Chapter 191: Chapter 191: A New Prophecy
"Take care on your journey."
Sakumo Hatake waved and then headed toward Konoha.
He walked away effortlessly, as if he had just lifted a thousand-pound burden from his shoulders. The golden glow of the setting sun bathed his body, draping his clothes in light.
After successfully persuading Sakumo Hatake, the future Legend of the White Fang, to leave, Satori Hyūga turned his gaze toward the Land of Wind and continued walking.
In the past, he thought only someone with Six Paths-level strength could change the balance of power in the ninja world.
However, ever since awakening his Tenseigan, Satori understood one truth—possessing a Tenseigan is truly incredible.
Especially his own Tenseigan—his is the strongest of them all.
He didn't need overwhelming strength to subdue everyone. By simply manipulating the minds and spirits of high-ranking officials in several hidden villages, he could indirectly rule the world.
Even though it would be done in secrecy, like a shadow ruler of the night.
Compared to those ambitious people who were instantly crushed after showing their hand, pulling the strings from the shadows was practically effortless for Satori.
Plus, Satori himself was already a peerless powerhouse in this era. Few individuals could even resist his covert schemes.
"The Hidden Sand Village, Hidden Cloud Village, Hidden Stone Village, Hidden Mist Village, and Hidden Leaf Village—these five great villages contain all the essence of the ninja world. As long as I control these five villages, I will hold absolute power."
The Five Great Villages were like the five permanent members of the UN Security Council from his previous life.
Even Satori couldn't believe how vast the resources at his disposal would be once he controlled all five villages.
At that point, by consolidating human and material resources, he could develop whatever he desired.
Meanwhile, Jiraiya—who had just left the Toad Sage's sacred land—was now traveling the world, frantically searching for the sinister force manipulating the world mentioned in the new prophecy.
Jiraiya had set his sights on the various nations' daimyos, wandering across countries to seek out the darkness foretold in the frog sage's prophecy.
Right now, Jiraiya's first stop was indeed a red-light district on Shortcake Street in the Land of Fire.
This was Jiraiya's favorite place to visit—also one of his most reliable sources of intelligence.
All sorts of people gathered here—from nobility and officials at the top of society to common folk at the bottom.
A flood of information—true and false—flowed endlessly through such places.
Outside the pleasure house entrance,
"Please come back again soon, Lord Jiraiya." A woman adorned in seductive makeup and exuding charm gazed affectionately at Jiraiya, hanging on to him sentimentally.
Jiraiya grinned widely, scratching his head while nodding enthusiastically.
"I definitely will! Next time I return to the Land of Fire, I'll be sure to support your business."
Once he turned around, his face reverted to its usual calm demeanor.
Inside the pleasure house, Jiraiya hadn't picked up any unusual rumors. He was about to head somewhere else.
But in the next moment, he laid eyes on a familiar figure.
"Tsunade, what are you doing here?"
Tsunade, also one of the Sannin, had disguised herself as a cute little blonde girl, casually strolling along Shortcake Street.
To others, they might not recognize Tsunade in her younger form, but Jiraiya was different—he had grown up together with Tsunade.
Startled at being recognized, Tsunade looked up and saw Jiraiya standing there dumbfounded. Her eyes widened slightly.
"Jiraiya?! What the hell are you doing in the Land of Fire?" she asked, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face.
"You again, hanging out at a pleasure house."
Jiraiya quickly shot back with an apologetic grin. "No, no! I'm here on serious business this time!"
[The Toad Sage] has made another prophecy. In places unknown to us, an eerie, shadowy force is gradually overwhelming this world, manipulating everything like puppets on strings.
I'm gathering intelligence to uncover this evil force. Even if it costs me my reputation, I must protect the peace of this world.
He struck a silly pose, causing Tsunade to scoff quietly before turning and walking away.
Seeing Jiraiya act ridiculous as always only annoyed Tsunade further.
Prophecy's Child? Dark forces controlling the world? All of it sounded utterly fabricated.
Only someone like Jiraiya — a fool — would circle the globe chasing a single prophecy.
Seeing Tsunade leave, Jiraiya hurried after her, yelling,
"Tsunade! When old friends meet, shouldn't we catch up a little?"
His shout immediately drew the attention of a group of rough-looking thugs nearby.
"Tsunade? Isn't that the legendary money magnet? Grab her fast and make her pay back her debts!"
Several burly men leaped from the crowd, their expressions menacing as they charged toward Tsunade, demanding payment.
Tsunade bolted, her long strides eating up the ground, cursing bitterly behind her as she fled.
"Damn it, Jiraiya! I knew meeting you would bring me nothing but trouble."
Seeing the chaos unfold, Jiraiya broke into a heavy sweat.
He smacked his forehead, his face frozen in stunned silence.
"I really am an idiot, seriously."
Tsunade used [Transformation Jutsu] to hide from people. Why did I have to go blabbing her name out loud just now?
Fearing trouble, Jiraiya quickly ran after her, helping Tsunade dodge the debt collectors.
In a secluded corner of the alleyway, Tsunade punched Jiraiya with full force, venting her frustration.
"You stupid bastard almost got me killed!"
Jiraiya frowned painfully, his face already swollen and bruised.
"This isn't entirely my fault. How was I supposed to know that calling out her name in public would attract so many debt collectors?"
"You've racked up way too much debt. Maybe try not gambling for once?"
Tsunade scoffed coldly but said nothing.
Muttering to herself, she continued, "This was just an accident. I've already mastered a sure-win strategy this time."
"Your apprentice, Satori Hyūga, helped me sweep the competition and rake in massive profits back then."
Thinking back to those thrilling days filled her with youthful energy. Without realizing it, she straightened her posture and puffed out her chest proudly.
"Oh right, how's that kid Satori Hyūga doing now? Did he ever resolve his physical issues?" Tsunade suddenly asked.
Scratching his head, Jiraiya paused thoughtfully.
"You met Satori Hyūga? I thought he's been in perfect health all along."
"That guy has a black heart — he loves cutting corners and cheating."
"He's unreliable, but smart as hell. His money-making schemes are downright terrifying. Just look around — half the goods sold on every street were from his ventures."
As he spoke, Jiraiya's tone carried a tinge of bitterness, his expression like he was mourning a villain who'd brought ruin upon the world.
Tsunade spent the whole day thinking only about gambling and drinking, without giving much thought to anything else.
She carefully examined the shops on both sides of the road and found that there were indeed many new and intriguing items.
"Tsk tsk, Konoha has grown old and corrupt, and the Hyūga Clan gives off a stale, grave-like vibe. For someone like him to appear is truly fascinating."
"I wonder how this guy managed to build such a massive operation right under the noses of the Hyūga Clan's stubborn elders."
Jiraiya chuckled and teased, "Cunning fellow—he might've made the first move and quietly eliminated the elders in his clan."
His casual remark was surprisingly close to what Satori Hyūga had actually done.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>