81-85

Chapter 81: Jiraiya Returns

Looking at the envy in Kakashi Hatake's eyes, Touji couldn’t help but chuckle.

“If only Kakashi had gotten over his past sooner, maybe he wouldn’t have become one of Jiraiya’s book fans.”

“So, is there a reason you’re standing guard here?” Touji asked.

Kakashi’s expression turned serious. He pointed to a few bodies lying nearby.

“This Chūnin exam seems more complicated than usual. Did you notice anything unusual in there?”

Anko Mitarashi shuddered but quickly tried to maintain her composure.

Touji, on the other hand, remained calm as if nothing had happened.

“I know. It was Orochimaru! I already drove him away!”

Anko jumped in surprise.

She had agreed to help Orochimaru, but now Touji had just sold him out. And considering they were still inside, if the ANBU found out, Touji definitely wouldn’t escape responsibility.

“I was with Touji when we drove him away!” Anko quickly added.

Touji immediately understood what she meant.

She was afraid Touji couldn’t take all the blame alone, so she jumped in to share the burden.

Touji felt a little touched by this.

It felt like Anko was starting to win him over.

But Touji knew the truth.

After finishing the second part of the exam, Orochimaru had gone into hiding. So, there was nothing to fear.

Besides, Kakashi was on his side, and Hyuga Hiashi’s approval of him had already maxed out, so he didn’t have to worry about punishment.

“Orochimaru!” Kakashi trembled.

Orochimaru was one of the legendary Sannin. With Konoha’s current strength, only a handful of people could stand against him.

And Touji said he drove Orochimaru away?

That meant Touji’s strength had grown terrifyingly strong.

“I need to report this to Lord Hiashi right away.”

“While you're at it, tell the Hokage that his former student has come to visit,” Touji said with a slight grin.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had been giving him trouble for a while. But if the news about Orochimaru got out, Sarutobi wouldn’t have time to bother him anymore.

Plus, it would help distance Touji from the situation, making it harder for anyone to hold him accountable after the Konoha Crush Plan.

“Oh, by the way, Touji, an important figure has just returned. Do you want to meet him?”

“Important figure?”

Touji looked confused for a moment, then his body tensed up.

“Jiraiya?”

Kakashi was surprised at Touji’s guess.

But there were only a few big names in Konoha, so it wasn’t hard to figure out.

“That's right. The ANBU just reported that he’ll be arriving at the village soon. I thought it would be good for you to meet him.”

Touji nodded slightly.

Jiraiya was someone Touji had wanted to gain favor with for a while. Now that Jiraiya was back, Touji wasn’t going to miss the opportunity.

Besides, Touji had no interest in attending the third round of the Chūnin exams.

Watching a bunch of teachers see their students fight didn’t offer much chance to build favorability.

And the proctor for the third exam was Hayate Gekkō.

With Kakashi, Hiashi, and the others at the third exam venue, Touji found himself bored, standing by the village gate, waiting for Jiraiya.

Not long after, a white-haired old man slowly approached.

He was dressed in a long red robe, carrying a giant scroll on his back, and the word “Oil” was inscribed on his forehead protector.

It was Jiraiya!

Touji quickly stepped forward and blocked his path.

Jiraiya frowned, sizing Touji up and down.

“What do you need from me?”

“Kakashi-sensei asked me to come greet you,” Touji replied, careful not to be too forward.

Jiraiya was someone who had seen it all.

The tactics Touji used on the younger generation wouldn’t work on him.

Touji didn’t want to blow his chance with Jiraiya on their first meeting.

But he also didn’t want to play it too safe.

Playing it safe might maintain Jiraiya’s favor, but it would be almost impossible to max it out.

“Kakashi-sensei wanted me to ask if your new book is out yet.”

Jiraiya immediately dropped his guard, a mischievous smile creeping onto his face.

“So, it was that kid Kakashi, huh? The new book isn’t finished yet; I’m just missing a little bit of... research.”

Touji’s face twisted in disgust.

