Chapter 141: Orochimaru: "Sensei Hiruzen, you're such a hypocrite!" (8,000 words)

Jiraiya returned to Leaf Village, two toads perched atop his shoulders—though he wasn’t in Sage Mode.

"Long time no see, Leaf Village. Feels like home," murmured Shin'zaku Sage, the green-skinned toad with silver beard, silver brows, and silver hair, his voice thick with nostalgia.

"Home?" replied Shima Sage, also green-skinned, with a head of vivid purple hair and naturally tinted purple lips. "You only came here twice, old man. Are you really nostalgic for a place you’ve barely visited?"

"Ribbit," Shin'zaku muttered.

"Talked!"

Suddenly, a sharp voice cut through the air, drawing Jiraiya’s and the toads’ attention.

"Kushina-sama! Those toads—they’re talking! Toads can talk! Burp~"

"Kushina?" Jiraiya blinked, turning around. There, leaning heavily on her arm, was Kushina—supporting a face flushed crimson, reeking of alcohol, and clearly drunk.

Kushina herself was only slightly tipsy, her eyes unfocused but not utterly lost.

Well, now… that’s a coincidence.

But why was her student—Shizune—drunk off her feet like this?

Jiraiya remembered: Shizune wasn’t the drinking type.

Kushina hadn’t expected to run into Jiraiya here. She glanced at the two toads on his shoulders, then offered a casual explanation to his puzzled expression.

"Today’s mood was terrible. I came to the tavern to drown my sorrows. Shizune saw me getting wasted and snatched the bottle—then drank the whole thing in one go."

"That was fifty-plus degree liquor. Even I have to sip it slowly. And she’s a kid who can’t handle alcohol—just one gulp, and this is what happens."

Jiraiya’s eyes widened in realization.

Then Kushina frowned, curious. "Those toads… are they from Mount Myōgaku? They look familiar. Who are they?"

"Shin'zaku Sage."

"Shima Sage."

Jiraiya introduced them. "You’ve met them before. These two are elder-level Sage Toads—second only to Great Toad Sage Gamabunta. They’re over eight hundred years old."

Kushina paused, then nodded slowly. "Now I remember… So what’s their purpose here?"

Jiraiya hesitated—was he allowed to say?

"Actually," Shin'zaku Sage smiled faintly, "we’re here to meet Uchiha Iizumi."

"Great Toad Sage sent us. He heard there’s a Leaf Village ninja—Uchiha Iizumi—with eyes that can see the future. We’re just verifying whether it’s true."

Kushina’s lips curled. "Great Toad Sage?"

"Yep," Jiraiya added quickly. "The one who convinced you to chase after the Chosen One all over the Ninja World."

"Oh!" Kushina’s face lit up. "That same toad who got you lost, then made you take a beating from Iizumi?!"

Jiraiya: ...

His face instantly broke into a cold sweat. He glanced left at Shin'zaku, then right at Shima, terrified Kushina’s disrespect might provoke the ancient toads.

"It’s fine," Shin'zaku said calmly, then turned to Kushina. "Uchiha Iizumi said the Chosen One does exist. So why do you say Great Toad Sage misled you?"

Shima Sage added, "I recognize you. You’re the child of the Slug Sage who bonded with Shikogurin. Even the Slug Sage wouldn’t speak to the Great Toad Sage like that."

Kushina, still supporting Shizune with one arm, smirked. "Luring Jiraiya—this idiot—across the entire Ninja World hunting for a mythical Chosen One? That’s not a noble quest. It’s a scam. Putting the fate of the world on some savior figure? That’s laughable."

"Like Iizumi said—one savior can’t change the world. True change comes when everyone becomes a savior. Only when countless saviors unite can real transformation happen."

She paused, then continued: "Jiraiya. The one who saves the world isn’t a single person. It’s an idea—something everyone can believe in, something positive, something unified."

"Like that kid’s Absolute Justice."

"And since I’m a disciple of Shikogurin, I say this: Mount Myōgaku, Ryūjidō, Shikogurin—three great sanctuaries, three sages. But only that one toad loves stirring up trouble."

"A toad that’s lived for centuries—doesn’t it ever rest? And do the other two really let it run wild like this? Is it really for the world’s sake… or is it just power hunger?"

"Only it knows for sure."

With that, Kushina gave Jiraiya a casual wave. "We’re done here. Gotta take this drunk mess home. Stole my bottle, drank like a fish—she’s lucky no perverted old creep snatched her!"

Jiraiya: ...

Perverted old creep? That sounded way too pointed.

