Naruto: I am Uchiha Shirou-Chapter 245: Naruto: I am Uchiha Shirou []

Year 51 of the Konoha.

The news of the Third Raikage of the Hidden Cloud falling in battle spread like wildfire, shaking the entire ninja world. Countless people were stunned by the power of Uchiha Shirou, who had managed to slay such a powerful figure on the battlefield.

Before this, the Third Raikage, A, had been hailed as the strongest of the Five Kage by the ninja world. It's no wonder that his death in battle sent shockwaves across the land.

At the same time, Hidden Cloud Village was thrown into chaos following the death of their leader. The Cloud forces on the frontlines began retreating, and envoys were dispatched to the Hidden Leaf Village to initiate peace talks.

Similarly, envoys from Hidden Sand Village came with the same purpose.

Not long ago, the ninja world was engulfed in flames of war, but now, peace seemed to dawn almost instantaneously across the land.

However, before this happened, Ōnoki of the Hidden Stone Village had already sent envoys to Hidden Cloud, Hidden Sand, and Hidden Mist to initiate discussions.

It was clear that the four major ninja villages—despite posing as participants in peace talks—were secretly preparing to form alliances. They aimed to negotiate from a position of strength rather than as defeated nations.

At the Frontlines

"Jiraiya, it looks like you've learned how to be shameless, just like those old geezers."

The flames of war on the frontlines had been extinguished in an instant. While the atmosphere outside should have been one of celebration, the tent was instead filled with Tsunade's biting sarcasm and cold laughter.

The legendary Sannin had reunited once again. However, due to the war, the bond between these long-time companions had grown strained. Deep cracks were now visible in their friendship.

Jiraiya looked awkwardly at the cup in his hand, unsure of what to say.

Orochimaru, sitting nearby, remained calm and focused on the intelligence report in his hand, as if he was indifferent to the tension in the room.

Tsunade, however, wore a mocking smile on her face.

"Sannin, huh? What a legendary title."

The more Tsunade spoke of the title "Sannin," the more embarrassed Jiraiya became. His face grew red with shame.

After all, the title of Sannin was something they had gained during the Second Ninja War, but it was largely due to fortunate circumstances and some opportunistic moves. Jiraiya had benefitted greatly from it, and even now, during the Third Ninja War, the village elders were using the Sannin's reputation to overshadow more deserving individuals—Tsunade included.

Even though Jiraiya was now strong in his own right, he knew he had once again gained undeserved recognition, riding on Tsunade's coattails. Even Orochimaru was benefitting from this.

"Ah... Tsunade, I... I didn't know it would turn out like this," Jiraiya said awkwardly, scratching his head.

Tsunade, however, sneered, her smile not reaching her eyes. "Of course, you didn't know. While people outside are mourning the sacrifices of true heroes, all you care about is that tired old mantra of maintaining stability for the village. And, of course, pushing your disciple as the best candidate for Hokage."

Her words were sharp and unyielding, directly calling out Jiraiya. She was referring to Jiraiya's student, Namikaze Minato, who had already returned to the Land of Fire.

Jiraiya's face darkened at her words. "Tsunade, that's classified information!"

"I, Senju Tsunade, am the Head of Konoha's Intelligence Division!" Tsunade barked coldly, cutting him off and asserting her authority without giving him a chance to respond.

Orochimaru chuckled softly, his unique laugh filling the tent. He shook his head as he looked at Jiraiya. "Jiraiya, the ideals you cling to are nothing more than another cycle of repetition."

His voice grew philosophical as he continued. "The Five Great Nations exhaust themselves in war, then retreat to recover. The world enters another brief era of peace. But once the villages regain their strength and ambition, the cycle of desire for power, revenge, and resources leads to more war..."

Read latest chapters at freёweɓnovel.com Only.

Orochimaru's gaze turned distant as he concluded with a mocking tone, "Life is so fragile and fleeting."

Jiraiya frowned at Orochimaru's words, his expression troubled. With a sigh, he turned to Tsunade.

"Tsunade, the elders have agreed to give the Uchiha clan a fair opportunity. Now that the war has ended and the village is recovering, the Fourth Hokage will be selected from two candidates. The elders are fully committed to nurturing both of them. The Hokage must be someone who can take responsibility for the entire village..."

Hearing this, Tsunade's eyes flashed with realization. So, this was the elders' plan—they were unwilling to relinquish their power.

The so-called Fourth Hokage selection process was merely a long, drawn-out charade. Both Uchiha Shirou and Namikaze Minato had been named as candidates, but the extended training period would ensure that the elders retained control over the village's power during this time.

Understanding this, Tsunade laughed in anger at their shamelessness. She now fully grasped the depths of their cunning.

"What a stable plan," she said mockingly. "The power remains firmly in the hands of those old geezers, while they use the excuse of grooming a new Hokage to buy themselves time to search for more opportunities. Truly, I'm impressed by their lack of shame."