He called it “research,” but everyone knew it was just peeping.

And to think that one of the legendary Sannin had to stoop to spying on women—it was just sad.

“Oh, oh! There’s a beauty walking right toward us!” Jiraiya suddenly got excited, pulling out a telescope to get a closer look.

But then, Jiraiya’s entire demeanor changed. The previous sleazy look disappeared, and he became serious.

Jiraiya spat twice, fixed his hair, and straightened his robe.

“Kakashi sure knows how to pick ’em. Sending such a beautiful woman to greet me. Judging by her happy expression, she’s clearly charmed by my handsome looks. Well, who wouldn’t fall for a Toad Sage like me?”

Jiraiya coughed twice to hide the slight blush on his face, then struck what he thought was a charming pose.

Touji was stunned.

He didn’t remember Kakashi sending a female ninja.

And besides, Kakashi was single, so where would he get a female ninja to send?

Touji turned his head in confusion.

He saw Anko Mitarashi, holding several skewers of dango, running toward him.

Touji broke out in a cold sweat.

Anko was obviously coming for him.

But Jiraiya was so confident right now. If he found out the truth, it would be a harsh blow.

If Jiraiya realized Anko was coming for Touji, he might take his frustration out on him.

Touji shivered.

Single people are so lovable, it wouldn’t be right to make him suffer more.

“Lord Jiraiya, I don’t think there’s any beauty here. Maybe you were mistaken. Why don’t we go do some ‘research’ instead?”

Jiraiya smacked his lips, shaking his head.

“You’re still young. You’ve probably never even held a girl’s hand. But I’m different. I can spot a beauty from miles away. You’ll understand when you’re older,” Jiraiya said, patting Touji on the shoulder.

Touji’s mouth twitched.

The ones who claim to understand women the most are often the single ones.

They always have plenty to say, but in the end, they’re the ones who suffer the most.

Anko finally reached Touji, stopping beside him.

“Here, I bought these dango just for you!”

“How did you know I like sweets? Have you been spying on me?” Jiraiya grabbed the dango with one hand, inching closer to Anko.

“Uh, who are you, old man?”

That's the end of today’s chapter. Please remember to vote!

*Chapter 82: Mastery of the Shuriken Jutsu*

Jiraiya's face twitched, but in an effort to keep his composure, his entire face contorted.

"It's me! It's me! I am the sage of Mount Myoboku, the toad spirit, also known as the Toad Sage!" Jiraiya exclaimed, striking exaggerated poses.

But Anko Mitarashi had no reaction, her face showing only a hint of disdain.

Touji, seeing Jiraiya’s awkward situation, quickly nudged Anko.

"How can you not know who Jiraiya is?"

"Of course, I know him, but he's just a pervert who spies on women in bathhouses. I’d rather not associate with him!" Anko replied, her disgust deepening as she glanced at Jiraiya.

Touji could only smile wryly.

Who would’ve thought Jiraiya’s reputation was this bad? He’s one of the legendary Sannin of Konoha, yet people find him so repulsive.

"Come on, Anko, just pretend to know him. It won't kill you."

"No way! Associating with him would taint my pure soul!"

Touji understood now.

If it were Ino Yamanaka here, she wouldn’t even need prompting; she'd give Jiraiya the respect he sought immediately. If Touji asked, she’d go as far as groveling.

But Anko’s favorability wasn’t high enough. If something genuinely bothered her, even Touji’s request wouldn’t sway her.

Touji chuckled helplessly and then noticed the dango in Anko’s hand. He tested the waters, saying, "If you act like you're in awe of him, you can eat the dango in your hand."

Anko paused for a moment and then shoved the dango into her mouth.

"The dango isn't what’s important. What matters is that I've long admired the title of one of the Sannin!"

Touji's eye twitched.

It seemed Anko’s "pure soul" didn’t hold a candle to a few sticks of dango.

"Isn't this the Toad Sage from Mount Myoboku, the great Jiraiya?" Anko said, stuffing more dango into her mouth as she spoke.

