Chapter 161

"Eat it. This person is very kind. He's the one who helps take care of another student of the teacher."

Jiraiya patted Konan's head and placed an apple in her hand, giving her a reassuring smile.

Konan beamed and took a bite of the apple with delight.

Seeing this, Yahiko couldn't resist any longer and grabbed an apple to eat as well. Only Nagato stood back, feeling embarrassed and worried that his eyes might be noticed.

In the end, Jiraiya handed him a piece of fruit.

"Thank you, Master Jiraiya."

It was hard to believe that this grateful boy would one day march on Konoha, bringing it to the brink of ruin. If it weren't for Naruto's persuasive nature, no one could predict what might have happened in the end.

All of it was Danzo's fault! If not for Danzo's schemes—causing turmoil in the Land of Rain and forcing Yahiko to his tragic fate—Akatsuki might never have taken such a dark path. And without that event, Nagato's resentment towards Konoha would never have been so deep.

All the goodwill vanished with Yahiko's death.

Noticing that Shinki was watching him closely, Nagato quickly looked down.

Did Shinki notice?

Jiraiya's heart skipped a beat. He had no idea what Shinki would do if he discovered Nagato's Rinnegan.

"Shinki, did you come to the Land of Rain looking for me?" Jiraiya quickly changed the subject, shifting slightly to block Nagato from view. Yahiko and Konan, sensing the sudden tension, also grew uneasy.

They didn't know if Shinki was a friend or a foe.

As Shinki ate his fish, he scoffed, "You think I came just for you?"

"..."

Oh no. He's blunt as always!

Jiraiya's strained smile faltered.

Seeing his downcast expression, Shinki chuckled and explained, "The Land of Rain is in chaos. The Daimyo is concerned for his safety and requested help from the village. The protection mission was assigned to the Anbu. I came with them to secure the Daimyo's residence and then decided to find you."

"Ha ha ha… Of course, you wouldn't come looking for me on your own."

Jiraiya was embarrassed, unsure of what to say next.

"By the way, Nawaki—"

"Ah, yes. I almost forgot your teacher. He might just chase you down and scold you when you return to the village."

Jiraiya: "..."

"And one more thing. Your teacher wanted me to tell you that the village needs you and hopes you'll return to Konoha soon."

With that, Shinki continued eating, ignoring Jiraiya's response. What Jiraiya decided to do was his own concern.

Teacher, are you leaving us?

Shinki's words sent waves of panic through Akatsuki's young trio. They couldn't fathom life without Jiraiya. The Land of Rain was a place where survival was brutal.

Seeing the worry on their faces, Jiraiya chuckled, "Don't worry, your teacher isn't going anywhere. I'll stay with you until you grow up."

"Really, teacher?" Konan asked with wide eyes.

"Of course," Jiraiya said, lifting the little girl and placing her on his lap.

After reassuring the children, Jiraiya turned to Shinki with a sheepish look, "Shinki, I..."

"Don't say anything. I'm just a messenger. Whether you decide to return to the village or not is up to you."

Shinki had no intention of convincing Jiraiya. His task was merely to deliver a message.

Jiraiya felt an inexplicable relief hearing this. He could ignore the Third Hokage's summons, but Shinki's presence added pressure. If Shinki wanted to take him back, he could easily do so.

Jiraiya's greatest fear was that Shinki might use the children as leverage, forcing him to return. However, Shinki did neither, and the atmosphere in the small wooden house lightened.

Even the usually reserved Nagato smiled, though his eyes remained hidden behind his bangs.

The meal concluded, and Jiraiya sent the three children to their room to rest.

Now, only Jiraiya and Shinki remained in the living room. Jiraiya brewed a pot of tea and poured a cup for Shinki, pushing it toward him with a touch of care.

Shinki took the cup, sipped, and remarked dryly, "If you've got something to say, just say it."

"Heh..." Jiraiya gave an awkward laugh. "About the items in the scroll..."

Although Jiraiya wasn't strapped for money—even after contributing most of it to Nawaki—he had limited options for obtaining supplies due to the chaos in the Land of Rain and the Third Hokage's watchful eye.

With an exasperated look, Shinki took out the scroll and tossed it onto the table.

Jiraiya's face lit up as he quickly secured the scroll, fearing Shinki might change his mind.

Shinki sipped his tea, not bothering to look at Jiraiya's antics.

Finishing his tea, Shinki placed the cup down and said, "I'll be heading back to the village soon. Do you have any messages for me?"

"Huh?"

Jiraiya blinked and then shook his head. "No. Safe travels. Oh, and please don't tell the old man where I am."

"Anything else?"

"Nope."

"You're sure?"

"I am—uh..." Jiraiya cut himself off as Shinki's teasing gaze met his. 

Because he wasn't sure if Shinki had realized Nagato's secret.

Jiraiya's main reason for hiding in the valley, aside from avoiding the Third Hokage's summons, was to protect Nagato's Rinnegan from being discovered. The eyes of a legendary sage would attract dangerous attention from all corners of the ninja world.

The idea of people from the five major villages targeting Nagato's Rinnegan made Jiraiya shiver. 

It's too risky.

No, I need to find an even safer place to hide. This valley isn't secure enough. An underground base would be better.

Shinki had no idea about the myriad of worries racing through Jiraiya's mind. 

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