Chapter 45

Out of the original dozen Ninjas, two were killed, two were incapacitated, and only eight were still capable of battle. With two Jonins down, they had to safeguard them now. So with a Leaf Shinobi still hiding in the dark and with the puppet's inclusion, it became a battle of five vs. eight. Ao did not like such odds, especially with them facing such strong enemies and on the enemy's home ground. Originally, they never expected such a retaliation from the Leaf village. It was supposed to be a quick grab-or-kill mission.

However, before he could make a decision, the Jonin facing Gai initiated a large-scale ninjutsu to enclose the entire battlefield and form a water prison. Kazuki, who was on the outer perimeter, had to retreat to escape the attack range. "[Suiton: Dai Bakusui Shōha]" (Water Release: Great Exploding Water Colliding Wave). However, the other Leaf Ninjas were not lucky enough to escape such a large-scale attack. Now the water barrier enclosed the entire Kiri team and the three Leaf Ninjas, along with the black puppet. With the formation of the water prison, the mist dispersed, and the two teams reformed and regrouped quickly. Ao made a quick hand sign.

Though the Leaf Ninja were strong, the Kiri Ninja made sure to protect the Jonin who launched the water barrier. So the battle fell back to a stalemate again. The Kiri ninja had an inherent advantage when fighting in the water. Gai took the position of vanguard, as his movements were not impeded even under the water pressure. Suddenly, the Kiri ninja launched another combination jutsu, "[Suiton: Senshokukō]." (Water Release: A Thousand Feeding Sharks)

However, the scale was now completely different from what the four Jonin had launched earlier because now the attack was launched underwater as thousands of sharks launched an offensive towards the Leaf Shinobi. Gai, who felt the pressure of the incoming attack, was ready to open the sixth gate. However, before he could do so, Kazuki, who had detected a new chakra signature incoming, went on the offensive. He placed his hand on the water barrier and inserted a water orb into it by continuously pouring a large amount of chakra into the orb.

"[Suiton: Mugensame]" (Water Release: Infinite Sharks)

A large number of water sharks, even more compared to the joint offensive of the Kiri Shinobi, had been launched. As the two jutsus clashed, the sharks on both sides started tearing each other apart underwater. However, Kazuki's attack was more potent, as each shark of his exploded when they got defeated. So Kazuki was able to hold back the Kiri's joint offensive underwater.

However, this type of attack was a huge drain on his chakra reserve. Kazuki only chose such a flashy method because of the incoming support. Just as the two clashes ended, Kazuki, who was just outside the water prison, heard the faint voice of the newcomer. 

"[Kuchiyose: Yatai Kuzushi no Jutsu]" (Summoning: Food Cart Destroyer Technique).

A humongous toad comparable to the size of the water barrier was summoned right on top of it. When the huge toad landed on the water prison, the Kiri Jonin was not able to hold the water prison anymore and was knocked out due to the backlash. With the huge water prison shattering, the toad landed right in between the two teams, and a white-haired ninja was standing on top of the huge toad. Ao immediately recognized who the newcomer was, and it was none other than the Toad Sage, Jiraiya himself.

"Retreat; we are falling back.".

Ao didn't even bother to think of countermeasures the moment the Sannin appeared; all his plans went down the bin, but he simply ordered an immediate retreat. With the huge amount of water still around, they were able to fall back without any additional losses. They even made sure to destroy the corpses of the fallen comrades.

 Kazuki had intended to set up a trapping formation, but the sudden attack from the Kiri ninja left him with insufficient time to deploy the entire trap. This oversight allowed the enemies to escape, causing frustration. The Hyuga ANBU shared in the disappointment, knowing that the enemy leader possessed the lost Byakugan. However, he recognized the futility of chasing them, especially given his depleted energy after the clash. Jiraiya, too, opted not to pursue the enemy, his primary concern being the nine-tails seal.

 As Jiraiya released the toad summoning and landed beside the Jonin trio, he addressed the hidden Shinobi, "Still not willing to come out? The battle is over." Kazuki, understanding that the Toad Sage's perception was formidable, dispelled the isolation barrier and emerged.

 Jiraiya was momentarily taken aback when a young child appeared. Initially expecting an elite Jonin due to the chakra fluctuations, he couldn't help but smile, recognizing the genius from Hidden Leaf—Tsunade's young prodigy student, a child from the Nara clan. Doubting his assumption, Jiraiya inquired, "Little one, are you Tsunade's second disciple, the Nara kid?" He referred to Kazuki as a child, prompting a measured response.

 "Yes, Jiraiya-sama, I am Kazuki Nara," replied Kazuki respectfully, acknowledging the Toad Sage's status. He swiftly moved to attend to the injured Leaf Ninjas using Iryo Ninjutsu. Jiraiya carefully observed the child's medical ninjutsu, noting its proficiency that rivaled or even surpassed that of the most senior medical ninjas. Delighted at Tsunade's choice of a worthy successor, Jiraiya watched as Kazuki efficiently treated the ANBU and Gai, restoring them to near-peak condition.

 "Let's fall back to the village. I've already sent a message to the border patrol team. If we're lucky, we might intercept the Kiri team," suggested Jiraiya. As the team made their way back, Jiraiya learned about the village's current state from Gai, who willingly shared the details. Relieved that there were no tragedies within the village, Jiraiya found himself more puzzled about the fate of the seal.

