Reborn into Naruto World with Tenseigan

Listening to Kuroto’s explanation, Elder Hiruzen, Tsunade-hime, and the others seemed intrigued but skeptical.

Kuroto responded casually, “Well, you know, I have a knack for understanding seals. It’s true that Ryūmyaku’s chakra is potent, but I’ve developed a special affinity for it. As for controlling it, let’s just say I have a unique understanding of Ryūmyaku’s nature. It’s all about harmony and balance.”

Elder Hiruzen narrowed his eyes slightly but didn’t press the matter further. The explanation seemed plausible enough, given Kuroto’s reputation for being skilled in various areas.

Kakashi, however, continued to wear a thoughtful expression, perhaps still harboring suspicions or trying to piece together the puzzle. Yet, for now, he didn’t voice any additional questions.

The conversation then shifted to other matters, and the room filled with discussions about the Akatsuki, the missing Jinchuriki, and the overall security of the village.

Kuroto shrugged, “I didn’t control it. The one who aided me was the former Queen of Rōran. There seems to be some kind of bond between the Royal Family of Rōran and Ryūmyaku; therefore, she was able to easily control it. The Ryūmyaku chakra followed her command and did as she instructed.” He added, “As for the technique of sealing the Ryūmyaku Chakra and turning it into an artificial-tailed beast-like entity with its own consciousness, I had the help of Miroku-sama, the former Miko of the Land of Demons. Kakashi, you should remember the first Anbu mission we took together. It was to complete the request issued by the former Miko of the Land of Demons. We assisted her in sealing that demon named Mōryō, which was also created by several Mikos of the previous generation using a similar technique.”

“Now that you mention it,” nodded Kakashi as he recalled the details of the mission they had performed in the Land of Demons.

Kuroto suspected that Elder Hiruzen asked him such a question at this particular time because he suspects Kuroto of creating an artificial-tailed beast through the past Artificial-Tailed Beast Project in Konoha, possibly storing it in the forbidden archives. Perhaps Elder Hiruzen has deduced that Kuroto learned this Jutsu from Orochimaru, suggesting that Kuroto might be, or was, Orochimaru’s spy left in Konoha.

It’s reasonable for Elder Hiruzen to entertain such suspicions, but Kuroto remains unfazed. Moreover, he has already provided a satisfactory explanation for obtaining Ryūmyaku, eliminating any grounds for doubt. Even if Elder Hiruzen continues to harbor suspicions, he lacks concrete proof.

Furthermore, even if Elder Hiruzen possessed evidence of Kuroto’s alleged betrayal, Kuroto believes he wouldn’t expose it openly unless the situation was exceedingly serious and posed a threat to the village’s stability. The reason is straightforward—Kuroto is no longer just a Jonin; he is now the voice of the people, the Hokage!

A single argument from the Hokage possesses the power to reshape the entire narrative. Consider the scenario where someone accuses Kuroto of being a traitor, alleging that he betrayed the village by feeding crucial information to Orochimaru. In such a precarious situation, Kuroto’s singular rebuttal, ‘Orochimaru has not betrayed the village; instead, he is on a special mission and working as a spy,’ could entirely reverse the narrative.

As Kuroto anticipated, after presenting his ‘explanation,’ Elder Hiruzen nodded with a composed expression, “I see, that makes sense… sigh, the waters in the Shinobi World are really too deep. To this day, I dare not claim to understand the Shinobi World fully! I mean, who would have thought that an isolated country at the edge of the continent would possess such a remarkable technique? It is truly incredible.” He then subtly shifted the conversation, “Well, anyway, regarding the matter of the Uchiha Clan, Kuroto-kun, you still need to go there in person.”

Kuroto smiled inwardly, acknowledging Elder Hiruzen’s explanation.

Three nights ago, despite the successful suppression and discreet handling of the Uchiha Clan’s Coup, a lack of Kuroto’s presence in the village raised concerns about potential unrest. To preempt any unforeseen conflicts, Itachi took the initiative to segregate the Uchiha Clan from the village. He instructed all Uchiha clansmen to return to the Uchiha district after receiving medical attention, a directive they obediently followed. Consequently, for the past three days, the Uchiha Clan has resided within the confines of the Uchiha district, maintaining no contact with the rest of the village.

