would blame him.

Moreover, Uchiha Fugaku was strictly following Kaito's established path, which gave Kaito some reassurance.

"It seems that the future head of the guard department can be completely left to him, after all, the position is essentially a continuation of the existing structure of the guard department."

As Kaito walked, he silently pondered in his mind. In his plan, the guard department was divided into three major parts.

The role of head of the guard department is an extension of the current operational state of the department, only more comprehensive and detailed in management, and its coverage has become wider.

After all, it has spread from every street and community to the whole Konoha, constructing a complete and perfected blockchain.

Uchiha Fugaku was originally the head of the security department. This guy was a veteran in handling all these matters.

Even if Kaito reformed the internal rules and regulations of the security department, this guy could quickly adapt to it all, and his performance was quite impressive.

In Kaito's heart, some middle-level power could be delegated, but he never intended to give the highest power of the security department to others.

Therefore, handing it over to Uchiha Fugaku is completely feasible, and his loyalty and current performance also make Kaito very reassured.

As for the Security Director, a violent organization completely focused on the internal defense of Konoha, Kaito's idea was to give it to Shisui to lead.

But that is still far away, he can slowly advance and perfect it. The issue with the Judiciary Director is what gives Kaito a headache.

Because he can't think of who should be given a shot at it, but after pondering over it, Kaito thought, at worst he could learn from the crazy nation across the ocean in his previous life.

"Appoint seven supreme justices at once, letting all seven major families in, but the main decision still listens to me."

Kaito muttered to himself as he entered the office of the security department. What puzzled him was that he did not find Yaneko in the office today.

This made him a little confused. Normally, Yaneko would be waiting for him in the office, or doing something leisurely in the office.

But now she is nowhere to be seen, which makes Kaito feel a bit uncomfortable.

But as Kaito was pondering, his office door was knocked. When he allowed the knocker to enter, he realized it was Yaneko who came.

What confused Kaito was that he found Yaneko's gaze at him a bit strange.

That look was as if she was looking at a pervert, which baffled Kaito, he didn't think he did anything odd, did he?

"What is that look in your eyes?" Kaito asked inexplicably: "Why do I feel, your gaze is so disrespectful?"

"You are the one who's being disrespectful!" Yaneko glared at Kaito, then put down the documents in her hand and turned to leave.

But before she could step out, Kaito swiftly grabbed her wrist.

"How was I disrespectful?" Kaito raised an eyebrow: "I didn't do anything, don't speak nonsense."

"What about now?"

Yaneko glanced at her wrist that was being grabbed, but she didn't struggle.

"Never mind, maybe it's not disrespectful to you, but remember the three forbiddens of a ninja.

Even if you're already strong enough, but you're the clan leader of the Uchiha, and the head of the security department, you need to be mindful of your influence."

"What are you talking about?"

Kaito was even more confused. He hadn't drunk alcohol — not of age yet, and wasn't indulging in lust — he hadn't encountered a suitable one in his clan yet.

Moreover, as the clan leader of the Uchiha, he wasn't short of money, and he was a disciplined ninja. How did he get involved with this?

These days, he spent all his time assisting Jiraiya and dealing with the funeral arrangements. He hadn't even gone to the prison to collect heads.

"Are you misunderstanding something? I've been so busy these days, you should know. What does the three prohibitions of a ninja have to do with me?"

"Where is Jiraiya-sama's book?"

Yaneko turned a bit red as she asked. She still remembered the strange look the bookstore owner gave her when she asked for "Paradise of Intimacy".

At that time, she didn't react and didn't think much about it. It wasn't until she read the content of the book that she realized what it was!

Thinking of this, Yaneko glared at Kaito. After a brief moment of surprise, Kaito burst into laughter.

"You're talking about 'Paradise of Intimacy,' aren't you?"

"You've read it, haven't you? Such books should not be sold in Konoha, you need to consider the impact!"

"Alright, alright. The book is so poorly written, it lacks any detail. I don't know what you're shy about."

"You're still looking for details? You really are full of lewd thoughts!"

...

"This is considered lewd? You don't know what I've seen in my previous life."

On his way to the Konoha prison, the corner of Kaito's mouth twitched slightly.

The contents of "Paradise of Intimacy", in his previous life, was barely considered anything. At most, it would be categorized as introductory literature.

Back then, Kaito's computer was filled with countless uncensored HD movies, but unfortunately, everything disappeared when he traversed.

"Oh no, those things were never deleted, if they're discovered..."

