Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be picking up right after the last chapter, with Natsu telling Hitomi about the elders decision to make Neji the Clan Heir, as well as several more changes to canon. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
After separating from Naruto, Satsuki and Mikoto, Hitomi and her daughters had returned to the Hyūga Compound. Though when they returned to their home, the three stopped when they saw Natsu standing just outside.
"Natsu? What are you doing, here?" Hitomi asked neutrally while narrowing her eyes slightly, with Natsu looking at them nervous but smiled hesitantly.
"H-hello Hitomi-sama, Hinata-sama, Hanabi-sama. I-it's…it's good to s-see you three again." Said Natsu with a bow, only for the three of them to continue looking at her neutrally.
"Kaa-san asked you why you're here. Now tell us why you're standing outside our home." Said Hanabi, making the greenette flinch slightly.
"O-of c-co-course. C-could we…speak inside…please?" Natsu asked, not wanting to risk them being seen or overheard by anyone, knowing it'd mean trouble for her if word got back to Hiashi and the elders.
With Hitomi frowning at this, having assumed that she'd try asking to become Hinata's and Hanabi's caretaker, again. But now, hearing Natsu want to speak with them inside meant that it's likely something else, something important with how nervous she looked.
"…Fine." Hitomi, said stepping forward and opening the door, allowing Natsu inside before she and her daughters entered as well.
"Girls, why don't you go get ready for bed while I speak with Natsu then get dinner ready." Said Hitomi while smiling at her daughters, the twins looking between their mother and Natsu for a few moments before nodding as they went back to their room.
Once they were out of sight, and making sure they weren't staying close enough to try and overhear what was said, Hitomi turned back towards Natsu with a neutral expression.
"Alright, talk." Hitomi stated, crossing her arms under her breasts, waiting to see what the Hyūga Maid had to say.
"R-right. Early today, Hiashi-sama had been called into a meeting with the Hyūga Elders to discuss his…performance in your duel. As well as who the Clan Heir is meant to be, now that you have custody of Hinata-sama and Hanabi-sama, with all of them believing that you won't even allow them to be in the same room as either of them." Explained Natsu, with Hitomi looking at her with a raised brow.
"They'd be right in that belief. I take it, they plan to have Hiashi marry someone else. If so, I'll be sure to pass my condolences to the unfortunate bride." Said Hitomi, only for Natsu to shake her head.
"They actually aren't having Hiashi-sama remarry as there are no suitable candidates within the clan. Instead they're using a rarely known method to decide the Clan Heir, should the Clan Head's own children be unable to take the title. Instead, they'll be looking within the Branch Family for close relatives of Hiashi-sama and have chosen Neji due to being his nephew and the closest thing to a biological son, with how he and Hizashi were identical twins. They intend to remove his Caged Bird Seal and elevate him to the Main House." Natsu revealed, causing the purplette's eyes to widen slightly before frowning in concern.
"They're choosing Neji as Clan Heir? They do understand how dangerous that is, right?" Questioned Hitomi, wondering if the elders were desperate enough for an heir, they'd ignore Neji's growing hatred of the Main House.
"They are aware; however, it seems Hiashi-sama is in possession of a letter that his brother had written for Neji before his death. The elders hope the letter will be enough to direct Neji's hatred away from the Main House. But I was worried, he may still hold Hinata-sama and Hanabi-sama responsible for his father's death. So I came to inform you, so that you and your daughters would be prepared, Hitomi-sama." Said Natsu as Hitomi's concern grew from learning this.
Aware of the letter that Hizashi had left for Neji, knowing Hiashi intended to give it to him when the time was right. Given how with his current hatred for the Main House and belief in fate, Neji may not believe his father wrote it and that it's merely a tool they're using against him. Which the elders now intended to do, by using it to try to turn his hatred away from the Main House.
'But she's right, there's no guarantee it'll turn away his hatred for Hinata and Hanabi.' Hitomi thought, concerned at the chance Neji may actually try something in the belief that he's getting "justice" for his father.
"Thank you for telling me this, Natsu. It means a lot you came to inform us of this decision, despite the risk that'd come if you were discovered." Hitomi said, nodding in thanks to the greenette, making Natsu smile happily at her words, only for it to be wiped away at her next words.
"However, while I'm grateful, it'll take more than this for you to regain my trust." Added Hitomi, returning to her neutral expression, with Natsu looking down sadly before looking up.