Itachi’s strategy is to await Kuroto’s return and facilitate the seamless integration of the Uchiha Clan back into the village, thereby bringing a conclusive resolution to the matter. However, Itachi has chosen not to divulge his reasoning to anyone within the Hokage faction. Consequently, upon discovering that the Uchiha Clan had secluded itself within the Uchiha District, completely severing communication with the rest of the village, the Hokage faction was thrown into a state of panic. Concerns began to surface about the lingering possibility that the Uchiha clansmen had not entirely abandoned thoughts of a Coup d’état.

Hearing Elder Hiruzen’s explanation, Kuroto nodded, “I understand; I will visit the Uchiha Clan right away.” In fact, this was the thought occupying Kuroto’s mind when he returned to the village a few hours ago, having safely transported the Giant Tenseigan of the Hyuga Clan from the Land of Rain to the Ancor Vantian. However, before he could proceed to the Uchiha Clan, Kakashi pulled him into the Five Kage Conference, causing a delay in addressing the matter until now.

Elder Hiruzen observed Kuroto’s contemplative expression and spoke in a deep voice, “Kuroto-kun, this time, to handle the Uchiha Clan’s Coup, we have fully cooperated with your plan. Therefore, we hope that the Uchiha Clan also demonstrates their sincerity. Without it, the tension won’t dissipate, and we won’t be able to feel at ease.”

Kuroto affirmed, “I shall relay your message.”

Elder Hiruzen added, “Additionally, you must confirm the attitude and intentions of Uchiha Shisui, Uchiha Shinichi, as well as Uchiha Itachi—the current Patriarch of the Uchiha Clan. We want to know whether they still harbor any hostility towards the village.”

Kuroto responded nonchalantly, “I understand.”

True, this time, Elder Hiruzen, along with the other members of the Hokage faction, cooperated with him in handling the Uchiha Clan’s affairs. Therefore, Elder Hiruzen’s request seemed reasonable.

Elder Hiruzen added, “In fact, it would be preferable if you could mend your friendship with Uchiha Shisui. That way, the Uchiha Clan will be more manageable.” Jiraiya concurred, “Indeed, Uchiha Shisui is a valuable asset for the village. Both Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Shinichi are crucial in our fight against Akatsuki. After the events at Mount Myōboku, I sense that Nagato has grown stronger once again. In such a situation, losing either of them would be troublesome and put us at a greater disadvantage. Therefore, strive to win them over.”

Kuroto smiled helplessly as he expressed, “Everyone, there is no need for such extensive measures. Just because we had a little tension doesn’t mean the Uchiha Clan isn’t part of the tree called Konoha. Even if the branches and roots grow in different directions, in the end, it is still one single tree. Therefore, no matter what happens, the Uchiha Clan is part of Konoha and will always be part of Konoha.”

Certainly, Kuroto is well-informed about the events that unfolded at Mount Myōboku. When news of the unexpected attack at that place reached him, Kuroto found an unexpected joy and even entertained the notion of visiting the Elder Toad Gamamaru to inquire whether he foresaw their impending tragic fate. However, upon reflection, he shrugged off the idea, recognizing that Gamamaru shouldn’t have foreseen it; otherwise, given the nature of those venerable toads, he would have undoubtedly avoided the trouble.

Regardless, Kuroto felt a twinge of satisfaction, thinking, ‘Heh, that’s what you get for rejecting Neji and Hinata!’

Setting aside his minor grudge against Gamamaru, after addressing a few more inquiries, Kuroto and Kakashi departed from the Hokage Office, making their way toward the Uchiha District.

…

The moment Kuroto and Kakashi left the Hokage Office, Elder Koharu questioned Elder Hiruzen, “Do you believe that he is still in contact with Orochimaru?” Elder Hiruzen pondered Elder Koharu’s question, taking puffs from his tobacco pipe.

After a moment of silence, he responded, “This time he took the initiative to reveal the existence of Ryūmyaku, indicating that he cares about the village. Moreover, now that he is Hokage, whatever Orochimaru might have offered him is no longer necessary, as everything is accessible to him. Therefore, even if he still has some contact with Orochimaru, it shouldn’t matter anymore.”