Jiraiya, who had been dejected, suddenly perked up at Anko’s praise, becoming more and more smug.

"Indeed, that’s me!"

Touji rubbed his forehead in exasperation. Jiraiya was truly a master of acting childish. Just listening to him gave Touji goosebumps.

Seeing Jiraiya getting more full of himself, Touji quickly spoke up: "Pervy Sage, I think there’s someone you’d be very interested in."

"Hey, kid, who are you calling a Pervy Sage? Don’t slander my good name!" Jiraiya said, clearly irritated.

"Orochimaru."

Jiraiya’s whole body stiffened, and his playful demeanor turned serious in an instant, his eyes fixed on Touji.

"Are you saying Orochimaru is in the village?"

"Yes. I imagine you'd find that intriguing."

Jiraiya’s eyes became intense. His main goal for leaving Konoha was to bring Orochimaru back. He’d been searching for a long time but hadn’t found any trace of him.

But now, Orochimaru was in Konoha.

"Kid, if you really found Orochimaru, I owe you one."

*Ding! Jiraiya's favorability increased by five points! Current favorability: 55! You can now check in!*

*Ding! Jiraiya’s favorability: 55 points! You can now check in!*

*Favorability at 50 points unlocks: Flame Bullet!*

*Favorability at 60 points unlocks: Swamp of the Underworld!*

*Favorability at 70 points unlocks: Rasengan!*

*Favorability at 80 points unlocks: Heavenly Cover Formation!*

*Favorability at 90 points unlocks: Sage Mode!*

*Favorability at 100 points unlocks: Ultra-Big Ball Rasengan! Gain entry into his novels and unlock Infinite Check-in (Check-in cooldown: 7 days)!*

"Check-in for Jiraiya!"

*Ding! Check-in successful for Jiraiya! You’ve acquired Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu! Favorability increased by five points! Current favorability: 60! You can check in again!*

*Ding! Check-in successful for Jiraiya! You’ve acquired Shuriken Jutsu! Favorability increased by four points! Current favorability: 64!*

*Ding! Since you’ve already obtained Shuriken Jutsu, it has been upgraded to a higher level!*

Buzz!

Touji felt as though his head had been struck by lightning. His understanding of Shuriken Jutsu had completely surpassed its previous limits.

Now, after throwing a shuriken, he could maintain a subtle connection with it, allowing him to continually control its trajectory as long as the link remained intact.

Touji was overjoyed.

This was no longer just Shuriken Jutsu—it was like the legendary flying sword technique from his original world, capable of taking someone’s head from miles away!

He quickly pulled out a shuriken and threw it.

Touji felt as if the shuriken was a part of his body, completely under his control in both direction and speed.

Paired with his Byakugan, this would be a perfect combination!

However, the newly upgraded Shuriken Jutsu had its limitations. The shuriken’s range couldn’t be too far, and he could only control one shuriken at a time for now.

If these limits were exceeded, Touji’s head would feel like it was going to explode.

"Touji-kun, are you okay?"

Seeing Touji in pain, Anko quickly came over to support him.

Touji shook his head.

Although the process had been painful, the reward was more than worth it.

It was better to discover this limitation now rather than in battle, where a sudden sharp pain could cost him the fight.

"Pervy Sage, let’s go. Maybe you’ll even get a glimpse of the skills of our village’s next generation of shinobi."

Jiraiya, now fully embracing the nickname "Pervy Sage," nodded slightly.

Seeing Jiraiya’s serious expression, Touji smirked and said, "Have you ever thought about why Orochimaru has returned to Konoha? What was his reason for leaving in the first place?"

"You know?"

Jiraiya’s goal was to convince Orochimaru to return, so understanding his motives was crucial.

Although Orochimaru had been experimenting on humans and fled Konoha, there had been no real reason for him to defect. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was strict with others but always lenient with his own students.

If the Third Hokage had wanted to stop Orochimaru, he could have.

