Chapter 50. Jiraiya is gone

Hokage Building.

"Old man," Jiraiya entered through the window.

The Third Hokage set aside his documents, inquiring, "How did it go with Natsuki?"

Jiraiya responded, "Although I won, it felt like he was holding back something."

The Third Hokage calmly took a puff of his cigarette, asking, "And you?"

Shaking his head, Jiraiya admitted, "I didn't use sage mode."

Raising an eyebrow, the Third Hokage questioned, "Oh? Then he didn't use Susanoo?"

"It was used, but briefly. Susanoo consumes an immense amount of chakra and can't be sustained for long."

Pacing back and forth, the Hokage mumbled, "It can't last, it can't last..."

"Thank you for your efforts, Jiraiya," he expressed his gratitude with a relaxed demeanor on his face.

Jiraiya shook his head, adding, "After facing off with Natsuki, I sense he's not just a careerist. Perhaps he genuinely wants to protect the Uchiha territory."

"Really?" He refrained from passing judgment, knowing Jiraiya had a unique ability to discern a person's character and tendencies due to his practice on Mount Myoboku and exposure to natural energy.

Therefore, Jiraiya's insights held significant value.

Even he who is unaware of the full extent of Jiraiya's sage mode prowess, took Jiraiya's assurance at face value, leaving him more at ease.

The situation felt more relaxed now.

Natsuki had been an unpredictable factor, often making unexpected moves.

Jiraiya's reputation had taken a hit, aligning with his own desires as the Third Hokage could no longer coerce him into assuming the position of Hokage.

After all, which village would want a shadow that doubled as a voyeur?

Considering Orochimaru wasn't the kidnapper-murderer, then...

"Old man, I'm ready to leave," Jiraiya interrupted the Third Hokage's contemplation.

He expressed surprise, "You're leaving so soon?"

He just shrugged, "Doesn't seem like there's much for me to do here. You disbanded the Roots, and Uchiha has relinquished his rights. I tested Natsuki, and he's not a careerist."

"Why should I stick around?"

The Third Hokage regarded Jiraiya with suspicion, "Are you afraid you won't be able to peep at the bathhouse, so you're in a hurry to leave?"

Jiraiya's head swirled with dark thoughts, "Absolutely not! I just received news from Orochimaru and wanted to check it out."

"Really!?" A different emotion laced his voice.

However, Jiraiya, oblivious to the undertones, nodded seriously, "It's true. I got clues about Orochimaru's presence in the northern Land of Sound."

Sandai pondered for a moment, "Then go ahead; there's no need to bring him back."

Jiraiya, surprised, looked at the Third Hokage, "What did you say, old man?"

The Third Hokage, looking a bit confused, took a puff of his pipe and sighed, "It doesn't matter whether he returns or not. Just help me deliver this message to him."

"Old man?" Jiraiya felt moved. He understood the unspoken meaning behind the Third Hokage's words.

It signified that the Third Hokage wouldn't dwell on past issues. Moreover, Orochimaru was still considered his disciple.

Waving his hand tiredly, the Third Hokage continued, "Natsuki brought news that the baby kidnapping was orchestrated by Danzo, with Orochimaru involved at most for experimental collaboration."

"While I don't know how he obtained this information, there's no reason for him to lie."

Jiraiya's eyes brightened. His bond with Orochimaru ran deep; otherwise, he wouldn't have accepted a mission that involved chasing Orochimaru.

He often claimed to be on the hunt, but he was essentially exploring the world.

Had the baby kidnapping not been so severe, Jiraiya might not have taken on the mission.

Now, learning that Danzo was the mastermind behind it, he felt a sudden relief.

Understanding the dynamics between the Third Hokage and Orochimaru, Jiraiya knew that he initially intended for Orochimaru to become the Fourth Hokage.

However, Orochimaru's immense power and fiercely independent mindset clashed with the elders in Konoha.

The Third Hokage hoped to temper Orochimaru's temperament but eventually chose Namikaze Minato, a civilian, due to him being easier to control.

Surprisingly, Orochimaru's departure was less about the Hokage position and more a response to feeling provoked, driven by the Third Hokage's distrust.

The infamous Konoha Crush, concocted by Orochimaru, seemed more like a child showcasing achievements to adults.

Even when he eventually took the life of the Third Hokage, Orochimaru shed tears.

Jiraiya, after interacting with Natsuki, found the process unpleasant but believed in the information.

"Alright, I'll convey the message to Orochimaru." Jiraiya's casual demeanor shifted slightly.

The Third Hokage waved him off, "Visit Naruto before you leave; the kid is in ninja school now."

Jiraiya nodded and vanished from the office.

…

Jiraiya casually exited the Hokage Building, slyly using the transformation technique to keep things low-key, now blending in as an ordinary Konoha ninja.

It was afternoon, and school was still in session. After a friendly nod to the ANBU keeping tabs on Naruto, Jiraiya found a spot to observe.

Looking over, he spotted Naruto on the playground, with fluffy yellow hair and a determined expression during his serious training routine.

Running, tackling obstacles, jumping pits, and navigating ropes—a basic yet essential fitness drill.

At the front, Iruka led the team, sharing wisdom between breaths, "After graduation, you'll face all sorts of terrain challenges, so get used to it now."

Sasuke, the fastest, took training seriously, each move showing a practiced grace hinting at home training.

However, others varied. Kids from major ninja clans led, while those from civilian families struggled—falls, rope tumbles, and a few tears echoing amidst the training.

Even some great ninja clan children, like Akimichi Choji, run at a slower pace.

Among the civilians, Naruto stands out the most. He takes his training seriously, always keeping in mind Natsuki's expectations for him.

Despite frequently stumbling into pits or falling off ropes, Naruto quickly gets back up and strives to catch up with Sasuke and the others.

After the last three laps, only half of the students have finished, yet Naruto, relying on his perseverance, manages to run to the end of the first echelon, securing the ninth place. Observing from a distant tree, Jiraiya is thoroughly pleased.

Naruto is really hardworking and very sensible.

After the training, Iruka announces the rankings before students are dismissed for free activities. Approaching Naruto, Iruka expresses concern about his numerous bruises from the intense effort.

"Naruto, are you okay?"

Naruto raises his head to Iruka, showing a big smile, "Iruka-sensei, I'm fine. They're just minor injuries."

Iruka pats Naruto on the shoulder gently, praising him, "Naruto, you performed very well this time, but be careful next time, and don't be so reckless."

Naruto gives a thumbs up, assuring, "Don't worry, Iruka-sensei, I will definitely get first place in the next training!"

"Naruto! Come over and play games!"

"Iruka-sensei, I'm going to play..." Iruka's next words got caught in his throat.

Seeing that Naruto was fine, Iruka could only shake his head helplessly.

"Let's play catch the bad guys!"

"I'll be a guard!"

"I also want to be a guard!"

"Then I can only pretend to be Jiraiya, and you come and catch me!"

Jiraiya, standing on the tree, almost falls down.

He leaves the Ninja School promptly; he can't stay in Konoha for even half a minute!