Naruto: Starting with Infinite Chakra-Chapter 201: Resolving with Force

With his current strength, the great nations were bound to view him with deep wariness.

Especially since each of them had their own ulterior motives—none would truly unite against the Land of Fire. This was the perfect opportunity to annex the Land of Rain. If they missed this chance, conquering it later would become exponentially more difficult. The other nations would undoubtedly aid the Land of Rain in recovering its strength, fostering a powerful rival for the Land of Fire.

"Jiraiya, you're openly defying orders—what exactly do you think you're doing?"

Hearing Jiraiya's arrogant words, Mitokado Homura could no longer hold back and reprimanded him sharply.

"I'm leading our forces to seize the Land of Rain, strengthening the Land of Fire as quickly as possible. Then, we'll wage war on the other great nations, unify the shinobi world, and put an end to this constant cycle of conflict. I will bring true unity to the shinobi world and put an end to war once and for all." Jiraiya's voice carried unwavering conviction.

"You're utterly delusional! Unifying the shinobi world? You should know that there's always someone stronger out there. Sure, you may have slain Hanzo the Salamander and sealed Shukaku, but the other great nations are still immensely powerful. Do you really think conquering them will be that easy?" Homura retorted angrily.

"Jiraiya, you've truly disappointed me today. I always believed you would lead the village toward new prosperity, but instead, you're trying to incite a war that will consume the entire shinobi world.

"Do you realize how many people will lose their loved ones? How many will never return from the battlefield?" Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed, his gaze heavy with disappointment.

"Casualties are inevitable in war. But if we truly want the village to grow stronger, we must fight. Our nation is currently the most powerful—we surpass the other great nations in strength. With this advantage, we should seize more resources to further strengthen ourselves.

"You keep talking about avoiding war, but have you ever considered what will happen if our strength wanes? If the other nations surpass us, do you think they will show us mercy?

"As long as the shinobi world remains divided, war will never end. You can't stop it just because you want to.

"I have only one reason for returning to the village—to lead our forces in taking the Land of Rain. If you agree, that's ideal. If not, I will take other measures to make it happen. This is not up for debate." Jiraiya's tone was resolute.

"Jiraiya, are you implying a coup?" Utatane Koharu asked gravely.

"If that's how you choose to interpret it, so be it. From this day forward, the village will follow my will. If you cannot accept that, then I'll be clear—either you change your mindset, or you will be replaced."

Jiraiya no longer bothered with pleasantries—he was done pretending. He had made his decision. He did not wish to fight Hiruzen, but he knew mere words would never change the old man's mind. If he wanted to reshape the shinobi world, he would have to use force.

He didn't want to resort to violence. Conflict within the village would inevitably lead to instability. But if he did nothing, his vision of a unified shinobi world would remain a dream. If Hiruzen refused to support him, he had no choice but to act.

Konoha needed a single, unified voice.

"Jiraiya, I understand your desire to make the village stronger, but war is not the answer. Conquering the Land of Rain will only deepen the other nations' hostility toward us. They will see Konoha as an even greater threat and isolate us.

"And as for launching a full-scale war to unify the shinobi world? That is simply impossible. I will never allow you to do this." Hiruzen's voice was firm, his stance unwavering.

Jiraiya sighed inwardly. It seemed that, in the end, there was no avoiding a violent path.

"If the Land of Wind demands the return of Shukaku, will you comply?" Jiraiya suddenly asked.

"The Tailed Beasts maintain the balance between the great shinobi villages. Shukaku must be returned to the Land of Wind. The balance between nations must not be disrupted. Keeping Shukaku will only make us a target for the other great nations. I will not allow anything that endangers the village." Hiruzen answered firmly.

"During the war in the Land of Rain, the Land of Wind sent their Jinchūriki to assassinate me. If I hadn't been strong enough, I would've died at their hands.

"They've already decided that I must die, yet you think returning their Tailed Beast will earn their gratitude? You believe they will spare us if given the chance? No—they will carve into the Land of Fire without hesitation.

"You are no longer fit to lead the village. If you remain in power, Konoha will only grow weaker."

Jiraiya's voice was cold. He was already prepared to face Hiruzen in battle.

"Jiraiya, have you truly chosen to betray the village?" Homura demanded, instinctively stepping closer to Hiruzen.

He was deeply wary of Jiraiya. The man had proven his might—defeating Hanzo the Salamander and sealing Shukaku. His strength was beyond question. He was at Kage-level now.

If Jiraiya were to attack suddenly, Homura wasn't sure he could defend himself. That was precisely why he kept berating Jiraiya—he needed to demonstrate his loyalty.

The other shinobi in the room remained silent. They had all picked up on the underlying tension. Jiraiya was forcing Hiruzen to relinquish power.

Their visions for the village's future were irreconcilable. Conflict was inevitable.

They didn't want to take sides yet. They would wait until Jiraiya and Hiruzen determined a victor before choosing where their loyalties lay.

Some, however, were inclined to support Jiraiya.

After all, the Land of Fire held the upper hand in strength. They had the power to seize vast resources.

Why shouldn't they?

"You no longer have the right to speak. You can shut up now."

Jiraiya's gaze turned cold as he directed his words at Homura.

Homura's face twisted with rage. He opened his mouth to argue, but no words came out. In the end, he was afraid.

"Jiraiya, I never imagined that in just six months, your mindset would change so drastically. If you truly insist on this path...

"Then do not blame me for taking action against you." Hiruzen sighed, his voice laced with regret.

----------------

Pls Drop some Power Stones

Fanfic is finished on Patreon (245 Chapters in total.) 

Patreon(.)com/Jixo (for only $4.50, read this entire fanfic)