Chapter 52. This Toad Sage is Not that Kind of Person!
Chapter 52. This Toad Sage is Not that Kind of Person!
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Hyuga Hana let out a cold snort as she glanced at Uchiha Setsuna.
This old man from the Uchiha clan is annoying as ever!
But she said nothing more. Clad in a pristine white Hyuga kimono, she continued her unhurried stroll.
They passed by the Hokage Rock, walked through a small grove, and eventually arrived at Konoha's commercial street.
The spring rain fell softly, carrying a lingering hint of winter's chill, though far less biting than before.
Looking at the desolate streets, Hyuga Hana sighed softly. "The village has become much quieter. Even that Yuto Milk Tea shop has far fewer customers these days."
"After all, many ninjas have been deployed," Uchiha Setsuna nodded with emotion. "The fact that Yuto Milk Tea still has business is quite remarkable. I imagine… we'll only see things pick up again after the war ends." He glanced at the subdued milk tea shop and continued, "Thirsty? I'm thirsty. Do you want one? If you want a drink, I'll buy one for you! Hmph! No need to thank me!"
"You can buy one for yourself." Hana's cool gaze lingered on him, remembering he was still as hateful as when he was a teenager. "Someone your age shouldn't be drinking too many sweets!"
"Hmph! Suddenly, I'm not thirsty anymore. I don't want one!"
"…"
This old man…
Hyuga Hana couldn't help but chuckle softly, shaking her head. She said nothing more and continued to walk forward. They hadn't gone far before her gaze landed on a shop still under renovation. With a hint of surprise, she remarked, "A new shop? Don't tell me it's that boy from your clan again?"
"It is really that brat!" Setsuna replied as soon as the word "Uchiha" came up. "I heard it was some kind of dance hall or something this time. That boy just doesn't focus on proper things!" He sounded exasperated, shaking his head as if disappointed. "He has so much talent, yet he refuses to become a ninja. Instead, he plays at being a businessman. And look where it's gotten him—who knows how much money he's made now!"
"How much money he's made has nothing to do with the Uchiha clan, does it? That boy isn't part of your clan anymore," Hana retorted with a cold laugh. She saw through his act—pretending to be disappointed while secretly showing off in front of her.
Someone needs to put this old man in his place!
"What do you mean he's not Uchiha? His surname is Uchiha, and his brother is the Uchiha clan leader!" Setsuna flared up, his nostrils flaring in anger. "If you don't believe me, I'll call him out. Do you think he wouldn't dare to respond?"
"You're still as hot-headed as ever, even at your age! You might drop dead from anger. I have no interest in arguing with you anymore!" Hana replied, elegantly flicking her sleeve. "Let's go! It's raining. Let's find somewhere to rest!"
"Hmph! Let's go… Are you sure you're not thirsty?"
"If you're thirsty, get something for yourself!"
"Haha! I'm not thirsty either. What's wrong? Angry?"
"… Childish."
As the two bickered their way out of sight, Uchiha Yuto and Hyuga Suzune emerged from the newly renovated shop. They spotted the departing pair, and after a moment of surprise, Yuto sighed and shook his head with emotion. "That Chief Elder…"
While the Second Elder is practically losing his mind with worry, you're out here shopping with a woman?
How vulgar!
But before Yuto could say more, Suzune's lips curled into a subtle smile. With a gentle, melodic voice, she said softly, "I think… it's rather nice."
Her voice, like a spring breeze mingling with the drizzle, was plain yet soothing.
…
Time Flies.
The war was becoming increasingly intense.
While Konoha's attention was elsewhere, Iwagakure launched an invasion of Kusagakure. By the time Konoha reacted and prepared to intervene, Sunagakure had allied with Iwagakure, dragging Konoha into battles at Kikyo Mountain.
For a moment, Konoha found itself stretched thin, fighting on multiple fronts.
On a battlefield somewhere in Konoha.
"Jiraiya-sensei!"
