A month passed in the blink of an eye.
Naruto and Satoshi spent every day together, diligently learning techniques.
Given that Naruto's comprehension might not be particularly great, and Satoshi also lacked teaching experience, their teaching methods appeared rather abstract to others.
It was just like in the book when Naruto taught Konohamaru Rasengan by saying, 'first like this, then like that.'
However, the good thing was that Naruto's learning progress was relatively fast. Now he could throw two punches quite decently.
As for Satoshi teaching Naruto, and also tutoring him in academics, Hiruzen did not show any obvious displeasure.
During this month, Kakashi still secretly observed Naruto every day, recording every detail and reporting it to Hiruzen. Aside from feeling like he was about to burn out, everything else was going well.
Gradually, the matter of the Uchiha teaching the Jinchuriki spread throughout the village.
Along the streets, three to five villagers huddled together, whispering.
"Hey, look, that white-haired guy standing next to that Jinchuriki kid is from the Konoha Military Police Force."
"He looks quite handsome, but it's bad luck for him to be associating with that Jinchuriki."
"I heard his name is Satoshi, and it seems he's about to be promoted to squad leader or something."
"That can't be right, how old is he?"
"A friend of a friend of mine married into the Uchiha clan, and she secretly told me that Fugaku wants to adopt him as a godson, that's why..."
Hearing this, everyone gasped.
Fugaku adopted him as a godson?
"Nonsense! Why don't you say that Fugaku divorced Mikoto and is now pursuing Tsunade-sama?"
"That happened too?!"
A tall, white-haired man's eyes widened. "Who did you just say was pursuing Tsunade?"
Jiraiya gritted his teeth in anger. He had only been away for a few days, and his home was already being 'stolen'.
When the villagers saw him, they immediately fell silent and scattered like birds.
"Hey, you bastards, don't run away!"
Jiraiya rolled up his sleeves, wanting to severely punch these ignorant villagers. They didn't even bother to think before gossiping.
How could Tsunade and Fugaku get together?
That gambling addict was probably being fleeced somewhere right now.
Just then, an Anbu in a long robe appeared behind Jiraiya.
"Jiraiya-sama, Hokage-sama wants to see you."
Jiraiya scoffed, "You're lucky."
—
Soon, Jiraiya arrived at the Hokage's office.
The room was filled with smoke.
"Cough, cough, cough." Jiraiya waved his hand, opened the window, and frantically fanned away the smoke with a few folders.
"Old man, smoke less. Aren't you afraid of dying from it?"
Hiruzen rolled his eyes and reluctantly put down his pipe. "Jiraiya, you still remember how to come back to the village? And what is that thing you're wearing on your head? Where's your Konoha forehead protector?"
Jiraiya waved his hand, looking indifferent. "Old man, you know, I'm currently burdened with an important mission personally given by the great sages of Mount Myōboku: to find the legendary Child of Prophecy."
At this, Jiraiya became excited. "Old man, let me tell you, in these past few years, I've traveled all over the Ninja World, big and small, and met all sorts of people..."
Hiruzen waved his hand, cutting off the eloquent Jiraiya. "Shut up, I don't want to hear about that."
If it weren't for the fact that Jiraiya wasn't a child anymore, he would have really wanted to give him a good smack on the head.
As his student, Jiraiya wasn't thinking about helping him with his worries. Instead, he kept going to those big toads for no reason.
If what the toads said was useful, the Ninja World wouldn't be in constant war.
Jiraiya suddenly remembered something and asked, "They say Naruto is associating with an Uchiha fellow?"
"Yes. Satoshi's father was a student of Kagami and inherited his will."
At this, Jiraiya suddenly realized something.
Hiruzen said, "Naruto is Minato's son after all. In principle, it would be better to entrust him to you."
Jiraiya replied, "I actually think Naruto is doing quite well as he is. My mission is very important, how could I have time to teach students?"
Hiruzen rubbed his old back and massaged his stiff neck. "I won't be in this Hokage position for much longer. It's about time you came back too."
Jiraiya shook his head like a rattle drum. "The Hokage position is a hot seat, I can't sit still in it. My lifelong wish is to find the Child of Prophecy as soon as possible."
"Get out." Hiruzen grabbed a scroll and threw it at him. "Just get out, seeing you annoys me."
Jiraiya steadily caught the scroll and gently placed it back in its original position.
"Old man, take care of yourself. I don't know when I'll be back next time."
"Got it, hurry up and go. Don't delay my work."
Jiraiya's smile faded. "Old man, take care."
"Don't worry, I still have many years left to live."
Jiraiya's face showed a conflicted expression upon hearing this. "I'm going to the Anbu to hand over some intelligence. Bye-bye."
After saying that, Jiraiya leaped out the window and quickly disappeared around the street corner.
Watching Jiraiya's disappearing back, Hiruzen's brows furrowed.
In recent years, he clearly felt himself aging, but Konoha was currently in a transitional period.
Who else could bear the heavy responsibility of protecting Konoha?
And the Uchiha problem, how should it be resolved?
He called an Anbu ninja. "Call Danzo and the two Advisors for a small meeting."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
—
At this time, Danzo and the Advisors were gathered together. They were still discussing the Uchiha problem.
"Torune just sent some information. According to this content, the villagers' opinions about the Uchiha and the Jinchuriki are growing stronger."
Danzo looked at his two old friends.
"I really want to know what Hiruzen is thinking. How could he let the Uchiha interact with the Jinchuriki? Now it's even gone so far as to teach him."
Koharu deeply agreed with Danzo's point of view. "Tobirama-sensei once said that the Uchiha are a naturally evil clan. Even if Satoshi seems to have inherited Kagami's will, who knows if he will be assimilated by those madmen?"
"Once the Jinchuriki joins the Uchiha, Konoha will truly be finished."
Homura said, "That's right, the Jinchuriki's power is too dangerous. We must firmly control it."
But then the problem arose again: how to control Naruto?
Danzo had proposed a viewpoint years ago: simply imprison Naruto and brainwash him into becoming a war machine loyal to Konoha.
However, this idea was strongly opposed by Hiruzen, leading to a huge argument between the two, almost tearing off the roof of the Hokage Building.
Afterward, Hiruzen even cut off Root's funding for half a year to show his resolve.
Danzo had no choice but to back down, and the matter was resolved.
Thinking of this, Danzo felt extremely frustrated.
He was an Advisor and seemed like Konoha's second-in-command. But on many major issues, only Hiruzen had absolute authority.
He and the two Advisors combined were useless. Hiruzen would still veto them with a single vote.
Danzo said, "Gentlemen, Hiruzen is confused on this matter. The three of us cannot be like him."
The two looked at Danzo curiously. "What do you mean?"
A dangerous glint flashed in Danzo's eyes. "Hiruzen cares deeply about public opinion. If we spread rumors about the Uchiha everywhere, can he still sit idly by?"
Homura and Koharu exchanged glances. "That's it? It doesn't sound particularly special."
Danzo sneered, "What if the Uchiha can't stand the rumors and turn their blades on the villagers?"
"Of course, if the Uchiha don't kill, we can help them kill."