Chapter 199: Land Of Water, Terminally Ill As Expected
Jiraiya simply acted as if he hadn’t explained clearly enough just now.
He carefully explained the Great Toad Sage’s prophecy to Hiruzen Sarutobi again.
After all, this was no longer much of a secret; at least among Uchiha Ikeizumi’s circle, many people knew about it.
This was also Jiraiya’s excuse for politely declining Hiruzen Sarutobi’s request.
He had no desire to become Hokage, nor did he want to compete with Tsunade.
Of course, Jiraiya certainly hoped that Hiruzen Sarutobi, his teacher, would understand his actions, otherwise he wouldn’t have re-explained it.
Hiruzen Sarutobi’s brow was furrowed so deeply, a mosquito could have been crushed between them.
He hadn’t expected that what Jiraiya had been busy with outside the village all these years was this matter.
He had thought Jiraiya was always tracking down Orochimaru’s whereabouts, but he didn’t expect that Jiraiya was also searching for some Child of Prophecy, and in the process, discovered that the Child of Prophecy was Uzumaki Naruto.
Hiruzen Sarutobi could tell that Jiraiya desperately wanted his understanding.
But just as he didn’t understand Ikeizumi and Tsunade’s principles of behavior.
Hiruzen Sarutobi now also didn’t understand Jiraiya’s principles of behavior.
Was placing the future of the Ninja World’s transformation on a Child of Prophecy spoken of by a Great Toad Sage a bit too childish?
“Jiraiya, must the improvement of the Ninja World’s future solely depend on placing hope in the Child of Prophecy?” Hiruzen Sarutobi asked hesitantly and ambiguously, “Are the efforts of everyone else in the Ninja World for peace of no use at all?”
Jiraiya sighed and nodded, “Although it’s cruel to say, the truth is, it’s of no use. If it were of any use, the Great Toad Sage wouldn’t have said that only by finding the Child of Prophecy can the Ninja World achieve true change.”
“Old man… the only thing people like us can do is to properly train the Child of Prophecy, to make him a true Savior. When the Ninja World is on the verge of collapse, only the Child of Prophecy can save it.”
Hiruzen Sarutobi: “…”
For a moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt somewhat dazed, doubting if his disciple had fallen for some strange belief he shouldn’t have.
In the Ninja World, many people used the names of gods and deities to deceive others, brainwashing ordinary people into fanatical followers.
Jiraiya’s current demeanor was too similar to that of someone who had been deceived.
Hiruzen Sarutobi opened his mouth but didn’t know what to say.
He had thought that as long as Jiraiya nodded, he would fully support him in becoming Konoha’s Fifth Hokage. At that point, his old bones could truly retire and relax.
But now it seemed…
Making Jiraiya the Fifth Hokage would be irresponsible to the village!
Jiraiya, who placed all his hopes on the Child of Prophecy, had no sense of responsibility or obligation whatsoever.
Such a person would not dedicate himself to working for the village with all his heart.
If Jiraiya became the Fifth Hokage, he might even use the entire village’s resources to cultivate the so-called Child of Prophecy.
Hmm…
Hiruzen Sarutobi did admit that Naruto was a very talented child, and it wouldn’t be wrong to cultivate him with abundant resources.
But the biggest problem.
What about everyone else?
Had Jiraiya considered what would happen to the other people in the village?
He was probably only thinking about his Child of Prophecy.
Only the so-called Savior who could bring new change to the Ninja World.
“…” After a silence of more than ten seconds, looking at Jiraiya who seemed to have a hint of expectation on his face, seeking his understanding, Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed inwardly and said, “Never mind, consider it as if I didn’t say anything.”
Saying that, Hiruzen Sarutobi turned and left directly.
This left Jiraiya stunned on the spot.
It wasn’t until Hiruzen Sarutobi’s retreating figure grew distant that Jiraiya mumbled in astonishment, “What’s wrong with the old man? He was just telling me so much about the Hokage, and when it was my turn to speak… the old man only listened for a moment before turning and leaving?”
Sage Fukasaku said, “Little Jiraiya… this Third Hokage doesn’t approve of our methods. His thoughts are probably similar to Uchiha Ikeizumi and Tsunade; he believes that the Child of Prophecy spoken of by the Great Toad Sage cannot truly bring change to the Ninja World.”
Jiraiya blinked in surprise.
