Chapter 20: Taking on a Disciple

"Thank you, Master Jiraiya! Thank you so much!" Minato's trembling voice was filled with sobs, and in his azure eyes, Jiraiya could only see pure joy.

At this moment, the typically mature Minato Namikaze finally looked like the seven-year-old child he was.

"Yes, no matter how strong his heart is, he's still just a child," Jiraiya thought to himself. He had learned from the Third Hokage that Minato's parents were killed by bandits while traveling as merchants.

At such a young age, Minato had to face life alone. To reach his current level not only required talent, intelligence, and a wise mind but also an exceptionally strong heart. A strength often built upon an initially fragile foundation, something only those who have experienced it could truly understand.

Jiraiya then smiled at the overjoyed, tearful Minato and said, "No need to thank me. Eat up, barbecued meat is best when it's freshly grilled."

He pointed his chopsticks at the grilled meat on Minato's plate.

Minato quickly composed himself, as that momentary outburst was something he couldn't hold back. He vaguely remembered this feeling – the warmth of being cared for by family.

"Master Jiraiya, why are you being so kind to me?" Minato asked after quickly finishing the grilled meat on his plate, as Jiraiya had instructed.

"Didn't I tell you already? You ask too many questions," Jiraiya waved his chopsticks as he explained, "Didn't you say to your teacher that everyone in the village is like family? If that's the case, you and I are part of this family. Do I need a reason to be good to family?"

Minato's eyes flickered, seeming dazed by Jiraiya's response.

"Alright, eat up. If I have to go through so much trouble just to treat you, I can't imagine how much effort you'll cost me in the future," Jiraiya laughed and shook his head as he placed another freshly grilled piece of meat on Minato's plate.

"The future?" Minato caught the implication in those words, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"I know you have many questions, but eat first. I'll explain everything later. It's dinnertime now." Jiraiya then ignored Minato and continued eating heartily.

Since Jiraiya had promised to explain later, Minato didn't press further, especially since he genuinely enjoyed the warm atmosphere.

A faint smile appeared on the gentle, delicate features of the young boy's face.

Catching a glimpse from the corner of his eye, Jiraiya's lips also curved into a slight smile.

About an hour later, after finishing dinner, Jiraiya led them to Konoha's Seventh Training Ground.

The Seventh Training Ground was constructed specifically for Konoha's ninja and was only open to them, meaning new students from the Ninja Academy like Minato normally didn't have access.

However, with Jiraiya's guidance, Minato was granted permission to enter, so it wasn't an issue.

Under the night sky, a cool breeze blew, carrying a slight chill – enduring cold temperatures was a necessary skill for ninja, as mission environments weren't always ideal.

The two stood in the middle of the training ground, with Jiraiya leaning against a wooden post, arms crossed, while Minato stood a short distance in front of him.

"Now, I can tell you why I was following you and explain what I meant at the dinner table," Jiraiya said, his expression serious as he looked down at Minato. "I want to take you on as my disciple, so you should understand my reasons now."

Minato's expression instantly became one of utter shock, as he muttered in disbelief, "Take me...as your disciple?!"

"What, you don't want to?" Jiraiya added.

"No, absolutely not!" Minato quickly denied it. Putting aside Jiraiya's status as the Third Hokage's disciple, he himself was undoubtedly one of Konoha's top shinobi. Becoming his disciple was a dream for many ninja.

As the saying goes, a great master produces outstanding students. By becoming Jiraiya's disciple, Minato would have the most direct path to becoming a strong shinobi himself – that was the reason.

However, Minato knew that someone like Jiraiya would never easily take on a disciple, let alone actively offer it himself. He must have observed Minato beforehand, which was likely why he had followed him.

There had to be a reason behind it.

"Heh, you probably don't understand why I suddenly offered to make you my disciple. The truth is, it was the Third Hokage who suggested I take you as my student," Jiraiya chuckled, believing that Minato's keen mind would be able to grasp some of the underlying reasons.

Minato suddenly recalled how, not long ago, on Kushina's first day at the Academy, he had managed to shake off some of the Third Hokage's personal Anbu guards.

Everything that happened during Anbu missions would be reported to the Hokage. Minato shouldn't have known such detailed information about Anbu intelligence, yet it all felt strangely familiar to him, as if he had once been the Hokage himself.

However, Minato hadn't realized this yet.

"From when you defeated Akasaka, to what you said to Kunio Shindō, and how you managed to evade the Anbu directly under the Third's command – all of this caught his interest. He even believes you've inherited the Will of Fire from the First Hokage. So, he wants me to nurture your talent, and I'm the one who will train you."

Minato had never imagined that his ordinary actions, which he didn't think were anything special, had already caught the Third Hokage's attention.

"So, Master Jiraiya's kindness towards me is only because of the Third Hokage's orders?" Minato's expression flickered with a hint of disappointment, though he didn't resent it.

In fact, he should be grateful for this opportunity because, to achieve his dream, relying solely on himself would be too difficult.

Seeing Minato's reaction, Jiraiya explained, "Initially, that was the case. After all, taking on a complete stranger as my disciple didn't sit well with me at first. But after observing you for a while, I realized that both your talent and conduct align quite well with my style."

Minato didn't know what specific qualities Jiraiya was referring to, as he thought they were all ordinary matters.

However, for exceptional ninja, while ability was crucial, a person with the wrong mindset, no matter how powerful, would only be a menace.

At such a young age, Minato already understood the importance of considering others' feelings – a trait more precious than anything else.

Jiraiya looked at the small, slender figure standing before him and slowly asked, "So, are you willing to take me as your master?"

(end of chapter)