Konoha: Naruto, Taught by Aizen

"If I become Danzo's disciple, I believe everything will be completely controlled. What's more, Danzo isn't even Hokage!" Within the seal space, Naruto sat cross-legged on the ground, pondering. "For now, it's best to maintain the status quo."

"It's good that you think so. Remember, Naruto, the farther away from Danzo, the better." Minato sighed in relief, his expression serious as he reminded him, "Over these decades, Danzo's Root has become deeply entrenched in Konoha. Compared to the Third, Danzo is a man who has truly forsaken mercy."

As the Fourth Hokage, Minato, who had access to many secrets, naturally understood how dangerous Danzo was.

During his tenure, various decisions had been obstructed by both the Third Hokage and Danzo.

Rather than saying he was the Fourth Hokage, it was more like he was a Hokage with no real power, a figurehead.

It was an incredibly frustrating experience.

One could say that the Third Hokage and Danzo, one overt and one covert, had almost completely controlled Konoha.

Even if he had wanted to change the status quo, it was an arduous struggle.

And it was precisely because they saw this that the Sannin had left one after another.

On one side was his teacher, on the other was the Konoha he loved; being caught in the middle was indeed very difficult.

"I suspect Danzo colluded with Orochimaru before. Perhaps Orochimaru's defection is also related to Danzo," Minato voiced a speculation.

"Anyway, nothing good ever comes from getting involved with that old geezer," the Nine-Tails snorted lightly, joining the conversation.

"In any case, Naruto, you just lay low and build your power for now. When the time is right, I'll lend you all my strength, and you can just defect from Konoha. They'll definitely be incredibly shocked then—how could the originally gentle and refined Naruto defect? That Uchiha brat will surely go crazy like he's been betrayed; who knows, his eyes might even evolve again." The more the Nine-Tails spoke, the more excited it became, its fur even beginning to tremble.

"And then you stab him and tell him that eyes cannot be trusted." Thinking of the possible future scene, the Nine-Tails couldn't help but roll around in excitement.

As the mastermind, pushing Naruto's betrayal—isn't this even more thrilling than a game?

Minato, at the side, wanted to speak but feared causing Naruto's displeasure, so he could only sigh helplessly.

"Actually, Konoha is just a bit corrupt at the higher levels. If the younger generation is willing to change, then surely—"

Before he could finish, the Nine-Tails ruthlessly interrupted, "The younger generation is about to be eaten clean by them! Fourth Hokage, this is where you're wrong! How can you push Naruto into a fiery pit?!"

"Alright, enough said. I have my own plans," Naruto interrupted their argument, a hint of chill in his smile. "Konoha's future has nothing to do with me. I only want to do what I need to do."

He looked at Minato and said, "Fourth Hokage, I may need your help later. You need to be prepared to leave at any time."

After speaking, Naruto left the seal space, leaving the Fourth Hokage and the Nine-Tails staring at each other.

"Hmph." The Nine-Tails snorted coldly and sat back down in front of the computer.

After the small interlude of encountering Danzo, Naruto returned to his previous mundane routine.

Wake up, train, rest—a streamlined process.

During this period, Danzo waited bitterly for a long time but received no response from Naruto. Finally, from the Third Hokage's smug tone, he learned that Naruto had no interest in becoming his disciple. This left Danzo greatly frustrated and even bred resentment towards Naruto.

In the end, he could only leave in a huff.

This made the Third Hokage grin from ear to ear, as if he had eaten honey.

Meanwhile, outside Konoha, a figure moved agilely through the forest.

Surprisingly, this person wore strange attire, was tall, and wore a forehead protector with the character "油" (Oil) written on it.

He wore a red outer coat over a tea-colored garment and wooden clogs on his feet.

This person was none other than one of the renowned Sannin of Konoha, Jiraiya.

Jiraiya was a rather complex character.

For these past years, he had been outside Konoha gathering intelligence on Orochimaru.

At the same time, he was also searching for the disciple who could bring about a revolution in the ninja world, according to the prophecy left by the Great Toad Sage.

As a ninja, he was undoubtedly successful.

His strength had reached Kage level, and he was feared by countless ninja villages. But as a disciple, he had left Konoha, yearning for an unrestrained life.

After Minato's death, as Minato's master, he had also considered adopting Naruto, giving Naruto an incomplete home.

But after much deliberation, he still decided to leave Konoha and gather intelligence.

Over these years, he had returned, but after witnessing Naruto's miserable situation, he had completely lost faith in Konoha's higher-ups.

After his interference proved fruitless, he simply used gathering intelligence as an excuse to wander abroad.

He definitely felt guilt towards Naruto in his heart.

So, upon receiving the Third Hokage's summons, he dropped everything he was doing and rushed back without stopping.

Looking at Konoha, which overlapped with his memories yet seemed somewhat unfamiliar, Jiraiya sighed with emotion.

"In just a few short years, things have changed so much, and people are no longer the same."

Even the Sannin now existed in name only.

Jiraiya couldn't help but feel a little sorrowful.

With complex feelings, he walked into the Hokage's office and exchanged brief pleasantries with the Third Hokage.

Soon, he also understood the situation.

He couldn't help but be stunned.

"Kakashi can't teach Naruto anymore? Is Naruto's talent that outstanding?" Jiraiya's face was filled with shock as he cried out.

"Yes, Naruto has awakened a Kekkei Genkai with immense potential." The Third Hokage said with a smile, "In my opinion, Naruto might truly become Hokage in the future."

"Tch, Hokage." Jiraiya sneered, his tone somewhat unfriendly.

Although he appeared lecherous and foolish, he was actually wise beneath the surface; he saw clearly the struggles within Konoha's leadership over these years.

No matter what the political struggle, it was all for those two words: "Hokage"!

Facing Jiraiya's rather cold attitude, the Third Hokage smiled wryly and made a strategic retreat. "I'm old too. This position of Hokage would actually be better suited for you. Think about it. Don't leave again after coming back this time."

"No, no, no! I can't handle that position!" Jiraiya hurriedly refused. "It's better to have Tsunade become Hokage."

"I'm going to find Naruto."

After speaking, Jiraiya walked towards the window and jumped out.

Leaving the Third Hokage shaking his head and chuckling, "That boy Jiraiya... after so many years, he still hasn't changed that habit of jumping out of windows."

Walking along the familiar streets, Jiraiya already had a general idea in mind.

He had heard that Naruto was refined and gentle, highly regarded among his peers.

He could be called a little sun.

Approaching him rashly now might be a bit abrupt. It would be better to observe him secretly for a while and then meet him by chance.

He ultimately felt indebted to Minato and naturally had to teach Naruto everything he knew.

He would take Naruto as his disciple.

Speaking of disciples... Could Naruto be the Child of Prophecy? Jiraiya's expression became somewhat dazed as he thought of the Great Toad Sage's prophecy:

"In the future, the disciple you take on will bring about a great revolution in the entire ninja world. As long as you guide him correctly, the Child of Prophecy can save the ninja world."