Naruto: The Tale of an Otsutsuki

Hearing Kakashi's resolute declaration, Tsunade finally nodded, making her decision. "Understood. I'll approve Sasuke's request.

"As for the team to assist him, we'll go with Naruto, Sakura, and Yamato. Kakashi, you'll be responsible for leading them."

"Two Jonin—that's a fair lineup," Jiraiya commented with a nod. "After all, Itachi is a member of the Akatsuki.

"Encountering Akatsuki members during the duel is inevitable. Based on Asuma and the others' experiences, two Jonin should be adequate to handle the situation."

"But if Kakashi, Yamato, and Naruto are all sent out, who will defend the village?" Shizune interjected, voicing her concern. "If the village is attacked by remnants of Orochimaru's forces during their absence, what will we do?"

Kakashi offered a calm analysis. "It's unlikely. Kabuto and the others attacked Konoha primarily to rescue Orochimaru and Sasuke. Now that Orochimaru is dead, and Sasuke has decided to leave the village to find Itachi, Kabuto has no reason to target Konoha again.

"Besides, it's uncertain if Orochimaru's remnants can even stay united after his death."

Tsunade's silent approval of Kakashi's reasoning left Shizune with no choice but to concede.

For a moment, the room fell into a pensive silence.

Breaking it, Kirito asked, "By the way, why are Master Jiraiya and Kakashi both here? Did something happen in the village?"

While Kakashi's presence in the Hokage's office wasn't unusual, given his role as Tsunade's likely successor, Jiraiya's return was rare and typically signaled significant developments.

"It's about the Akatsuki," Tsunade explained. "Jiraiya has gathered intelligence about their base. Additionally…"

She handed a report to Kirito and continued, "The Torture Department extracted crucial information from Sasori's memories."

"Rain Village," Jiraiya confirmed. "My sources indicate Akatsuki members are active there."

"According to Sasori's memories, the Akatsuki frequently regroup in Rain Village before launching operations to capture tailed beasts," Tsunade added. "We've also uncovered something even more critical—

"Pain, the leader of Akatsuki, possesses the Rinnegan."

Tsunade's words froze the room in stunned silence.

"The Rinnegan… the eyes of the legendary Sage of the Six Paths?" Kakashi asked, his voice filled with disbelief.

"That's correct," Tsunade replied gravely. "Those legendary eyes exist."

"It's hard to believe…" Kakashi murmured. Until now, the Rinnegan had been regarded as a myth, attributed only to the Sage of the Six Paths—the supposed ancestor of ninjutsu and the source of all chakra.

The thought of someone wielding the same eyes and potentially comparable power was unsettling.

Jiraiya, who had remained quiet and serious, finally moved. Unclasping his arms, he walked away from the desk he had been leaning on and approached the office door.

"I'll head to Rain Village and investigate. Gathering intelligence on Akatsuki is my responsibility," Jiraiya said decisively.

"Wait!" Tsunade called, halting him mid-step. "It's too dangerous for you to go alone. The enemy wields the Rinnegan! You should take others with you for safety."

Jiraiya shook his head. "A larger group would attract attention and compromise the mission. Stealth is key in intelligence-gathering."

Before Tsunade could argue further, Jiraiya interrupted gently, "If my suspicions are correct, then this is something I need to face alone."

His gaze shifted to the door, though his eyes seemed to reflect memories of the distant past.

As Tsunade struggled to find a rebuttal, Kirito stepped forward. "Let me accompany you, Master Jiraiya."

Both Tsunade and Jiraiya turned to him in surprise.

"With just the two of us, we can avoid attracting attention while ensuring safety," Kirito explained.

Tsunade considered his proposal carefully. Kirito was one of Konoha's most capable fighters, and his Byakugan would be invaluable. However, Shizune's earlier concerns about the village's defense lingered in her mind.

Shizune, seeing Tsunade's hesitation, began to speak, but stopped when she noticed the conflicted look on her mentor's face.

After a long pause, Tsunade finally said, "Alright. Kirito, you'll accompany Jiraiya to Rain Village to gather information on Akatsuki and Pain."

"Lady Tsunade, is this really wise?!" Shizune exclaimed in shock.

"No matter the risk, we'll find a way to manage," Tsunade replied, attempting to reassure her.

While Tsunade and Shizune debated, Kirito left the office with Jiraiya, who turned back to address him.

"Honestly, kid, you didn't need to get involved. You're still too young to take on something like this."

Kirito's expression was resolute. "You're Naruto's teacher, and I refuse to let history repeat itself."

"You think I'm going to die? You underestimate me, brat," Jiraiya said with a wry smile.

"No, I think you're underestimating Pain," Kirito replied quietly. "I just hope my intervention changes the outcome."

In truth, Kirito regretted not being able to witness Sasuke and Itachi's confrontation.

But with Akatsuki's base discovered earlier than expected, Kirito felt compelled to act. He couldn't stand by and let Jiraiya face Pain alone, knowing the tragedy that could follow.

As for Itachi, Kirito had no desire to interfere with his fate. Itachi wished to die by Sasuke's hand, and Kirito saw no reason to disrupt that wish.

(End of Chapter)

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