The Consequences

Konohamaru and Sakura truly felt the intensity of Naruto's training. If Naruto hadn't brought out the healing items in time, they would have needed ten days in the hospital.

Because Naruto had unleashed his psychic beast in the village, the Anbu ninjas had to bring him and Jiraiya back to the Hokage's office.

As his master, Jiraiya couldn't escape the blame either, so the Third Hokage had no choice but to meet with him. To punish them, the Third Hokage ordered them to restore the destroyed venue and, as additional punishment, to clean the men's bathhouse in Konoha Village.

Jiraiya was furious. "Traitor! I've only been away for half a day... Look at the mess you've made!!"

He threw the mop he was holding to the ground, pointing an accusing finger at Naruto. Despite his fondness for bathhouses, Jiraiya had no desire to clean them, especially a men's bathhouse. It felt like an added insult.

"I spent the entire afternoon trying to find a place to nap and didn't even get a chance to use the crystal ball. Now, I'm stuck cleaning up this mess with you."

Naruto, with a righteous expression and a hint of pride, defended himself. "I was giving special training to Sakura and Konohamaru! It was at my own training ground! What's the problem with that?"

He genuinely believed he was in the right. To him, cleaning the bathhouse was just another form of daily practice—easier than dragging a tree around.

"You..."

Jiraiya was so exasperated that he could barely speak. He sank to the ground, leaning against a wall, worried that Naruto's reckless behavior would only cause more trouble in the future.

"Why did you let Gamabunta go wild? Do you know how many houses in Konoha were destroyed?!"

Jiraiya's frustration was palpable. He couldn't believe that Naruto's actions had caused so much damage. If he didn't keep a close eye on Naruto, he feared the boy might cause even more trouble.

He was ready to blame Kakashi and the Third Hokage for avoiding him. Especially Kakashi, who seemed to be as evasive as the old Hokage.

"Just a few houses..." Naruto said dismissively. "I used my own money to buy new ones."

Jiraiya's blood pressure shot up. He was left speechless and considering whether he should take it out on Kakashi and the Third Hokage, who were also avoiding him.

"Forget it," Jiraiya finally said, rubbing his temples. "I'll take the punishment this time. I hope you learn from this and don't do it again. And next time, no more summoning beasts in the village."

"Oh, definitely next time," Naruto said with an obedient nod, though he clearly didn't grasp the severity of his actions.

"Alright, let's finish this quickly," Jiraiya said with a forced smile. At least Naruto seemed to be manageable. He felt a small sense of relief, knowing he could still communicate with the boy.

As night fell, the light from the bathhouse cast shadows of the master and apprentice, one large and one small. Their laughter echoed as they worked.

"Grandpa! Grandpa!" Konohamaru shouted excitedly as the Third Hokage returned home from work. "Are you a psychic? I want to learn it!"

The Third Hokage's face darkened at the mention of "psychic." Naruto's use of the technique had wreaked havoc, destroying a forest, eight houses, and seven stores. Thankfully, no one was home or could respond in time, so there were no casualties.

Now, Konohamaru was clamoring to learn the same technique. The Third Hokage's blood pressure rose as he reached into his pocket and took a trembling pill.

"Konohamaru... It's still too early for you to learn psychic skills. I don't have many years left. I'll leave my psychic skills and ninjutsu to you."

The Third Hokage said this with a kind smile, though he was having a premonition about his own end.

"Okay! Grandpa loves me the most!" Konohamaru cheered, wiping his nose and jumping around.

The Third Hokage, with a loving smile, sighed and ruffled Konohamaru's hair. Just as he was feeling content, Konohamaru said something that made his blood pressure spike again.

"Grandpa, when will you die?"

The Third Hokage laughed, amused by Konohamaru's question. He gave him a playful knock on the head and walked home with his hands behind his back.

Konohamaru, still grinning, followed closely, eager to share more about Naruto's training.

At the bathhouse, Naruto and Jiraiya had spent the entire night cleaning. Jiraiya, looking at Naruto, stood up, holding his knees.

"Hey, Naruto. Would you like some popsicles?"

"What?" Naruto asked, surprised.

"Wait here," Jiraiya said, patting Naruto on the shoulder with a hearty smile. He stepped out of the bathhouse, leaving Naruto alone.

Naruto watched Jiraiya's retreating figure with a small smile.

"There are many roads," he mused.

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out from the corner. "Naruto."

Naruto turned to see Kakashi peeking around the corner. Kakashi was looking around cautiously, as if afraid Jiraiya might still be nearby.

"Jiraiya-sama isn't here, is he?" Kakashi asked.

"He went shopping," Naruto replied. "What do you need?"

Kakashi, looking embarrassed, explained, "I came to see you about the steaks and the totem."

Kakashi was still fascinated by the effectiveness of Naruto's steak and hoped to use it to find Obito. He felt awkward about visiting so soon after his last visit.

Naruto, with a bemused expression, handed Kakashi the steak and the Totem of Immortality.

"Well, take care of yourself," Naruto advised.

Kakashi took the items, gave a quick wave, and left, clutching the statue and the steak. He was eager to leave before Jiraiya returned.

Naruto shook his head, wondering if Kakashi was addicted to his "immortality" items.