In the Land of Waves, Kitagawa Minamoto had boldly advanced the implication that prideful individuals with historical animosities might be forming strategic alliances.
Kakashi and Jiraiya couldn't fail to comprehend the significance behind his statement, yet they struggled to fully accept such a proposition.
What manner of authority, what organizational structure, could effectively subjugate such inherently prideful and rebellious personalities?
Even if superficial cooperation could be maintained, the concept that such individuals would refrain from internal conflict and actually coordinate effectively in combat scenarios seemed fundamentally implausible.
"Could such a scenario genuinely exist?"
Jiraiya's expression transitioned to profound seriousness, though his gaze retained elements of skepticism.
If this assessment proved accurate, the strategic implications would be profoundly concerning.
"Definitive confirmation remains elusive, yet we cannot dismiss the possibility."
Kakashi, after a period of analytical contemplation, responded in measured tones.
"During our encounter with Itachi Uchiha and Jūzō Biwa, I detected anomalous elements in their operational patterns. However, the immediate tactical situation precluded deeper analysis.
"Upon further reflection, the implications appear significantly more consequential. When considered alongside Lord Jiraiya's intelligence, our suspicions gain substantial credibility."
Jiraiya lapsed into momentary silence. All available evidence seemed to converge toward a scenario he found deeply unsettling.
The temporal alignment, geographical proximity, and organizational indicators—all elements demonstrated disturbing coherence.
This represented a strategic concern of the highest order.
"This organization... its capabilities exceed even my most concerning projections."
Jiraiya massaged his temples, his frustration manifestly evident.
"Itachi Uchiha, Jūzō Biwa, and potentially Orochimaru... all S-rank rogue shinobi. What strategic objective could possibly motivate such an alliance?"
"Whatever their ultimate goal, it undoubtedly transcends conventional parameters."
Kitagawa Minamoto paused reflectively before suddenly recalling Kakashi's previous mission assignment. He proceeded to pose a strategic question.
"An additional consideration warrants attention. Have you observed the geographical proximity between the Land of Waves and another significant territory?"
"Proximity...?"
Kakashi responded with immediate comprehension, his analytical faculties rapidly establishing the connection.
"You're referring to the Land of Water?"
"Precisely, Kakashi-sensei. I've been contemplating a particular angle."
Kitagawa Minamoto confirmed with a deliberate nod, his eyes reflecting analytical intensity as he elaborated.
"For an organization of such formidable capabilities, who possesses sufficient resources to secure their services? The Land of Waves clearly lacks the necessary economic infrastructure.
"Exceptions exist, naturally. However, the probability that local entities would have access to such an organization seems minimal—even considering wealthy mercantile figures like Gato, whom we had considered targeting for resource acquisition..."
"Wait, wait, wait! Resource acquisition from a merchant?"
Before Kitagawa Minamoto could complete his analysis, Jiraiya's eyes widened in evident disbelief.
"Kakashi, what precisely have you been imparting to this student? That represents a concerning ethical framework!"
"Cease this inappropriate line of discussion, Minamoto."
Kakashi emitted an audible sigh, covering his forehead in a gesture of exasperation.
Kitagawa Minamoto had not referenced this strategic approach during their operational deployment, and Kakashi had nearly dismissed it from consideration.
Yet now the concept had resurfaced. How deeply entrenched was this particular cognitive pattern?
"The origin of such conceptual frameworks remains unclear. Nevertheless, his fundamental assessment demonstrates validity. Conventional mercantile entities would indeed lack the necessary channels to engage an organization of this caliber."
Kakashi executed a negative cranial gesture, acknowledging the substantive merit of Kitagawa Minamoto's analysis despite its unorthodox presentation.
"Organizations with these characteristics typically accept missions through black market intermediaries or engage directly in conflict-related operations for shinobi villages. Iwagakure, for example, frequently contracts external groups for suppression operations, therefore..."
"Therefore, their operational presence near the Land of Waves suggests a high probability of Kirigakure commissioning their services?"
Jiraiya's analytical process demonstrated increasing clarity as he evaluated the strategic implications.
His gaze exhibited momentary fluctuation, suggesting internal decision-making processes.
"Lord Jiraiya, you aren't contemplating independent infiltration of Kirigakure, are you?"
Kitagawa Minamoto, detecting Jiraiya's subtle expression shift, immediately recognized his strategic inclination.
"Lord Jiraiya, please exercise operational restraint!"
Kakashi likewise responded with tactical urgency, speaking in deliberately modulated tones.
"If our assessment proves accurate, unplanned infiltration would entail extreme operational risk. Particularly given Kirigakure's maritime defensive perimeter, which renders tactical withdrawal virtually impossible!"
Kirigakure's geographical positioning evoked parallels to certain disruptive strategic entities from Kitagawa Minamoto's previous existence.
A substantial maritime channel provided effective insulation from land-based offensive operations, enabling them to launch attacks with minimal concern for retaliatory capability.
Moreover, Kirigakure harbored profound historical animosity toward Konohagakure.
