CH-19

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" Jiraiya-sama" Itachi quickly lowered his head, showing gratitude for the legendary Shinobi in front of us.

' He has always been a sucker for people who are advocates of peace, and Jiraiya is quite known for that'

I thought, 'Itachi has even read his latest book, the one with Naruto as its protagonist.'

Thankfully, he has not published the ero-novel as of yet; otherwise, poor little Itachi will lose his childhood very quickly.

"Yes, it is me, the famous and most handsome Shinobi of Konoha, Jiraiya the toad sage," Jiraiya said.

"We just heard that, sir." Shizu, as always, couldn't keep her mouth shut; not even in front of a Shinobi could kill us in an instant.

I had noticed it as ACE—the reaction speed, agility, and strength. No matter how strong you are, you can never match that with a kage at an age like mine.

"Little girl, it seems you don't know my greatness." The white sage bellowed.

I quickly shifted the topic of attention; after all, letting Shizu speak anymore would be more of a death sentence. I don't know whether this girl is brave or just dumb.

"Jiraiya-sama," I said, looking into his eyes.

The old Shinobi's gaze hardened on me. I continued, "You are usually never in Konoha; then why so now?" 

Despite knowing the reason, I had to ask, and I had to be certain. After all, I did try to warn Minato, but I have no knowledge of the Minato of this reality except his proud exploits in the war. I want to know whether Jiraiya's coming to Konoha is strategic or random. 

"Me? , you little child?" His gaze turned one of pity, looking at the leaking green symbol on my forehead. Regardless, he continued, "I only visit to do research." He laughed once again. It seems the Jiraiya here has quite literally fallen in love with his laughter.

"You mean peeking at a woman, you old pervert?" Shizu spoke out.

My face changed color. What the hell is wrong with this girl? At least speak with something of an idea in that empty head of yours.

Itachi, on the other hand, rushed to clamp Shizu's mouth shut before she could get us killed.

"You all are quite the unique bunch," an amused expression on the jolly Sanin's face said. "Regardless, I have lots more to do, so see you till next time, proud Shinobis of the leaf."

.......

Jiraiya of the leaf POV:

' What an interesting bunch to think they have around upper Genin's power, plus with the dynamic of the three, that Uchiha boy could do illusion, the Inuzuka can fight physically, and the Hyuga boy,' i let out another amusing laugh.

' He is not so simple, is he', He tried to hide his emotions, but I am not the best spy master of the leaf for no reason'.'Not only did he recognize me, he wasn't scared of me regardless of knowing my strength' 

Is it confidence? 

After all, he is six years old; perhaps he doesn't know the difference in his strength, which could barely qualify as a chunin and of my own.

"It's best not to think about little children; I have loads of research to do before meeting Minato and Kushina." 

With a pervert-like smile, he forged his path atop another tree, looking at the naked women in Konoha.

The sanin of the leaf was quite the try-hard pervert.

......

"Sensei," the yellow-haired shinobi in the Hokage uniform, looked at his sensei and continued, "A lot has happened since you were gone; the village, I presume, is in danger."

"I need your help, sensei jiraiya," Minato laid down his request to the sanin. 

"Is it about ACE?" Jiraiya, in unexpected seriousness, continued, "I have looked up information about him all over the world."

"Its almost as if He appeared and vanished out of nowhere." Jiraiya took out his big scroll and kept it on the table. "Yet, from your information about him, he doesn't seem to have any motive to harm Konoha; instead, I believe something else."

Minato sighed, a serious expression brimming on his face. "Sensie, Kushina will give birth today in a few hours, so tell me anything that's on your mind."

The sanin nodded and continued, "From his quite intensive knowledge of Madara Uchiha, even knowing his strengths and weaknesses, I believe he is his enemy." After a second, he continues, "He doesn't seem to know us, has no motive to save Konoha, and most of all, the conversation he laid out was more about leaking the powers of Madara than to save the leaf itself."

In the empty office of the Hokage, another moment of silence ensued.

"I believe the same sensei. It doesn't make sense for such a powerful Shinobi to act as an information giver, plus, from his nature, he doesn't seem the type to manipulate." His blue eyes hardened, a decision already made in that intelligent brain.

"There is only one place where Kushina would be the safest; I will send Lord Third to gaurd Kushina while there, while we both will act as if Kushina's birth is going as usual," Minato said in a grave tone.

"I see, so you thought the same," the toad sage continued. "Then it's done; Kushina will give birth in the magical land of the toads, away from all the battle."

Minato added, "In case it's a trap and that Shinobi can really even see our next step, then I will give the Lord third, my Kunai, and you can reverse summon yourself, Sensei." 

"It seems like a good enough plan, Minato." Jiraiya's stern expression melted away into one of concern: "Please be safe, my student."

"Don't you worry, sensei, I have my wife, my child, and my village to go back to."determination palpable in the air.

Both the sensei and student looked at each other, seeing the seeing the countless hardships and battles they had undergone together. Both couldn't handle the prospect of the other dying. 

The night was here, and the battle was about to start.

The question remains: who will win?

......

"Father, do what I say and pack all this food." Hizashi looked at his child in bewilderment, wondering why Kuroko would make such a request.

"Please, father, Just do as I say," said Kuroko.

The young Hyuga cared a lot about his family and even did his very best to change the fate of the village, which in turn affected his family and friends. 

He might not have had a bond with the village, but he had one with his friends and family and with peace.

The full moon of the Shinobi world was finally out in all its glory. The pupil-less eyes gazed in anxiety at the brilliant glow of the prison of Kaguya.

"It's time," Kuroko muttered.

the time to when it would be answered whether his efforts would bring about a change or not.

........

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