57. Danzo Doesn't Do Anything That Has Anything To Do With People!

If Jiraiya hadn't investigated the findings that had impacted his judgment, he wouldn't have felt so confused, nor would he have come to the Uchiha compound to talk to Yagami.

Danzo manages to engage in so many seemingly forbidden actions within Konoha. It's hard to believe that the Third Hokage doesn't know anything. Because of this, Jiraiya feels that in a village this large, the only person he can discuss such matters with is someone from the Uchiha.

Most people in the village are closely aligned with the Hokage. Jiraiya wondered if, as soon as he tried to discuss his findings, the Third Hokage would summon him.

Jiraiya wasn't afraid of being approached by the Third Hokage; what he feared was not knowing how to face him.

"Let's go! Since you're here, Lord Jiraiya, I, Uchiha Yagami, am not someone who would turn away a guest."

Seeing that Jiraiya hadn't responded for a while, Yagami decided not to tease him any longer. He might as well listen to what Jiraiya had uncovered in his secret investigations within the village.

"After I left the police department last time, I started looking into the connection between Danzo and Orochimaru. While I don't know the full extent of their cooperation, I can confirm that Orochimaru conducted human experiments and that Danzo played a significant role."

Jiraiya spoke with a weighty tone, hinting at certain things he chose to withhold, like some of his conjectures based on partial evidence.

According to village records, Orochimaru's human experimentation was supposedly his own idea. However, after investigating, Jiraiya believes it's more likely that Danzo forced Orochimaru to conduct the experiments.

"So, you've been investigating all this time and gathered only this much information?"

Yagami asked, raising an eyebrow.

Good grief! With that serious look you had when we met, did you think I didn't already know Danzo pressured your friend?

"Yagami, do you know why Danzo covets your Uchiha's Sharingan? It may be relevant to what I'm about to say next.

You may not know this, but Danzo began studying the First Hokage's cells a long time ago and has achieved some results.

Once he found Orochimaru, he aimed to gain mastery over Wood Style. He began human experimentation, even during wartime, which required numerous test subjects—and all of this was done in secret."

"With a steady supply of test subjects, research on the First Hokage's cells proceeded smoothly, but soon they encountered a problem. Shodai's cells were too vital; none of the transplanted subjects survived—they transformed into trees."

"They eventually believed the cause was cell rejection, so they shifted focus, experimenting with children to test cell adaptability. Danzo that beast extended his hand toward the orphanage, sacrificing numerous children until finally producing someone who could adapt to the First Hokage's cells."

"During this process, Danzo happened upon the eyes of Uchiha Kagami and discovered that the Sharingan could suppress the First Hokage's cell vitality. That's when he set his sights on your clan."

Jiraiya explained earnestly, and Yagami couldn't help rolling his eyes, thinking, *I already know all of this. Why bother telling me?*

"So? Are you here to tell me that Danzo stole my clan's eyes so that Konoha could control Wood Style and grow stronger? Then, you expect me to persuade my people to reconcile with Danzo?"

After all, why did you, Jiraiya, come to the Uchiha compound to find me? Was it just to tell me about all the dark things Danzo has done?

Now that Danzo is imprisoned and the root base lies abandoned, anyone could find out these things. Do you really need to explain them?

"Of course, that's not what I mean. I don't understand why the Third Hokage would allow this to happen. He exiled Orochimaru, which implies he knew something, yet even then, he took no action against Danzo. And when others investigate, he has Anbu block them… I—"

When the Orochimaru incident happened, the Third Hokage led his direct subordinate Anbu squad out, allowing Orochimaru to escape. If anyone claims he didn't hold back, who would believe it?

So the question remains: why did the Third Hokage let Orochimaru go? Was it due to their teacher-student bond? Or was it to have Orochimaru take the blame for Danzo? Or could it be that the Third Hokage was silently condoning the entire affair?

Hmph! Jiraiya, you've investigated this far, but I'm not a counsellor. What's the point of coming to me?

"If you're asking me, I don't know! Why don't you ask the Third Hokage himself and hear what he has to say? But if you're serious about clearing Orochimaru's name and getting answers, don't ask the Third Hokage in private. Understand?"

