Chapter 110 : Test Whether He Has The Determination To Become Sixth Hokage
The Third Hokage had fallen in battle, and Konoha had suffered immense losses. Though Sunagakure hadn’t managed to destroy the village outright, the damage dealt was still devastating.
Standing over Hiruzen Sarutobi’s body, Jiraiya gritted his teeth and muttered, "Orochimaru... that bastard."
After several minutes of heavy silence, Konoha’s ninja carried away the Third Hokage’s body for burial. Many had perished in this battle. The village had truly been wounded this time—deeply.
Riku remained at home after attending the funeral.
With the village in recovery and few missions being handed out, he found himself with little to do. So he meditated alone in his room.
Unlike the others, Riku had no responsibilities during the rebuilding effort. Most of Konoha’s forces were either aiding in reconstruction or stationed at critical points. But given the current situation, Riku had been left unassigned.
What Riku didn’t know was that, atop the Hokage’s office, a conversation about him was taking place.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura stood before Jiraiya.
The elders wanted Jiraiya to take up the role of Fifth Hokage immediately, especially given the weakened state of the village.
But Jiraiya refused.
"I’m sorry," he said, staring out the window. "I’m just not cut out for that role."
Koharu’s brows furrowed. "This decision comes from the village’s leadership. Jiraiya, you’re one of the Legendary Sannin. Only you have the power and influence to hold this position and deter any who might try to take advantage of Konoha’s current vulnerability."
Jiraiya didn’t budge. "Like I said... I’m not the right person."
Homura’s expression tightened. "If not you, then who? You know better than anyone how dangerous our situation is right now."
Jiraiya turned, eyes serious. "There’s another. One of the Sannin besides me."
He paused. "Tsunade. She’s far more suited to this than I am. You both know it."
The two elders were momentarily taken aback. Then Koharu nodded slowly. "That woman... she would be a good fit. But no one knows where she is."
Jiraiya smiled. "I’ll find her myself."
The elders exchanged a glance before Homura replied, "Very well. But for your safety—and the village’s—we’ll be assigning a team from the ANBU to accompany you."
They called it protection, but it was clear it was surveillance. They didn’t trust him to not simply vanish.
Jiraiya chuckled. "No need to send anyone to spy on me. I’m not going to run. But I will be taking two people with me."
Koharu narrowed her eyes. "Two? Who?"
Jiraiya turned with a grin. "Naruto Uzumaki... and a boy named Riku."
At the mention of their names, both elders frowned.
They understood Naruto—after all, Jiraiya had been the Fourth Hokage’s teacher, and Naruto was Minato Namikaze’s son.
But Riku?
They knew who he was, of course. Riku was the child the Third Hokage had secretly begun grooming as a potential successor. At only twelve years old, he had strength on par with Kakashi, had mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique, and possessed a unique aptitude for advanced jutsu.
He was already being whispered about as a potential Sixth Hokage.
Homura voiced the question on both their minds. "Why take them with you?"
Jiraiya answered, "Naruto... I’m worried someone may target him. He’s safer with me. As for Riku, I want to see if he has the same spirit as the Fourth Hokage. The old man intended him for great things—if he’s going to inherit that will, he should meet Tsunade early."
Koharu and Homura were aware of the Akatsuki’s growing threat.
And honestly, Riku and Naruto might be safer with Jiraiya than within the weakened walls of Konoha.
They gave their reluctant approval.
Afterward, Jiraiya returned to his usual perch by the window, picking up his small telescope.
"That’s that," he said with a smirk. "Time to enjoy the view."
The elders rolled their eyes.
"You’re in your fifties," Koharu scolded. "It’s about time you acted your age. You’re still one of the Sannin."
Jiraiya ignored them entirely, humming to himself as they stormed off.
They couldn’t do anything about him anyway. Even the Third Hokage had only been able to control Jiraiya so much.
Left alone, Jiraiya lowered his telescope and stared into the distance, thoughtful.
Riku... do you really have what it takes to carry Konoha on your back?
Becoming Hokage required more than raw power. It demanded political skill, patience, and a willingness to stay rooted in the village.
That was something Jiraiya himself lacked.
He had no interest in ruling from behind a desk.
Tsunade, however, had been born into politics—she understood it better than any of them. She was the most capable choice.
Still, he couldn’t ignore Riku’s potential. In terms of strength, Riku was already formidable. That day, when Jiraiya saw his jutsu firsthand, he’d realized the boy might be nearing Sannin level already.
But strength wasn’t enough.
He needed to know if Riku truly had the will to become Hokage.
And if not... maybe Tsunade could help guide him. Maybe even Naruto could influence him. After all, Naruto’s dream was to become Hokage. That passion could be contagious.
Among the new generation, Jiraiya agreed with the Third—Riku was the most exceptional.
While Riku remained in quiet retreat, a message came for him via messenger eagle.
Sitting cross-legged in his room on the second floor, Riku opened his eyes at the soft rustle of feathers and walked to the balcony. He frowned slightly as he read the note.
"Kakashi-sensei wants to see me?"
Still, he didn’t hesitate.
He left at once and soon arrived at the appointed location—where Kakashi and Sasuke were already waiting.
Sasuke blinked, surprised to see him. "Riku? You too?"
Riku glanced at Kakashi. "You called for me, Sensei. What’s this about?"
Sasuke replied before Kakashi could speak. "Kakashi-sensei said he wanted to buy something to honor a comrade."
Riku nodded, understanding immediately. "So it’s for Uchiha Obito."
Sasuke looked at him, confused.
Riku continued, "He was once a teammate of Kakashi-sensei. I heard he entrusted his Sharingan to him before he died."
Sasuke didn’t know the full story. He’d always assumed Kakashi’s Sharingan came from his own training.
Despite being from the Uchiha clan, Sasuke was still young. And now, with the entire clan gone, he had no one left to teach him their history.
He listened silently, the realization settling over him.
Kakashi, standing quietly beside them, said nothing.
But in his heart, he was glad they were here.
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