Uchiha Gate: From Konoha to One Piece

Chapter 164: Hashirama’s Big Brain Strategy, Madara’s Bigger Rage



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"No way!"

At that moment, Tobirama couldn't help but give Jiraiya a skeptical once-over before saying, "You all keep saying that mastering Sage Mode requires a high level of mental fortitude. I know that much!

"When I was researching Sage Mode back then, I noticed the same thing.

"My brother was able to learn it so effortlessly not just because of his Sage Body and his incredible affinity and control over natural energy, but also because of his pure heart—his childlike innocence.

"But Jiraiya, this pervert—how does he qualify for such high mental purity? Don't tell me he's got the same kind of pure heart as my brother, right?

"If he does, then my mind's officially blown.

"Never seen a pure heart this perverted before."

"Hahaha, true!"

Hearing that, Hashirama, Tsunade, Orochimaru, and even Mito couldn't hold back their laughter. They all cast critical glances at Jiraiya, scrutinizing him.

Jiraiya's face turned bright red, feeling awkward and completely out of place.

His reputation was ruined. At least among the higher-ups of Konoha, it was utterly destroyed.

The "perverted" label? Yeah, no way he's washing that off.

Not that it isn't accurate—he is that kind of guy.

Sure, these days, he's been forced to turn over a new leaf within Konoha and the Land of Fire, but the dirt from his past? That's eternal.

"Uh…"

At that moment, Fukasaku and Shima exchanged an uncomfortable glance before Fukasaku spoke up.

"Actually, Jiraiya does have a pure heart, in a way. Originally, his nature was quite simple and free of too much distraction.

"But, well… as you've said, he picked up the bad habit of being a pervert, and that's been a huge obstacle for him. That's why, despite training in Sage Mode for so many years, he still hasn't been able to master the perfect Sage Mode!

"He has to stay completely still for a long time to enter Sage Mode, focusing deeply.

"And once he's in Sage Mode, the moment he moves, he can't continuously absorb and combine natural energy into Sage Chakra anymore.

"Unless Shima and I stand on his shoulders and help him maintain the flow of natural energy, his Sage Mode collapses during battle.

"Even then, his Sage Mode is flawed—it has obvious side effects.

"And all of this is the result of his impure heart, thanks to his perversion.

"If not for that, Jiraiya would've had unparalleled talent in Sage Arts."

Jiraiya felt the weight of embarrassment crushing him.

It was like being publicly executed again.

"No lies detected!"

Shima chimed in next. "Honestly, you can blame your Third Hokage for all of this!"

"Jiraiya told me himself—it was your Third Hokage who corrupted him in the first place! Taught him to peep, ruined his innocence!

"What kind of teacher is that? Seriously!"

Jiraiya: "...Can we just stop talking, please? I'm begging you."

"Oh-ho?"

Hearing this, the crowd turned their gazes on Jiraiya with amusement.

Even Kaito looked at him with a playful smirk and disdain.

"So, Jiraiya-senpai, you told these two that your perverted tendencies are all because of the Third Hokage? You're sure it's not just because you're naturally like this?

"Man, you're really good at shifting blame, huh?"

Even the Third Hokage probably never imagined that one day he'd be thrown under the bus by his own 'wonderful' student.

Tobirama: "Certified scapegoat right here."

"Eh?"

Shima and Fukasaku froze, then turned to Jiraiya with suspicious eyes.

"Little Jiraiya, did you lie to us?"

"What? You mean it wasn't entirely your teacher's fault?"

"Hah!"

Before Jiraiya could even respond, Tsunade jumped in, shooting him a disdainful look.

"Our teacher did play a part—he's an old perv himself, after all. Corrupting kids is practically second nature to him.

"But let's be real. Orochimaru and I were his students too. How come we didn't end up like that?

"Face it, Jiraiya, you've always been a perv. You just used the Third Hokage as an excuse.

"If you ask me, Jiraiya's so-called 'pure heart' was a knockoff from the start. No way it compares to my grandpa's."

"Though, I'll admit, unlike my straightforward and naive grandpa, Jiraiya's always been the sneaky type."

"Hey, hey!"

Hashirama, who had been quietly enjoying the drama, suddenly objected.

"Little Tsuna, what's with this disrespect? Who are you calling naive?

"I'm not naive! I'm super smart and resourceful!

"How else could I have defeated Madara and founded Konoha?"

"Do you even know how I stabbed myself with a kunai to fake suicide, just to trick Madara into dropping his grudge and ending the war?

"Of course, I knew I wouldn't actually die from that with my crazy healing abilities! That's what you call big brain strategy!"

Tsunade: "..."

Madara: "..."

Tobirama: "..."

"Uh… why do I feel a sudden chill?"

"That's strange! I'm just an Edo Tensei corpse. I shouldn't even feel cold!"