As she spoke, Tsunade looked deeply at Jiraiya. The sense of camaraderie they once shared was beginning to dissipate.

Their differences in ideology were simply too great.

"Tsunade, this is all for the sake of the village!" Jiraiya said, his expression serious. He was still trying to convince her of what he believed to be the most stable solution.

"The village has just come out of a war and needs stability! Trust me, three years—at most five years! By then, if Uchiha Shirou proves himself to be a better leader than Minato, I will personally—"

"Enough, Jiraiya," Tsunade interrupted calmly, raising her hand. Her serene demeanor unsettled Jiraiya more than anger would have.

If Tsunade were still angry, it would mean there was room for discussion. But her current calmness sent a chill down Jiraiya's spine.

"Tsunade..." Jiraiya murmured, his voice filled with regret.

Tsunade looked at him, her expression neutral. "Jiraiya, you speak of stability, but let me remind you of something. When Konoha was first founded, the Senju and Uchiha clans took a great risk. They suppressed their hatred for one another and boldly innovated to create this village.

Later, the Second Hokage was equally bold, establishing the ninja academy. He ensured that ninjas would no longer be exclusive to the great clans, which led to the current ninja world as we know it."

Her lips curved into a faint smile, one that carried a hint of irony.

"Yet now, in just thirty short years, boldness is considered a threat to stability? If that's the case, shouldn't the Second Hokage have ensured stability by returning from the Land of Lightning and solidifying the Senju clan's dominance? Shouldn't the Third Hokage have passed his position to someone from the Senju clan for the sake of stability?"

Her words were calm, but they dripped with biting sarcasm.

Jiraiya was left speechless, unable to refute her. He could only lower his head in silence.

The strongest ninjas often had the firmest convictions, as their chakra and mental strength were deeply intertwined. Tsunade's resolve was unshakable.

"Tsunade!" Jiraiya tried to speak again, but his voice faltered. He scratched his head awkwardly, forcing a laugh to lighten the mood.

"Well, you know, the past is the past! Konoha belongs to everyone now. Isn't that the will of the First Hokage? We're all Konoha's ninjas, after all."

Jiraiya's usual goofy laugh, which would typically lighten the mood, failed this time. The rift between the Sannin had already formed.

The atmosphere grew heavy. Jiraiya scratched his head, feeling increasingly uneasy. When had things between the three of them become so strained?

Tsunade gently set down her teacup, raising her gaze to look at Jiraiya. Her voice was calm, but her words sent a chill down his spine.

"Jiraiya, if I ever find out that you or anyone else dares to betray the ninjas of our village, then don't blame me for invoking the name of the Senju clan..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but the cold glint in her amber eyes was enough to make Jiraiya's hair stand on end. A bead of cold sweat slid down his temple.

Tsunade is serious!

At the same time, it was also a warning—if there were any more underhanded tactics like the White Fang incident or even worse measures, then don't blame her for using the name of the Senju clan to take over Konoha by force.

Hearing these words, Jiraiya quickly made a solemn vow:

"Tsunade, rest assured! I, Jiraiya, promise!"

At that moment, Jiraiya understood the gravity of the situation. If things escalated to that point, it wouldn't just be a minor internal conflict anymore—it would turn into a bloody internal purge.

"Tch, you, Jiraiya, go tell those old fools. Remember to say that these are the words of me, Senju Tsunade!"

Tsunade snorted disdainfully, clearly treating Jiraiya's promise as worthless.

When it came to ninja strength, Jiraiya was indeed a Kage-level powerhouse and an invaluable asset to any village. But when it came to the village's interests, he was merely part of the equation, subject to the larger calculation.

Just like how Orochimaru's case in the original story could have been handled as a minor or major issue, yet in the end, he was let go.

"Shizune, Kurenai."

At Tsunade's cold command, Shizune and Kurenai, who had been waiting outside, hurried in with firm responses. Both carried travel packs on their backs.

"Go notify Shirou. We're heading to the Daimyo's residence in the Land of Fire together."

"Yes!"

Seeing Tsunade throw on her cloak with a grand gesture and the two followers ready to move, Jiraiya was stunned and blurted out:

"Tsunade, we're about to negotiate peace with the Cloud and Stone ninjas, and you're doing this...?"

But Tsunade snorted disdainfully and sneered:

"You arranged for people to go to the Daimyo's residence in the Land of Fire, didn't you? Don't think I didn't know."

Flicking her golden twin ponytails, Tsunade waved her hand and strode off with her two subordinates.

"Tsunade, if you leave, what about the peace talks...?"

"Save it. Leave the peace talks to you and Orochimaru."

At that moment, Jiraiya gazed at the figures disappearing into the autumn sunset, his expression turning melancholic and dim. Beside him, Orochimaru's untimely hoarse laughter rang out.

"Heh heh, it seems there will be a good show to watch."

