I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI

Ninjas Don't Fight and Kill

After much deliberation, Jiraiya agreed to Kakashi's request and began a covert investigation into the inner workings of Konohagakure.

Having long struggled with his purpose in life, he found himself with nothing better to do. If he could play a role in Konoha's rebirth—just like a phoenix rising from the ashes—it would at least prove that his life held meaning.

His presence in the investigation would also serve to keep Kakashi from becoming too radical, preventing him from turning into another rogue shinobi like Orochimaru or even Itachi.

If they gathered enough incriminating evidence to force Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, to step down, at least they could allow him to exit with some dignity.

As they worked together, Jiraiya and Kakashi roamed the village, speaking to citizens from all walks of life, only to receive vastly different perspectives on Konoha's leadership.

Noticing Kakashi's serious demeanor, Jiraiya asked, intrigued, "Where did you learn these investigative techniques?"

Kakashi thought for a moment before replying, "Naruto taught me this approach. I didn't take it seriously at first, but now I see its value."

At the mention of Naruto, Jiraiya fell silent.

His belief that Naruto was the Child of Prophecy only deepened. A boy who, despite his age, possessed wisdom far beyond that of most shinobi could only be destined to guide the future of the ninja world.

The investigation continued for several days, utilizing data comparison to analyze trends.

Jiraiya and Kakashi discovered that the villagers' trust in Konoha's leadership was steadily declining. The pivotal moment had been the Uchiha Massacre. Before that, complaints had primarily been directed at the Uchiha Police Force.

However, after the annihilation of the Uchiha clan, the villagers' lives remained unchanged, and the newly assigned ANBU enforcers proved no different in their governance.

Moreover, the complete erasure of such a prominent clan left the villagers unsettled.

Upon processing this revelation, Jiraiya's expression darkened, and his resolve to change Konoha's fate strengthened.

Seeing Jiraiya's determination, Kakashi led him to the abandoned Uchiha compound.

After walking through the eerily silent district, they eventually found Sasuke Uchiha, training relentlessly in a secluded grove.

Though still young, Sasuke's strength was undoubtedly at the Chūnin level. But what caught Jiraiya's attention was his two-tomoe Sharingan, glowing ominously in the dim light.

"Kakashi, is this why you brought me here?"

Jiraiya had heard of the lone Uchiha survivor. The Third Hokage kept a close watch over him—not for his sake, but because of Itachi.

To the village, Sasuke's potential as a genius meant little compared to his infamous brother.

Kakashi nodded slightly. "Sasuke is our only connection to the truth behind Uchiha's downfall. Back in the Academy, he was also one of Naruto's closest friends."

"It's unfortunate that Itachi left him behind instead of taking him. Had he gone with the other Uchihas, he wouldn't be living alone now."

Jiraiya sensed a deeper meaning in Kakashi's words—an implicit criticism of the village—but lacked solid proof.

Noticing their presence, Sasuke immediately pulled out a kunai, only to relax upon recognizing them.

"Sensei, I've already mastered the jutsu you taught me. What's next?"

"You need to focus on honing your Sharingan and solidifying your fundamentals rather than chasing powerful jutsu. Otherwise, it'll hinder your future growth."

Perhaps seeing a bit of himself in Sasuke, Kakashi offered this advice.

"I understand your concern," Sasuke said coldly, "but I don't have the luxury of time. I must become stronger quickly… so I can kill Uchiha Itachi and avenge my clan."

His eyes then shifted to Jiraiya, scrutinizing him. "Who is he?"

Kakashi responded lightly, "One of the Legendary Sannin, Jiraiya the Gallant."

Sasuke's eyes gleamed with recognition. He stepped closer and said earnestly, "Jiraiya-sama, will you teach me? I want to eliminate the traitor Itachi—for the village."

Jiraiya exchanged glances with Kakashi, a wry smile on his lips.

Sasuke's claim of seeking revenge for the village was a thinly veiled excuse. His true desire was personal vengeance, fueled by hatred for his brother.

Kakashi sighed and turned to Sasuke. "Tell Jiraiya-sama everything you know about the Uchiha clan's past… and your experiences with Naruto."

Although reluctant, Sasuke eventually recounted everything he had learned.

Jiraiya listened carefully. Sasuke's account largely matched what Hiruzen had told him, but there were notable inconsistencies—especially regarding Shisui Uchiha.

According to Sasuke, Shisui had died at Itachi's hands. But in reality, Shisui had not perished that night; he was alive, hidden away in Uzushiogakure.

Curiously, despite being known for his Kaleidoscope Sharingan, Shisui had never activated it while in Uzushiogakure.

So, where had Shisui's Mangekyō Sharingan gone?

Had Naruto been responsible for Shisui's disappearance? That didn't seem likely, given their apparent camaraderie.

If not Naruto, then who?

The masked man?

Or someone within Konoha itself?

Then, a name suddenly surfaced in Jiraiya's mind—Shimura Danzo.

As the leader of Root, Danzo had always sought to eliminate the Uchiha. His ever-bandaged right arm was suspicious, and he rarely revealed his true appearance.

Could Danzo have taken Shisui's eye for himself?

Had Naruto discovered Danzo's secret dealings, leading to his distrust of Konoha's Will of Fire?

Jiraiya's contemplation was interrupted when Kakashi chuckled. "You seem to know more than I do. Have you pieced together something important?"

Jiraiya's expression was grim. "I… have my suspicions."

Danzo's obsession with power had seemingly escalated beyond reason. Worse yet, Hiruzen had allowed it to happen.

This realization stung. It was this same passivity that had driven Tsunade away and led to Orochimaru's defection.

Yes, Orochimaru's actions were inexcusable—but Danzo's crimes were just as severe.

Their hushed conversation did not go unnoticed.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "Sensei, Jiraiya-sama… do you know where Itachi is?"

Jiraiya turned to him and said, "I understand your hatred, but you are nowhere near strong enough to face him."

"How strong is he?" Sasuke challenged.

Jiraiya hesitated before gesturing toward Kakashi. "Stronger than him. If you can't defeat Kakashi, you cannot defeat Itachi."

Sasuke glanced at his teacher before nodding.

With Sasuke temporarily placated, Jiraiya and Kakashi resumed exchanging intel.

The revelation that Shisui had survived momentarily shocked Kakashi, but he quickly moved on to other topics.

Ultimately, whether the Uchiha had rebelled or not mattered little to him. His true concern lay with the truth behind Sakumo Hatake's death and Konoha's deeper corruption.

Incidents like the Kumo Diplomatic Kidnapping and the Uchiha Massacre had brought temporary stability, but at a devastating cost—one that had tainted the Will of Fire, sowing mistrust between the Hokage and the shinobi.

After their discussion, they gave Sasuke guidance on his training.

For now, he was their best link to Uzushiogakure and a vital piece in uncovering the village's hidden darkness.

Suddenly, a puff of white smoke appeared beside Jiraiya.

A toad materialized, carrying a scroll.

Jiraiya unrolled it. The message was brief, from Fukasaku:

"The Great Toad Sage has awakened. Come to Mount Myōboku at once."

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