c117: Rebellion Against Tiangang
At the Konoha Memorial Stone, two figures stood silently before the engraved names.
One wore a pale yellow kimono, cinched by a deep violet sash at the waist. White magatama symbols traced the collar. Long black hair fell loosely past his shoulders, framing a pale face with cold, golden eyes that discouraged familiarity.
The other man stood taller, clad in rugged brown garb, a flowing red cloak draped across his shoulders, and sturdy wooden clogs on his feet. His long, unruly white hair hung to his waist, and his Konoha forehead protector rested prominently on his brow. Thick red markings stretched below each eye, and a quiet, lingering sorrow hung over him like a cloud.
Roughly twenty meters behind them stood a young woman in beige pants and mesh leggings Anko Mitarashi.
"I didn't expect you to come pay your respects to Minato..." Jiraiya said, breaking the silence.
"Heh… Say what you will about the old man's biases," Orochimaru replied with a soft laugh, "but not just anyone could take the Hokage's hat from me."
"I recognized Minato's strength and leadership."
Jiraiya's expression softened briefly. "He was my student. The best of them."
But his smile faded again as the reality of Minato's sacrifice weighed heavily.
"His death…" Jiraiya paused, "is something you should take some responsibility for."
"Me?" Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his gaze. "The old man was never going to make me Hokage. Not unless I became his perfect mold. A tool."
"But that doesn't matter anymore. I've found a new purpose."
"Oh?" Jiraiya's voice was flat. "What purpose?"
Orochimaru didn't answer. Instead, he shifted the conversation. "You, on the other hand… You could be Hokage. If you went to see the old man today, he'd hand you the position."
Jiraiya shook his head slowly. "I'm not cut out for politics. Paperwork. Sitting behind a desk while the world burns. Besides, I have to keep searching… for the Child of Prophecy."
Orochimaru smirked with mild contempt. "Still clinging to your fantasies?"
"You talk about peace constantly, but won't lift a finger to lead. If you wanted peace, you'd become Hokage and enforce it."
"I know myself too well," Jiraiya replied. "Even with the title, I wouldn't be able to bring peace."
"Hmmph. That's a clever excuse from someone who hasn't even tried."
Jiraiya's brow twitched. "Get lost."
"I'm leaving," Orochimaru said with a grin. "But before that… perhaps you should ask the old man what really happened on the night of October 10th."
"I have my own sources. But since you're inviting me, I suppose I'll accompany you for old times' sake."
Jiraiya: "…"
The two legendary Sannin turned and began walking away, with Anko following at a respectful distance.
"Big Brother!"
Recognizing the figure ahead, Anko lit up. She jogged forward, waving enthusiastically. Uchiha Gen gave a slight nod and walked over, bowing politely.
"Orochimaru-sensei. Jiraiya-senpai."
Uchiha Gen had learned of Orochimaru's return via traces found by the Police Force. Orochimaru hadn't concealed his movements, making it easy to track him.
Orochimaru acknowledged him with a nod but remained silent.
"Ah, Gen it's been a while," Jiraiya said with a small smile.
They'd crossed paths on the Kirigakure front, and Jiraiya had kept tabs on Orochimaru's students.
"It's been a while, Jiraiya-sama. I read your book recently. You've got the potential of a bestselling author."
"Haha! Orochimaru, your student is better with words than most Uchiha kids."
"He's certainly different from the average Uchiha," Orochimaru agreed.
"Is there something you needed?" he added, eyes narrowing slightly.
"Nothing urgent," Gen replied. "Just thought I'd greet my teacher after his return. Maybe share a meal tonight."
"Jiraiya-senpai, would you like to join us?"
Jiraiya shook his head. "I'll pass. I need to visit Kushina… and Naruto."
The thought of his late student's widow and orphaned son dulled any appetite for conversation or food.
"Alright. Anko and I will prepare."
After descending the mountain, the four parted ways. Gen and Anko made their way to the market.
"Senior Brother," Anko asked suddenly, "the teacher told me there was a Nine-Tails attack in Konoha?"
"Yes. You saw the damaged district being rebuilt, didn't you?"
"Yeah. It's massive."
"The buildings aren't the worst part. Many shinobi and civilians died."
"How could something so horrible happen?"
"Someone exploited the moment of the Jinchūriki's childbirth—when the seal weakened to attack."
Anko's expression darkened. "Who would do such a thing?"
"We don't know for sure. But according to Lord Fourth… it's likely a survivor or descendant of Uchiha Madara."
"An Uchiha?" she echoed, her voice caught between shock and confusion.
"Not a member of Konoha's Uchiha. A rogue. Someone outside the village."
"Oh… but who exactly is Madara Uchiha?"
"It's a long story," Gen said. "He was once a partner of the First Hokage. Together, they built this village."
"But later… due to ideological differences, Madara left."
Anko blinked. "So he turned his back on Konoha?"
"Basically," Gen replied. "But don't worry about him. It'd take hours to explain fully, and it doesn't concern you."
He waved it off casually.
"Hmph! Why doesn't it concern me?"
"If he's an enemy of Konoha, he's my enemy too."
Gen raised an eyebrow. "If you ever met him, you'd probably be dead before you knew it."
"Is he really that strong?"
"What do you think?" Gen replied. "Even the Fourth and ANBU couldn't stop him from releasing the Nine-Tails."
"…Yikes."
"If you have time," Gen added, "you should visit Kurenai."
"What happened to her?"
"Her father… was killed by the Nine-Tails."
Anko's eyes widened. "Poor Kurenai… she must be devastated."
"She is. But she's resilient."
"Then what am I doing here?! I'm going to see her!"
Without waiting for an answer, Anko took off like a bullet.
Typical of her. Energetic and impulsive. What if Kurenai wasn't even home?
Gen sighed and shook his head. Left alone at the market, he decided to buy a bit more of what he liked.
A few minutes later, Anko returned, slightly winded.
"She's not home!" she pouted. "Ran over for nothing…"
"It's fine. Call it cardio."
"Yeah, I guess. Means I can eat more tonight, hehe."
Gen gave her a blank stare.
"So, what are you making for dinner?"
"Orochimaru-sensei doesn't care much for taste just wants enough calories and nutrients. Everything else is 'unnecessary flair.'"
"So what's on the menu?"
"Griddle stir-fry."
"Dry pot? That doesn't sound that tasty."
"You'll see tonight."
"…Can you teach me how to cook?"
Anko lived alone and wasn't a terrible cook, but still lacked refinement.
Her eyes brightened at the idea. "Yes! Why didn't I think of that earlier?"
"I'll teach you. Pay attention and learn properly."
"I will, I will! Once I learn, I can make food for myself and you!"
Gen smirked inwardly. Exactly. Why should a senior brother always cook for his junior sister? That's against Tiangang.
The junior sister should cook for the senior brother and their teacher. That's the natural order of things…
---
30+ advanced chapter on patreon....Visit patreon now to read my exclusive content... posting 5 chapters per day, Our collection is now available on PATREON
visit patreon.com/Elbertovic to view 30+ advanced chapters
Please subscribe guys