As Orochimaru's raspy laugh echoed, and Tsunade's figure disappeared into the distance, Jiraiya's playful grin slowly faded, replaced by a look of loss.

"Tsunade... Is this for him?"

Although there had been many rumors before, and he had almost confirmed them, actually witnessing this moment still left Jiraiya feeling heartbroken.

Tsunade was standing up for Uchiha Shirou. And judging by the situation, this was far from an ordinary relationship.

"Orochimaru, did you know about this all along?"

As Tsunade left, Jiraiya shook his head helplessly. Alone with Orochimaru now, the bond between them seemed to resurface.

"Idiot."

It seemed like the two of them had some sort of fated dynamic. Normally polite, Orochimaru would always spew insults when dealing with Jiraiya.

But hearing the familiar "idiot" again, Jiraiya immediately glared and bristled.

"Orochimaru, what do you mean by that?!"

Orochimaru merely rolled his eyes and shattered Jiraiya's final mental defense.

It was true—Tsunade and Shirou were really together.

At that moment, Jiraiya was utterly heartbroken. After all these years of being comrades through life and death, Tsunade had been taken away, and by a Uchiha no less.

"Orochimaru, let's go! Let's get a drink!"

"Annoying."

"Hey, hey, Orochimaru, we're comrades, after all, both working for Konoha. Let's grab a drink and then figure out a way to persuade Tsunade not to fall out too badly with the old man..."

...

Under the falling autumn leaves, a tragedy struck the Uchiha compound in Konoha. Several black crows flew out in all directions.

The major clans of Konoha turned their eyes toward the Uchiha compound.

The head of the Uchiha clan had passed away!

Those black crows were summoning Uchiha ninjas, delivering the grim news.

In the dark underground base of Root, Danzo Shimura let out a cold smile in the dim secret room.

"Heh, the old fool is dead. That means Uchiha Fugaku will have to return. This is an excellent opportunity!"

In the shadowy room, Danzo gave his orders in a chilling tone to the kneeling Root ninja outside the door.

"Send two Root squads... Remember! Leave no survivors. Bring the Sharingan back to me and make it look like the work of the Cloud ninjas."

"Yes!" came the emotionless reply from outside the door.

However, just as Root issued its orders, an Anbu ninja reported word-for-word to the Third Hokage in the Hokage's office.

Root, as Konoha's dark underbelly, handled all of Konoha's unspeakable deeds. If the Hokage couldn't control it, the title of Hokage would have long since belonged to Danzo.

"There's no need to investigate this matter."

After hearing the report, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, maintained a calm expression as if none of this had happened, as though he knew nothing.

Since Root was Konoha's darkness, the light must remain untainted by any shadow.

Meanwhile, amidst the commotion in Konoha, a lone figure stood coldly at the Memorial Stone, watching over the village.

"Lord Madara, Root has moved. Their targets are Uchiha Fugaku's group and the Sharingan..."

Standing before the stone, wearing a tiger-striped mask, Obito listened to Zetsu's report and let out a hoarse laugh.

"The Uchiha clan? They're nothing more than a rotten family."

Obito's single eye burned with madness. After Rin's death, nothing in the ninja world mattered to him anymore.

"And the jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails, Uzumaki Naiko—when and where will she give birth?"

"After some investigation, Uzumaki Naiko's expected delivery is next month, around mid-October. However, the Third Hokage has been cautious and prepared five locations. Which one will be used remains unknown..."

Watching the autumn leaves fall, Obito stared at the memorial stone, a manic glint flashing in his eye.

"Heh heh, Rin, are you seeing this? A world without you doesn't deserve to exist. Soon..."

The deranged laughter echoed, but Zetsu, already accustomed to Obito's madness, remained unfazed. Among the Uchihas, those who awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan were rarely ever normal.

"Lord Madara, the other Nine-Tails jinchuriki, Uzumaki Kushina, has followed Tsunade to the Land of Fire's Daimyo residence..."

At the mention of the other jinchuriki, Obito's expression darkened.

Damn Konoha! They had split the Nine-Tails into two halves, creating two jinchuriki.

"Leave her for now. That jinchuriki is guarded by Tsunade of the Sannin and another Mangekyo Sharingan. It's not the right time yet!"

"As for Konoha's Nine-Tails jinchuriki, we must come up with a plan. We absolutely can't wait until all three of the Sannins are back..."

Obito's hoarse voice carried a hint of caution. Though he was arrogant, he wasn't foolish.

If the three Sannin and Uchiha Shirou returned, even unleashing two Nine-Tails would hardly cause significant damage to Konoha.

He had to act while Konoha's main Kage-level forces were still out negotiating peace. Only then would he have a chance to stir up chaos.

"I understand."

Hearing Obito's instructions, Black Zetsu let out a raspy laugh, clearly already planning to force the Nine-Tails jinchuriki into premature labor.