"Hahaha, Minato, you're back!" Jiraiya greeted with his characteristic laugh, throwing an arm around Minato's shoulders. "I heard you've made some big gains this time!"
"Jiraiya-sensei hasn't changed a bit!"
"Of course not! With so much chaos going on, if I didn't keep my spirits up, I'd probably be driven mad." Jiraiya let out a wistful sigh before smiling at Minato with approval. "Well done. Thanks to you, the situation has eased a lot." He then turned his gaze to the trio of young ninja behind Minato. "And you three did great too! Kakashi, as expected of Konoha's genius! The girl—Rin, right?—your medical ninjutsu is impressive. If you need any tips, go find Tsunade. And the Uchiha kid…"
Jiraiya paused, his eyes landing on Obito, who stood with a cold expression, resembling Kakashi a little. Jiraiya's smile twitched awkwardly as he chuckled, "Good, very good! A real genius—striking fear into the hearts of our enemies!"
He couldn't help but recall reports of the recent injuries inflicted on enemy ninjas.
Without exception, the accounts described trembling opponents clutching themselves, lying face-down on the ground, their butts sticking up with blank expressions.
That lightning-style ninjutsu—fast and overwhelmingly powerful.
Undeniably, this kid was a genius, a genius so exceptional even Jiraiya was awed.
However…
Obito gave a cold snort, shot Jiraiya an indifferent glance, and walked away without a word. He was not moved by the words of the so-called Sannin!
He was beginning to resemble Kakashi more and more.
Ever since his recent, profound realization, Obito had adopted this aloof demeanor.
Rin and the others were deeply concerned, clueless about what had happened to him.
"Sorry, Jiraiya-sensei," Minato said helplessly and embarrassedly. "Obito has been dealing with a lot lately."
"Young people, full of energy and wild thoughts—I get it!" Jiraiya nodded knowingly, his face lighting up with a mischievous grin. He patted his chest confidently. "It's time for me, Jiraiya, to enlighten him. Don't worry, I've got this!"
"…"
Obito isn't that kind of person, Jiraiya-sensei…
But despite Minato's reservations, Jiraiya had already marched off in Obito's direction.
Minato sighed helplessly, shaking his head with a wry smile. "Let's hope Sensei can get through to him."
...
The other side.
"Little brat! You're just trying to be cool!" Jiraiya hooked an arm around Obito's neck, grinning as he spoke. "So, tell me! What's going on? Minato said you used to be such a cheerful kid."
Obito struggled against Jiraiya's grip, but the latter's arm was like a vice. Frustrated, Obito snapped, "You wouldn't understand!"
"There's nothing I, the Great Toad Sage, wouldn't understand!" Jiraiya rapped him lightly on the head, smirking. "It's about a girl you like, isn't it?!"
Feeling Obito stiffen under his arm, Jiraiya chuckled knowingly. "Is it because of that girl named Rin?"
"You…" Obito stared at him in surprise.
"Too easy to read! And you're still trying to act cool? You're just a kid!"
"Hmph! That's all in the past. Just youthful ignorance!" Obito lifted his chin, snorting disdainfully. His expression turned sincere. "I've already realized. Keep women out of your heart, and your ninjutsu will ascend! Women will only affect the speed at which I cast my ninjutsu!"
"?!"
What did this kid go through?
At such a young age, he'd already begun renouncing women?!
Jiraiya stared at Obito in shock, his thoughts racing. Without women… what's the point of life?!
"What's wrong with you? Come and talk to me—the Toad Sage. Maybe I can help you!"
He, the Toad Sage Jiraiya, made a solemn vow to himself. He'd correct this kid's misguided worldviews.
A heart without women?
What a devil!
This is eviler than that jutsu!
Then it hit him. Jiraiya's eyes widened as he noticed Obito staring directly at him. A chill ran down his spine. His buttocks tightened, and his heart trembled. Could this guy be…
He instinctively tensed up and jumped back a few steps, patting his arms as he spoke in a serious tone.
"Kid, just so we're clear—this Toad Sage is not that kind of person!"
"???"