“Hmm, right,” nodded Elder Koharu. She added with a thoughtful expression, “But, to be honest, this is actually quite good. The fact that he is in possession of Ryūmyaku and can control it without any problem means that his strength as the Hokage is no longer in doubt. Moreover, considering how he handled the Uchiha’s Coup, perhaps he would make a good Hokage.”

Elder Hiruzen mumbled, “I hope so.”

At this moment, Jiraiya suddenly had a thought and suggested, “Sarutobi Sensei, since we can accept the return of Uchiha Shinichi, why can’t we accept the return of Orochimaru? Compared to Uchiha Shinichi, who was part of the Akatsuki for several years, Orochimaru is innocent. He did not do anything to harm the village, and even his defection… that guy Danzō was responsible for it. If Orochimaru returns, the strength of our side will increase, restraining the Uchiha Clan. At the same time, I believe he will play a major role against the Akatsuki.”

Because Orochimaru lost interest in destroying Konoha and defected from the Akatsuki at an early stage, and since his involvement with Hiroku, Shinnō, and Danzo never came to light, Jiraiya feels that Orochimaru is innocent and can still be accepted back into Konoha.

It wasn’t just Jiraiya; even Tsunade-hime felt the same, agreeing with Jiraiya’s suggestion, “We were willing to turn a blind eye to the Uchiha Clan’s Coup d’état and give them another chance. So, I don’t see any problem with turning a blind eye to his defection and human experimentation. In fact, if we accept him back into the village, I am willing to personally monitor his actions.”

Although she did not openly express it, Tsunade-hime had an additional reason for wanting to monitor Orochimaru if he were to return to the village. She sought information on the Hashirama Cell implantation, and the reason was quite apparent. Given Konoha’s precarious situation against the Akatsuki, Tsunade-hime recognized the need to enhance her strength, and what better way than through ‘Wood Release’?

With the emergence of multiple Wood Release users—’Madara,’ ‘Tobi,’ and Nagato—Tsunade-hime felt that, as the descendant of the original user of Wood Release, she needed to shoulder some responsibility. The desire to learn/acquire the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai had lingered in her mind for a while, and the return of Orochimaru presented a unique opportunity for her.

Elder Hiruzen contemplated Jiraiya and Tsunade-hime’s suggestion for a while, then nodded with a smile, “We can give it a try.”

After all, Orochimaru is his beloved disciple.

Jiraiya’s expression brightened, and he immediately stood up, “Alright then… I am leaving on a journey to find Orochimaru! I will definitely bring him back!”

Elder Hiruzen waved his hand, “No, not you. Knowing Orochimaru, there is hardly anything within Konoha that interests him, so I don’t think you will be able to convince him. I believe that it would be best to leave this matter to Kuroto-kun. He should at least know where Orochimaru is, and if anyone can bring Orochimaru back to Konoha, then it can only be his beloved disciple.”

Although Jiraiya pouted in dissatisfaction, he accepted Elder Hiruzen’s argument, “Fine.”

With that, Elder Hiruzen got up and walked toward the window. The hustle and bustle of Konoha appeared in his eyes, warming his heart. After observing the merry children, Hiruzen raised his eyes and looked at the distant Hokage Rock. Noting the exquisitely carved faces of Godaime Hokage, Elder Hiruzen muttered, “The heads of Shodaime-sama and Nidaime-sama have started to look old… perhaps, they should be renovated.”

Standing behind Elder Hiruzen, Jiraiya remarked, “Sarutobi Sensei, even your and Minato’s head has become old after everything Konoha has been through in the past decade.”

“Huh, really? I thought that they were still fine,” muttered Elder Hiruzen in surprise. Tsunade-hime suggested, “Why not renovate the heads of all the previous Hokage?”

Pondering over Tsunade-hime’s words, Hiruzen asked Koharu, “What do you think, Koharu-chan?” Elder Koharu smiled gently, “Don’t you already have the answer?”

Hiruzen chuckled, “Hahahaha… you are right, well then… let’s renovate the entire Hokage Rock!”