A huge toad suddenly appeared outside Konoha Village. If Jiraiya hadn't explained things from Gama Ken's mouth, this big toad would definitely have been attacked by the Security Team.
Even the Sannin cannot casually summon large summoned beasts within the village.
After understanding the situation, the Security Team took Jiraiya to Konoha Hospital and then reported to the Hokage Office.
Upon receiving the news, Hatake Sakumo had someone go to the Sarutobi Clan Land to inform the Third Generation Hokage.
Now Sarutobi Hiruzen spends his days at home, seemingly relinquishing power; but Uchiha Yoichi knows this is a helpless act by Sarutobi Hiruzen, who is quite unwilling to retire at fifty.
However, there is no choice. Hatake Sakumo is a Hokage with strong principles, and unless one accommodates his principles, conflicts will eventually arise when working together.
Uchiha Yoichi can accommodate Hatake Sakumo's principles, focusing on developing the village for the Uchiha. Once he becomes Hokage, Konoha Village's alias will be Uchiha Village; moreover, Hatake Sakumo sees the village thriving day by day and stops interfering with Uchiha Yoichi's actions.
As long as it doesn't violate his principles and can bring prosperity to Konoha, giving up Hokage power is of little consequence.
Now, Hatake Sakumo is gradually transferring responsibilities to Uchiha Yoichi's Wood Clone, as evidenced by the decreasing stack of documents on Hatake Sakumo's desk and the increasing pile on Uchiha Yoichi's desk.
When Sarutobi Hiruzen arrived at Konoha Hospital and saw Hatake Sakumo, Uchiha Yoichi, and Namikaze Minato, he instantly felt uneasy.
He cursed internally, blaming Jiraiya for impulsively seeking Nagato; his lack of response was intended to delay Jiraiya, hoping he would return to inquire, because explaining things to this hot-blooded fool might still drive him to see his apprentice.
But unexpectedly, Jiraiya went impulsively in search despite not receiving his message, jeopardizing the intelligence on the Rinnegan.
Soon, Uzumaki Minami emerged from the operating room, gestured a reassuring sign to Uchiha Yoichi and others, saying, "A three-day rest will suffice. I'll go see Karin first, Lord Yoichi."
Having said that, Uzumaki Minami quickly departed without greeting anyone else.
Uchiha Yoichi smiled and said, "Apologies, Minami is a bit anxious..."
"A woman who's become a mother will always worry for her child; Kakashi's mother was the same. It's fine, Mr. Yoichi."
Hatake Sakumo chuckled as he spoke, indifferent to such trivial matters, then turned to Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Third Lord, Jiraiya should be fine. Let's go in."
"Alright, Sakumo."
Sarutobi Hiruzen forced a smile and nodded, then followed Hatake Sakumo inside.
Thanks to Uzumaki Minami's treatment, most of Jiraiya's injuries healed, and even his bones were mended, all due to Uzumaki Minami's special Chakra. This is why Orochimaru claimed Uzumaki Minami's Medical Ninjutsu is on par with Tsunade's.
If someone critically injured drank Uzumaki Minami's blood, they'd understand true top-tier medical treatment; severed limbs could be reattached, ensuring survival while still breathing.
Yet only Uchiha Yoichi and Kakashi have drunk Uzumaki Minami's blood, and that was during the summoning of Ghidorah.
"Fourth Hokage, Old Man, why are you all here? It's just a minor injury, hahaha, thanks for your concern...."
Lying on the hospital bed, Jiraiya chuckled, causing Sarutobi Hiruzen to relax slightly, relieved Jiraiya knew to withhold information, offering a chance for resolution.
Hatake Sakumo asked, "Jiraiya, who injured you? Your task was chasing the mastermind behind the underground bounty. Are their forces really that strong?"
"Not exactly; I was careless..."
Jiraiya feigned difficulty, then said, "Fourth Hokage, once I recover, let me handle this matter. I'll definitely resolve it..."
"The mastermind behind the underground bounty... could they be at Hidden Rain Village or the Land of Bear and Land of Demons west of Hidden Rain Village?"
Uchiha Yoichi suddenly spoke, noticing everyone looking his way, and explained, "I just received news from the merchants; they encountered a large purple toad heading to Konoha from the Land of Rain, likely Jiraiya Jonin's toad....
Fourth Hokage, send the Anbu. If Hanzo is really involved, reassessing Konoha's relationship with him is advisable."
Hatake Sakumo nodded upon hearing, "Hanzo, didn't expect him to hide so deeply, connecting with the underground bounty organization; prioritizing this is necessary...."
"Wait, wait, it's unclear whether Hanzo is linked to this, acting impulsively now seems rash..."
Jiraiya quickly advised, fearing his information concealment might spark war between Konoha and Hidden Rain Village; discovering the facts later would label him a criminal.
Uchiha Yoichi said, "Precisely because it's unclear, investigation is imperative; otherwise, we could directly strategize against Hidden Rain Village intelligence.... Also, please provide details on the personnel they sent, incapacitating Jiraiya Jonin so severely."