The Konoha hot springs were unusually quiet for a spring afternoon.
Steam rose in lazy curls from the mineral-rich waters, creating a misty veil that shrouded the wooden privacy fence separating the men's and women's bathing areas.
Most villagers were busy with their daily routines, leaving the baths nearly empty.
Perfect for Indra's purposes.
He sat alone in the men's section, submerged to his shoulders in the soothing water.
His eyes were closed, giving the appearance of peaceful relaxation, but his senses remained alert.
The curse mark on his neck throbbed occasionally - a persistent reminder of his encounter with Orochimaru.
He'd been studying it carefully over the past few days, analyzing how it interacted with his chakra system.
The mark seemed to draw in natural energy from his surroundings, converting it into a form his body could use.
Unlike Sasuke, who struggled with the corruptive influence of the curse, Indra found he could channel it with relative ease.
Perhaps it was his Rinnegan's influence, or maybe his soul's unique nature - whatever the reason, the mark bent to his will rather than the other way around.
Though he still knew that the vile snake's soul fragment is still somewhere inside it, and he plans to eventually devour it with the Human Path.
But not yet.
Not till he understands more how it is part of him and doesn't accidentally harm his own chakra system and soul.
He also has gone through the memories gained from the shadow clone of his - and his plan worked successfully. He saved Karin instead of Sasuke.
He - Indra realised after remembering her expression and body language, studying them in his mind carefully - knowing her past, feeling sorrow and empathy towards her, must've made his chakra exceptionally soothing or something, since it went quite well.
She-
A soft rustling from beyond the fence caught his attention and broke him out of his thoughts.
The sound was barely perceptible - the whisper of clothing against wood, followed by a low, perverted giggle. Indra's lips curved into a knowing smile.
Right on schedule.
He had spent the last three days observing patterns, gathering information, and waiting for this precise moment - Naruto still training with Ebisu.
The Sannin's habits were predictable - every afternoon at this time, when the women's bath was occupied by a particular group of kunoichi, the white-haired sage would appear to conduct his "research."
"Enjoying the view?" Indra called out without opening his eyes.
The rustling stopped abruptly. A moment of silence followed, then a deep, theatrical sigh.
"Kid, you just ruined some prime research material," a gruff voice complained from the other side of the fence. "Do you have any idea how rare it is to see the full kunoichi synchronized stretching routine?"
Indra opened his eyes, rising from the water. "I'm sure you'll survive the disappointment, Lord Jiraiya."
A large figure dropped down from the fence. Jiraiya of the Sannin stood with arms crossed, his expression a mixture of annoyance and curiosity.
"So, you know who I am," he said, studying Indra with sharp eyes that belied his foolish demeanor. "And you've been waiting for me. This better be good, kid, because you just cost me some invaluable inspiration for my next novel."
Indra reached for a towel, drying himself before wrapping it around his waist. "I need to speak with you. Privately."
Jiraiya's eyebrows rose. "Oh? And why would one of the last Uchiha need to speak with me so urgently that he'd interrupt my research?"
"Because," Indra replied, turning slightly to reveal the curse mark on his neck, "I have information that concerns both of us."
The change in Jiraiya's demeanor was immediate. The playful gleam in his eyes hardened, and his posture straightened. He glanced around, suddenly alert to potential eavesdroppers.
"Get dressed," he ordered, all pretense of the foolish pervert gone. "Meet me at the eastern gate in ten minutes."
Indra nodded, having expected this reaction.
The Hokage would have briefed Jiraiya about the incident in the Forest of Death, including Orochimaru's attack and the curse marks placed on both Uchiha boys.
What the Sannin couldn't know was Indra's true purpose in seeking him out.
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Ten minutes later, dressed in his standard attire, Indra arrived at the eastern gate. Jiraiya was already waiting, leaning against a tree with apparent casualness that belied his vigilance.
"Follow me," the Sannin said without preamble, pushing off from the tree. "And try to keep up."
They moved swiftly through the forest, Jiraiya setting a pace that would challenge most genin.
Indra kept up without difficulty.
After thirty minutes of travel, they reached a small clearing bordered by ancient trees. Jiraiya formed a series of hand seals, then placed his palm against the ground. A complex array of sealing formulas spread outward, encompassing the entire clearing.
"Privacy barrier," he explained, straightening. "No one can see or hear us now. Not even Sarutobi-sensei's crystal ball can penetrate this."
Indra nodded appreciatively. The seal work was impressive - far beyond what most shinobi could manage.
It confirmed what he already knew: beneath the perverted façade, Jiraiya was one of the most formidable ninja alive.
"Now," Jiraiya said, settling cross-legged on the ground and gesturing for Indra to do the same, "what's so important that you tracked me down at my research spot?"
Instead of answering immediately, Indra reached into his pouch and withdrew a small, worn book. The cover was faded and childlike, depicting stylized figures that might have belonged in a children's story.
Jiraiya's brow furrowed in confusion. "A fairy tale book? What game are you playing, kid?"