So why had Orochimaru disappeared for so long, only to suddenly return?

"I can tell you, but you need to stay calm."

"Don’t worry. I’m always calm. Go ahead," Jiraiya said, thumping his chest confidently.

"Orochimaru’s target is clear: the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. He’s come back to kill him!"

Jiraiya’s whole body trembled, and his eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Touji.

It was as if he couldn’t believe his ears.

"Impossible! There’s no way! How could he dare kill his own teacher? You must be lying to me!" Jiraiya shouted, grabbing Touji by the collar and shaking him.

---

(Chapter End)

*Chapter 83: Definitely Getting Special Treatment*

Touji smiled wryly.

Orochimaru's way of handling things was indeed difficult for Jiraiya to accept, but that's just the way it was.

"What do you think is better, letting the Third Hokage grow old and die in the position, or letting him die in battle for the village?" Touji asked.

Jiraiya was stunned.

Sarutobi Hiruzen still looked quite healthy, but given his age, he probably didn’t have much time left.

If a Hokage dies of old age in office, people would soon forget about him. But if he died a hero in battle, he would be remembered for centuries.

As much as Jiraiya didn’t want to admit it, this was indeed the best option for Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Seeing Jiraiya’s hesitation, Touji’s lips curled into a faint smile.

"So, do you still want to stop Orochimaru?"

Jiraiya’s face first showed anger, but then he seemed powerless.

"If only I hadn’t returned to Konoha, if only I didn’t know…" he muttered.

"Exactly. Living as a fool can be quite comfortable. So, are you still going to see Orochimaru?" Touji asked.

"Yes, I have to ask him why he left back then!" Jiraiya said passionately.

"Oh, I can tell you that too," Touji said with a mischievous grin.

Jiraiya looked at Touji in disbelief, suddenly realizing how terrifying this boy was. He had been out of touch for so long, yet this kid knew everything.

"Who are you, really?" Jiraiya asked.

"Me? Just one of Orochimaru’s old experiments," Touji said casually, as if he was making it all up without a care in the world.

"An experiment?!" Jiraiya exclaimed.

The victims of those experiments were the biggest sufferers. Jiraiya never imagined that someone had survived.

Jiraiya’s face filled with guilt.

The atrocities Orochimaru committed—Jiraiya felt a responsibility to atone for part of it.

Ding! Jiraiya's favorability increased by 5 points! Favorability is now 69 points!

"Please, you must tell me why Orochimaru left back then," Jiraiya pleaded.

"Of course, it was for his research. If successful, he’d be remembered for generations," Touji explained.

"Why did he have to leave? Couldn’t he stay?" Jiraiya asked, his voice rising with emotion.

Orochimaru’s departure had always been a sore point for both Jiraiya and Tsunade.

Now that Touji was willing to talk, Jiraiya was naturally excited.

"Because of Danzo. Danzo needed him to infiltrate a group—the Akatsuki organization you've been investigating!" Touji revealed.

Jiraiya was taken aback.

He never expected Touji to know about the Akatsuki, and after all his years of investigation, it turned out Orochimaru had already infiltrated the organization.

From the start, he had never been able to surpass Orochimaru, and now, even in this, he was outdone.

"Does the Third Hokage know about this?" Jiraiya asked.

"No, only Danzo knows. And right now, Orochimaru is being hunted by the Akatsuki," Touji said.

"What?! He's being hunted by that organization?!" Jiraiya’s anger flared.

Orochimaru had silently contributed to Konoha, and now he was being hunted by the Akatsuki. Jiraiya’s anger only grew stronger.

"Where is Orochimaru? Take me to him!" Jiraiya demanded.

Touji led Jiraiya to the third exam site, where a battle was already in progress.

The combatants were Hyuga Neji and Hyuga Hinata.

From the looks of it, Hinata was being completely overpowered and seemed on the verge of collapse.

"What’s wrong with Hinata? She’s not performing at her full potential," Kurenai Yuhi muttered disappointedly, shaking her head.

