The death of a Hokage is no small matter.
Even more so when it's Hiruzen Sarutobi—a man who devoted nearly his entire life to Konoha and held immense respect within the village.
---
The Next Day
Dark clouds covered the sky, and a light drizzle fell gently.
Kaito, dressed in a black cloak, stepped solemnly out of the house.
Waiting quietly outside were Ino and Hinata.
"Here," Ino said softly, handing him a white chrysanthemum. Her expression was tinged with sadness.
"Let's go," Kaito replied with a calm voice, accepting the flower.
The streets of Konoha were filled with people clad in black. A heavy silence hung in the air, as if the entire village was mourning.
---
At the Konoha Memorial Stone
Rows of shinobi stood in formation.
At the front lay the grave of Hiruzen Sarutobi.
They approached one by one, placing white chrysanthemums at the base of the tomb, paying their respects to the old man who had served the village for decades.
Kaito and his group stood among them.
The jonin went first, followed by the chunin, then genin like them.
When it was their turn, Kaito stepped forward. He placed the chrysanthemum before the grave, lowered his head, and stared at Hiruzen's photo in silence.
Whatever Hiruzen had done—good or bad—it all seemed insignificant in the face of death.
With his passing, everything vanished like dust in the wind.
"Rest well, old man," Kaito murmured quietly.
Then he turned and walked away.
Hiruzen's death marked not just the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new one for Konoha. The sleeping lion would soon awaken.
---
Hokage's Office
"Jiraiya, you already know about Hiruzen's passing," said Koharu Utatane with a serious expression. "Konoha urgently needs a new Hokage. We need you to stay. The village needs you to take charge."
"I'm not suited for that role," Jiraiya said, shaking his head. His gaze drifted to the window, toward the Memorial Stone. Sadness clouded his eyes. "I hate being tied down."
Homura Mitokado nodded knowingly. "As expected. Hiruzen knew your nature well. He was sure you wouldn't take the position."
"Then why bother asking?" Jiraiya sighed. "He must have already picked someone else."
"That's right," Koharu confirmed. "He chose between you and Tsunade, but ultimately, he wanted her to take the role."
"So you're asking me to bring her back to the village," Jiraiya deduced.
"Yes," Homura replied. "You have the closest relationship with Tsunade. She's more likely to listen to you."
"Fine. But I have one condition," Jiraiya said.
"What is it?"
"I want to take Naruto with me."
A moment passed in silence.
"Alright," they agreed.
---
Later That Day – Inside Konoha
Two figures in black cloaks patterned with red clouds strolled casually through the village.
Despite their appearance, no one seemed to notice the danger they represented.
"So this is Konoha?" Kisame Hoshigaki chuckled, his shark-like features making him stand out. "Far more vibrant than the Hidden Mist."
"Yes. It's been years since I returned," Uchiha Itachi said, eating a tricolor dango. His expression was calm, though his eyes reflected memories of the past.
"Finish up," he said. "We need to locate the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki."
"Already? You're no fun," Kisame grumbled as he paid the vendor.
They soon wandered into a remote part of the village, away from the bustling streets and toward a quiet stream.
---
"Come out," Itachi said coldly, activating his Sharingan. His gaze locked onto a nearby tree. "You've been following us long enough."
"Well, I've been discovered. Not surprising, considering who I'm tailing," Kakashi Hatake said, stepping out into view. He slowly raised his forehead protector, revealing his Sharingan eye.
"I just want to know... why you're here, Itachi. After being away for five years, why return now? And that guy with you—if I'm not mistaken, he's Hoshigaki Kisame, an S-rank rogue ninja from the Hidden Mist."
Kakashi knew he was outmatched. Taking on two Kage-level opponents alone was nearly impossible. The only target worth their attention in Konoha was… Naruto.
"It's been a while, Kakashi-sensei," Itachi said flatly. "I do miss our Anbu days."
His eye suddenly changed—its tomoe spinning until it formed the Mangekyō Sharingan.
"Let me give you a gift. Tsukuyomi," he muttered.
Kakashi's vision warped.
A blood-red world materialized around him, and he found himself nailed to a wooden cross.
Dozens of Itachis surrounded him, each wielding a blade.
"No... not good..." Kakashi realized too late he had fallen into an illusion, despite being cautious.
"In this world, I control time, space, and perception," Itachi said. "You'll remain here for 72 hours."
He raised his hand. The Itachis attacked in unison, stabbing Kakashi over and over.
"How many strikes can you withstand?" Itachi's voice echoed coldly.
---
"Itachi-san is so ruthless," Kisame said with a grin. "What a nice reunion gift for an old comrade."
Two sharp whooshes cut through the air.
Yuhi Kurenai and Sarutobi Asuma landed beside Kakashi, drawn by a coded message he'd left behind.
"Itachi… and Hoshigaki Kisame! What are you doing in Konoha?" Asuma demanded, his trench knives wrapped in wind chakra.
"Kakashi's trapped in an illusion," Kurenai observed instantly.
"Don't bother," Itachi said calmly. "This isn't something you can break unless your mental strength exceeds mine."
---
I went to check if we hit 100 Powerstones (so I could drop some bonus chapters)… and got hit with a shock instead,
So yeah… no bonus chapter for now (-_-;)