Watching Kushina walk away, Shima Sage’s eyelid twitched. "Little Jiraiya… is this how the Shikogurin heir behaves now? Didn’t the Slug Sage test for character when choosing disciples?"

"Shh! Shh!" Jiraiya hissed, sweating. "Shima Sage—drunk Kushina is not someone to mess with. If she gets mad, I’m the one who’ll get punched!"

Shin'zaku Sage spoke quietly, "When we find the true Chosen One… when they bring real change to the Ninja World… then this girl will understand—Great Toad Sage was right all along."

"Little Jiraiya, we don’t need to see Iizumi today. He’s right here in Leaf Village. No need to rush. Give us the list of possible Chosen Ones you’ve gathered. Let us examine them."

"Whew." Jiraiya exhaled.

…

Ninja Academy.

"Finally! School’s out!" Naruto burst out of the classroom, then immediately turned back, shouting at Sasuke.

"Sasuke, hurry up! We’ve gotta find Iizumi-senpai—she’s gotta lead us on a Justice mission through Leaf Village!"

"Keep your voice down," Sasuke muttered, twitching at the stares. Why does this dobe never realize how embarrassing he is?

Just as he started to follow, he froze. His gaze landed on Yamana Ino—carrying a delicate little backpack.

"Hey." Sasuke stepped forward. "You want to come with us?"

His expression serious. "You understand Justice deeper than I or the dobe. And from your actions… you believe in Iizumi-sensei’s Absolute Justice. So we’re allies. And allies share the mission."

"Right, dobe?" He glanced at Naruto.

"Right!" Naruto nodded fiercely—then paused. "Wait… did you just call me 'dobe' again?"

Sasuke looked away, a flicker of guilt.

Not just guilt. It was a shield.

After Naruto unleashed the Nine-Tails’ power in front of him, Sasuke felt… inferior.

He didn’t know why. He just knew he didn’t want to be overshadowed. This strange instinct left him confused, searching for answers he couldn’t find.

Maybe… it was just pride.

"No," Ino said, shaking her head. Her small face was unreadable. "I have to go back to the Nara Clan residence. Dad and the elders are still processing the bodies."

"…Bodies?" Sasuke blinked.

Ino explained: "All Evil Offenders killed by Uchiha Iizumi—if their heads are intact—are sent to the Yamanaka Clan. We use our secret jutsu to extract their memories. We gather every last piece of evidence, so the village can seize their illegal wealth and ensure justice is complete."

Sasuke nodded slowly. Now I get it.

In Absolute Justice, Iizumi-sensei was the hunter—apprehending evil. The Yamanaka Clan handled the aftermath: evidence collection, reports, proof.

"Then…" Sasuke suddenly thought, "have you… seen the memories of the ones she killed?"

He remembered—the crimes were horrific. Just hearing about them made his skin crawl.

What must it be like to see them?

"No," Ino said honestly. "I haven’t learned how yet. I’m just helping Dad."

And with that, she walked away.

"Guess she’s way more mature than us," Sasuke muttered.

"Wait—why?" Naruto leaned in, confused.

"Because she’s seen things we haven’t. She’s faced darkness we’ve never touched. Maybe that’s why she understands Justice so deeply."

Naruto rubbed his chin, thoughtful.

…

"Ino! Ino!"

Moments after leaving the Academy, Ino froze at a familiar voice.

She turned—Haruno Sakura was sprinting toward her, breathless.

"Phew… phew…" Sakura bent over, hands on knees, gasping. After catching her breath, she looked up, eyes full of confusion.

"Ino… why do you seem… different? You don’t like Sasuke-kun anymore?"

"I… I feel…" Sakura bit her lip. "I feel like I don’t even know you anymore. You’ve changed. I’ve watched you grow—this change… it’s been recent. Did something bad happen?"

Once, Sakura had resented Ino—because of Sasuke. That jealousy had twisted her feelings. Even when she worried, she wouldn’t ask.

But now… now she saw Ino no longer cared about Sasuke.

And only then did she let go of her resentment.

"No bad things," Ino said, voice soft. "Well… no home for now. But Dad and the elders are already contacting the Leaf Village construction team. The Yamanaka residence should be rebuilt in less than a year."

She paused. "As for why I don’t like Sasuke…"

"I used to like handsome guys. Now I like handsome and mature guys. Guys who aren’t childish… I just… don’t like the immature ones."

She was honest. She was a visual person.

But now, she had a new standard. And Sasuke? He didn’t meet it.

"Ino," she took a deep breath. "I’ll give you a piece of advice: the time you spend at Ninja Academy—that’s the last few years you’ll be safe from the darkness of the Ninja World. Don’t waste it on pointless, one-sided crushes."