Yagami said flatly. How masters and students communicate is their business; if they want to fight, leave the rest of us out of it.

"I refuse to believe that Orochimaru would choose to betray the village without even leaving an explanation. I can ignore other things, but I must know the answer to this!"

Jiraiya seemed to regain his determination, his spirit as unwavering as ever.

"Have you really made up your mind? To be honest, even if Danzo's actions aren't directly tied to the Third Hokage, his close relationship with Danzo means he might not be able to remain Hokage if this is all exposed."

Hearing this, Yagami was a bit taken aback. Jiraiya might not have shared everything he uncovered, but what he revealed was enough to cause serious trouble for the Third Hokage.

"The old man… he's getting on in years. Maybe it's time for him to step down from the Hokage's position and let someone else take over."

Jiraiya spoke in a conflicted tone. He didn't want to view his teacher through the darkest lens, but with everything laid out before him, what else could he do?

"Think whatever you want. Anyway, we, Uchiha, don't desire further involvement with Konoha. If it weren't for the hassle, we would've moved our clan away long ago. Of course, if you're uncertain, you could question the Third Hokage. There may be things he genuinely doesn't know."

Whatever Jiraiya and the Third Hokage decide to do is up to them. It won't affect the Uchiha, but Yagami still felt it necessary to remind him: the Third Hokage might not be aware of all the underhanded things Danzo has done.

One can only wonder if Jiraiya will still maintain his composure when he learns about Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan's suffering at Danzo's hands.

Honestly, Jiraiya's findings are impressive. Yagami was surprised he hadn't already gone to the police department to confront Danzo directly.

Meanwhile, the Third Hokage reviewed the files submitted by Anbu regarding the Root organization. This time, Root had to be dismantled for real. The daimyo was closely monitoring the situation, making it impossible to brush off this decision as he had done with the Uchiha previously.

Due to this oversight, all confidential materials held by Root had to be extracted for inspection and securely stored. Root's members were also reassigned to various shinobi teams.

With the daimyo holding the economic reins, the Third Hokage wanted to avoid provoking him, given Konoha's increasingly precarious situation.

As a result, all the experimental data and records Danzo had hidden were finally unearthed.

The Third Hokage was so enraged that he nearly destroyed his Hokage office. He had always believed that Danzo, as Konoha's root, buried deep underground, might keep a few secrets, but never to this extent. He had treated Danzo as a trusted brother, only to be treated as a fool in return.

After Jiraiya and Yagami finished discussing their findings, Jiraiya also went to check on Naruto.

However, he didn't show himself to Naruto, perhaps out of guilt or some other reason.

Since he returned, Jiraiya learned that Naruto had been shunned by the villagers, unable even to buy basic supplies, surviving on instant noodles and expired milk. Things only began to improve after Naruto entered the academy and met Sasuke in the Uchiha district.

This has led Naruto to spend most of his free time practising basic skills with Sasuke, apart from attending school and going home.

Of course, the reason Konoha hasn't responded strongly is that the Uchiha have maintained a respectful distance. If the Uchiha openly indicated an interest in taking Naruto as an apprentice, the Third Hokage would certainly intervene.

"It's good to see Naruto genuinely happy here."

Jiraiya spoke with some relief, though his disappointment in his former mentor ran deep. Too many similar incidents had left him with doubts about the Third Hokage.

"Happy? What Sasuke offers Naruto is merely companionship.

His parents died the day he was born, and he's lived alone ever since, bearing the hostility of others constantly."

Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if Naruto grows up harbouring thoughts of revenge against the village.

"By the way, I should tell you, Naruto's branding as the 'fox demon'—Danzo is largely to blame for that. If it weren't for him, Naruto's life might've been much different."

Hearing this, Jiraiya's face darkened. He was at a loss for words regarding Danzo, whose actions seemed devoid of any concern for others.

"That's it, then. I'll think of a way to help Naruto. Please look after him for now… Also, Kakashi wanted me to let you know he wishes to see you. Apparently, there's an issue with his Sharingan."

Jiraiya sighed deeply.

An issue with Kakashi's Sharingan? Now that's curious. Could it be that Obito's eye is incompatible with him, or is there some kind of rejection happening?

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