Chapter 35: Aftermath and Resolve part 2

The next morning, Konoha was blanketed in a heavy silence as its people mourned. The faces of the villagers were etched with grief and determination, each person reflecting on the cost of the recent invasion. The loss of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was felt deeply throughout the village, and his funeral was attended by shinobi and civilians alike, united in their sorrow and respect.

Kakashi Hatake arrived late to the ceremony, his usual calm demeanor marred by a profound sadness. The loss of Hiruzen hit him hard, reminding him of his fallen friend Obito Uchiha. He stood in quiet reflection, grappling with the weight of both losses.

As the funeral drew to a close, Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin, was approached by the village elders. They offered him the position of the Fifth Hokage, recognizing his strength and wisdom. However, Jiraiya shook his head, a somber expression on his face.

"Tsunade Senju would be a much better choice for Hokage," Jiraiya said, his voice filled with conviction. "She has the skills, the leadership qualities, and the respect of the people."

The elders nodded in understanding, and Jiraiya offered to find Tsunade, who had been missing for years. He requested permission to take Naruto Uzumaki with him, believing that the journey would be beneficial for both him and the village. The elders reluctantly agreed, recognizing the importance of both finding a new Hokage and supporting Naruto's growth.

Meanwhile, Asuma Sarutobi and Kurenai Yuhi were busy assessing the aftermath of the battle and seeking out their students. However, they discovered that Kaito Takahashi was missing. Determined to find him, they set out through the village, hoping to get some clues about his whereabouts.

Their search led them into a tense confrontation as they encountered two formidable figures: Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki, members of the Akatsuki. The Uchiha's calm demeanor and Kisame's imposing presence were intimidating.

Asuma and Kurenai engaged them in battle, but it quickly became apparent that Itachi and Kisame were far beyond their current abilities. Just as the situation began to turn dire, Kakashi arrived, his appearance a beacon of hope. With his Sharingan blazing and his skills at their peak, Kakashi joined the fray, attempting to even the odds.

The battle was fierce, with Kakashi showing his prowess in combat. Despite their strength, Itachi and Kisame were not easy opponents. Kakashi's intervention provided Asuma and Kurenai with a chance to regroup, but the danger was far from over.

As the battle raged on, the village's struggle against the Akatsuki's presence was only beginning. The situation underscored the urgency of finding Tsunade and restoring Konoha's leadership. The coming days would be critical in securing the village's future and preparing for the challenges that lay ahead.