Naruto: Binding Uchiha Sasuke, Hundredfold Return

After Sarutobi Hiruzen's funeral, Jiraiya inquired about Konoha's latest news.

On one hand, it was out of curiosity, and on the other, he was concerned about the current situation and future of the village.

But once he started digging, the information he found was beyond shocking.

News one: Two of Konoha's councillors were dead—killed by Sasuke!

News two: Danzo had become Hokage! Even though it was temporary, this was a huge surprise.

News three: The Mitokado clan and the Utatane clan had been wiped out—and Sasuke was the culprit again!

After confirming these events, Jiraiya, still reeling, decided to seek out Kazuki.

He found Kazuki at the Konoha bathhouse. For some odd reason, Kazuki had developed a fondness for the bathing life after their first meeting.

"Boy, the more I see you, the more I like you. What do you say—want to learn to write novels with me?"

"Writing novels? Is it profitable?" Kazuki asked, curious.

Jiraiya looked slightly embarrassed. "Well, you get to live freely, express your thoughts, and capture what you see and feel. And of course, the best part is gathering... material! I can tell you're a kindred spirit, just like me!"

"Haha, who's like you? I don't peek at people bathing, you pervy sage!" Kazuki scoffed.

"Pervy sage? I hail from Mt. Myoboku—"

"Ahem," Jiraiya coughed awkwardly. "In short, I think we're a great match, and you'd excel in this field!"

"Forget it," Kazuki replied. "Writing novels is a dead-end job."

"…Fine, fine. Let's change the subject," Jiraiya said, switching to the topic he came for. "Didn't you promise to introduce me to two students? Naruto's been with me for over a month now, but when's Uchiha Sasuke going to join us?"

Kazuki gave Jiraiya a suspicious look. "Don't you know? Sasuke's committed serious crimes and is now wanted by Konoha. He's an S-class Rogue Ninja—just like your buddy Orochimaru. Tsk tsk."

Jiraiya grimaced. It was the last thing he wanted to hear. He'd been trying to bring Orochimaru back to the village for years, but their paths rarely crossed. And now Sasuke was following in the same footsteps.

"Aren't you sad? Don't you feel any remorse for your comrades?" Jiraiya asked, noticing Kazuki seemed far too relaxed about Sasuke's betrayal.

Kazuki stretched and yawned. "Of course I'm sad. So sad that I need a good soak in the bath to de-stress."

He added with a sly grin, "It's boring bathing alone, though. Next time, how about we bring along Yugao, Sakura, Hinata, and Ino?"

"Wait, wait, wait—those are all girls' names!" Jiraiya exclaimed in disbelief.

"Duh! Who'd want to bathe with a bunch of dudes?" Kazuki rolled his eyes.

Jiraiya's face lit up with a mischievous grin. "Hey, Kazuki, when's your next bath? I'd love to—"

Before he could finish, Kazuki leaped out of the water and kicked Jiraiya out of the bathhouse with a powerful strike.

"Ah! I'll be back for sure!" Jiraiya yelled as he flew through the air.

Kazuki huffed, shaking his head. If you dare come back, I'll really kill you! he thought.

After Jiraiya crash-landed in someone's yard, spitting out mouthfuls of grass, he sat up, his face bruised but still smiling.

"Seriously, what did Kazuki do in a past life to be surrounded by so many girls? And I didn't even get to ask him about Sasuke properly. I'll have to go back!" Jiraiya muttered to himself. But just as he was about to return, he noticed something from the corner of his eye—a window on the second floor of a nearby house was wide open.

And inside was a beautiful woman preparing to take a bath!

Jiraiya's grin widened, and his thoughts quickly shifted. Forget it—I'll ask Kazuki next time. Right now, I've got to gather some... material for my next novel!

A few moments later...

"Ah! Pervert!"

"Someone's peeping!"

"Catch him!"

"Wait, wait! It's a misunderstanding! I'm just a passing novelist, not a pervert!"

"Ouch! What are you hitting me for?!"

"Don't hit my face! Don't hit my face!"

"I'm sorry! I'll never write another novel! X﹏X"

…

After taking a thorough beating from the owner, Jiraiya somehow managed to escape with his life. Despite his swollen, bruised face, he still wore a satisfied smile. Clearly, he hadn't learned his lesson.

"Such a pity. I almost found... inspiration, but I was discovered. I really need to refine my... research methods." Jiraiya rubbed his chin in thought.

"Kazuki has this amazing stealth technique—far more advanced than anything I've developed. Even Jonin-level ninja can't detect it. If only I could learn it…"

For now, Jiraiya put all other thoughts aside. He couldn't solve the mystery of the advisors' deaths, and Konoha's political situation was beyond his control. Danzo becoming Hokage seemed inevitable, and Jiraiya had no interest in meddling.

Even though he wished for Tsunade to take the position, the Konoha elites had already made their decision. The political tide was in Danzo's favor, and even if Tsunade returned, she'd likely struggle to win against him.

Konoha's clans were more interested in survival than principles, and no one wanted to challenge Danzo if it meant risking their future.

Intervening now would be futile. The game was already set.

Unless, of course, Sasuke were to kill Danzo too. But was that even possible?

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The fanfic is finished on p@treon/tambeerg