Disciple of Jiraiya
Ai never imagined he would one day suffer a defeat at the hands of a kid like Xu Fan.
In this negotiation, not only did they fail to achieve their goals, but they also lost powerful assets—like Yugito Nii.
According to Mifune, Sarutobi Hiruzen had already departed the Land of Iron. Even if they gave immediate chase, they wouldn't catch up in time.
And even if Ai somehow did, in his current state, there was no way he could take Yugito back from Xu Fan.
On the contrary, he might lose both Cee and Darui in the attempt.
"Konoha..."
Ai clenched both fists tightly. What happened today was not something he could just brush off.
"If they want war... then we'll take it to the bitter end."
He turned sharply to Cee and Darui. "We're returning to Kumogakure. This time, we're not just taking back Yugito—we're going after the secrets of the Hyuga clan and the Nine-Tails itself."
Mifune remained silent as the Fourth Raikage seethed with rage. He opened his mouth as if to speak, but then thought better of it.
This conflict was no longer a simple diplomatic misunderstanding—it was a clash between two great villages: Konoha and Kumogakure.
Whether the future held peace or war would be determined by their respective Kage.
As the leader of a neutral nation, all Mifune could do was attempt to guide them toward reason.
But neither Konoha nor Kumo seemed willing to back down.
"Escort the Raikage out of the Land of Iron," Mifune instructed his samurai after completing the transmission.
Though the Land of Iron's territory was vast, its population was spread across isolated mountain villages.
In truth, most of their land acted as a buffer zone between the Great Nations—intended to contain the fallout of war, not engage in it.
That was the most Mifune could offer: neutral ground and diplomacy.
"I had hoped to one day see the Five Kage set aside their grudges and reach a genuine peace."
Mifune looked up at the sky, though deep down he knew—
That day may never come.
Just as the Land of Iron stood alone in neutrality, each hidden village would ultimately make its own choice.
And so, Ai made his.
He would return to Kumogakure with Cee and Darui—and prepare for war against Konoha.
If peace had to be shattered, then Kumo would strike with full force.
Xu Fan might be powerful. His talent might be extraordinary.
But no matter how strong a shinobi is, no one survives a siege alone.
Not even his father—the Third Raikage.
His body was nearly indestructible. His offense unmatched.
He could go toe-to-toe with a Tailed Beast and halt its rampage barehanded.
But even he died, surrounded and overwhelmed by countless enemy shinobi.
He fought until he collapsed from exhaustion.
---
Meanwhile, Xu Fan and the Konoha delegation were already racing back from the Land of Iron.
Among them, Sarutobi Hiruzen wore a complicated expression.
Though he had shown resolve during the conference, doubts still lingered in his heart.
Was this the right choice?
If I had just handed over the Hyuga body, could we have avoided this war entirely?
"You've made your decision. No need to hesitate now."
Xu Fan's voice cut into Hiruzen's thoughts.
To him, the Third Hokage often hesitated between idealism and pragmatism—paralyzed by the need to protect everything at once.
"Besides, our strength far exceeds Kumogakure's. There's no reason to fear them."
Xu Fan's tone was matter-of-fact.
If I can awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan before the war... or even unlock Bankai through Zangetsu...
My power won't just increase—it'll multiply exponentially.
Especially Bankai—it wasn't a mere upgrade. It was a transformation.
But...
Even Hitsugaya Tōshirō, a prodigy in Soul Society, needed years to fully master his Bankai.
Only Kurosaki Ichigo, the protagonist of Bleach, managed to unlock his in three days—through sheer will and plot armor.
"I wish I could just skip ahead too..." Xu Fan muttered under his breath.
For someone like him, learning Bankai the normal way might take decades.
Better to hold out hope for a sign-in reward or some miraculous power-up.
"I understand," Hiruzen replied after a pause. "It's not the war with Kumo that worries me."
"It's the other Hidden Villages. If they see us weakened or distracted..."
Xu Fan nodded. Hiruzen had finally begun treating him like a full-fledged ninja of Konoha.
In fact, it was likely the reason Hiruzen had considered appointing him to command the Root division.
"Don't worry about Iwagakure," Xu Fan said. "They don't share a direct border with us. If they want to invade, they'll need to cross through smaller nations first."
"If we fortify the Land of Grass and the Land of Waterfalls, they'll be forced to strike through Amegakure."
"And once they involve Rain... they'll regret it."
Xu Fan's confidence in Amegakure puzzled Hiruzen even more.
He had said something similar before, hinting at inside knowledge—but Hiruzen couldn't see the full picture.
After a moment of thought, Xu Fan smiled slightly. Well, it's not like he has much time left anyway.
Once Jiraiya returns to the village, it'll be about time for Hiruzen to make his final stand.
"From what I know, Jiraiya is currently in Amegakure," Xu Fan said casually.
"Jiraiya?" Hiruzen blinked. No one knew the man better than him.
He was a genius ninja—heir to the Toad Sage arts of Mount Myōboku.
Hiruzen had even once considered him as a successor to the Hokage title.
"How do you know this?" he asked, curious.
"I heard it by chance," Xu Fan said smoothly. "Jiraiya took on some apprentices in Amegakure and didn't return with Tsunade."
"You remember that period, right?"
Hiruzen nodded slowly, memories resurfacing.
That was when Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade made their names across the Shinobi World as the Legendary Sannin.
"So I believe Jiraiya—and his disciples—can delay Iwa's forces if it comes to that," Xu Fan said confidently.
"You may be right..." Hiruzen replied, a small smile forming on his face. "If Jiraiya is involved, then anything is possible."
"I'd very much like to meet this disciple of his one day."
Road to the Heavens
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