Crossing Naruto: Becoming a Perfect Jinchūriki

On the other side, inside the Hokage's office.

"Jiraiya, you're back."

Sarutobi Hiruzen was smoking a cigarette, and his voice sounded a little old.

"Yes, I'm back, Sarutobi-sensei."

Jiraiya looked at the teacher in front of him with complicated eyes. He originally wanted to walk in boldly and shout "old man" openly.

However, the words that were about to come out of Jiraiya's mouth stopped abruptly the moment he saw the teacher.

Because Sarutobi Hiruzen has grown old again, much older than the teacher he remembered. Not only does his face have a few wrinkles, but his hair has also turned gray in places.

Jiraiya felt a pang of heartache, he realized that time is fair to everyone, even the great ninja cannot escape the erosion of time.

Jiraiya walked over to the teacher and sat down, his eyes showing concern: "Teacher, how are you feeling lately?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled and replied: "It's okay. I'm old, so I can't compare to you young people."

Jiraiya frowned and said seriously: "Teacher, please don't say that. You are a legend in Konoha Village, and we all respect you very much."

Sarutobi Hiruzen chuckled and said with emotion: "Yes, time flies. In the blink of an eye, you have all grown into excellent ninjas."

He gently patted the teacher's shoulder and comforted him: "Teacher, don't worry, Konoha Village still has us. As long as we are here, Konoha Village will definitely get better and better."

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded with satisfaction and said earnestly, "Jiraiya, you have always been a child that the teacher can trust.

I hope you can continue to work hard and make more contributions to Konoha Village."

Jiraiya responded firmly, "Yes, Sensei, I will!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Jiraiya with satisfaction. Jiraiya was the disciple who respected him the most among the three disciples.

"Jiraiya, I'm old. Can you stay in Konoha forever when you come back this time?" The Third Hokage said slowly.

Jiraiya quickly shook his head: "No, you know I don't want to be tied down."

The Third Hokage sighed and said, "Jiraiya, I know you don't like the darkness hidden under Konoha.

But over the years, Konoha has changed. It has become united and no longer as turbulent as before.

Now Danzo is dead and the Root is disbanded."

Jiraiya smiled and replied, “Teacher, I have seen these changes.

When I returned to Konoha, I really didn't think that the Uchiha clan would one day return to the center of Konoha.

Moreover, whether adults or children in Konoha, most of them have smiles on their faces and live and work in peace and contentment. Everything is much better than before.

Teacher, I didn’t expect you to manage it so well! "

The Third Hokage smiled bitterly and shook his head: "Jiraiya, to be honest, most of these things are not because of me, but because of Naruto.

Naruto's existence brought many changes to Konoha, allowing people to regain hope and courage.

On the contrary, I think I did a terrible job, and if it weren't for Naruto, Konoha wouldn't have become so strong.

It is because of Naruto that we are able to solve Konoha's internal and external problems."

Jiraiya nodded in agreement: "Yes, Naruto is indeed a special kid, his optimism and kindness have infected many people.

He always faces difficulties with a smile and never gives up easily. Perhaps, he is the hope for Konoha's future. "

Sarutobi Hiruzen and Jiraiya stood on the rooftop of the Hokage Building, facing the afterglow of the sunset, looking at the orange sky, and overlooking the scenery of Konoha Village.

Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Jiraiya, do you know where Tsunade is? I hope you can bring her back to Konoha."

Jiraiya scratched his head: "I know where she is, but I can't say whether she is willing to come back."

Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed: "Since the death of Rope Tree, she has been immersed in pain and unable to extricate herself. But now, Konoha needs her."

Jiraiya frowned: "But her heart knot is too heavy, I'm afraid she won't let go of the past easily."

Sarutobi Hiruzen patted Jiraiya on the shoulder and said, "I understand your concern, but I believe that she still loves Konoha deep in her heart.

Tell her that I am ready to abdicate and let her come back to take over the position of Hokage."

Jiraiya looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen in surprise: "Are you really going to do this? This is no small matter!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, “I am old, and Konoha needs a new leader to lead it into the future.

And Tsunade is undoubtedly the most suitable candidate."

Jiraiya was silent for a moment before saying, "Okay, I'll try to convince her to come back. But what if she still refuses?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled and said, "That depends on your ability, Jiraiya. We can't force her, but at least we have to give her a chance to choose."

Jiraiya nodded helplessly, "I understand, Sensei. I'll give it a try."

Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled and said, "Go ahead, Jiraiya. I hope you can successfully bring Tsunade back.

The future of Konoha lies in the hands of young people like you."

Jiraiya replied firmly: "Don't worry, teacher. I will definitely not let you down."

After saying that, Jiraiya turned and left, embarking on a journey to find Tsunade.