"What would I have to do to regain your trust, Hitomi-sama?" Natsu asked, hopefully, willing to do anything to regain her trust and hopefully her position as Hinata's and Hanabi's caretaker.
"Tell me, why exactly did I remove you as my daughters' caretaker in the first place?" Questioned Hitomi, confusing the greenette for a moment, only to flinch in realization.
"For…setting a bad example by…leaving the…child alone to be…attacked." Said Natsu, flinching again when Hitomi walked up to her.
"His name is Naruto, remember it and use it when speaking of him, and to him." Hitomi said, Natsu's eyes widening at her words.
"S-sp-speaking…t-to-to h-hi-him?" Natsu asked, with Hitomi merely nodding in response.
"Yes. If you truly wish to regain my trust and for me to consider giving you back your former position, then you'll need to apologize and make peace with Naruto. And it must be genuine and heartfelt as well, not giving a hollow one simply to get back into our good graces." Said Hitomi, willing to give Natsu one chance to prove herself.
Given, despite her anger towards her, Hitomi knew it'd be good if she had at least one other person she could trust in the Hyūga Clan to look after her daughters. Knowing she couldn't watch after them every second of the day. And Natsu was her best option, with how she genuinely cared about and adored her daughters rather than just seeing it as her duty to look after them.
I…I-I…I understand, Hitomi-sama." Natsu said with a conflicted look on her face, as while she did wish to regain Hitomi's trust, she wasn't sure if she'd be able to make peace with, or apologize to, Naruto.
"I hope you do, because the fact you genuinely care about my daughters, as well as the fact that you informed us of the elders' decision, is the only reason I'm giving you another chance. If it was anyone else, I wouldn't be wasting my time, making the offer. So, try not to disappoint me, again." Said Hitomi before heading towards the kitchen to get started on dinner while Natsu could only nod, still feeling conflicted.
"One more thing, Naruto's recently been adopted by my friend, Mikoto. So if, or when, you decide to approach him, you'll be able to find him at the Uchiha Compound." Hitomi added, with the Hyūga Maid simply nodding again before taking her leave.
*Timeskip-One Day*
'Now, all that's left is to bring Itachi in and see if he'll accept the new position.' Hiruzen thought as he looked over the finished paperwork to enlist Itachi into Anbu, knowing the only thing left was to call Itachi in and see if he'll accept the offer to join.
Having already decided to place Itachi in Team Ro under Kakashi's leadership, having chosen Team Ro specifically for several reasons. With it being that Team Ro served directly under the Hokage, making them some of the most skilled Anbu, with Kakashi being in possession of his own Sharingan and had more experience with it than Itachi, and ensuring Itachi reported to him directly.
Though before he could signal an Anbu to go bring Itachi to his office, Sarutobi stopped when he felt a familiar presence.
"You know, it's kind of funny. That you'd be planning to assign Itachi Uchiha to Anbu, and not long after my godson was taken in by his godmother, who just so happens to be Itachi's own mother." Jiraiya stated, making the Sandaime turn around, seeing his former student sitting on the windowsill.
"Jiraiya?" Sarutobi said in surprise, not expecting to see the Toad Sage back already, though he couldn't help but be wary after hearing what he said.
"It's almost as funny as when you told me why Mikoto and Hitomi never took Naruto in after Minato's and Kushina's deaths. That you said you were personally making sure he was taken care of and would grow up just how his parents would have wanted him to. Don't you agree sensei, it's just all so…funny." Jiraiya said, sarcastically as he got off the windowsill and entered the office.
"Mikoto told you, didn't she." Stated Hiruzen, already knowing Mikoto's responsible for Jiraiya's surprise return.
"Yeah, she did, and I really didn't expect this from you of all people, sensei. You told me they didn't take the kid in because you would make sure he was looked after, that they'd have nothing to worry about with Naruto in your care. Yet now I'm hearing he's grown up alone, had no idea who his parents are or that he even had godparents. Nor did he know about the Kyūbi, which was apparently exposed months ago to practically everyone, but him, and the fact he's been living on his own his entire life until a few days ago. Now tell me, how any part of that is how Minato and Kushina would have wanted him to live?" Questioned Jiraiya with a frown.
"I did the best I could do in the situation, keeping his status a secret for as long as I could while not telling him about his parents to keep him safe from their enemies. And I couldn't allow him to be taken in by a clan, with his status he'd have a duty to the whole village. There's only so much I could-" Sarutobi said, only for Jiraiya to interrupt him.
