"Even now, you still won't tell me the truth?"
Jiraiya revealed everything he knew.
Tōshirō listened silently, speechless.
The analysis was logical and convincing; anyone else hearing it would likely believe it.
Tōshirō asked, "Who told you that?"
"Don't care who told me—just answer whether you did it or not."
"You don't have to say it—I already know."
Tōshirō snorted coldly, a smile of disdain on his lips: "Most likely Danzo or the Third Hokage is trying to smear me."
Jiraiya could interpret from this response Tōshirō's attitude toward the two, further confirming that Tōshirō had indeed committed the murders.
"This morning, the Third Hokage was found dead in his own home."
Tōshirō responded calmly, "Oh."
"You killed him, didn't you?"
"No."
Jiraiya was stunned—Asuma did it. What did it have to do with Tōshirō?
Tōshirō chuckled, stroking his chin, then continued, grinning: "But in a way, it's not completely unrelated."
This statement was essentially a veiled admission. Jiraiya's emotions surged; his eyes widened as he stepped forward, grabbing Tōshirō by the collar and lifting him roughly, shouting angrily: "Bastard! Why did you do this?"
Floating in midair, Tōshirō's gaze remained calm as he spoke lightly: "You're too excited—spittle just got on my face."
Jiraiya glared fiercely.
"What?"
Tōshirō tilted his head with a look of feigned confusion: "Wasn't I clear last time? You didn't think I was joking, did you?"
"And then, you just killed them!?"
"Of course! They killed Tsunade, so I killed them."
"You're just spreading more hatred."
"Heh…."
As if hearing a joke, Tōshirō laughed, shoulders trembling with amusement.
Jiraiya frowned deeply: "What are you laughing at?"
"There's no one left—where would the hatred come from?"
Jiraiya's pupils contracted: "What do you mean?"
"I've eradicated the families behind these four old men. Naturally, there is no more hatred."
Seeing a former friend become this ruthless, Jiraiya felt dizzy. He released Tōshirō's collar, staggering backward like a drunken man.
"Heh heh heh…" Tōshirō chuckled mockingly: "My power isn't bad, huh? One night and I wiped them all out—without disturbing a single villager."
"You enjoy doing this, don't you? I don't."
Jiraiya raised his hands and shouted: "Those people were innocent! Why did you kill them?"
"We are all victims of war; we know what killing brings. That's why we train—to end war and bring peace."
"But your mind is consumed by revenge, by power, by stepping on everyone, making them fear and worship you. And anyone who irritates you—you crush like an ant. You've become so cold-blooded and ruthless, you're no longer human."
Unable to contain his emotions, Jiraiya punched Tōshirō squarely in the face, sending him flying.
Tōshirō fell, supporting himself with his hands, then slowly stood up, swaying slightly. He gave Jiraiya a thumbs-up, sarcastically: "You're so righteous. You're amazing. Go ahead—hit me now."
Jiraiya shouted: "So what if I do? I'll still kill you."
Tōshirō pointed at his own nose and taunted: "When you act righteously, do you ever put yourself in my shoes? Do you think I killed those people just to avenge Tsunade?
"Have you seriously thought about why the Uchiha clan has been treated so unjustly? The higher-ups' prejudice runs deep—they've schemed to eliminate us behind our backs. If I hadn't destroyed them, they would have destroyed us.
"I'll tell you—if I had a hundred chances, I'd still wipe them out without hesitation. Showing mercy now is cruelty toward the Uchiha in the future.
"Through this, I'll establish absolute authority in the village, seize control, become Hokage, use it as a springboard to dominate the Land of Fire, then wage war to unify the world."
Tōshirō spoke while walking, each step creating an ice platform beneath him, higher than the last. Pointing skyward, he proclaimed: "I will climb step by step, ultimately reaching the peak, gaining supreme power, becoming master of the world. I will never let anyone take what I cherish again."
Jiraiya exhaled heavily: "You've gone insane."
"Hmph. Say whatever you want," Tōshirō sneered.
His eyes turned blood red, revealing snowflake-shaped pupils.
The next moment, a blue flame surged behind him, forming a massive giant, looming ominously.
The Flame of Souls clenched its fist, striking suddenly.
Its immense size instantly drew the Uchiha's attention. Shocked, they exclaimed: "That's… the Flame of Souls!"
They rushed forward, only to see the smoke from its attack dissipate. The giant's fist passed through Jiraiya, crashing into the ground.
"If you dare stop me, I'll kill you too," Tōshirō warned, his red eyes radiating killing intent.
Jiraiya's face was stern: "You won't succeed."
"Oh? What will you do? Tell the village, make everyone oppose me?" Tōshirō smirked wickedly. "I suggest you don't—it's for the greater good."
"You've killed so many already," Jiraiya sneered. "The greater good? Do you still dare talk like that?"
Tōshirō smiled at Jiraiya's sarcasm: "If you expose this, it will put them in a tough spot—you know that, right?"
"Tough spot?"
Tōshirō shook his head, pitying Jiraiya's naïve mind: "You've seen my power. Do you think the village can stand against me now?"
"You…"
The village, at this point, was no match for Tōshirō-led Uchiha forces. Fighting would only bring self-destruction.
Tōshirō's words allowed for plausible ignorance—he could live in the lie he created.
"I personally don't care. At worst, I'll destroy the village and rebuild it…" Tōshirō's smile turned cold. "I killed so many yesterday—today won't make much difference."
"Stop! Don't kill anyone else!" Jiraiya shouted.
Tōshirō smirked: "Then let's see if you can keep your mouth shut."
Jiraiya roared in impotent fury: "Bastard!"
Tōshirō ignored him, turning to the approaching Uchiha: "What are you all doing here?"
Seeing their former friend act this way, the Uchiha understood his mood. Fortunately, they had something to manage: "Um… Tōshirō-sama, the village sent someone to summon you for a meeting, about the Hokage election."
Tōshirō smiled, and the Flame of Souls dissipated like a snuffed-out flame: "Let's go. Looks like today is the day I'll be appointed Hokage."
He deliberately brushed past Jiraiya.
Hearing this, the Uchiha became excited—years of longing were about to be realized.
Jiraiya said nothing, staring at Tōshirō's departing back. The familiar figure had changed beyond recognition.
After a moment, he called out: "Even if you become Hokage through fear, everyone will only recognize you out of compulsion. You won't truly bear the name of Hokage!"
Tōshirō paused, smiling casually: "Even being forced to acknowledge me is still acknowledgment."
"Wh-what…"
"Enough, I'm done talking. I have to go become Hokage now."
End of Chapter)
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