For some reason, Kaito, who had never considered this before, suddenly thought of this problem. He instantly felt like his social death was inevitable.

Even if he's gone in his previous life, being repeatedly whipped after death would still make Kaito feel awkward and his scalp tingle.

He now only hopes that whoever got his computer would quickly reinstall it. Even if it's found, it's okay, just don't flip through his browsing history!

As Kaito murmured and walked forward, he probably didn't notice that his mentality had changed slightly.

The previous Kaito was also optimistic, cheerful, and energetic, but at that time he was under a lot of pressure.

It was related to his life, to the survival of the entire clan.

While he wasn't repressed or driven to hysteria, he wouldn't think about these issues at that time, and his mentality was not as good as it is now.

Naturally, his thoughts were only for self-preservation, and he wouldn't think about many things that could help him relax and enjoy.

But now, perhaps due to the change in environment and the increase in his strength, he has changed a bit.

Mindset is indeed very important for a ninja, because these various mindsets can affect a ninja's growth.

In the original work, Sasuke's heart filled with hatred, only wanting to kill Uchiha Itachi, gives him ample motivation to constantly grow.

However, correspondingly, because of this twisted mentality, he has become indifferent to the consequences and simply considers who can bring about change for him. It would not be an exaggeration to say that he has fallen into the abyss.

And all of this was caused by that self-righteous Uchiha Itachi.

This guy is genuinely destructive, even the brother he claims to love the most is left with anger from gods and ghosts because of him.

If it were not for Naruto's continuous efforts to pull Sasuke out of hell, it would be a miracle if Sasuke ended up well.

As for Naruto, he always maintained a positive and optimistic attitude, desiring to gain everyone's recognition through his own efforts, and eager to protect everything he cherishes.

Under this mindset, his faith was solidified, his strength increased rapidly, and he ultimately became the savior and defeated Sasuke, who was also a savior.

Perhaps it's because Kaito has not experienced the most brutal war that he has not fallen into the dark abyss and can always maintain a good mindset.

Even under the double pressure from within and outside, he is still able to withstand everything and continue to move forward.

Now that the pressure within the village has disappeared, Kaito has gained enough confidence, because all of this is his own efforts.

This confidence subtly changes his mindset, and also the stimulation of Uchiha Madara's resurrection keeps him from being arrogant.

Confident but not arrogant, positive and optimistic, one can imagine how much growth Kaito can achieve due to the changes in his mindset!

However, Kaito has not noticed this now, but it will not affect his growth, and at this time, he has easily entered the Konoha prison again.

Strictly speaking, Kaito has rarely visited Konoha Prison, either for tours or for sneaking in to accumulate 'Shadow Scythe'.

But he knows everything about the prison quite clearly, because he was truly amazed by the construction of the Konoha prison at the beginning.

In Kaito's mind, a multitude of tough men popped up in an instant, and this prison was simply for him to practice and understand!

If the people here understood and were let go, running to other villages would be fine, but staying in Konoha would be untenable, right?

Therefore, at Kaito's strong request, the whole prison underwent modifications in management mode and guard mode.

Although it cost a lot of money and increased manpower costs, the prison is much safer now than before.

"At least I don't have to worry about any enlightened masters appearing here, then going out to start a hardcore life."

While thinking about this, Kaito silently ran to the place where the death row inmates were held.

Kaito is really lucky, because the impeachment of Hiruzen Sarutobi led him to deal with the Anbu, which caused a huge loss to the Anbu.

Now Kakashi is forced to readjust and make large-scale use of reserve personnel.

Although the operation of the Anbu has been restored, the shortage of manpower is still a short-term insurmountable problem.

Therefore, many prisoners in the Anbu prison, including some death row inmates who hadn't been dealt with in time, were all transferred to Kaito's Konoha prison. This was a real bargain for Kaito!

Although this brought significant pressure to the prison guards, Kaito didn't need to worry about running out of death row inmates to use.

"Who's there?"

Inside a death row inmate's cell, Kaito suddenly emerged from the space, giving him quite a fright.

However, just as he opened his mouth, Kaito's eyes turned into a bizarre red, and a strange power emanated from them.

"Eh....."

The prisoner was stunned for a moment, and in the next second, he just stood still.

As Kaito's ocular power intensified, the prisoner suddenly clutched his throat and knelt down.

His face turned purple, and his mouth slightly opened, but weirdly enough, he didn't make a sound, nor did he breathe autonomously.