"Just stop, I'm honestly tired of listening to excuses. Especially when we both know the real reason you're doing all this. Why you're enlisting Itachi in the Anbu, why Naruto's Jinchūriki status was exposed, why you're making excuses about "doing your best". There's only one reason you're doing any of it, and it's that one-eyed mummy." Jiraiya said with the Sandaime not responding, which was enough of an answer for the Toad Sage.
"Kami, sensei, why are you listening to him so much?! Everyone in the Elemental Nations knows Danzō's a warhawk and that the only thing you can trust about him, is he's always planning ways to get more power and control! He even tried having you assassinated once and you still didn't do anything! You might as well just let him become Hokage at this point, if he's already making your decisions for you!" Said Jiraiya, not believing his former teacher was basically letting Danzō rule through him.
"This is not about Danzō and I am certainly no one's puppet ruler! I am doing what is best for Konoha and, right now, the Uchiha Clan are the biggest internal threat to the village! No matter how much I wish for to settle things peacefully, I need to put the safety of the village above all else!" Hiruzen retorted, only for Jiraiya to scoff and shake his head.
"Things have only gotten this bad because of those damn policies you and those fossils have put against them. Moving them to the outskirts of the village, limiting the work of the Police Force, all but admitting they're under suspicions for causing the Kyūbi Attack after they were forbidden from even helping during the attack, and now basically holding their heir hostage as an Anbu. That's not even counting how you passed over Fugaku on becoming the Yondaime Hokage, to the point where no one, outside of a select few individuals, even knew he was a potential candidate!" Jiraiya said.
"We can't take the chance they were somehow involved or that they could be planning something, now! We must be prepared!" Said Sarutobi, with the Sannin narrowing his eyes at him.
"How about, instead, we try being honest. You can say the Uchiha are an internal threat as much as you want, that they might have had something to do with the Kyūbi Attack. But you can't deny all the true reason why you're going with Danzō's so blindly, while attacking an entire clan for a single or even a select few rogues. You're doing this, because it's personal for you, because of what else happened that night before the Kyūbi even appeared." Said Jiraiya, before the Hokage gave him a warning look.
"Jiraiya, I'm only giving you one warning, be very careful with what you say next." Hiruzen said, knowing exactly what his former student was insinuating and wouldn't tolerate anyone making such an accusation.
"I don't need to, you just admitted it." Jiraiya retorted with the two looking at each other with narrowed eyes, only for their attention to turn to an Anbu when they appeared in the office, kneeling to the Hokage.
"Hokage-sama, urgent news from ROOT Headquarters! Danzō's been found dead!" Said the Anbu, much to Hiruzen's and Jiraiya's shock.
"What?! What happened?!" Sarutobi said as he shot up from his chair.
"No one knows sir. His body was discovered not too long ago by Orochimaru-sama, found within his office dead with no sign of a struggle or fight taking place." The Anbu said, with Jiraiya and Sarutobi trading a look before Shunshining out of the office.
*Later-ROOT HQ*
The Hokage and Jiraiya stood beside Orochimaru within the underground ROOT Headquarters, watching as Danzō's body was carried away by Medic-Nin. Having arrived a few moments ago, finding the Snake Sannin in the middle of questioning ROOT members while Medic-Nin gathered up Danzō's body.
"Orochimaru, what exactly happened?" Jiraiya asked, looking at his old teammate, not believing that Danzō was actually dead, with part of him thinking it was some elaborate trick by the warhawk.
"I was on my way to give some reports to Danzō on a new project he's been having me work on. But when I arrived, I found him on the floor, dead, with no sign of him having been attacked nor any visible markings or changes. I can only assume his age was catching up to him, along with the stresses of his duties, resulting in a heart attack." Replied Orochimaru, with Hiruzen frowning at this, finding it hard to believe his old rival would die from a natural cause like that.
"Could he have been poisoned?" Sarutobi asked, wondering if this was foul play.
"It's a possibility, but I've checked over everything in his office, finding nothing that was laced with poison. Along with checking the ventilation system if it had been an airborne toxin, still nothing. None of the ROOT members have shown any signs of having ingested anything poisonous either, nor did they spot or sense anyone breaking in." Orochimaru explained with Sarutobi still frowning at this, but knew an autopsy performed would help reveal if foul play had been involved.
