Skipping The Usual Process.

(A/N: Hey guys, I haven't been able to update yesterday, mainly due to having to deliver the statistics project yesterday(3 out of my 4 group members were useless, so I had to do their part as well), but also due to the project I have to deliver tonight. Ain't that great... it's not. Anyway, I grabbed some time to write this chapter, it might not be written that good, but it was a rush job. I hope you enjoy it as I certainly wont enjoy the following hrs. Have a good day :)

(Jiraya POV)

It had been around 3 months since I left, but too much had changed. Hyuga's could be seen in pairs, patrolling Konoha, clearly, a move that empowered the current Hokage's major ally, but more importantly, it gave him a channel directly to the people. The Hyuga's would become the right hand of the Hokage, but also the most trusted shinobi for the villagers as they would be seen almost 24/7 patrolling. The Hyuga's 'whispers' would become the villager's gossip, as well as the truth.

But what cemented my failure in this mission, was the glare the civilians gave to my current companion, one that could be considered mild compared only to what Naruto went through. Her status as a Sanin and a widely acknowledged kunoichi was the only reason the rocks hadn't come flying yet.

"Hah, she really has the face to return!" – A whisper was heard.

"Won't our village become the poorest with her around?" – Said another voice.

"I heard that she fears blood, can't stand the sight of it."

"A shinobi who can't handle blood… what's next, a politician who can't lie?"

Snickering and whispers were heard all around us, the stoic faces of the Hyuga's told me nothing much either.

The atmosphere though, told me that Shikaku must have failed somehow… that kid is terrifying.

Tsunade stood beside me as Naruto looked around bewildered. I had already told her what we were facing, but Naruto… had a thick skull, so I didn't bother.

"It seems much worse than what you told me." – Tsunade suddenly spoke.

"Yes, we are too late, though I now have a general idea why our trip had such a bumpy road."

"You believe the kid made a deal with Orochimaru?"

"I can't say yet, though I have been getting closer to him lately. Whatever the case, we got harassed by Orochimaru's goons which provided Kei enough time to cement his political foundation in the Hidden Leaf. It lines up perfectly, but it might be me just aligning my opponents. He might have just profited from the situation for all I know. In any case, we should see Shikaku. If anyone has a grasp on the political situation of the village, it's him."

"Speaking about Orochimaru, where are we regarding him?"

"I've been getting closer. Hiashi gave me a clue some months ago about a possible clue in the Sound. If I had followed it back then maybe things would be different. That said, I was able to narrow it down to a relatively small area within the Hidden Sound. My sources cant get closer though. I would have to go myself, but the Sound is crawling with Orochimaru's shinobis, and without the backing of the Hokage, I cant request shinobi to accompany me, or even go there myself. It could trigger political complications if I were to be found out."

"If you were to be found out."- Tsunade said as she smirked.

"Indeed… If." – I gave her a smirk of my own.

With that, we both made our way further inside the village.

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(3rd Person POV)

In the Nara clan, two visitors graced Shikaku with their presence. They were sitting in the yard as Shikaku was looking at a few reports, gradually throwing an eye at the actions and reactions of the two legendary Sannins.

"It's useless. Kei Uchiha has been chosen as Godaime Hokage. The official ceremony will be held next month, though it will be just formality." – Shikaku said as he looked at a few reports on his hand.

Jiraya looked at Shikamaru with a frown.

"Wasn't the decision to wait for both candidates. She is part of the founding clan, how can they just ignore her?"

Shikaku just shook his head.

"The Senju clan name doesn't hold any weight anymore. It might have worked if it was before, but now all the people see is that Kei Uchiha held back the two legendary Senju all on his own. Weakened as they might have been, that is what the people and the shinobi saw and were told. Rumors spread, feats exaggerated and legends are born. Right now, you have no foundation to stand on."

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Meanwhile, far away on the Land of Iron, also called the Land of the Samurai, in a heavily fortified fort, samurai stood at every corner, watching over the border as they went about their business. It was a strategic point, highly guarded and the open field covered with snow had low temperature while maintaining a very clear field of view. It was perfect for samurai and highly disadvantageous for shinobi, making it the strongest defense should a hidden village try and attack.

It was perfect.

"What is your purpose on the Land of Iron?" – An armored guard asked me.

"I have come to learn the way of the sword." – I answered truthfully, I hadn't gotten the chance to practice my sword ever since I got it.

The guard nodded his head in approval as he laughed.

"Then you have come to the right place. Samurai specializes in using sword… and by the look of it, you should have no problem on finding a teacher."

While talking he looked me up and down. I was about 2 meters tall, my build showing that I hadn't been slacking on my training.

"Are Samurai really that formidable?" – I asked.

"We focus on the sword and only chakra abilities that can help us better utilize the sword. Every and each one of the samurai posted at the border is an expert at swordsmanship. Any of them have the qualifications to accept a job much more profitable and respectable than this one, and yet they still stay here. It's a proof of their character."

"So I can be chosen by a master in here to train under?"

The guard started laughing at that.

"Hahaha… the guards of this fortress are the best of the best, they are stationed to hold back jonin shinobi. Granted, they have a lot of time on their hands, but they still use it to better themselves. Unless you are a rare prodigy, nobody here is going to bother with you."

"So you are an expert as well?" – I asked him.

"Who knows, but I'm not taking you in…" – he grinned.

I smiled back in return.

"That is okay, I'm not planning on taking a master, I prefer to jump a few steps on the process of acquiring knowledge and strength. In fact, why don't I show you?!" – I said as my hand blurred only to appear inside the Samurai's chest, his eyes looking widely at me.

I would kill all the witnesses, consume most of the guards and let some 'civilians' escape to spread the news nearby. I would gather quality biomass, skills, and chakra, all the while lighting a beacon for Black Zetsu to find me.