After a long time, he finally died, and the cause of his death was suffocation!

Kaito just watched this guy quietly, then silently turned around and left for the next death row inmate's room.

As the head of the guard department, Kaito had full knowledge of these people's intelligence.

This guy was absolutely irredeemable. He had stained his hands with the blood of many innocents, but unfortunately, he was captured by the Anbu during a mission in the Land of Fire.

After all the twists and turns, he ended up in Kaito's hands. Kaito felt no guilt in killing him.

In the following time, Kaito continued to wander among the death row inmate rooms, creating suicide scenarios for them.

Once everything was done, Kaito quietly returned to his office.

[Courage: Every time you kill an enemy, you can gain a shard of courage. When you acquire one hundred shards of courage, you can enhance your Yang Release power to a certain extent and improve your physical fitness. (The number of shards contained by enemies of different ninja ranks varies)]

[Activation condition: Need a hundred shards of courage to activate]

[Courage Shards: Jōnin can gain twenty-five, Chūnin can gain twenty, Genin can gain ten, ordinary enemies vary between one to five]

[Shard collection completed, start importing?]

Kaito looked at the system prompt and nodded lightly.

One good thing about the system was that it somewhat eased the difficulty for Kaito within reasonable rules.

The so-called hunting of Jōnin only required the enemy to be of the Jōnin rank; nothing else mattered.

Among these death row inmates, the weakest were probably Chūnin. This could be said to have saved Kaito a lot of trouble.

"Start the import."

Kaito pondered for a moment and then directly spoke.

"I have two instances of Yang Release in my body, both revived and born from modifications. I'm curious to see how much this can enhance me..."

...

Kaito had no shortage of Yang Release within his body, even Uchiha Madara would be impressed upon seeing it.

However, due to Kaito's body's nature, he was always in urgent need of Yang Release, so how could he not be happy to get such a huge amount of Yang Release this time?

Besides, he had long determined that the enhancement of his eye's strength indeed required these Yang Release powers as assistance.

The stronger his Yang Release, the stronger his eyes would become. As an Uchiha, the strength of his eyes could indeed directly determine his combat power.

With Kaito's decision, the system quickly started operating. In a flash, Kaito felt a strong vitality swirling within him.

At this moment, his body felt warm and comfortable.

Although these powers were subtly stimulating his body to change, having already experienced the most painful transformation, he felt nothing unusual about this change.

In just a moment, Kaito felt these powers fully integrate within his body, and at the same time, he could feel his body strength changing once more.

He clenched his fist slightly, and a surging power was freely flowing within his body. Such a feeling was indeed very wonderful.

Moreover, with the intake of this Yang Release, Kaito distinctly felt that his eyes seemed to have been enhanced again.

If before he could only vaguely feel that there seemed to be a blockage in front of his eyes,

Now, he seemed to be able to slightly see this ceiling blocking his path forward.

This was progress, a clear and tangible progress.

Such a feeling was addictive because it could make him understand his path more clearly!

"But having improved, I need to keep adapting to these powers. Uchiha Madara has taught me a good lesson.

My combat experience is not rich, and my use of power is far inferior to his, so I must try harder and work harder."

Kaito was very clear about his strengths and weaknesses, and what he needed to do was to carry out some targeted training.

Even some targeted battles, to compensate for his shortcomings.

However, Kaito could not rush this matter now, after all, he still had many plans to implement and many things to do.

With so many things to do, Kaito was overwhelmed, he could only do things one step at a time.

After stabilizing the constantly stirring chakra within his body, Kaito began to consolidate his current situation.

However, after he spent an hour finally calming these powers, he didn't expect his door to be knocked on again.

"Come in." Kaito quelled all his powers and then directly spoke. Soon, Yaneko came in.

Yaneko looked a bit awkward at this time, after all, she had just called Kaito a 'guy with a brain full of yellow waste', now running over here, she couldn't stand it.

However, after a slight awkwardness, her expression immediately became serious, it was obvious that she knew that this was not the time to worry about these details.

She took a deep breath before saying, "There are two things I need to report. First, Master Jiraiya wants to see you."

"Jiraiya wants to see me?" Kaito was taken aback by this news, but quickly nodded to show his understanding.

Kaito guessed that perhaps it was their conversation last night that had led to this decision, or perhaps Tsunade had made a decision.

With that in mind, Kaito nodded again and quickly asked, "Is Tsunade still in Konoha? She hasn't left, has she?"

"Lady Tsunade?"