Ever since Touji had trained her, Hinata had been working hard, and her strength had improved drastically.

Even Kurenai had to be cautious when sparring with Hinata.

But now, despite all the progress, Hinata wasn’t even showing half of her usual strength.

Hyuga Hiashi, standing on the side, had an especially grim expression.

As the eldest daughter of the Hyuga main family, it would be an embarrassment if Hinata lost to a branch family member.

If this had happened before, when there was no hope for Hinata, Hiashi might not have cared.

But now, with Hinata’s rapid improvement, her underperformance was frustrating to him.

"Forget it. Hinata should just be content as Touji’s concubine. I’ll let Hanabi be his main wife," Hiashi muttered to himself.

Just then, Hinata noticed Touji in the stands.

Tears instantly welled up in her eyes.

"He came! He finally came! He really does care about me!"

Ding! Hinata’s favorability increased by 4 points! Favorability is now 88 points!

Touji blinked, surprised. He had just arrived, and his favorability had already gone up.

"Hinata! Stop looking around!" Neji scolded coldly.

Defeat was one thing, but losing without giving your all was entirely different.

And Neji wanted to prove his strength on this stage.

"You’re still…"

Before Neji could finish, he saw the look in Hinata’s eyes. His heart skipped a beat.

Hinata’s eyes were filled with hope—and with a murderous intent that made Neji shudder.

"Brother Neji, the fight begins now, and this time, I absolutely cannot allow myself to lose!" Hinata declared.

Neji felt a surge of anger.

Now it starts? So, she was just playing around earlier? Was she looking down on him?

"Today, I’ll show you the difference between you and a genius!" Neji said, his body lowering into a stance, even lower than for the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms.

Hiashi’s body trembled as he looked at Neji in disbelief.

"This kid... He’s mastered that move! If he were born in the main family, he’d be the next clan leader for sure. But if Hinata can secure Touji, that might be more beneficial!" Hiashi thought, coming to the conclusion that having daughters was indeed better.

Meanwhile, Hinata stood still, her hands pressed together and her eyes closed.

"What technique is this? I’ve never seen it before," Hiashi muttered, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

No matter how much he pondered, none of the starting forms of the gentle fist techniques matched what Hinata was doing.

"Could it be a new creation? Or a modification?"

Hiashi’s heart raced.

Anyone capable of improving the gentle fist technique was an extraordinary genius. Even Hiashi hadn’t reached that level.

But as much as he thought about it, Hiashi shook his head and chuckled.

He knew Hinata’s talent well.

The idea that she could modify or create new techniques was impossible—at least for now.

The only explanation was that Touji had been giving Hinata private training.

"Hmph, lucky Hinata, even I’m envious of your opportunities. I wonder how far along she is now."

---

*End of Chapter*

---

*Chapter 84: Dancing for You*

Neji Hyuga rushed swiftly toward Hinata Hyuga.

However, Hinata Hyuga stood motionless as if she hadn’t noticed him.

“Fall! Eight Trigrams One Hundred Twenty-Eight Palms!”

Neji's strikes rained down on Hinata, but just then, Hinata finally opened her eyes and began to move.

Hinata's movements were slow, but she managed to deflect Neji's attacks. Amazingly, a thin thread extended from her fingertips.

The thread whipped through the air with Hinata's dance, striking Neji repeatedly.

Each point of impact sealed Neji's chakra points instantly.

“This! This is Touji’s technique! It may lack his mastery, but I can't find any openings!”

Neji started to panic.

Although he had held the upper hand in their earlier exchange, his advantage wasn’t overwhelming.

So Neji had increased his speed and mastered the Eight Trigrams One Hundred Twenty-Eight Palms.

But what he hadn’t expected at all...

Hinata had learned Touji’s strange style of Gentle Fist and even modified it into her own technique.

Neji felt a tinge of jealousy.

If only he were a girl, would Touji have paid him more attention?

