Currently, in the Hidden Leaf Village.
It had already been more than half a month since the last great battle.
Unfortunately, the injuries of Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, were severe.
At this time, he was still recovering within the rehabilitation ward.
However, after many days of treatment and rest, his condition had improved significantly.
He was now able to speak clearly and take care of some paperwork.
Of course, the half of his left hand that had been destroyed in the explosion of the Tailed Beast Ball would never return.
"Kakashi, how is Iwagakure Village?"
"They've already paid half—thirty-five million ryō—as ransom to the Hidden Leaf."
"They promised to raise and pay the remaining ransom within one month. And they ask us to treat Kitsuchi well until then."
"In addition, the Provisional Hokage has sent Kurotsuchi and Deidara back."
Kakashi flipped through the report in his hands, answering in detail.
Sarutobi sighed slightly, murmuring with emotion,
"That old geezer Onoki values his granddaughter and apprentice more than his own son!"
Hiruzen could understand this feeling well.
Like how after his eldest grandson, Konohamaru, was born two years ago,
he'd clearly felt that grandchildren were just cuter.
Moreover, given Kitsuchi's current state,
even if he were returned to Iwagakure Village ahead of time, he couldn't serve as a combatant.
Better to keep him locked up here for a bit longer with good food and decent treatment.
After all, given the huge ransom of thirty-five million ryō,
the Hidden Leaf wouldn't go out of its way to mistreat Kitsuchi...
"How is the village's financial situation lately?" Hiruzen continued to ask.
"Last week, the Daimyo's court provided aid funds; combined with generous assistance from the Provisional Hokage, and the ransom paid by Iwagakure Village,"
"The village has made it through its toughest phase."
"All funeral rites for fallen ninjas have been handled, and the damaged buildings are currently under repair..."
"It's just that the Sensor Division and the village barrier will likely not be restored anytime soon..."
Upon hearing this,
Sarutobi gave a slight nod.
Even till today, he still hadn't figured it out.
How exactly had Homuragakure ninja silently extracted all remaining Uchiha members within the village?
And even managed to destroy the Sensor Division's Barrier Central Hub so cleanly?
Yet on the Hidden Leaf's side, however, everything had happened without detection, step-by-step falling behind...
The Uchiha Clan had really taught him a hard lesson!
But at this point, contemplating these issues further seemed pointless.
The entire Uchiha clan defecting had indeed severely damaged the Hidden Leaf's reputation.
But looking at it now, there were both pros and cons.
Otherwise, considering the Hidden Leaf had just experienced a major war against Iwagakure Village, already weakened as it was,
if another full-scale internal war had occurred with the Uchiha Clan,
who would win or lose would've remained uncertain...
For now, the priority remained regaining strength and rebuilding the village.
"Where did Jiraiya go? Why isn't he here?"
"And how has he been doing as Provisional Hokage recently?"
Hiruzen raised his eyebrows, continuing with further questions.
Hearing this, Kakashi hesitated momentarily, unsure how best to respond.
To be honest, over the past half month, Lord Jiraiya...
Aside from causing all kinds of chaos in the village with absurd projects like "ordering the construction of a mixed bathhouse," "building an erotic bookstore," and "expanding lingerie shops,"
He dutifully completed all his official duties as the Provisional Hokage.
And he actually did a rather impressive job.
If it weren't for him stepping in just in time to cover up the village's budget mess and keep the various clans under control with that insane strength of his,
Konoha could've been thrown into chaos by now...
After all, Jiraiya was one of Konoha's Sannin—trained personally on Mount Myoboku and mentor to none other than Minato Namikaze!
His abilities were absolutely beyond doubt.
Granted, he was a bit perverted and lazy by nature...
But when he did get serious, he was truly dependable.
"Everything looks normal."
"Hokage-sama should currently be buried in paperwork..."
Hmm...
Probably doing paperwork right next to the mixed bathhouse.
"Ah, sure he's got quirks, but he's definitely reliable."
"With him holding things together during this time, I can finally take a proper break..."
Sarutobi let out a quiet sigh, feeling slightly nostalgic.
As his own apprentice, he knew Jiraiya's character and abilities well—and deeply trusted them.
...
"Kakashi."
"At your service!"
"Take my written order and go to the Forbidden Archive. Retrieve two Maki scrolls for me..."
"As you command!"
Kakashi stepped forward, took the scroll from Sarutobi's hand, and gave a respectful nod before accepting the mission.
"Also, please summon the heads of the Hyūga Main House and the Aburame clan."
"Regarding recent outer defenses of the village, I need to confirm details with them once again."
You see, with the Sensor Division destroyed and the Great Barrier gone,
From an outsider's perspective, Konoha was practically exposed—like walking around completely naked.
Therefore, just to be safe,
Strengthening surveillance and defense along the village's perimeter had become especially important.
The Byakugan of the Hyūga Clan combined with the Aburame Clan's Parasitic Destruction Insect Technique could create a complete surveillance and trap network, enveloping and protecting Konoha,
Quickly detecting and intercepting any foreign ninjas plotting ill intentions and attempting to approach Konoha.
This was also why Sarutobi planned on meeting these two prestigious clan leaders in person.
"Yes sir!"
Kakashi accepted the orders and quickly left.
Soon after, he went respectively to the Hyūga Main House and the Aburame clan, delivering the message to their clan leaders.
Then, he immediately rushed to the archives behind the Hokage Tower.
Using Sarutobi's written order, he opened the door of the Forbidden Archive, preparing to retrieve the two specified forbidden jutsu Maki scrolls.
However, the moment he stepped into the Forbidden Archive,
Kakashi suddenly sensed that there was already someone else inside!
You see,
As Konoha's most secret facility, aside from a few high-ranking officials,
Anyone without explicit authorization from Sarutobi or other top-level leaders was strictly forbidden from entering.
Just think—the Forbidden Archive held a massive number of forbidden techniques inside!
"If it were to leak out, the consequences would be unimaginable..."
"What's that?!!" Kakashi shouted loudly and immediately became alert.
The distant figure halted abruptly and turned to face Kakashi.
"A Root ninja sent by Danzo to retrieve the sealing technique scrolls."
"Is there any problem?"
The man raised the order scroll from Danzo in his hand and calmly explained while revealing a pair of pure Byakugan, those unmistakable white eyes beneath his mask.
Seeing this, most of Kakashi's doubts instantly faded.
Since this was someone sent by Danzo himself, there shouldn't be an issue.
After all, Root ninjas operated independently from one another, and Kakashi couldn't possibly recognize every single Root ninja.
Besides, the person was wearing a mask.
Moreover, with that unmistakable Byakugan, the man's identity was already sufficiently proven.
In addition, Kakashi had worked under Danzo for a period before.
He knew that Danzo was very fond of sealing techniques.
It wasn't strange at all for him to occasionally send people to collect some sealing techniques for research...
"No problem! I was just being too cautious..."
Kakashi sheathed his kunai and offered an apology.
Then, he turned his focus away from the man.
He started scanning the shelves by number to locate the forbidden Kinjutsu scrolls he needed to retrieve.
Soon, Kakashi found one of the scrolls.
But when he turned around again, the Byakugan Root ninja had already disappeared.
'Has that guy already left?'
Kakashi withdrew his gaze and paid no further attention.
Regardless of who the other person was,
as long as someone bore the Byakugan, there was no way they could ever betray the Hyuga Main House or Konoha.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>