"Well…this is definitely not something I expected to happen. What's gonna be done with all of them?" Jiraiya asked, nodding to the ROOT Anbu, who were still kneeling down and waiting for any commands.
"I'm not sure. I suppose the best thing to do is to begin having them integrated into the regular forces or simply moving them all into the main Anbu division." Said Sarutobi, given that with the training Danzō put them through, it'd take a long time to get them integrated into the regular forces or into Anbu.
"I don't think it will be that simple, Sarutobi-sensei. Danzō has trained each member of ROOT since most of them were children, they've never known a life outside of being Shinobi. It'd be a miracle if they even remember their birth names." Orochimaru said, with Hiruzen and Jiraiya frowning at him.
"Then what would you suggest we do? Let them continue operating without a leader?" Hiruzen asked, only for Orochimaru to shake his head.
"I never said that, just that they can't be placed within the main forces. But they can still be of service to the village, with the right leadership." Replied Orochimaru with a sly smirk.
"And who's the right leadership? You?" Questioned Jiraiya with a raised brow.
"Of course. I was a member of The Foundation, I know how it works and the abilities of all its members, along with having worked personally with Danzō. I am really the only candidate to lead them since the majority were trained to only follow orders rather than lead. After all, while Danzō's methods were…less than pleasant, he did have the right idea of using ROOT to guard Konoha from the shadows. And we all know; I do my best work in the shadows. But, of course, I also won't go to the same length as him in eliminating "threats", which for him was if someone so much as insulted or didn't like Konoha, as well as even those he deemed threats for being too skilled." Orochimaru said before looking at his former teacher.
"Give me leadership of The Foundation, and you have my word it will be an organization the truly serves the good of the village." Said Orochimaru, with the Hokage frowning in contemplation before eventually nodding in response.
"Very well. Orochimaru, you will be given command of The Foundation henceforth, immediately. I trust that you will be able to get things organized down here after this…incident. As well as keeping me informed of any and all new recruits you scout." Sarutobi said, knowing he'd be able to trust his former student to keep him informed on everything happening within The Foundation, as opposed to Danzō, who'd pick and choose what to tell him.
"Of course, Sarutobi-sensei." Said Orochimaru with a short bow, hiding his smirk with the gesture.
"You do that. I actually have my own business to handle, you have fun with the new burrow, snakeface." Jiraiya said before Shunshining out of the base, knowing he still had a godson to visit.
*Later*
After leaving ROOT Headquarters, Jiraiya had made his way towards the Uchiha Compound, something that definitely got plenty of attention. Not only seeing another one of the Sannin in the village, but seeing him heading towards and entering the Uchiha Compound. Though Jiraiya frowned slightly when he entered the compound, noticing how several Uchiha became tensed at his presence.
'They're really on edge aren't they.' Jiraiya thought, figuring they must think he's here because of the Hokage and see him as a threat.
Shaking his head, the Toad Sage made his way towards the training ground, knowing that Naruto was most likely there with Mikoto and Satsuki. With it having been mentioned in her letter that she was helping to train both children and where they'd usually be at.
Arriving to see Naruto and Satsuki were already busy training, both of them were currently working on the Surface Walking Exercise with several leaves stuck to their bodies. With Jiraiya nodding at the exercises, knowing it'll be good for their Chakra Control and being able to focus on multiple things at once.
"Jiraiya-sensei, I'm glad to see you've arrived sooner than expected." Mikoto said after sensing her former teacher, smiling at the Sannin which Jiraiya returned with a grin.
"Mikoto! Good to see you've been doing well-AH!" Said Jiraiya, going over to his old student to hug her, before squeaking in pure agony when the Uchiha Matriarch suddenly kicked him between the legs.
"W-wh-why…" Jiraiya whimpered as he curled up into a ball cradling his crotch, not expecting the sudden and brutal attack.
"Because Kushina's not here to do it, and she would have done much worse for never even attempting to check in on Naruto, personally. Simply taking the Hokage at his word that he was being looked after. So that was simply me punishing you in her place." Said Mikoto, making Jiraiya wince as he stood up, both from the pain and know she was right.
"Did you have to go for a cheap shot?" Said Jiraiya, with Mikoto looking at him with a raised brow.
"Yes. And if anything, I held back since that was just a normal kick rather than one enhanced by Chakra. If it was Kushina, she wouldn't have held back and likely have sent you to the hospital. And Hitomi would have used her Jūken if she was here." Mikoto replied, the Sannin immediately paling at the idea, knowing she was right again, Kushina would have been a lot worse and Hitomi was even more dangerous with her Byakugan and Jūken.