Meanwhile, Hiashi Hyuga’s face lit up with joy.

He couldn’t believe Hinata had learned so much of Touji’s technique.

And this style was by no means inferior to the Eight Trigrams One Hundred Twenty-Eight Palms—if anything, it surpassed it.

If more Hyuga clan members mastered Touji’s Gentle Fist, the clan could reach new heights, making the entire ninja world tremble.

That was Hiashi's purpose in keeping Touji around.

Hinata smiled to herself.

She had only recently learned this technique, and to her surprise, it was powerful enough to suppress Neji.

Then again, it made sense—this was Touji’s Gentle Fist, after all.

As she thought of this, Hinata cast a secret glance at Touji.

“Touji, did you see that? This is the dance I prepared for you!”

In less than thirty seconds, Neji’s chakra points were almost entirely sealed, leaving him unable to continue the fight.

Though reluctant, Neji had no choice but to bow his head in defeat.

“I’ve lost.”

“Hinata Hyuga wins!” Genma Shiranui announced weakly, then turned to Touji. Upon seeing Jiraiya standing beside Touji, he shuddered uncontrollably.

Hinata joyfully ran to the stands, heading straight for Touji’s side.

This left Kurenai Yuhi and Hiashi Hyuga awkwardly standing there, unable to celebrate.

“Thank you, Touji. Without your encouragement, I never would’ve been able to defeat Neji,” Hinata said, her head lowered and her face flushed.

Touji, however, furrowed his brow.

From the beginning, Touji hadn’t wanted to change the storyline too much. After all, as long as events followed the original plot, he would remain in an all-knowing position, able to prepare for what was to come.

But now the storyline had veered off course—Hinata defeating Neji and the events in the Land of Waves had already strayed significantly from the original plot.

This left Touji feeling uneasy.

The unknown is always the most terrifying.

“Touji, are you unhappy with my performance?” Hinata asked, looking at him with hurt in her eyes.

She hadn’t done well at first, after all.

“Don’t worry, Touji! I’ll never make such mistakes again!” Hinata said quickly, then turned and ran off.

By the time Touji snapped out of it, Hinata had already run away.

His face showed a puzzled expression.

At that moment, Ino Yamanaka approached Touji with a mysterious smile.

“Hinata’s not bad, and she has a good background. She’d make an excellent wife. Want me to help arrange things?”

Touji almost choked on his own breath.

Ever since Ino’s favorability had reached 999 points, she had turned into a matchmaker of sorts.

Any female ninja who came near Touji would get an analysis.

If she deemed them suitable, Ino would consider playing matchmaker. If not, she’d keep a close eye on them, ensuring they didn’t get too close to Touji.

“Ino, back off from my Touji!” Sakura Haruno rushed over, standing protectively in front of Touji, glaring at Ino with suspicion.

“Ino-pig, when did Touji become yours? Don’t you have a thing for Sasuke? Why are you now trying to steal my Touji? You shameless, fickle girl!”

“You! Want me to knock you down again? Looks like you’re asking for another fight!”

“Bring it on! Who’s scared of who?”

As the two girls argued, Touji could only shake his head in exasperation.

Meanwhile, Jiraiya’s face had grown dark.

“Touji! I didn’t come here to watch your girlfriend drama. Focus on what’s important!” Jiraiya said, his voice tinged with anger.

Touji scratched his head awkwardly.

“It’s not here, but I’ve located him. Follow me!”

Touji quickly changed the subject, not wanting to truly upset Jiraiya. A Rasengan to the face would be no joke.

Though Orochimaru had fled, Touji had used his Byakugan to track his location.

He quickly led Jiraiya in pursuit.

After several minutes of chasing through the forest, they finally spotted a ninja on the path ahead.

Although Orochimaru was dressed in a ninja vest, Touji recognized him instantly.

After all, Orochimaru’s cold aura was unmistakable.

“Touji, you brought Jiraiya here? Is this your idea of cooperation?”

Orochimaru spoke without emotion.