On the other side, Sage Shima comforted him, “It is precisely this kind of misunderstanding from others that highlights your greatness, little Jiraiya. They are only concerned with internal conflicts within the Ninja World, so we who exist outside of these conflicts can think for the future of the Ninja World.”
Jiraiya: “…”
Jiraiya, being an adult, could naturally tell that these two sages from Mount Myōboku were trying to comfort him.
He became bewildered again.
Uchiha Ikeizumi didn’t understand him because that person believed that Absolute Justice could bring change to the Ninja World.
Tsunade’s misunderstanding of him could probably be seen as Tsunade standing on the same side as Uchiha Ikeizumi.
But the problem was…
The old man was on the opposite side from Uchiha Ikeizumi and Tsunade, wasn’t he? Wasn’t it said that the enemy of an enemy is a friend?
Shouldn’t the old man understand and approve of him?
How could this be?
Had few people in the Ninja World come to believe the Great Toad Sage’s prophecy anymore?
…
“Nagato has ordered most of the Akatsuki’s core members to head to the Land of Water to hunt Uchiha Ikeizumi.”
Uchiha Obito played with a kunai, and asked expressionlessly, “Are we sure we’re not getting involved?”
“No.”
Black Zetsu shook his head, his eyes filled with deep apprehension, and slowly said, “If Uchiha Ikeizumi discovers us, he might kill us all, even if it means his own death. Because he knows many of our secrets, in his mind, we are definitely on his kill list, possibly even at the top.”
“Towards other people in the Ninja World, or even the Tailed Beasts… we can afford to be a bit careless. But towards Uchiha Ikeizumi, we must be extremely cautious and not give him any opportunity. Especially not give him the opportunity to pursue us.”
“…Tch.” Uchiha Obito was somewhat displeased, as this made him seem like a rat in a gutter.
It was like being chased by Uchiha Ikeizumi, hiding and dodging, not even daring to show his face, only able to pull off tricks and schemes from behind the scenes.
However, the cruel reality laid before him forced Uchiha Obito to admit.
If he truly confronted Uchiha Ikeizumi, he might not be his opponent. Because his abilities and information were completely known to the other party, it would be too easy for Uchiha Ikeizumi to target him.
Perhaps the next time he met Uchiha Ikeizumi face-to-face.
He, Uchiha Obito, wouldn’t be able to escape.
At this moment, Black Zetsu continued, “The only thing we should worry about now is… whether Nagato and the others can succeed in their hunt?”
Uchiha Obito frowned, “His Six Paths Puppets should have all gone to the Land of Water, plus that group of Akatsuki, even the weakest among them would be at least Jonin level in another ninja village. Can’t they hunt down Uchiha Ikeizumi? Don’t forget Konoha’s Root Organization has also defected this time.”
Black Zetsu slowly said, “If Uchiha Ikeizumi could be killed that easily, he wouldn’t have lived this long. Obito, we still need the power of the Hidden Mist Village.”
“Gathering the strength of the Hidden Mist Village, the Akatsuki, and Konoha’s Root Organization, only then will there be a possibility of successfully hunting Uchiha Ikeizumi.”
Uchiha Obito’s brow furrowed.
Black Zetsu continued, “Don’t you want revenge on the Hidden Mist Village? Isn’t this a perfect opportunity for revenge? Let the Hidden Mist Village wear down Uchiha Ikeizumi first, and stall until the Akatsuki arrives.”
Black Zetsu’s words persuaded Obito.
“…Alright.”
…
The next day.
Land of Water.
Juzo Biwa, who was leading the way, brought Uchiha Ikeizumi and a few others into a town in the Land of Water.
The scene before them was undeniably desolate.
The roads were covered in uncleaned garbage, the number of vendors on both sides of the street was pitifully small, and many beggars squatted in the dark corners along the streets, each one so thin they were practically skin and bones.
Occasionally, pedestrians with a more normal demeanor would pass by, but they hurried along, not lingering.
In the gaps between the paving stones underfoot, one could faintly see many long-dried black bloodstains.
“It’s not even close to the Land of Fire… Logically, a place like the Land of Water with its developed maritime trade shouldn’t have such poor economic conditions… I remember this town should be coastal, right? It should have a port and a dock… why is it so dilapidated?”
Izumi looked around and couldn’t help but voice her doubts.
Juzo Biwa took a deep breath, and with a complex expression, replied, “This town… was originally controlled by a Bloodline Limit ninja clan and a noble family of the Land of Water.”
