Naruto: Starting with Infinite Chakra-Chapter 211: - : Seeking Reinforcements

In the original storyline, Orochimaru had refined and improved many forbidden jutsu, making them more complete. Danzo's Sharingan-infused right arm was largely thanks to Orochimaru's efforts.

Jiraiya firmly believed that if he fully supported Orochimaru's research, his old friend would bring forth many surprises. In fact, if Hiruzen Sarutobi had backed Orochimaru's scientific pursuits in the past, Orochimaru might never have defected from the village.

Of course, supporting Orochimaru's research had to come with limits—he couldn't be allowed to operate unchecked. In the original timeline, Orochimaru had secretly abducted Konoha shinobi for his experiments, leading to the deaths of many. Jiraiya would never let something like that happen under his watch.

With an impending war on the horizon, he knew there would be plenty of opportunities to capture enemy shinobi. He could provide them to Orochimaru for research, ensuring progress without sacrificing Konoha's own people. If they wanted to advance their scientific understanding quickly, human experimentation was unavoidable.

"Then I'll be counting on you," Orochimaru said with a slight nod.

"There's no need for formalities between us," Jiraiya replied, handing over a token. "Take this. With it, you'll have unrestricted access to the village's sealed scrolls. If Hiruzen objects, come straight to me."

Currently, many of Konoha's forbidden jutsu were sealed away by Hiruzen, especially those developed by the Second Hokage. Jiraiya had initially considered asking Hiruzen to hand them all over, but after some thought, he realized that Hiruzen understood their dangers better than anyone. If he permitted their study, he would certainly explain the risks in detail.

"When selecting forbidden jutsu, be cautious. Don't let ambition drive you into reckless decisions," Jiraiya warned sternly.

After a few more words of caution, Jiraiya watched as Orochimaru departed.

...

"The Land of Fire is truly outrageous! We came in good faith to negotiate, and they humiliated us like this!"

In the Land of Wind's council chamber, every shinobi present was seething with rage, their eyes burning with fury. Akita Kazuno had returned from his mission and relayed everything he had endured. Upon hearing about his disgrace, the assembled shinobi felt an overwhelming urge to march on the Land of Fire immediately.

As an emissary of the Land of Wind, Akita Kazuno had represented their nation's honor during the negotiations. For him to be treated so disrespectfully in Konoha was a blatant insult—it was clear that Konoha didn't take the Land of Wind seriously at all.

"Is it true that Jiraiya is now in charge of Konoha?" the Kazekage asked.

"It appears so. Jiraiya openly claimed leadership, and Hiruzen Sarutobi did not refute him," Akita Kazuno confirmed.

"Hiruzen has always been weak-willed, but I never expected his student to be so forceful. If Jiraiya truly holds power now, reclaiming Shukaku will be far more difficult," a council elder remarked.

In their eyes, Hiruzen was someone who could be pressured into concessions. If he had been leading negotiations, they might have struck a deal. But with Jiraiya in control—bold and unyielding—there was no guarantee they would get Shukaku back.

Jiraiya's rise to power wasn't exactly unexpected. After all, he had slain Hanzo of the Salamander. If he couldn't claim leadership after such a feat, that would be the real surprise.

"Jiraiya insists that you, Kazekage-sama, personally visit Konoha. He clearly has an agenda. Our nation has already been weakened by the loss of Shukaku. If something happens to you as well, it would be a disaster for the Land of Wind," another elder cautioned. He was strongly against the Kazekage making the trip due to the enormous risks involved.

Jiraiya had been able to defeat Hanzo. If he decided to act against the Kazekage, the chances of survival would be slim. With both Jiraiya and Hiruzen in Konoha, an ambush would be inescapable.

"But if the Kazekage doesn't go, we'll never get Shukaku back. Are we just supposed to give up on him?" another elder countered.

Silence filled the chamber. They couldn't afford to lose Shukaku, but they also couldn't afford to lose their leader.

"I must go. We cannot abandon Shukaku," the Kazekage finally declared.

He had to walk into it.

"Kazekage-sama, Jiraiya's growing power is proof of Konoha's ambition. If you go, there's no doubt he will make a move against you. If something happens to you, our nation will collapse," a conservative elder urged. "It's not worth the risk—not even for Shukaku."

"No more discussion. I am going. However, before heading to Konoha, I will visit the Land of Earth to seek reinforcements. They will accompany me to the negotiations."

"Konoha is getting too strong. The Land of Earth will never allow them to acquire another Tailed Beast. If the Lands of Lightning and Water weren't so far away, we could also seek their support. They would certainly send reinforcements as well."

The Kazekage's tone was resolute.

"Yes, the Land of Earth will undoubtedly help us. They understand the concept of mutual survival," another elder agreed.

"But what if the Land of Fire manages to convince the Land of Earth to ally against us?" a worried elder asked. "The Land of Fire is already stronger than us. If they forge an alliance with the Land of Earth, we'll have no chance of resisting them. The benefits of siding with Konoha might outweigh those of siding with us."

"Your concern is unfounded. The Land of Earth would never form an alliance with Konoha. If they did, their forces would suffer losses in the war against us, leaving them vulnerable to Konoha in the future. They wouldn't risk it."

The Kazekage smirked. He was confident in his assessment.

"As long as the Land of Earth reinforces us and we apply enough pressure on Konoha, our chances of reclaiming Shukaku will increase dramatically," another elder said with a nod.

---------------- frёeωebɳovel.com

Pls Drop some Power Stones

Fanfic is finished on Patreon (245 Chapters in total.) 

Patreon(.)com/Jixo (for only $4.50, read this entire fanfic)