Nearly every major shinobi conflict had witnessed their aggressive posture toward the Leaf Village.
Regarding the historical basis for this antagonism, it was commonly understood that their ancestral clan leadership had either declined integration into Konohagakure during its foundational period or had attempted to negotiate preferential terms.
Unfortunately for them, such negotiations brought them into conflict with Uchiha Madara, who demonstrated minimal interest in diplomatic resolution.
Ultimately, they were all dispatched "down to the sea" for alternative employment...
"Indeed, the historical grievances from previous conflicts, combined with a mysterious organization capable of recruiting Itachi Uchiha, Jūzō Biwa, and even exercising authority over Orochimaru..."
Kitagawa Minamoto affirmed with a deliberate nod, supplementing the analysis with his own observations.
"Kakashi-sensei regularly visits the memorial stone to honor his fallen comrades. Perhaps next year's commemorative offerings will require significant expansion."
"..."
Jiraiya's eyelid exhibited an involuntary contraction as he directed a pointed gaze toward Kitagawa Minamoto. Why did this youth consistently employ such provocative rhetorical constructions?
Nevertheless, he refrained from expressing anger, recognizing the underlying validity of the assessment.
Yet he couldn't entirely suppress his frustration.
"Lord Jiraiya, would you consider returning to Konohagakure with us?"
Observing Jiraiya's silence, Kitagawa Minamoto exchanged a brief glance with Kakashi before continuing.
"The current strategic situation has clearly expanded beyond the parameters of individual investigation. If Kirigakure's involvement is confirmed, returning to the village would at minimum provide operational support infrastructure."
"That assessment is correct, Lord Jiraiya."
Kakashi confirmed with an affirmative gesture, genuinely concerned that Jiraiya might undertake precipitous action.
"This organization demonstrates extraordinary complexity, and its operational capabilities appear formidable. This situation demands methodical approach.
"Minamoto's analysis is sound. If Kirigakure's involvement is confirmed, optimal strategy dictates leveraging village resources. Your return with us would undoubtedly secure institutional support.
"After all, whether considering Orochimaru or Itachi Uchiha, both represent rogue elements from our village. An organization of such concerning capabilities will not escape village attention."
Kakashi's assessment carried substantial strategic weight.
Upon hearing this analysis, Jiraiya descended into contemplative silence.
While he genuinely preferred to avoid returning to the village, the escalating complexity of the situation appeared to leave few viable alternatives.
"Very well, I acknowledge the strategic necessity."
Following careful consideration, Jiraiya reluctantly indicated agreement.
"Damn it all. I never anticipated such operational complexity. And now I must sacrifice my operational autonomy? How profoundly frustrating..."
Upon hearing this concession, both Kakashi and Kitagawa Minamoto experienced evident relief.
Kakashi had harbored genuine concern regarding Jiraiya's potential for impulsive action.
If their strategic assessment proved accurate, Jiraiya attempting to infiltrate Kirigakure would constitute a virtual death sentence.
Within the shinobi world, no individual, regardless of capability, could successfully challenge an entire village's defensive infrastructure.
Only the legendary First Hokage was reputed to possess such extraordinary capability.
But such accounts remained largely in the realm of historical legend...
"Mission successfully completed!"
Kitagawa Minamoto's internal response, by contrast, reflected more straightforward satisfaction.
His primary objective had been for Jiraiya to witness the "blooming cherry blossoms" of his hometown...
Otherwise, he wouldn't have invested such effort in guiding both Kakashi and Jiraiya toward this conclusion.
Naturally, while persuading Jiraiya to return to Konohagakure, he didn't object to creating minor complications for Obito Uchiha as a secondary benefit.
After all, Kakashi's Exclusive Quest remained pending, and Kitagawa Minamoto couldn't afford to overlook potential strategic advantages!
"Though if Jiraiya actually proceeded to Kirigakure, he might indeed encounter Obito Uchiha."
Kitagawa Minamoto found himself curious regarding the precise timing of Obito's loss of control over Kirigakure.
The canonical timeline had never specified this detail.
However, he suspected the transition had occurred within the past several years, marked by two significant events:
Jūzō Biwa's death and Kisame Hoshigaki's subsequent partnership with Itachi Uchiha.
"Perhaps that Exclusive Quest could even be accelerated..."
Kitagawa Minamoto reflected internally.
At that precise moment, his system interface finally activated.
And upon observing the designated reward, Kitagawa Minamoto immediately comprehended—Jiraiya, the venerable sage, had indeed struck metaphorical gold!
[Side Quest Completed: Jiraiya-san, The Cherry Blossoms in Our Hometown Are Blooming]
[Reward Obtained: Jiraiya's Sage Arts]
[TN-Final: Original Term - "老仙人发大财" - Final Translation: "The Old Sage Strikes Gold" - Justification: This Chinese idiom-like expression combines "老仙人" (old sage/hermit, referring to Jiraiya) with "发大财" (to strike it rich/make a fortune). The English translation preserves both the literal meaning and the figurative sense of unexpectedly gaining something valuable.]