Hokage: Immortal, I Open Unlimited Eight Gates

"Danzo, I've told you before: Minato's future should be full of sunshine and hope. He is not suited for your roots," Sarutobi Hiruzen stated firmly, maintaining his stance.

"Hmph."

Hearing this, Shimura Danzo snorted coldly. Sensing that the situation wasn't in his favor, he decided to retreat for now. He turned and began walking toward the door. Just as he was about to leave, Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice echoed once more.

"Danzo, for the sake of Homura and Koharu, I reinstated you as Hokage's assistant. But if you continue to act so stubbornly, don't think I'll hesitate to suspend you again."

Faced with Sarutobi Hiruzen's ultimatum, Danzo was furious.

It's always the same—he pulls this move every time. And it works, just because Sarutobi Hiruzen is the Hokage.

Danzo clenched his fists in frustration. If only I had stepped forward first when Tobirama was choosing who would stay behind. If I had spoken up, the Hokage position would have been mine.

The bitterness of that missed opportunity still haunted him. Glaring at Sarutobi Hiruzen, he said through gritted teeth, "Hiruzen, you'll regret this."

With that, Danzo slammed the door and stormed off.

"Hmph. Danzo, I am the Hokage."

Sarutobi Hiruzen hadn't planned on saying that, especially in front of his two disciples, but Danzo's attitude had pushed him to it.

Jiraiya, who had been silently observing, began to imagine a future where he and Orochimaru might have a similar exchange:

"Orochimaru, you'll regret this."

"Jiraiya, I am the Hokage."

The thought of such a scenario made Jiraiya laugh out loud.

Sarutobi Hiruzen and Orochimaru both turned to him, confused.

"Why are you laughing like an idiot?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked, frowning.

Orochimaru ignored him and turned to Hiruzen. "Teacher, may we discuss the matter I came here for now?"

"Go ahead," Sarutobi Hiruzen replied, feeling a bit calmer now that Danzo had left.

"I'm here to request someone. Among the Genin graduating next year, I'd like Chiba to be assigned to my team."

Sarutobi Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. At first, he thought Orochimaru sounded like Danzo, but then he realized Orochimaru likely wanted to take Chiba as a disciple. He must have noticed the boy's talent during their recent mission.

Before Hiruzen could respond, Jiraiya interjected, "Old man, Orochimaru finally agreed to lead a team. It's a small request—just agree to it!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen shot Jiraiya a sidelong glance. "I didn't say no. Why are you so impatient?"

Turning back to Orochimaru, he said, "I don't have a problem with it, but convincing Chiba might be difficult. That boy is very independent. Even when I invited him to join Anbu after graduation, he turned me down."

Hiruzen paused, recalling the conversation he'd had with Chiba. "Still, if anyone can persuade him, it's you, Orochimaru."

Orochimaru smirked slightly. "That's fine. If you assign him to my team, I'll have plenty of time to convince him to become my disciple."

His confidence was undeniable. Throughout his life, Orochimaru had rarely faced failure. He was always at the top in school, and his mission completion rate was unmatched. Besides, being his disciple offered far more benefits than joining Anbu.

"Very well," Sarutobi Hiruzen agreed. "I'll arrange it. Anything else?"

"No, that's all," Orochimaru replied.

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded. "Alright. The New Year is approaching, so take a break from missions and get some rest."

Orochimaru gave a slight bow and turned to leave.

Jiraiya called after him, "Orochimaru, it's been ages since the three of us got together. Let's have a drink tonight—I'll even call Tsunade!"

Orochimaru hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, I'm fine with that."

"Great! Same place as always, tonight!" Jiraiya grinned.

After Orochimaru left, Hiruzen turned to Jiraiya. "So, why did you come here in the first place?"

"Uh… why did I come?" Jiraiya scratched his head awkwardly. "I got so caught up arguing with Danzo that I forgot!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed in exasperation. "Just go, Jiraiya. Come back when you remember."

"Sure thing, old man. Later!" Jiraiya quickly left, heading toward the hospital. He had to find Tsunade now that the evening plan was set.

When Chiba returned home, it was only 4 p.m.

Realizing it was a Wednesday, he figured Uchiha Genka was still at the hospital.

He decided to head to the kitchen and prepare a proper meal. After days of surviving on ration pills, his stomach craved real food.

An hour later, Chiba finally sat down to enjoy the meal he'd been longing for. The flavors made him feel alive again.

After eating, he packed two lunchboxes and walked to the hospital.

As he strolled through Konoha's streets, the warmth of the winter sun washed over him. The contrast between the peaceful village and the violence he'd experienced just days ago felt surreal. He couldn't help but wonder about the women he and his team had rescued. How would the Daimyo handle their situation?

Reaching the hospital gate, Chiba noticed a familiar figure.

Hmm? Jiraiya? What's he doing here?

Seeing Jiraiya standing there, Chiba couldn't help but reflect on the man's life.

Jiraiya… a man whose life was shaped by a prophecy. He sacrificed love, family, and, ultimately, his life for it. What a tragic existence.

Chiba shook his head. But none of that has anything to do with me.

Jiraiya, meanwhile, noticed Chiba staring at him, a peculiar look of pity on the young man's face.

Why is this Uchiha kid looking at me like that? Does he think I'm pitiful?