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Hokage's office, Konoha

Jiraiya, leading the Leaf Ninja, found himself waiting in the Hokage's office for Tsunade. Gai and his team had left after ensuring the safe return of the barrier team and other Leaf ninjas. Hiruzen provided a brief breakdown of the situation, and Jiraiya couldn't help but feel uneasy when he learned that Tsunade was the one behind the decision to modify Naruto's seal. Aware of Minato's exceptional skills in fuinjutsu, Jiraiya was intrigued by the identity of this new fuinjutsu master, and he couldn't help but wonder about the level of trust Hiruzen placed in them. Although Hiruzen knew about Kazuki's involvement, he refrained from sharing the information with Jiraiya until Tsunade gave her consent.

"So, Sensei, you're saying that Naruto will become aware of the Bijuu sealed within him?" Jiraiya questioned as Hiruzen explained the changes to Naruto's seal.

Hiruzen nodded and handed a few documents to Jiraiya, who quickly perused them. As Jiraiya finished reading, there was a knock on the door, and Tsunade walked in, taking a seat.

"Tsunade, how have you been? It's been quite some time since we met," Jiraiya casually asked, acknowledging the years that had passed since their last encounter. Tsunade huffed in response, though she was secretly pleased to see Jiraiya back in the village.

Not one to be deterred, Jiraiya addressed the pressing matter. "Is Naruto doing alright? I had to return because Gerotora informed me that Minato's seal was broken." Worry was evident on his face, knowing that Tsunade was Naruto's current guardian.

"He's doing fine, but it's no thanks to you. Aren't you the kid's godfather? Where were you when he needed you? Do you know how much Naruto suffered during your absence?" Tsunade expressed genuine anger about Jiraiya letting Naruto be under their Sensei's care, leading to Naruto's early years of hardship.

Jiraiya, feeling a sense of betrayal, glanced at Hiruzen. He had left the village only after Hiruzen promised to take good care of little Naruto. Hiruzen tried to defend Jiraiya by sharing the truth, but Tsunade redirected her anger toward him.

"And what did you do, old man? Nothing, absolutely nothing! What kind of twisted logic made you think that making him suffer would keep him safe, and secure his identity as a Jinchuriki when most of the village knew that Naruto had the nine tails sealed within him?" Tsunade's frustration was palpable, fueled by Naruto's shared experiences.

To prevent further escalation, Jiraiya intervened on his Sensei's behalf. "Tsunade, forget it. It's all in the past. Talking about things will not change them. I would like to meet Naruto, and Sensei has already informed me that we are going to tell Naruto about Minato and Kushina, so it's best that I share it with him directly."

Tsunade, having heard Jiraiya's words, calmed down and stood up, asking for Jiraiya and Hiruzen to follow her to the Senju compound.

As Tsunade and the others approached the yard within the Senju compound, Naruto was engrossed in a playful moment with Shizune, attempting to include little Tenten in their game. As Shizune noticed their presence, she quickly composed herself and greeted everyone respectfully.

"Welcome, Sensei, Hokage-sama, Jiraiya-sama," Shizune greeted with formality, receiving a polite nod from Hiruzen and Jiraiya.

"Grandpa Hokage!" Naruto, spotting Hiruzen, joyfully ran towards him. Although he was happy to see his grandfather, the white-haired uncle standing beside the Hokage remained a faint memory, elusive yet familiar.

"This... How is this possible?" Hiruzen and Jiraiya, observing Naruto's heightened chakra level, were astonished. The abnormality had gone unnoticed earlier, but now it was clear that Naruto's chakra had surged to an unprecedented degree. Tsunade, choosing not to explain, gestured for Jiraiya to talk to Naruto first before addressing the seal.

Naruto, intrigued by the prospect of learning about his parents, agreed to speak with Jiraiya privately. Tsunade assured him she would be in the next room, leaving Naruto and Jiraiya alone in the yard. Meanwhile, the others followed Tsunade into the Senju house.

Jiraiya took out a green, toad-shaped wallet and handed it to Naruto, who looked at it with confusion.

"Take it. This is for you. I should have given this to you a long time ago. It belonged to your parents." Naruto, hearing Jiraiya's words, accepted the green toad wallet with trembling hands, treating it as a precious treasure.

Seated cross-legged, Jiraiya gestured for Naruto to do the same. "I know you're confused, Naruto, but don't worry. I am your godfather. I was your father's sensei." Naruto sat down in front of Jiraiya, and the toad sage began breaking the ice, sharing the details that Naruto had long yearned to know.

Meanwhile, in the Nara compound, Kazuki focused on training young Shikamaru, evaluating his progress with the three basic jutsus. Shikamaru had successfully mastered all three basics, prompting Kazuki to introduce the next challenge: the Shadow Clone Jutsu. Considering Shikamaru's intellect and current chakra pool, Kazuki believed he could teach him the technique and that Shikamaru would grasp it quickly, given his nature.

"Shikamaru, what I'm about to teach you is a B-rank technique, and I need you to promise not to mention it to Aunt Yoshino," Kazuki warned with a stern tone. He began explaining the Shadow Clone technique, highlighting its advantages and emphasizing its drawbacks. Kazuki reiterated the importance of understanding the limitations of the jutsu, ensuring that Shikamaru grasped the complexities involved.

"So, Kazuki niisan, if I master this jutsu, I'll be able to train and be lazy at the same time? Why didn't you teach me something this good earlier, brother? All those hours I put into training, sigh, such a waste!"

Shikamaru couldn't help but complain, realizing he could practically create a clone to do the work for him and gain knowledge effortlessly.

"Shikamaru, listen carefully. Although you have enough chakra to create a couple of shadow clones without backlash, I suggest you stick to just two in the beginning. Is that understood? And if you practice diligently, you should be able to create your own shadow clones in a month or two," Kazuki shared his honest opinion, concerned about his little brother overextending his chakra and risking mental exhaustion.