"F-fair enough." Jiraiya muttered, guessing he should be thankful she went easy on him.
"But it is good to see again, sensei, especially now." Stated Mikoto with a smile, which Jiraiya returned.
"Yeah, it's good seeing you too, kid." Replied Jiraiya before they turned towards Naruto and Satsuki.
"Naruto, Satsuki! Stop for a moment and come here, there's someone who wants to meet you!" Mikoto called out, with both children stopping and kicking off the trees they were on, while the leaves fell off their bodies.
Before they went over to Mikoto, only to stop when they saw Jiraiya standing with her, confusing the two at who he was.
"Who's he Kaa-san?" Satsuki asked, not sure who the man was.
"Who am I?! I'll tell you who I am!" Jiraiya declared before he was enveloped in a cloud of smoke, causing Mikoto to sigh.
"Not this again." Muttered Mikoto, having hoped that Jiraiya would have stopped with the over-the-top introductions.
"I am one of the three Legendary Sannin! The Honorable Toad Sage of Mt. Myōboku! Men tremble in fear at the sight of me! Women swoon at the mention of my name! My name is known throughout the lands! My deeds are the stuff of legend! I am the one, the only…the Gallant Jiraiya!" Said Jiraiya as the smoke cleared, revealing him standing on top of a large toad and striking a pose.
With Mikoto facepalming and shaking her head at his antics while Naruto and Satsuki looked at him blankly and in confusion.
"Kaa-san, a crazy old man broke into the compound." Stated Satsuki, causing Jiraiya to faceplant as his summoned toad vanished, with Mikoto giggling lightly at her daughters words.
"Brats have no respect for their elders, anymore." Jiraiya muttered, with Naruto soon gaining a look of recognition.
"Wait…you're Jiraiya? You're supposed to be…my godfather?" Questioned Naruto, surprising Satsuki at hearing this.
"Yes, he is. Despite his…eccentricities, this is the same Jiraiya that trained me, Teuchi and your father, Naruto, as well as one of the Sannin." Mikoto said, with Jiraiya standing up and turning serious.
"Yeah, I am. And I came back to the village after Mikoto sent me a message that she had taken you in, since I wanted to see how you were doing." Said Jiraiya, only for Satsuki to narrow her eyes at him.
"If you're really Naruto's godfather, then why didn't you ever show up before?" Satsuki demanded, with Naruto also looking at him questioningly, having been told why by Mikoto and Hitomi, but wanted to hear things from Jiraiya, himself.
"Because Sarutobi-sensei had told me that he was personally making sure he was being looked after and taken care of. But Mikoto's message told me what was really going on and the real reason why she and Hitomi hadn't been able to look after him. After learning that, I made my way back here to see for myself. And I couldn't really just stop by for a few short visits as Konoha's Spymaster, since I'm usually always on the move and only report in when I get some useful information." Explained Jiraiya, with Satsuki still frowning before Naruto stepped forward.
"Would you have ever actually visited me before if…if Aunt Mikoto and Aunt Hitomi never took me in?" Naruto asked, still trying to get around to referring to Mikoto, Hitomi, and the others with familial terms, with the Uchiha Matriarch smiling happily at the title.
"Yeah, I would have, but likely only after you'd have become a Ninja. Since I was under the impression Sarutobi-sensei was taking care of you ,and after you became a Ninja I would've come around to help you with your training. Maybe take you on as my apprentice, if you wanted." Jiraiya replied.
"You would have trained me?" Naruto said in surprise, with Satsuki also being surprised at this.
"Yeah, since I did train your father and your parents named me your godfather, so the least I could do is make sure you were well-trained. Though with what's happened, we could start on training a little early. I could even help both of you with your training." Offered Jiraiya, now shocking both children that they were being offered the chance to be trained by a Sannin.
"You would train us?!" Satsuki asked in shock, and growing excitement, that they would have a Sannin helping with their training.
"I can help you both since while I still have duties outside the village, I'll be able to help when I can. If that's fine with you, Mikoto." Jiraiya said, looking at his former student with Mikoto thinking about it for a moment, along with seeing Naruto and Satsuki were excited at the idea of training under a Sannin.
