Uchiha Patriarch !

"Naruto wasn't 'sent' to the Land of Water," Hiashi Hyuga emphasized the word "sent," as if to refute any notion that the village had banished the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. "The reason for this situation stems from historical and environmental factors. Naruto's mental state has been quite unstable recently." 

An unstable mental state for the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki was a dangerous sign, as it could lead to loss of control. At five years old, Naruto could not yet harness the power of the tailed beast. Although Jiraiya did not believe that the seal Minato had set at the cost of his life would fail so easily, having personally checked it himself, Minato had also left behind the key to the Nine-Tails seal using a rare scroll from Mount Myoboku. 

Undoubtedly, this responsibility was entrusted to Jiraiya. 

"The seal on Naruto isn't that fragile. Without external interference, it shouldn't break before he turns ten. But…I understand your concerns," Jiraiya shook his head. "Hiashi, please continue." 

Hiashi took note of this information about the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki's seal potentially lasting at least ten years. After a slight pause, he continued, "Besides Naruto's unstable condition, another event occurred. Do you know the name Uchiha Sōgen?" 

"I've heard of it," Jiraiya nodded. Even if he didn't know before, he learned about Uchiha Sōgen and Hiashi Hyuga leading the movement to remove Hiruzen Sarutobi from the position of Hokage after hearing of Sarutobi's death and collecting intel on the village. 

"Although Sōgen is only fifteen, he's already the head of the Uchiha clan and has awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan. Before your return, he was likely the village's strongest ninja. However, the reason the Hokage chose to send the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki to Sōgen is not solely because of his strength." 

"Sōgen previously captured the Fourth Mizukage during the war with the Mist." 

Hiashi dropped a bombshell. 

This information wasn't public, known only to high-ranking jōnin even on the front lines. While spreading the news could boost morale, it would also diminish the Mizukage's value, which was unfavorable for negotiations with the Mist. 

Thus, only a select few knew that Uchiha Sōgen had captured the Fourth Mizukage. 

Jiraiya was at a loss for words. Though he had never interacted with the Fourth Mizukage, he knew that anyone who became a Kage of the Five Great Shinobi Villages was formidable. Yet this powerful figure had been captured alive—a feat even more shocking than killing a Kage. 

"Mangekyō Sharingan?" 

Jiraiya marveled at the legendary Uchiha power. It made him recall the night of the Nine-Tails attack five years ago, when someone had used the Sharingan to control the beast, leading to Minato and Kushina's deaths. 

"Technically, the Fourth Mizukage was merely a pawn. On the front lines, he encountered a mysterious man claiming to be Uchiha Madara. The Mizukage was under this man's control, and the war with the Mist was instigated by him," Hiashi disclosed, sharing what was currently classified as top-secret information. 

Nara Shikaku had no objections. 

Such secrets were irrelevant to someone like Jiraiya, who could immediately become the Fifth Hokage if he agreed. For him, there was no need to withhold this information. If Jiraiya wanted to see the list of Anbu members, the heads of the Anbu would gladly comply. 

"Uchiha Madara? The Mizukage was being controlled? Hiashi, this joke isn't funny." 

Jiraiya was genuinely taken aback. 

All he wanted was to find out why Naruto wasn't in the village, and now it seemed like he was dealing with the ghost of a long-dead man. Was Uchiha Madara still alive? If so, this was no laughing matter! 

"It's only a claim. Whether or not it was actually Uchiha Madara is unclear. What is certain is that this person had the Sharingan and wielded the long-lost Uchiha fan, as well as powerful space-time techniques. The incident five years ago may very well have been his doing. He could be considered the true culprit behind the Fourth Hokage's death." 

Hiashi spoke solemnly. 

The sun overhead cast harsh light that caused the grass and trees to wilt. Fortunately, the three men had moved into the shade, where the thick, green canopy offered some relief from the heat. Hiashi and Shikaku remained silent, waiting for Jiraiya to absorb the information. 

After a while, Jiraiya opened his eyes. "I think I understand the situation." 

The information helped him realize why the village leaders decided to send Naruto away. They feared both his potential loss of control and a repeat of the previous Nine-Tails attack by the mysterious figure claiming to be Madara. Thus, they sent Naruto to Uchiha Sōgen to ensure his safety and avoid another Nine-Tails incident—a reasonable decision. 

"Well then, what was it you needed from me?" Jiraiya chose not to delve further into Naruto's situation for the moment. 

Hiashi glanced at Shikaku, signaling that it was his turn to speak. 

"Due to recent conflicts and historical issues, the village isn't in the best shape. Although we won the war with the Mist thanks to the Uchiha clan leader's efforts, other villages are still lurking, waiting for an opportunity—like the Cloud and Stone, even the Sand, which was nearly crippled during the Third War." 

Shikaku's words revealed the village's fragile state behind its impressive facade. 

"To prepare for the crises that lie ahead, we need to rid the village of old problems and restore Konoha's strength. But before we do that, we need a strong leader whom everyone can trust. Lord Jiraiya, please become the Fifth Hokage. This is our collective hope." 

Shikaku's request was earnest. 

He knew better than to ask Jiraiya if he wanted to be Hokage; that approach would be too crude. 

"The Fifth Hokage?" 

Jiraiya was taken aback before smiling helplessly. Today was full of surprises. 

"I thought Lord Torifu was to be the Fifth Hokage?" 

"Lord Torifu is merely an acting Hokage, a temporary measure. He's not young, and the position of Hokage is not easy for him," Shikaku said sincerely, trying to persuade Jiraiya to take the role. 

For the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, Torifu becoming Hokage was a great honor. But after talking with him, Shikaku realized that it might not be the best move, as some members of the trio's clans had already begun to act more arrogantly. 

Instead of risking decline, Shikaku thought it best not to compete with the Uchiha or Hyuga clans for prominence. 

After speaking, Shikaku held his breath, awaiting Jiraiya's response. 

Finally— 

"I'm sorry, Shikaku. I can't give you a definite answer right now. I need time to think it over," Jiraiya said, opting to buy some time rather than outright refuse. "Please inform Lord Torifu that I'll be staying in the village for a while. If you're worried about me leaving, you can have some Anbu keep an eye on me." 

Shikaku was surprised. He had expected Jiraiya to refuse without hesitation, not to delay his decision. Could it be that Jiraiya might actually become the Fifth Hokage? 

"I will relay your words exactly, Lord Jiraiya," Shikaku replied. 

"Good. Shikaku, Hiashi, if there's nothing else, go ahead with your duties. I'm going to explore the village for a bit. It's been a while since I've been back; I wonder if it's still as beautiful as before." Jiraiya's tone was light, but out of Shikaku's sight, his expression was serious.