But Touji could detect a hint of killing intent in his voice.

As Orochimaru finished speaking, hundreds of snakes slithered out from the surrounding forest, advancing toward Touji.

Jiraiya, however, showed no fear and began walking steadily toward Orochimaru.

“Orochimaru, why did you leave back then? Do you know how worried everyone was about you?”

A mocking smile spread across Orochimaru’s face as he looked at Jiraiya.

“Jiraiya, you’re as useless as ever. If you want to fight, I’ll gladly oblige!”

Just as Orochimaru finished speaking, he noticed Jiraiya had already reached his side and had taken his hands.

“Orochimaru, you’ve suffered so much all these years!” Jiraiya said, his eyes filled with trust and understanding.

Orochimaru was dumbfounded.

He was a rogue ninja—he had betrayed the village and fled, even joining the Akatsuki.

He had expected a fierce battle when facing Jiraiya.

But now, Jiraiya’s expression showed no trace of resentment. Instead, his eyes were full of sympathy.

“Wait a minute, Jiraiya! I’m a rogue ninja! Should you really be talking to a rogue ninja like this?”

*End of Chapter*

*Chapter 85: How About You Become Hokage?*

Upon hearing Orochimaru's words, Jiraiya's face filled with guilt, and he immediately slapped him.

"Is there anything we can't discuss together? Why insist on carrying it all alone?"

Orochimaru was stunned.

Wasn't this supposed to start with a few snarky remarks, exchange some insults about each other's families, and then roll up our sleeves for a fight?

Why was this playing out differently than expected?

If Jiraiya didn't throw out some harsh words, how was Orochimaru supposed to go all out?

At this moment, Orochimaru noticed Touji grinning mischievously nearby and immediately understood the situation.

Orochimaru felt both gratitude and frustration.

Gratitude because he'd been bearing so much alone, and now Jiraiya finally understood.

Frustration because the burden he'd intended to carry alone was now shared with Jiraiya.

Given Jiraiya's goofy nature, he'd definitely interfere in the future, likely causing trouble and possibly bringing disaster upon himself.

Ding! Orochimaru's favorability increased by 10 points! Favorability now at 55 points! You can now sign in!

Ding! Jiraiya's favorability increased by 5 points! Favorability now at 74 points! You can now sign in!

"Sign in for Orochimaru and Jiraiya!"

Ding! Successfully signed in for Orochimaru! Received: Substitution Jutsu! Favorability increased by 5 points! Favorability now at 60 points! You can sign in again!

Ding! As the Substitution Jutsu was already acquired, the lower-level technique has been upgraded to a higher level!

Ding! Successfully signed in for Orochimaru! Received: Hidden Shadow Snake Hands! Favorability increased by 4 points! Favorability now at 64 points!

Ding! As the Hidden Shadow Snake Hands was already acquired, the lower-level technique has been upgraded to a higher level!

Ding! Successfully signed in for Jiraiya! Received: Rasengan! Favorability increased by 3 points! Favorability now at 77 points!

Touji was overjoyed.

The Rasengan is an incredible technique.

As a non-elemental jutsu, no matter what other attributes you add to it, you can change the Rasengan's nature.

In other words, the Rasengan is a jutsu full of infinite possibilities.

If you run into someone you don't like, just hit them with a Rasengan to set them straight.

And if one Rasengan isn’t enough, hit them with another until they either submit or pass out!

"Kid, you really love meddling in other people's business. But still, thank you," Orochimaru said with a faint smile.

"It seems Touji has already talked to you. So, will you stop me?" Orochimaru's sharp eyes fixed on Jiraiya.

Jiraiya hesitated.

While Orochimaru's methods were a bit too forceful, the idea itself wasn't bad.

Even Jiraiya had no reason to stop him.

"Can we talk to Lord Hiruzen about this? Maybe he can cooperate," Jiraiya said hesitantly.

Orochimaru laughed, his eyes filled with contempt.