"That's fine with me, especially since Itachi and Shisui will be busy with missions, while Izumi's still in the Academy for now. So it'll be good, having someone else helping with their training when they're unavailable." Replied Mikoto, smiling as Naruto and Satsuki smiled in excitement that they'll be trained by Jiraiya, like their parents were.
"Great! Then we can get started, right away. But first, what exactly do you two know already?" Jiraiya asked, wanting to know what they could do already aside from Surface Walking and the Leaf Exercise.
"Kaa-san, Itachi, Shisui, and Izumi are helping us with our Chakra Control, teaching us different exercises for it. Along with some easy Ninjutsu we can learn, Shisui even said he'd help us work on our speed and learn the Shunshin Jutsu! They're also helping Naruto master his Sharingan and helping me for when I awaken mine!" Said Satsuki, eager to learn the Shunshin and move around at high-speeds like Shisui.
"We also learned our Elemental Affinities; Satsuki has Fire and Lightning Affinities. While I have Wind, Fire, and Water Affinities." Naruto said, surprising Jiraiya that he had three affinities.
"Hmm, sounds like a good start so far. Though I don't know any Lightning Style Ninjutsu, I do have plenty of Fire Style Ninjutsu, plus a few Water Style and Wind Style ones. I'm also skilled in Earth Style Ninjutsu, which would be good to give you some defensive Ninjutsu. Though some things I'll mostly focus on is teaching you both Fūinjutsu, something that's always useful no matter the situation. I can also teach you the basics of the Summoning Jutsu, given you both have more Chakra than most kids your age. Just don't actually try it until you're more prepared, given it can be dangerous using the Summoning Jutsu without a contract." Jiraiya said, with Naruto and Satsuki nodding, while growing more excited at what they'll be learning.
Naruto was especially excited to learn Fūinjutsu after hearing how his parents were both masters of it, and that the Uzumaki Clan was known for specializing in Fūinjutsu.
"One other thing you should know, sensei, Naruto also possesses the Hyōton Kekkei Genkai. Which Hitomi's offered to help him master, given her own ability to use Hyōton." Mikoto revealed, surprising the Toad Sage again.
"The kid was just full of surprises, wasn't he." Muttered Jiraiya, still shocked to learn Minato was descended from the Uchiha Clan, now learning he was descended from the Yuki Clan too, with Naruto now awakening both of the clans' Kekkei Genkai.
"Well, I don't really know anything about Hyōton, but with my contacts, I should be able to find anything regarding the Yuki Clan Techniques or artifacts they had in the Land of Water or anything that might've been put on the black market." Jiraiya said, knowing that you could find practically anything in the black market.
"Fugaku and I are also looking through the Uchiha Clan Library for anything we have on the Yuki Clan and any Hyōton Techniques that have been copied by the Sharingan." Added Mikoto, given that while no one in the Uchiha Clan can use Hyōton Ninjutsu, it was still useful information to better understand and counter members of the Yuki Clan, back when they were still around.
"Alright, then, it seems we have a good plan. Now…let's begin." Jiraiya stated with Naruto and Satsuki nodding in agreement, excited and eager to begin training even more, now.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Natsu informing Hitomi of Neji soon being the Clan Heir, much to her concern given his grudge against her daughters, but thanks Natsu for telling though also says she'll need to do more to earn her forgiveness and getting back into her good graces. With Natsu asking what she has to do, only to learn she has to apologize to Naruto, with it having to be genuine and heartfelt rather than a hollow apology, making Natsu conflicted on if she'll be able to do so. While Hitomi does hope she doesn't disappoint her again, along with telling Natsu where she could find Naruto if she is able to apologize.
Then we go to the next day where Hiruzen's finished the paperwork to enlist Itachi into Anbu, only for Jiraiya to arrive and wanting answers about he lied to him. Leading to the two getting into an argument, with Jiraiya accusing the Hokage of going after the Uchiha Clan due to it being personal after what else happened during the Kyūbi Attack. Before they're interrupted by an Anbu and learn that Danzō is dead, with Orochimaru (he hasn't defected yet) found him and guessed he died from a heart attack, before managing to be given leadership of ROOT which definitely won't be good.
Before we then see Jiraiya meeting with Mikoto, Naruto, and Satsuki, being properly introduced to his godson and explaining why he wasn't around, before offering to help with their training, which Mikoto agrees to much to Naruto's and Satsuki's excitement, especially with what they'll be learning from Jiraiya. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out