“But after the Bloody Mist Policy intensified, the Hidden Mist Village liquidated the Bloodline Limit ninja clan here, killing the entire clan, dozens of people, wiping them out.”
“The nobles here were also so frightened that they moved away. Without ninja protection, the entire town has been continuously ravaged and plundered by bandits, and over time, it has become like this.”
Izumi was astonished, “After the Hidden Mist Village wiped out the Bloodline Limit ninja clan here, didn’t they send ninja to take over?”
Juzo Biwa shook his head, “No. There are many similar towns in the Land of Water now. Their suffering was brought about by the Hidden Mist Village, but the Hidden Mist Village never took over afterwards.”
“But when some kind-hearted rogue ninja tried to organize and save the civilians, the Hidden Mist Village would eliminate them, using the excuse that these rogue ninja were attempting to overthrow the Hidden Mist regime.”
“The entire Land of Water has been under the extreme pressure of this incredibly cruel Bloody Mist Policy until now.”
He looked at some of the townspeople nearby, “Over time, many people in the Land of Water have become numb.”
“Except for those who are truly wealthy, powerful, and influential, ordinary civilians… are just barely surviving.”
Juzo Biwa smiled bitterly, “Of course… there are some towns in the Land of Water that are not as extreme as this. There are still some places that are relatively prosperous and normal. After all, if all places were like this town… the Land of Water would probably be destroyed.”
“Generally, such tragic scenes only occur in places where Bloodline Limit ninja are active, as the Hidden Mist Village has been constantly purging Bloodline Limit ninja, causing one civil war after another. This leads many people to believe… that Bloodline Limit ninja represent war, disaster, and ill fortune.”
“This has exacerbated the conflicts between various parties in these areas, and has made many ordinary civilians very wary of such places, unwilling to approach them, further worsening the already dilapidated town.”
Hearing the situation of the Land of Water, Juzo Biwa’s mood became even heavier.
At this moment, Uchiha Ikeizumi spoke, “This is a zone where justice is lacking, more than ten times worse than the Land of Fire.”
Suddenly.
A crisp “clatter” sound caught Izumi’s attention.
With a heavy heart, the girl turned back in confusion to look behind her.
With that glance, the pupils in her beautiful eyes suddenly contracted.
“Senior Ikeizumi!”
Izumi quickly said, “There are human traffickers behind us!”
Not far behind them.
Three burly adults were escorting five small children forward. One of the adults held one end of a chain, the other end of which was attached to the five children.
“Hurry up! I fed you two steamed buns just an hour ago, don’t tell me you don’t have the strength to walk!”
One of them even openly yelled.
Izumi clearly saw that each of the five children had a look of weakness and numbness on their faces. They were all emaciated, clearly malnourished, and usually didn’t get enough to eat.
Their clothes were also shabby, with many holes.
The weather had turned cool, and with such clothing, they would surely catch a cold.
With the malnourished and weak physique of these children.
Once they caught a cold…
It would likely be fatal.
“Senior Ikeizumi…”
Just as Izumi was about to say something, she heard Uchiha Ikeizumi say, “Rookie, handle it.”
Izumi’s pretty face immediately became serious.
“Yes! Senior!”
Without hesitation, the girl, holding her ninja sword, charged towards them. She immediately blocked their path, and decisively drew the ninja sword at her waist, holding it diagonally with the tip pointing towards the ground.
“Stop!”
Izumi’s face was like frost, and she said coldly, “These children aren’t willingly going with you, are they? Why are you chaining them up?”
“Hey!” The man holding the chain narrowed his eyes, his rough face showing a dangerous, ill-intentioned look. “Who are you? Don’t go around accusing people!”
“Their parents sold them to us! We paid a lot of money for each kid! Of course, we have to chain them so they can’t escape!”
“If they escape, wouldn’t we lose a lot of money on this trip?”
Izumi froze, “…Their parents sold them to you?”
Another man even took out several pieces of white paper from his pocket, filled with writing and bearing several different handprints.
He grinned and said without politeness, “We have a sales contract! You look like a wandering ninja from outside, right? In the Land of Water, it’s best not to meddle. The Land of Water has its own circumstances! If you’re smart, just step aside!”
Izumi took a deep breath.
If it were a few months ago, she might have honestly stepped aside.
But now…
Her pretty face turned cold, “The Land of Water is truly incurably ill!”
…
…