Although Yaneko didn't know why Kaito was asking about Tsunade, the clever her immediately realized that Jiraiya's request to meet him might have something to do with Tsunade, so she promptly replied.

"Lady Tsunade is still in Konoha, there are no signs of her leaving for now. She is still within the village."

"Still in Konoha, I see."

Kaito nodded, if Tsunade was still in Konoha then things could be discussed. This meeting was likely about Tsunade.

Thinking about this, Kaito didn't want to delay any longer. He stood up and was ready to leave when Yaneko spoke again.

"Don't rush, there's another matter that I need to report to you."

Seeing Kaito's reaction, Yaneko knew that the matter regarding Jiraiya must be significant. If nothing unexpected happened, it really had something to do with Tsunade.

She even speculated that Kaito wanted Tsunade to stay in Konoha, after all, if Tsunade's position was firm, then her staying would be more beneficial than harmful.

Normally, Yaneko wouldn't obstruct Kaito's movements at this time, but the matter at hand was indeed critical.

"This matter is important, I must inform you because there might be a problem within the guard department, even a possibility of enemies infiltrating."

"Hmm?"

Kaito stopped upon hearing this. His gaze instantly became sharp.

He didn't care if the enemy was in the temple, but if they were in the guard department, he couldn't accept that!

"What's going on? Explain in detail, I'll figure out how to handle it."

Kaito said seriously, he was indeed angry at the moment. Even after Sarutobi Hiruzen's death, they still dared to cause trouble, wasn't this seeking death?

However, Kaito's sharp gaze became somewhat awkward and evasive after Yaneko spoke again.

"According to the report, several death-row prisoners died an hour ago. They seemed to have committed suicide, but I suspect it's more like silencing."

Yaneko said with a serious expression, she hadn't noticed Kaito's gaze at all.

"Among these people, many are spies from other countries. Perhaps they know a lot of secrets, hence the silencing.

The others might have been killed to cover up the real targets. After all, so many people dying from suicide or self-inflicted reasons all at once, it just doesn't seem plausible."

"Uh... Indeed..."

Kaito managed a composed smile, wondering why the last time he pulled something like this nothing happened, but this time, it drew attention.

And how could this be wrong? What's this about an enemy in the guard department? Could it be that he, Kaito, as the head of the guard department, is the enemy?

Would they ask him later, "Why did the department head turn traitor?"

Kaito shook his head firmly in his mind, then turned to Yaneko and said seriously, "I understand this matter, I will have Shisui follow up on it. It seems that our prison management and defense system still has some problems."

"There are no problems for now, the key is that we have no idea how the enemy got in."

Yaneko sighed slightly, her expression becoming more serious and stern.

"I've seen the prison reform plan, it was proposed by you. You've installed surveillance in every corner of the prison.

This can prevent many incidents, but the enemy seemed to not take the regular route, perhaps they used some unknown power.

For instance, space ninjutsu?"

Upon hearing this, Kaito couldn't help but swallow. He found that sometimes being too clever wasn't necessarily a good thing.

After all this analysis, wasn't she pushing Kaito into a corner? This couldn't happen...

.....

"What a nuisance."

Kaito sighed as he walked towards the Hokage building.

Kaito felt a bit overwhelmed. His ability to use space ninjutsu was not exactly a well-kept secret in Konoha.

The higher-ups of the Uchiha clan and the heads of the seven major families had all witnessed Kaito's space ninjutsu. If Yaneko went back and asked around, there was a good chance that Shisui would tell her straight away.

Although it wasn't a big deal for Kaito to kill some death-row prisoners - after all, these guys were essentially done for, and Kaito was just giving them a push - his secretive actions were a bit questionable. Kaito now needed to think of a counterstrategy.

However, these were all minor issues. The most Kaito would face was a bit of embarrassment. He was more focused on the upcoming meeting.

As he briskly walked ahead, Kaito suddenly cast a glance to the side, and a figure quickly appeared beside him.

"How is it, has that guy Orochimaru caused any problems?" Kaito asked bluntly without any courtesy.

Evidently, this figure was Shisui, who Kaito had assigned to tail Orochimaru last night.

"No, he left Konoha right after offering the flowers last night and didn't cause any trouble."

Shisui answered directly, although his expression showed some confusion.

"But I did notice something strange. Both Lady Tsunade and Master Jiraiya were very restrained.

Especially Lady Tsunade, she seemed to want to make a move but didn't do anything for various reasons.

