Chapter 64: Teacher, Perhaps It Is You Who Needs to Change

Words : 1116 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

Danzo rushed over upon hearing the news. Hiruzen was not surprised. Although he had regained some control over the Anbu, placing it under the command of his own people, Danzo had been managing it for many years and still held authority over the Anbu training department and several intelligence and espionage divisions. If Minato and the others had returned to the border without Danzo knowing... That would have truly shocked Hiruzen. He took a puff of his pipe, smiled, and gestured for Danzo to calm down. After Danzo sat down, Hiruzen said, "Danzo, I know you’re eager to contribute to Konoha, but this matter is not urgent. The situation is very complicated." "Oh?" Danzo remained calm. He had anticipated that Hiruzen might not be willing to hand over the responsibility and had prepared himself mentally, so he wasn’t too surprised. Hiruzen spoke earnestly. "The Uzumaki clan was once our ally. Now that Uzushiogakure has fallen, and we couldn’t protect them, we must ensure the safety of the one we managed to save." "Reasonable." Danzo nodded, then smiled. "I believe there’s no place safer or more capable of educating her than the Anbu. Hiruzen, hand her over to me. I will guarantee her safety!" "Have you seen Tsunade’s recent research?" Hiruzen suddenly asked. Danzo was puzzled but answered, "She seems to have made some progress recently, discovering a herb that can stimulate mental energy." "Hmm." Hiruzen looked at Danzo for a moment, then nodded slightly. "It seems you only care about the results. Tsunade mentioned in her research that psychological issues are also an area we ninja should pay attention to. I agree. Uzumaki Yuki has been wandering outside for many years and isn’t familiar with the friendly history between Uzushiogakure and Konoha..." "Bringing her directly into the Anbu might lead to problems later, which wouldn’t be conducive to the Uzumaki clan’s integration into Konoha." Hiruzen stated his purpose— Danzo valued the individual, but Hiruzen valued the clan. The Uzumaki clan. A clan with a heritage of sealing techniques. If they could fully settle and integrate into Konoha, the village’s strength would grow further. Compared to that, Danzo’s schemes seemed too narrow-minded. "The Uzumaki clan doesn’t rely on her alone." Danzo said. Hiruzen’s temper flared. He was already heartbroken over one of his students drifting away, and now Danzo was here to challenge him. Did Danzo think he was too soft? The Third Hokage’s expression turned cold. "Danzo, this is my decision. I believe it is better for the village, unlike your short-sighted approach. Matters concerning the Uzumaki clan are not for you to dictate!" "What about your student? Jiraiya made a reckless decision. Shouldn’t he be punished? Otherwise, who will follow the village’s orders in the future? Hiruzen, you indulge his whims but ignore good advice. This cannot continue." Danzo, seeing that the Third Hokage wouldn’t hand over the responsibility, stood up and began criticizing Jiraiya. "Danzo, I am the Hokage of Konoha, not you. Focus on your own duties." Hiruzen’s gaze sharpened, and his tone became less accommodating. Danzo left with a dark expression. Jiraiya sighed in relief, cursing inwardly. Old fool! Just because the teacher doesn’t listen to you, does that mean Konoha will fall? Hidden in the shadows outside the wall, Jiraiya wanted to rush in and give Danzo a piece of his mind, but he knew it wasn’t the right time. Otherwise, Hiruzen wouldn’t have asked him to leave earlier. Sigh! He would just have to wait. Before returning, Jiraiya had prepared himself for a scolding. This outcome was within expectations, but rushing in to confront Danzo wasn’t necessary. For now, they didn’t have the authority to speak freely. Jiraiya squatted inside the toad, feeling more and more that to achieve his ambitions, both strength and status were essential. The position of Hokage! Even if he didn’t want to become Hokage himself, he needed to ensure someone he trusted deeply would take the position. Currently, that person was Tsunade. In the future, it would be Kyohiko. But now, there was only one question: how to make the Third Hokage step down reasonably? Jiraiya pondered for a moment, but his mind was a mess, with no clear direction. He understood the goal but had no idea how to achieve it. Frustrating! He would discuss it with Kyohiko later... "Wait!" "I’m back in the village. Why do I need to discuss it with Kyohiko? I can talk to Tsunade!" As Jiraiya was thinking, a cough came from the window. "Come in." Jiraiya waited for a while. Hiruzen’s tone was stern: "Do I need to invite you in?" "Cough, sensei, how did you know I didn’t leave?" Jiraiya jumped out of the toad’s mouth and entered the Hokage’s office through the window. Hiruzen said irritably, "Don’t I know you well enough?" He sighed and spoke earnestly, "Kyohiko is very smart, and I’ve heard about his performance this time. But being too outstanding isn’t always good. His ideas are too radical. You should guide him, not be guided by him." Jiraiya was stunned. He hadn’t expected the Third Hokage to think this way. Radical? From his time with Kyohiko, he didn’t see the boy as a radical like Danzo. Kyohiko’s ideas were logical, and the success in the Land of Waves was proof. However. In Hiruzen’s eyes, this was radical? Jiraiya felt somewhat displeased and said, "Sensei, I have been guiding him seriously. What about you? Danzo has done so many things over the years. Have you been guiding him? In terms of radicalism, who can surpass Danzo?" "You! How dare you speak to me like this?" Hiruzen’s face showed anger. "Danzo and you are like me, Tsunade, and Orochimaru. You always advise me to talk more with Tsunade and spend time with Orochimaru. Now you’re telling me to guide Kyohiko more." Jiraiya couldn’t hold back. "What about you? Danzo portrays himself as Konoha’s necessary darkness. Using dark methods externally is one thing, but internally as well. Aren’t you going to guide him?" "Jiraiya!" Hiruzen’s fingers trembled, but his face was filled with shock. For a moment, he couldn’t respond! "Kyohiko has always prioritized strengthening Konoha. He cares deeply for the people of Konoha and the Land of Fire. He understands war better than anyone because his parents and grandparents died in war. I believe he truly understands the Will of Fire." "Compared to that, do you really understand Danzo’s actions? Sensei, perhaps it is you who needs guidance. It is us who need to change, not these children who have grown up in hardship." Jiraiya finished speaking, bowed deeply in apology, and then turned to leave. Hiruzen’s lips trembled, but he didn’t stop Jiraiya.

Chapter 64: Teacher, Perhaps It Is You Who Needs to Change

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