Hashirama suddenly shivered and instinctively rubbed the back of his neck, puzzled.

The others turned their gaze toward Uchiha Madara, who sat behind Hashirama, radiating an oppressive aura.

"Uh… Grandpa, maybe you should check behind you…"

Tsunade pointed hesitantly to Madara, who was practically exuding malice, and whispered a reminder to Hashirama.

Internally, she thought, "Seriously? You have the guts to spout nonsense like that with Madara, of all people, sitting right there? If you're not the king of foolishness, who is?"

To be fair, Tsunade knew her grandpa could be remarkably clever at times—a true example of wisdom hidden behind simplicity.

But no matter how you sliced it, his core nature was still a bit… witless.

"Huh?"

Hashirama, hearing Tsunade's warning, reflexively turned to look behind him.

And there he was—Madara, looking like a wrathful demon, dark energy radiating ominously around him.

Hashirama froze, his expression stiffening. "Crap! I got carried away and forgot to watch my mouth!"

Still, he managed to muster an awkward smile, raised his hand in a half-hearted wave, and stammered, "H-hey, Madara! About what I just said… it was a joke! You believe me, right?"

Madara's glare intensified. "Believe you? Believe you my ass, Hashirama! Go to hell!"

The next moment, Madara snapped. He lunged forward, grabbed Hashirama by the neck, and began shaking him furiously, yelling, "I'll make you pay for that! How dare you spout nonsense in front of me!"

"Feeling smug, are you?"

"Why did I ever trust your lies back then?"

"Didn't you say kunai couldn't kill you? Fine, let's test that theory!"

With that, Madara dashed over to Orochimaru, swiped a kunai from his ninja pouch, and charged at Hashirama, aiming for his chest.

"You two! Take this elsewhere!"

Watching the chaos, Kaito sighed, rubbed his temples, and waved his hand. Instantly, both Madara and Hashirama were teleported to a large open area behind the Hokage Monument.

Though he enjoyed some drama, Kaito wasn't about to let outsiders witness this farcical scene. It wouldn't exactly do wonders for Konoha's image.

At least Flying Thunder God makes for quick cleanups.

Satisfied that peace had returned to his office, Kaito turned to Fukasaku and Shima, saying, "I understand your intentions, and I see your sincerity."

"Since you've decided to make amends, I'll accept your compensation. Let's consider the past with Jiraiya water under the bridge."

"I hope we can get along well in the future."

"As for Sage Mode training, I'll send those interested in learning from Mount Myoboku when the time comes."

"And don't worry. Konoha isn't stingy."

"If you contribute, we'll reciprocate fairly. I'm sure you'll be satisfied."

"Oh, and one more thing—our clan's nutrient pills could be a huge help for you."

"Here, take this bottle of premium pills as a sample."

Kaito produced a small bottle and tossed it to Shima.

Shima caught it and opened it curiously. Immediately, a rich, warm vitality emanated from the bottle.

She and Fukasaku exchanged surprised glances.

Shima poured out a pill, licked it cautiously, and her eyes widened in astonishment. "This is incredible! Such pure vitality and nutrition… This could greatly enhance recovery and physical strength!"

Don't underestimate a toad with centuries of experience—Shima was exceptionally knowledgeable in medicine and herbs.

"Oh? You can tell just from a taste?" Kaito raised an eyebrow and nodded approvingly. "That's right. The effects are exactly as you described."

"These pills will become standard issue for Konoha's shinobi. Regular shinobi will get basic ones, which are about a tenth as potent as this."

"Treat Mount Myoboku's contractors and visiting shinobi well. We'll make sure you're rewarded."

Although this was Mount Myoboku's way of apologizing, Kaito knew the value of maintaining strong relations.

To truly benefit from their partnership, Konoha had to offer incentives—enough to keep Mount Myoboku invested in training shinobi sincerely.

Neglect that, and they might slack off, leaving Konoha at a disadvantage.

"Yes, I'm confident I'll eventually master Sage Mode and refine a method tailored for humans."

"But Mount Myoboku's rich natural energy will always be crucial for training."

"After all, the God Tree absorbed most of the planet's natural energy long ago, leaving large regions barren and lifeless. Only a few places, like the Three Great Sage Lands, still retain dense natural energy."

Fukasaku and Shima nodded, their eyes gleaming with newfound determination.

"We understand!" Fukasaku said firmly. "From now on, Mount Myoboku will cooperate fully with Konoha's shinobi."

"We'll do everything we can to support those who come to train in Sage Mode!"

After all, if Konoha's shinobi formed contracts with their toads, those toads would also benefit from these nutrient pills.

Even the basic ones would undoubtedly enhance the toads' growth, vitality, and strength.

Imagining the potential growth of Mount Myoboku made them even more motivated.

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