Later, Saigoji Youmu devised other plans. However, at this stage, Jue and Uchiha Madara's scheme had not yet commenced, making it challenging for him to take action. Saigoji Youmu contemplated traveling to the Land of Rain to confront Nagato, destroy the Rinnegan, and thereby thwart Uchiha Madara and Jue's plans. After reconsideration, he abandoned this idea. While such an action could prevent future troubles, it would also reduce the significant events in the ninja world. As a time traveler, merely living an ordinary life in the Naruto world would be too monotonous.
…
A few days later, Saigoji Youmu returned to Konohagakure. In the Hokage's office, he found four individuals: the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi; Orochimaru; Tsunade; and Jiraiya. It appeared that the three Sannin had just finished reporting a mission to Hiruzen.
"Youmu, you're back?" Tsunade greeted. "I heard you went to the Land of Rice Fields to investigate a conspiracy between Kumogakure and Iwagakure. How did it go?"
"The investigation is complete," Saigoji Youmu replied. "The results should interest you."
"Oh?" The three Sannin exchanged intrigued glances and decided to stay.
"What did you discover, Youmu?" Hiruzen inquired.
Saigoji Youmu organized his thoughts and began recounting the events in the Land of Rice Fields. Initially, they listened silently. However, when he mentioned that Ōnoki and the Third Raikage jointly led a team to eliminate him, their expressions changed.
"What? Those two elders attacked you?" Tsunade exclaimed, both shocked and angry.
"Calm down, Tsunade," Hiruzen advised.
"Youmu is back and doesn't seem injured."
Tsunade took a deep breath, realizing her overreaction. "What happened next?"
"Everyone accompanying Ōnoki and the Third Raikage was eliminated," Saigoji Youmu stated. "After I severely injured both of them, I allowed them to escape."
Hiruzen and Tsunade were taken aback. Saigoji Youmu's tone was casual, but the implications were significant.
"Youmu, you…" Jiraiya hesitated. He had witnessed Saigoji Youmu's strength and believed he could defeat either Ōnoki or the Third Raikage individually. But defeating both, along with elite ninjas from two villages, seemed unbelievable.
Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Hiruzen looked at Saigoji Youmu, awaiting an explanation.
"Heh," Saigoji Youmu chuckled, sensing their thoughts. "I never claimed to have used all my strength before."
This statement might have seemed like bluffing, but Saigoji Youmu wasn't lying. Whether fighting Jiraiya, Orochimaru, or Hanzo, he hadn't utilized his full power.
The others smiled wryly. Regardless of the truth, they had to accept his explanation.
"Apologies, Youmu," Hiruzen said. "The incident in the Land of Rice Fields is my responsibility."
"It has nothing to do with you," Saigoji Youmu replied. "All of this was orchestrated by someone else. Even the Third Raikage and Ōnoki were unaware; they were merely pawns."
"Pawns?" Tsunade frowned. "Is it the mastermind you mentioned before?"
"That's correct."
A chill ran down the spines of Tsunade, Hiruzen, and the others.