Uchiha's Taijutsu Supreme

In the heart of Konoha, within the Uchiha compound, Jiraiya's gaze swept across the bustling marketplace. The vibrant scene before him did little to ease the tension brewing inside.

Unlike the old commercial district dominated by clans like the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, the Uchiha-run market had a starkly different composition.

Half the vendors were Uchiha clansmen, while the other half were civilians and commoner shinobi.

The old district, controlled by a few prominent clans, had all but sidelined civilian merchants. And yet here, in the Uchiha district, the atmosphere brimmed with inclusivity and energy.

Even more astonishing to Jiraiya were the infamous Uchiha Police Force members.

Once feared for their intimidating demeanor, they now patrolled the area with patient, kind smiles. Their popularity among the locals was undeniable.

"The Uchiha have truly integrated into Konoha under Fuma's leadership," Jiraiya mused, a touch of relief coloring his thoughts.

Although his relationship with Fuma had grown more complicated over the years due to shifting allegiances and priorities, Jiraiya still harbored a grudging respect for the man.

If the Uchiha could coexist peacefully with the rest of Konoha, it was a development Jiraiya welcomed.

Yet, as his eyes wandered, something peculiar caught his attention.

"Why does that emblem look odd? Is that a spider?"

It didn't take long for him to notice a pattern. The Uchiha Police Force's uniforms now bore the insignia of the Aburame clan alongside the Uchiha fan.

"The Aburame and Uchiha working together? What is the old man thinking? I thought they agreed to assign the Aburame to the ANBU instead!"

Rubbing his temples in frustration, Jiraiya sighed. He had only returned to the village two hours ago, and already the political landscape of Konoha felt unrecognizable.

While Jiraiya appreciated the Uchiha's growing role in Konoha's prosperity, he was wary of them gaining too much influence. If unchecked, their rise could disrupt the delicate balance of power.

More troubling to Jiraiya was how Fuma's presence had upended his quest to find the "Child of Prophecy." Namikaze Minato, whom he had hoped to guide, was now firmly under Fuma's mentorship.

His attempt to intervene had been met with a blunt dismissal.

"The one you think is the 'Child of Prophecy'? More like the Child of Doom."

"This boy is fated to walk my path. Crawl back to your frogs, or I'll help you fly there with my fists."

Dejected, Jiraiya had reluctantly shifted his focus to Konoha's internal affairs. Despite his distaste for politics, he couldn't ignore the growing tensions between the Uchiha and the Hokage's faction.

"The Uchiha are welcome as allies," Jiraiya reflected, "but they must not steer Konoha's future."

His thoughts hardened.

"If it comes to it, I will fight to protect the will of fire—even if it means facing Fuma."

As if reading his thoughts, the two toads perched on his shoulders—Fukasaku and Shima—offered words of encouragement.

"Don't worry, Jiraiya-boy," Fukasaku said confidently. "With sage power, you can handle anything. Trust in yourself."

Jiraiya's resolve solidified. "If it's the only way to maintain peace, I'll confront Fuma."

Yet even as he wandered through the bustling streets of the Uchiha district, another part of him hesitated.

"We've shared meals, drinks, and battles. But if he threatens Konoha's balance, I won't hesitate to stop him."

Walking deeper into the market, Jiraiya's thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Yo, it's been a while, Jiraiya-sensei."

Jiraiya turned to see Minato sitting at a ramen stall, his demeanor calm and collected.

"Minato… You've grown into a fine man."

Minato stood and greeted him with a polite smile. "It's good to see you again, sensei."

The warmth in Minato's tone was unmistakable, but Jiraiya sensed a layer of caution in his former student's demeanor. The trust they once shared had been dulled by time—and by Fuma's influence.

As they exchanged pleasantries, Minato's gaze lingered on the toads perched on Jiraiya's shoulders. His sharp senses didn't miss the power radiating from them.

'Strong summoning beasts… This old man is more formidable than he looks.'

Jiraiya, for his part, watched Minato with a pang of regret, 'Such a promising young man. He could've been the next Hokage…'

Their conversation was cut short by a commotion nearby.

"This area is under the Police Force's jurisdiction! The ANBU has no business interfering!"

The voice belonged to Fugaku, who stood with an aura of authority, his Sharingan glowing ominously. Beside him was Shikuro, his insects humming with quiet menace.

Two ANBU operatives stood awkwardly before them, apologizing profusely.

"I'm sorry, Fugaku-sama! It won't happen again!"

"Louder. I can't hear you."

"I apologize, Fugaku-sama!"

"That's better. Now get out of here."

Fugaku and Shikuro strode away, their confidence unshaken. The onlookers barely reacted, seemingly accustomed to such displays.

Jiraiya frowned, "The ANBU represents the Hokage's will. How can the Police Force treat them this way?"

Minato, meanwhile, remained unfazed, "I'll be going now, sensei. Until next time."

Jiraiya nodded absentmindedly, his mind preoccupied.

As Minato walked away, he discreetly activated a sealing jutsu, leaving a faint mark on Jiraiya's hand.

"This man's caution is warranted," Minato thought, "but he underestimates how deeply Konoha has changed."

Soon after, Jiraiya was approached by two ANBU operatives.

"Jiraiya-sama, the Hokage requests your presence."

With a heavy heart, Jiraiya followed them, his resolve steeling, "The village is unbalanced. If no one else will act, I must."

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