"Jiraiya, you're such an idiot. Even Touji understands this better than you! With the old man so tightly controlling power, if he knew he was about to die, he would definitely cleanse the other families in Konoha to ensure his family's standing. Is that what you want to see?"

Jiraiya trembled all over.

The exclusion and suppression of other clans had begun long ago.

It was just that, back then, Hiruzen Sarutobi was still young, and his actions were subtle and restrained.

But if Hiruzen knew he was dying, there was no telling if he'd go wild!

Jiraiya's eyes dimmed, his face full of disappointment.

"I think you both should consider who will be the next Hokage," Touji interrupted, breaking their emotional standoff.

Orochimaru nodded in satisfaction.

"Touji is thoughtful as usual. How about you become Hokage?" Orochimaru said with a sly smile.

Touji's mouth twitched.

It was obvious that Orochimaru was joking.

If Touji ran for Hokage, the Hyuga clan would undoubtedly support him, but that would be about it.

Being young and relatively unknown, other clans would never agree.

Especially the two advisors and Danzo Shimura.

But Touji had no desire to become Hokage.

"Don't joke around with me. But if no one steps up to become Hokage, Lord Danzo, who's currently in confinement, might just take the role," Touji remarked.

"No way!" Jiraiya and Orochimaru said in unison.

Danzo Shimura was far too extreme in his methods. If he became Hokage, Konoha would undergo a massive purge, and no one wanted to see the resulting death and destruction.

"Actually, it's quite simple. The only ones with enough reputation to suppress Danzo are the Legendary Sannin," Touji said with a sly smile, looking at the two in front of him.

Orochimaru was planning to kill Hiruzen, so he had no chance of becoming the next Hokage.

That left only Jiraiya and Tsunade.

Tsunade, however, was nowhere to be found, leaving only Jiraiya in Konoha!

"No choice then. Looks like I'll have to do it..." Jiraiya hesitated.

Before he could finish, Touji interrupted, "Think carefully. If you do this, you won't be able to continue your 'research.'"

Jiraiya froze, suddenly hesitating again.

Research had been his greatest joy. If he couldn’t do that anymore, what else could he look forward to?

Touji's lips curved upward slightly.

"If Tsunade becomes Hokage, you could always stay by her side," Touji upped the ante.

Jiraiya's eyes brightened.

Tsunade had always been the woman he pursued.

But ever since Dan's death, she had completely shut her heart.

Even so, Jiraiya had always stayed by her side.

He never married or had children, staying with Tsunade until his death.

Now, hearing that Tsunade might return to become Hokage, Jiraiya was immediately tempted.

"Kid, you've been planning this from the start, haven't you? I have to admit, you're pretty thorough," Orochimaru said with a mischievous grin, his eyes full of admiration for Touji.

Not only was Touji strong, but his thinking was also meticulous.

If it weren't for Touji being too young, Orochimaru would have insisted on making him Hokage.

Touji coughed awkwardly.

The story had already deviated from its original course, and Touji had to guide it back on track.

Especially since Tsunade's return would give him the chance to improve his favorability with her.

Tsunade's medical ninjutsu was incredibly valuable, almost like having a second life. It could greatly enhance his abilities, especially his taijutsu.

As for Shizune, well, she was just a bonus.

"That's right, go find Tsunade!" Jiraiya said, excited.

Touji smiled bitterly.

Even if Jiraiya stayed by Tsunade’s side, she would never accept him.

And by the time Tsunade’s favorability rose, it would be anyone’s guess who she would end up with.

Touji suddenly felt a bit guilty toward Jiraiya.

He was learning ninjutsu, stealing away the woman Jiraiya treasured most, and Jiraiya still had to thank him for it.

"Thanks to you, Touji. If not for you, I would've remained in the dark and possibly ended up resenting Orochimaru. Thank you, Touji. From now on, you're my disciple, and I'll train you to the fullest!" Jiraiya said earnestly, looking at Touji.

Votes, votes, votes! Wuwuwu! 

(End of chapter)