"Because once you graduate… once you step into the real world… you’ll face the rot. And if you’re not strong enough, you’ll lose yourself. You’ll fall into darkness."

She paused. "Dad told me that. I’m just passing it on."

Sakura stood frozen.

Maybe it wasn’t that Sasuke was becoming childish. Maybe Ino was just… too far ahead.

Even if she said nothing was wrong… Sakura knew she was hiding something.

They weren’t in the same world anymore.

Sakura said nothing.

…

"Yamana Ino. Daughter of the Yamanaka Clan head. She’s my newest potential Chosen One candidate."

Jiraiya, hidden behind a tree, spoke to Shin'zaku and Shima.

"Her clan is closely allied with Uchiha Iizumi. Almost inseparable."

"Could she be the Chosen One?"

Shima Sage, perched on Jiraiya’s left shoulder, stroked his chin. "The true Chosen One must possess a power beyond ordinary. A stature that changes the world. Is this Yamanaka girl a genius?"

Jiraiya shook his head. "Her talent is mid-to-upper average. Her ceiling? Probably a regular Jonin."

"Not her," Shima Sage said. "A Chosen One with weak talent can’t transform the world."

Jiraiya nodded.

He turned his gaze to another student exiting the Academy—Neji Hyūga—walking past a frozen Sakura.

"Hyūga Neji. Another candidate. His talent is exceptional. In second grade, he’s already equal to sixth-year students. He’s not close to Iizumi—but he’s interacted with Sasuke and Naruto multiple times."

"Hyūga Neji…" Shin'zaku Sage scanned the list in his hand, stroking his beard. "Let’s test him first."

…

Meanwhile, in a quiet inn in Leaf Village.

A man in foreign merchant attire returned to his room. He locked the door, bit his thumb, and slammed his palm onto the floor.

Black sealing marks spread like veins across the ground.

Boom.

A thick, black serpent—thick as a human thigh—appeared in a burst of smoke.

"Report to Orochimaru-sama," the man said. "All our spies in Leaf Village—gone. Most likely captured. Or dead."

"But…" He paused. "I can’t figure out how they were exposed. They didn’t know each other. No communication. Even if one was caught… the rest should’ve stayed hidden. Yet… all vanished."

The serpent’s cold eyes locked onto him. It flicked its tongue—then vanished in another boom.

Far away, in a secret lab in the Land of Fire, Orochimaru received the report in less than thirty minutes.

"Ho ho… that’s why no new intel came through."

His golden eyes narrowed.

The man who summoned the serpent was one of Orochimaru’s newest spies—sent to gather intel on Uchiha Iizumi.

Because Zetsu had come to him—directly.

Orochimaru knew then: Iizumi carried something Akatsuki feared.

A secret. A power. A weapon.

"Ho ho… you want to know my secrets? So do I."

He licked his lips with a long, serpentine tongue.

"If I find it first… I can use it to control Akatsuki. Even if I can’t rule them… holding it as a leverage? Delicious."

Orochimaru didn’t play nice. He never did.

But then his expression darkened.

"Yet…" He smiled faintly, eyes sharp. "Izumi’s growth… faster than I imagined. Shimura Danzō dead. Hiruzen’s two sons… gone. All by his hand."

A bitter laugh.

"Two sons he killed… and Hiruzen still tolerates him. But I do one experiment… and they want to kill me?"

"Ho ho… Sensei Hiruzen. You have two standards. One for me. Another for Izumi."

His eyes flashed with fury—then vanished.

…

Biwa Jūzō made his decision.

He wouldn’t anger Uchiha Obito. He wouldn’t anger Konan.

He’d bury the secret.

And lie.

He’d claim he failed.

Konan had only promised reward for success. No punishment for failure.

So Biwa Jūzō decided: Leave Leaf Village tonight.

This place gave him fear.

Iizumi’s presence—too much.

He knows too much.

Does he know about me?

Could he kill me in an instant? Like he exposed Obito’s weakness?

"Every day here… my life risk doubles," he muttered, face grim.

Iizumi… was the only man in the Ninja World he truly feared—besides Might Guy, the one Leaf ninja who’d fought him.

He couldn’t fight this.

So as night fell, he vanished—without telling the other Rain Village ninja.

He slipped into the forest beyond Leaf Village, vanishing into the dark trees.

Just ten kilometers out…

Something felt off.

He stopped.

His eyes scanned the shadows.

His hand gripped his Execution Sword—already unsheathed.

Moonlight was blocked by thick branches. The forest was pitch black.

But his instincts screamed danger.

He smirked—cold, cruel.

