Chapter 597: 597.Leave the Third Hokage to Jiraiya

—Shahzaam, Jacob Mooe, kevin Williams, Jose Sierra, Pasang Sherpa, Acedia, kurtis newman, Nhoxious, Little Sand, sediaz, Targaryen, King Scales, Kurgarraz.

(just replace the “@” with “a”)

————————————————————

“Elder Homura, are you still worried about the supply situation?” After preparing all the supplies listed on the manifest and handing them over to Shisui for delivery, Shikaku breathed a sigh of relief. Preparing such a massive amount of supplies at once had been no easy feat. Fortunately, the Leaf Village’s coffers were deep; otherwise, they truly couldn’t have managed.

“Yes,” Homura replied with a sheepish smile, shaking his head. “I’m not questioning the Hokage’s decision. It’s just that after satisfying the Stone Village, our remaining supplies won’t be nearly as plentiful. If a major conflict were to break out during this period, the village would be in a very passive position.”

“Ha ha ha, set your mind at ease, old-timer.” Shikaku smiled and patted Homura on the shoulder. “Your concerns have surely already been considered by the Hokage. Although this isn’t a cash purchase, the long-term repayment structure works in our favor. Besides, is another major war even likely to break out in the shinobi world?” He ended with a rhetorical question.

“Well… this…”

Won’t it? Homura paused. This was a matter of “what if.” It wasn’t about the probability; it was about the possibility.

Seeing Homura stubbornly spiraling, Shikaku could only patiently explain. “Elder, the issues we’re pondering have already been addressed and arranged for by the Hokage in advance. So please, set your mind at ease.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Five Kage Summit will soon be convened. At that point, the war between the Stone and Cloud Villages will certainly be brought to an end through the summit. From then on, the only scenario in which another great war could erupt in the shinobi world would be if we went to war against the Akatsuki. And if that day truly comes – when the entire shinobi world unites against the Akatsuki – do you really think the supply issue would still matter?”

!!

Homura nearly cursed aloud. If such an event truly came to pass, it would be a matter concerning the entire shinobi world. At that point, who would care about such trivial supply concerns?

Right, so what was I even worrying about? Could it be that old age just makes one prone to overthinking?

Seeing Homura’s tense expression ease, Shikaku chuckled. “Elder, I think you’d be better off concerning yourself with other matters. For instance, the Third Hokage is about to return.”

Kazuki’s ascension – having skipped so many procedures to become Hokage – had dealt no small blow to the Third Hokage. How to placate the old man was beyond Shikaku’s abilities. Such matters could only be handled by the Third Hokage himself, or by Homura stepping in to offer some consolation. As for Akimichi Torifu… forget it. That fat man not showing up to gloat would already be a small miracle..

I’m keeping my distance from Hiruzen now. Don’t you go dragging me into this mess.

“Ahem!!” Homura put on a show of clearing his throat. Clasping his hands behind his back, he headed toward the logistics warehouse. “I’ll go do a final inventory of the supplies to prevent any errors. As for Hiruzen’s matter, you can arrange it as you see fit. The Hokage will be back soon anyway.” Handle it however you want, but don’t hand me this hot potato. I, Mitokado Homura, am a reformed man. How could I possibly take on such a thankless task – one that would implicate not just myself, but my family and clan?

“Ah… this…” Watching Homura’s rapidly retreating figure, Shikaku stood rooted to the spot for a long moment. Finally, he let out a wry chuckle. “It’s truly thanks to the Hokage. An ordinary person would have a hard time turning that fossil around.”

Smiling and shaking his head, Shikaku left the logistics department. There were still plenty of village matters awaiting his attention. He had no time to waste here. As for the Third Hokage… what did he have to do with Shikaku? If Homura was unwilling, then let Jiraiya handle it. Shikaku had no intention of contacting the Third Hokage himself. And it wasn’t just him – the entire Ino-Shika-Cho alliance would reduce their interactions with the Third Hokage, lest they invite trouble upon themselves.

After a full day of administrative work, Shikaku made his way alone to a certain district favored by men. After a bit of discreet inquiry, he located Jiraiya.

“Hgh~~~” Jiraiya’s cheeks were flushed, his eyes unfocused. He was clearly drunk. With his arms around two women whose clothes were in disarray, Jiraiya squinted at the figure before him, struggling for a good while before finally recognizing the newcomer. “Ah, Shikaku! What brings you here? Or did you come for some heh heh heh…” A lecherous grin spread across his face.

“…” The smile on Shikaku’s face gradually froze. The corner of his mouth twitched. He raised a hand to massage his throbbing temple and said helplessly, “Lord Jiraiya, I have an important matter to discuss with you. So if you could…”

Although thoroughly drunk, Jiraiya’s instincts kicked in. He straightened up, waved away the women seated beside him, and forcibly pulled himself together. “What do you need from me? Is there a mission from the village?”

“Yes,” Shikaku lied through his teeth. If he didn’t, knowing Jiraiya’s temperament, the man would never willingly accept this assignment. He’d only just returned to the village and barely had two days of fun. Being told to leave on another mission would be too much. So Shikaku fabricated a story: it was a village mission, and the orders came directly from Kazuki.

“Give me a moment.” Despite his penchant for women, Jiraiya still possessed professional integrity. Upon hearing this, he signaled for Shikaku to wait, then rose and wobbled toward the restroom. Splashing cold water on his face, he forced himself to sober up. With his mental state considerably restored, Jiraiya returned to the sofa and gestured for Shikaku to continue.

Shikaku nodded and began. “Lord Jiraiya, the Hokage has already reached an agreement with the Stone Village. Barring any surprises, the Tsuchikage will soon initiate the Five Kage Summit. Through the summit, the war with the Cloud Village will be forcibly concluded. The war between our village and the Stone Village will also come to an end. And, as you know, the Third Hokage, he…”

Shikaku trailed off, leaving the rest unsaid. He trusted Jiraiya understood. Sure enough, Jiraiya furrowed his brow slightly and mused, “The old man’s temperament is indeed problematic. Kazuki skipping all the procedures and simply donning the Hokage battle robe to become the Sixth Hokage… the old man is bound to have considerable objections.”

“Therefore…” Jiraiya lifted his head, meeting Shikaku’s gaze. “Kazuki’s intention is for me to head to the border camp and talk some sense into the old man?”

“Correct.” The lie had to be maintained. Shikaku said with gravity, “The current situation in the shinobi world remains chaotic, with the Akatsuki lurking in the shadows. The Hokage was concerned about major incidents on the horizon, which is precisely why he hastily assumed the position of Sixth Hokage. If a dispute with the Third Hokage were to erupt at this juncture, it would be detrimental to both the village and the shinobi world as a whole. That’s why we need you to go and persuade him.”

“Tch…” Reeking of alcohol, Jiraiya wore an expression of pure disgust and resignation. He slumped heavily against the sofa and grumbled, “That kid… he creates this mess himself, and I’m the one stuck cleaning it up. Honestly, the old man is the hardest person to persuade.”