So everything was peaceful last night, but after Orochimaru left Konoha, he disappeared and I had a hard time tracking him."

"That's fine, as long as he has left, consider this as doing a favor for Jiraiya."

Hearing Shisui's words, Kaito couldn't help but smile. Orochimaru's ability to escape was probably unmatched in the entire world of Naruto.

Otherwise, why could this guy always get away easily no matter how much trouble he caused? It was because he could truly run.

Aside from the Sharingan or rather, the Mangekyō's genjutsu, this guy had hardly any weaknesses.

This also meant that there were very few ways to counter him, not to mention even if he did fall into a trap, he had ways to survive.

"He's like an eel, there's not much you can do to him unless you can completely control him."

Kaito grumbled to himself, then turned to Shisui and said, "Are you tired? If so, go home and rest. If not, do you want to come with me to see Jiraiya, or rather, check on Tsunade's attitude?"

"You underestimate me. I was once a ninja of the Anbu."

Shisui chuckled, then followed Kaito towards the Hokage building.

When they both arrived at Jiraiya's office in the Hokage building, Kaito nodded slightly.

As expected, Tsunade was also there, which further confirmed Kaito's thoughts.

"Master Jiraiya, Lady Tsunade." Kaito and Shisui greeted the two with a slight nod and a smile, "I wonder why you wanted to see me. Is there something you need?"

"It's me who wanted to see you, I just want to understand and confirm a few things."

Tsunade walked out, staring at Kaito and said coldly.

"I know why you want Jiraiya to stay, and so does he.

And he agreed because you used the Great Ninja ideology to pressure him, of course, and your so-called vision. But I'm not Jiraiya.

I don't know why you want me to stay. Is it just because of the reasons you mentioned last night?

Or do you want to use my return to the Medical Department to increase your influence, allowing you to better control Konoha?"

Upon hearing Tsunade's words, Kaito couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. This woman was really direct.

And she was indeed sharp enough. In just a few sentences, she saw through Kaito's thoughts.

But upon reflection, it wasn't surprising at all. After all, she had received elite education under the last glow of the Senju clan.

Don't be fooled by her seemingly careless behavior in the position of Hokage, she handled every matter with great skill.

Especially when faced with significant issues, she could instantly take on her responsibilities, and her performance never disappointed.

Looking at the formidable Tsunade before him, Kaito revealed a slight smile, then spoke softly.

"Your conjecture is absolutely correct, I indeed have such thoughts, but it's not entirely so.

Actually, I made my thoughts quite clear last night, but since you asked, let me explain a little more."

Kaito paused slightly, then walked over to the sofa and sat down.

Next, he gently tapped to signal Shisui, Jiraiya, and Tsunade to sit down, completely taking control of the situation. After they all sat down, he continued.

"I want you to stay for three reasons. First, you can exert an unimaginable influence in medical ninjutsu.

Such influence would be of great benefit to the entire Konoha.

Because you are a pioneer of medical ninjutsu, because you are one of the Sannin, because you are Tsunade.

Even we would reap incredible benefits if you stayed, so I do need you to stay. I hope you understand what I mean.

Second, I indeed hope that you can do something for the ninjas who have experienced war.

I haven't experienced war, but I can feel the mental state of those who have. Even now, most of them haven't fully recovered.

Sometimes, the end of a war does not mean the end of everything, because the trauma of war has deeply imprinted in their hearts.

I have my own personal reasons. I believe Jiraiya has told you some of my thoughts. Whether you agree or not, I will work towards this goal.

If you could heal them, Konoha would have a large group of experienced ninjas with a good state of mind.

Even if not for my ideas, don't they deserve something from you for all the sacrifices they have made for Konoha?

Third, Jiraiya needs trusted people around him as the Hokage, and as his classmate and the person he trusts the most, you are the most suitable candidate."

Having said so much, Kaito paused slightly, looking at the seemingly silent Tsunade in front of him.

He gently tapped the table once again, then said with a smile.

"Of course, I can also tell you that this is actually a safeguard against you.

Because you are an extremely excellent person. Although you have a gambling habit, isn't Jiraiya also a lascivious old man?

That's not a big deal. Moreover, past war experiences have taught me that you are absolutely reliable at critical moments.

Careful, bold, responsible, highly capable, and one of the Sannin with a high reputation.

If you were to run for Hokage, to be honest, even with our help, it would be somewhat troublesome for Jiraiya.

And you are definitely not the Hokage we welcome, so if you become Jiraiya's assistant or even advisor, everything would be different.