"Little rats hiding in the dark… you’ve been waiting for me, haven’t you?"

"Who told you I’d leave tonight? Did you plant a spy in Leaf Village?"

A voice—calm, smooth—echoed from the darkness.

"Caught. Not bad, Kirigakure’s Seven Swordsmen. Your instincts are legendary in the Ninja World."

Biwa Jūzō didn’t hesitate.

He drew two kunai from his waist—threw them at the voice.

He lunged forward, eyes locked on the spot.

Then—his eyes widened.

The kunai passed through a figure.

They didn’t sink into flesh.

They pierced the body—then stuck into a tree behind.

Boom!

Boom!

Explosions erupted. The tree split in two, collapsing with a thunderous crash.

Biwa Jūzō saw his attacker—a masked figure, clad in a Black Base Flame Cloud Robe.

"Boss," a second voice said from the other side.

Biwa Jūzō turned—another man in the same robe. But strange.

Huge, grotesque decorations on his shoulders—like pitcher plants.

And his face? Half silver, half pitch black.

"Boss…" Biwa Jūzō’s hands trembled.

"…You’re Uchiha Sharingan?"

The masked man spoke, voice low, steady.

"Even after all these years… you still remember my name."

"Know who I am… and you still don’t drop your weapon? Bold."

"Maybe I just have no fear," Biwa Jūzō lied, sweat pouring down his back.

Obito…? How did he get here?

Did he wait for me?

Does he know I spoke with Iizumi?

Is this a kill order? Or just a scare?

If I stay calm… maybe I’ll live.

"Biwa Jūzō," Obito’s voice cut through the silence. "You made the wrong choice."

"Regardless of what you know… you accepted a mission from that woman. You came to Leaf Village. Your fate was sealed the moment you stepped in."

Zetsu remained silent—not out of respect.

It just… didn’t care.

Obito’s words made it clear: Iizumi’s secret is dangerous. Zetsu can’t let it out.

So Zetsu let it go.

Kill him. No need to explain.

"Wait!" Biwa Jūzō shifted sideways, retreating slowly. "We’re both in Akatsuki! No need to exterminate each other! And… you must want to know what I learned from Iizumi! Maybe it’s useful!"

"No interest."

Obito’s voice was ice.

Then—he moved.

Like an arrow released.

His right hand ripped a sword from thin air.

He closed the distance in an instant—swung.

Clang!

Biwa Jūzō barely blocked with his Execution Sword.

Then—the ground.

Crack!

Dozens of thick vines—thicker than his thigh—burst from the earth.

They coiled around his legs, snaked up his body—tightened.

Crack!

Biwa Jūzō’s body exploded—but no blood.

Just water.

The sword clattered to the ground.

"Water Clone?" Zetsu narrowed his eyes. "Dropped his tools… just to deceive us?"

"Go!" Obito ordered. "He’s running toward Leaf Village! Don’t let him get there!"

And with that, Obito vanished into the night.

…

"This kid… sneaking out at night? What’s he doing at the edge of the village?"

Jiraiya, trailing Neji for over three hours, mused.

He’d been watching—letting Shin'zaku and Shima observe.

"His whole journey… he’s been asking people about something. Not random. He’s looking for something."

Shima Sage added: "He’s trying to leave Leaf Village. Whatever he wants… it’s outside."

Jiraiya frowned. "He can’t slip past patrols. Even if he escapes, he’ll be caught within a few hundred meters."

Shin'zaku chuckled. "We’ll help him."

He leapt from Jiraiya’s shoulder—vanished.

…

"He’s out of the village… and if the last person I asked didn’t lie… then he’s heading this way. Just follow it. I’ll catch up."

Neji Hyūga took a deep breath under the moonlight.

He pulled out a white ribbon, tied back his long hair—making it less in the way.

"Hyūga Neji…"

"…What are you doing?"

It wasn’t another voice.

It was him.

Self-questioning.

"I don’t need to do this."

"But…" He clenched his jaw.

"If I don’t do something obvious… how will he notice me? How will he see my resolve? How will he know how much I want Justice?"

Sasuke’s words hadn’t crushed him. They’d ignited him.

Two first-years believe in Absolute Justice. Why can’t I?

"I’m not just after power. I want justice for my father."

He whispered to himself—then slipped out.

After running two kilometers, panting, he turned—stunned.

No one.

No patrols.

No guards.

He expected to fight his way out.

He expected to be caught.

But… nothing.

The village felt… empty.

…

Meanwhile, behind him.

"This kid… he’s going to find Iizumi," Jiraiya murmured.

"Iizumi…"

"He left."

…

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end