After a few days of consolidation, the Ice-Fire Clone officially appeared as the new leader of the Village Hidden in the Rain, announcing it to the entire ninja world. He knew it was impossible to hide it from the major nations, so he decided to be direct and just announce it. Besides, he was about to cooperate with the Land of Wind and the Land of Earth anyway; there was no longer a need to hide his identity.
The news that the leadership of Amegakure had changed hands exploded like a nuclear bomb across the ninja world. People first reacted with disbelief, which then gave way to all sorts of speculation.
Konoha.
Nawaki, who had already been promoted to Chunin, ran home cheerfully, only to find not only his sister Tsunade but also her two teammates—the somewhat cold and serious Orochimaru and that old pervert who was always clinging to his sister, Jiraiya.
However, this did nothing to diminish his excitement.
"Sis, did you hear?! Teacher Kaito has become the leader of the Village Hidden in the Rain!"
Tsunade and the others showed no surprise. They were always the first to receive such intelligence. In fact, they had gathered here precisely because of this matter.
"Nawaki, we already know. And... this isn't something to be happy about," Tsunade replied with a sigh.
"Huh? Why not?" Nawaki asked, confused.
"Because once Kaito becomes the leader of Amegakure, his first consideration will be the interests of the Land of Rain and his village. Our friendship isn't enough to stand in the way of an exchange of interests."
Orochimaru sneered, "The bonds between humans are as fragile as paper."
"How can that be?" Nawaki still didn't understand. "If we become friends, can't we avoid conflicts between nations? If so, the war with the Land of Rain won't happen again."
"And that's why you're still too naive, Nawaki."
"Orochimaru!" Jiraiya stopped Orochimaru from further poisoning the mind of the next generation. He said loudly, "I believe Kaito is not that kind of person. If we can communicate with him calmly and as equals, we can definitely establish a stable diplomatic relationship."
"Because he is also a person who loves peace!"
"Heh, Jiraiya, you are just as naive," Orochimaru sneered. "Since ancient times, peace has never been achieved through talks, but through war."
"..." Jiraiya couldn't help but recall his conversation with Kaito at the sanctuary. The method Kaito had mentioned at the time was precisely to unite the ninja world into a single nation.
When he brought this up, Orochimaru's eyes narrowed. "To unify the ninja world... Kaito certainly has grand ambitions and a bold idea. But is everyone willing to just hand over the power in their hands? Are they really willing to trust each other?"
"I see. So that's why he established the sanctuary in the Land of Rain. It seems Kaito had this planned from the beginning. He intends to conquer the other nations in the ninja world one by one, and that of course includes us, Konoha. Under these circumstances, are you willing to persuade our dear teacher to abdicate his position and accept being annexed by the Land of Rain?"
"I disagree!" Tsunade stated clearly. "Although my heart wants to believe in Kaito, my reason tells me I cannot demand or coerce everyone in Konoha to trust him. Unless... he can prove he has the ability. The ability to rule the ninja world, just like my grandfather, the First Hokage."
"..." Hearing Tsunade's answer, Jiraiya scratched his head in frustration.
"I don't know what to do. I know that unifying the ninja world is a good thing, but I can't bring myself to stand against Konoha. Sigh, even if I became Hokage, I couldn't go against the will of the people and submit to an enemy."
"Then let's just see who's stronger!" Nawaki suddenly shouted. "Whoever has overwhelming strength has the right to speak. Isn't that right?"
"Hmph, you brat, you actually said something that wasn't completely stupid," Orochimaru commented.
"That's right! That's the principle. So we'd better hurry up and get stronger!" Tsunade said, clenching her fists.
"Mmm, that's one way." A smile returned to Jiraiya's face. "If the old man isn't up to it, then the three of us can take him on together. Our fight with Kaito is still unfinished, after all."
He paused, then lowered his voice and said mysteriously, "You know I've been learning Sage Art on Mount Myoboku. You two could actually try learning it as well. It's incredibly powerful!"
"Is that so? But I've never seen you use it once in a real fight," Tsunade said doubtfully.
"Do you think Sage Art is that easy to learn?!" Jiraiya retorted, annoyed. "Just go and try it for yourself, and you'll see."
"Hmph, try it, I will. I'll go ask Lady Katsuyu about it later," Tsunade, never one to back down, immediately accepted the challenge.
"What about you, Orochimaru?"
"Sage Art? An interesting thing, but I have other matters to attend to right now. I don't have time to practice it." Orochimaru smiled. "Then I'll wish Tsunade success in her training in advance. Farewell." With that, he turned and left.
"That Orochimaru... he's been so secretive lately. I wonder what he's up to?" Jiraiya pouted.
"I heard he's been getting quite close with that Danzo fellow recently," Tsunade said in a low voice.
"Danzo? That guy is even gloomier than Orochimaru. No wonder Orochimaru has gotten colder. Tsunade, why don't you tell Orochimaru to be more careful?"
"When Orochimaru makes up his mind, not even sensei can stop him. Do you think my words would have any effect?"
"That's true," Jiraiya nodded. "Then let's not worry about him. Orochimaru is smart enough; he should be on his guard. Well then, I should be going too."
"You're going traveling again?"
"Yeah, I think I told you. When I passed through the sanctuary before, Kaito mentioned that a mysterious group of people had abducted two students, and they left behind a strange corpse."
"The one you brought back?"
"Mm. I suspect they're the same group that attacked Konoha last time and stole the Nine-Tails' chakra. So, Tsunade, you and Nawaki need to be careful."
Tsunade's expression grew grim, and she nodded seriously. "Alright, I understand. You be careful too."
"I will. See ya!"
Jiraiya took his leave, leaving the brother and sister duo alone.
"Sis, I'll be fine. I've gotten stronger; they won't catch me that easily. You can go and train in Sage Art without worrying," Nawaki said with a smile, patting his chest as he saw Tsunade's expression.
"No, I can't stop worrying!" Tsunade said firmly. "I wasn't there the last two times you were attacked. This time, there's no way you're leaving my side. So, you're coming with me to see the great slug sage and train in Sage Art!"
"Eh?!"