These are my thoughts and goals. Is this enough for you to confirm?"

...

As Kaito's words fell, the whole room fell somewhat silent.

Tsunade looked at Kaito with a slightly furrowed brow, she hadn't expected that her straightforward method of probing would be bluntly reciprocated by Kaito.

Moreover, the reasons Kaito gave were so candid and blatant, but strangely, what she sensed was not malice, but sincerity!

This guy didn't evade expressing his thoughts at all. He very directly admitted that he wanted to use her.

But in admitting these things, he also articulated his fear of her.

Tsunade felt that such a fear was not worse than the praise of an enemy of her level, it even made her feel more comfortable.

Moreover, Tsunade had to admit, this guy seemed to understand her quite well, his assessments were quite accurate.

Even though this guy was doing all this for their own benefit, he gave Tsunade a reason that was truly hard for her to refuse.

She had been on the battlefield herself and naturally knew how severe the post-war damage was. Strictly speaking, she herself had some problems.

It was just that she didn't want to and had been avoiding dealing with her own issues. She preferred to treat it as a memory to commemorate some people who had left.

Taking a deep breath, Tsunade looked seriously at Kaito, and after a while, she finally nodded.

"I can stay, but you must remember this is your choice. Helping Jiraiya means I'm opposing you."

Tsunade didn't hide her thoughts, just stated them quite subtly. The position of Hokage was full of curses to her.

Now that Jiraiya was in the position, all she could do was to protect this idiot to the best of her ability.

She truly didn't want another person with whom she had a deep relationship to leave because of the 'curse' of Hokage.

"No, we won't oppose each other, because we're both doing this for Konoha."

Kaito laughed when he heard her answer. He found Tsunade, when she was serious, had a unique charm.

No wonder Jiraiya, for her, remained a bachelor all his life and never married.

Of course, it's also possible that Jiraiya is indeed a hopeless case.

"So, I guess we have reached an agreement, right?"

Kaito gathered his thoughts and then stood up and extended his hand towards Tsunade.

"My name is Uchiha Kaito, the head of the security department, Minister Tsunade, I look forward to working with you in the future."

"Don't get ahead of yourself. If you were really doing this for Konoha, would you have let Jiraiya fall into such a situation?"

Tsunade looked at Kaito's extended hand. Although her face still showed some displeasure, she finally stood up and reached out her hand.

Their hands clasped together, an image that made Kaito himself somewhat dazed.

Many years ago, the Uchiha and Senju clans must have shook hands like this, creating an era of peace.

Even if they can't compare to that time, at least for Konoha, this is still a historic and meaningful event.

"That's not quite right, you and Jiraiya have known each other for so long, you should know that he is a man full of idealism."

Kaito calmly looked at Tsunade and spoke with a smile.

"And the position of Hokage is one that can be steered with idealism, but it needs the support of realists to maintain.

Don't think too poorly of us, because we are indeed doing this for Konoha.

Of course, don't think too highly of us either, we are still members of the ninja clans, and you are one of them, you should understand."

Tsunade calmly glanced at Kaito, then didn't say anything else. Kaito's gaze then turned to Jiraiya.

At this moment, a brighter smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, then he spoke softly.

"Lord Jiraiya, I believe from today on, I should call you the Fifth Hokage."

Jiraiya looked at Kaito somewhat silently, then finally nodded slightly.

....

A few days later, Jiraiya stood on the corridor of the rooftop platform of the Hokage building, now dressed in a divine robe woven in white and red.

Listening to the cheers outside, he suddenly felt a bit nervous for some reason.

He was a person who had seen many storms, but he didn't expect that being thrust into the position of Hokage would still make him a bit nervous.

Although he knew that his Hokage was not the Hokage of his childhood dreams, he also knew that he had no choice. All he could do was to do everything he could.

"It's time, Lord Hokage." At this moment, Nara Shikaku came to Jiraiya's side and whispered.

"Uh-huh, I know." Jiraiya glanced at Nara Shikaku, then nodded seriously.

Slowly putting on his Hokage hat, Jiraiya took a deep breath and walked out of the corridor.

The next moment, a cheer like a tide suddenly poured toward him, the huge wave of sound filled his ears, the fervent atmosphere enveloped his whole body.

When he finally stepped to the very edge of the platform, he reached up and took off the hat on his head.

His gaze took in the sea of people below, after a while he finally spoke loudly.

"From today onwards, I am the Fifth Hokage of Konoha!"

//

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