"Have you ever heard the tale of the Sage of Six Paths, Lord Jiraiya?" Indra asked, his voice carefully neutral.
The Sannin's eyes narrowed slightly. "Of course I have. Every shinobi knows the legend."
"I'm glad," Indra nodded. "But let me make sure we're on the same page." He opened the book, revealing hand-drawn illustrations that looked ancient.
"The story goes that long ago, the Sage had to battle a great and mighty demon to save the world. To do so, he sought the help of the Sage Toads, and after a terrible battle, he defeated the demon and killed it."
Jiraiya remained silent, watching Indra with increasing intensity.
"But unknown to the Sage," Indra continued, "the demon had children - nine, to be exact. And that is how we have the nine tailed beasts that roam our world today."
"I already know this legend," Jiraiya said impatiently. "What are you trying to get at?"
Indra turned the page, revealing an illustration of a black silhouette holding a staff.
The figure's face was deliberately obscured - drawn without features out of respect for the legendary figure - but the eyes were clearly depicted as purple rings.
"Do you believe in the existence of the Rinnegan, Lord Jiraiya?" Indra asked quietly, pointing to the distinctive eyes.
The atmosphere in the clearing shifted. Jiraiya's casual posture vanished entirely, replaced by a tense alertness that radiated from every fiber of his being.
"The Rinnegan is listed among the three great dōjutsu alongside the Sharingan and Byakugan," Jiraiya said carefully. "But most consider it a myth - an exaggeration of the Sage's power from an era before reliable records."
Indra closed the book, setting it aside. He had prepared for this moment carefully, considering all angles.
For weeks, he had observed Jiraiya's soul from a distance, using his Rinnegan briefly - just long enough to gain insights into the man's nature without being detected.
What he had seen confirmed his decision. Jiraiya was honorable beneath his flaws, genuinely devoted to peace despite the blood on his hands.
Most importantly, he was fiercely protective of those he considered his responsibility - having compared him to Naruto's soul to find out these aspects.
Indra needed that protection - not for himself, but for what he carried. The Rinnegan was too valuable, too dangerous to remain a secret forever.
Eventually, someone would discover it. When that happened, he needed allies who understood its significance.
Jiraiya had been searching for the Child of Prophecy - a figure the Toad Sage had foretold would either save the world or destroy it.
He had in the anime believed it might be Nagato but to him now, he should be thought dead after the chaos in Amegakure.
That loss would have weighed on Jiraiya for years. The guilt of failing his students, the uncertainty about the prophecy...
Things Indra could take advantage of.
Indra took a deep breath, steeling himself for what came next. This was a calculated risk, but a necessary one.
He needs someone strong in his corner, especially since he isn't sure whether during the invasion he can keep it secret, perhaps needing it to save his own life.
He can't trust the anime blindly. Orochimaru could perhaps send a clone to target him again, or the scale of the invasion could be bigger with the Hidden Stone attacking as well - it could be a number of things.
He simply can not be sure. Nothing is guarenteed now things are real. He needs to act accordingly.
"I need to show you something," he said quietly. "Something I've never revealed to anyone else by choice. With your connection to the Toads, you are perhaps the only one who can help me understand it. "
Jiraiya watched intently as Indra closed his eyes. When they opened, the fully matured Sharingan blazed in both irises, three tomoe spinning slowly.
Then, as Jiraiya watched, Indra's right eye transformed further - the tomoe rippling outward into concentric purple rings.
The Rinnegan.
Jiraiya's face drained of color. His mouth opened slightly, but no sound emerged. For perhaps the first time in decades, the legendary Toad Sage was rendered completely speechless.
"It awakened during a nightmare," Indra explained softly, watching Jiraiya's reaction carefully. "I've kept it hidden ever since."
Jiraiya's shock transformed into something else - something Indra hadn't anticipated. The Sannin's eyes filled with tears, his weathered face crumpling with an emotion that went beyond surprise or awe.
"All this time..." he whispered, his voice cracking. "I thought... I believed they were..."
Unknown to Indra, Jiraiya understood the Rinnegan differently than a simple Dojutsu, or the sign of a next Sage.
Before Indra could react, Jiraiya moved forward and pulled him into a crushing embrace, the Sannin's massive arms enveloping him completely.
"I'm sorry," Jiraiya said, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you. I should have been there. I should have stayed."
Indra froze, genuinely stunned by the reaction. He had expected many things - suspicion, interest, even fear - but not this raw display of grief and regret.
Jiraiya of the Sannin understood the Rinnegan to be the sign of the reincarnation of the Sage - the Son of the Heavens perpetually reborn in times of coming evil.
Finally all hope within his heart was extinguished - Nagato was dead.
"I failed you before," Jiraiya continued, tears flowing freely down his face. "But I swear on my life, I won't fail you again."
For in his eyes before him was the 3rd life of the Sage of the Six Paths.
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(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter!
It's a shorter one, but I believe this deserved its own exclusive chapter.
Do tell me what you thought of Jiraiya's reaction and whether what Indra is doing is wise.
Well, I hope to see you all later,
Bye!)