Jiraiya Leaves

Hokage Office

"Old man," Jiraiya said, flipping in through the window.

The Third Hokage put down the documents in his hands.

"How did it go with Yamaki?"

Jiraiya began, "Although I won, I felt he was holding back."

The Third Hokage took a slow drag from his pipe. "And you?"

"I didn't use Sage Mode," Jiraiya replied, shaking his head.

The Third Hokage raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Did he use Susanoo?"

"He did, but only for a short time. It seems Susanoo consumes a tremendous amount of chakra and can't be sustained for long."

The Third Hokage paced back and forth, murmuring, "Not sustained for long... not sustained for long..."

"Thank you, Jiraiya." The Third Hokage showed a relaxed expression.

Jiraiya shook his head. "After our spar, I don't think Yamaki is an ambitious person. Perhaps he really just wants to protect the Uchiha's territory."

"Is that so?" If anyone else had judged someone based on their impression, the Third Hokage would have scolded them. But Jiraiya was different. Jiraiya had trained at Mount Myōboku and regularly absorbed natural energy, which gave him a unique ability to sense a person's nature and inclinations.

Therefore, Jiraiya's words carried significant weight.

The Third Hokage himself hadn't fully experienced the strength of Jiraiya's Sage Mode. Since Jiraiya assured him there was no issue, he felt more at ease.

After all, Uchiha Yamaki had always been an unpredictable factor, often taking unexpected actions.

This time, he had tarnished Jiraiya's reputation; he ironically suited Jiraiya. The Third Hokage could no longer pressure Jiraiya into becoming Hokage.

No village leader could be a known peeping tom.

Speaking of which, if Orochimaru wasn't behind the baby abductions, then...

"Old man, I'm leaving," Jiraiya's voice interrupted the Third Hokage's thoughts.

The Third Hokage frowned. "You're leaving so soon?"

Jiraiya shrugged. "There's nothing for me to do here. You've disbanded Root, the Uchiha returned their authority, and I tested Yamaki, who isn't ambitious. What's left for me to do?"

The Third Hokage eyed Jiraiya sceptically. "Are you leaving because you can't peep in the bathhouses anymore?"

Jiraiya's face turned dark. "Absolutely not! I've just received news about Orochimaru and need to check it out."

"Really?" The Third Hokage's voice carried a hint of a different emotion.

But Jiraiya didn't catch it, only nodding thoughtfully. "Yes, I have a lead on Orochimaru in the Land of Fields."

The Third Hokage pondered for a moment. "Then go, but don't feel obliged to bring him back."

Jiraiya looked at the Third Hokage in surprise.

"Old man, what did you say?"

The Third Hokage's face showed a hint of embarrassment as he took a puff from his pipe.

After a long pause, he sighed. "It doesn't matter if he comes back or not. Just pass this message to him for me."

"Old man?" Jiraiya was moved. He knew what the Third Hokage's words meant.

It meant that the Third Hokage was no longer holding a grudge against Orochimaru for the past. Moreover, it indicated that he still considered Orochimaru his disciple.

The Third Hokage waved his hand tiredly. "Yamaki brought news that the baby abductions were orchestrated by Danzo, with Orochimaru merely assisting in the experiments."

"Though I don't know how Yamaki got this information, he has no reason to lie."

Jiraiya's eyes lit up. His bond with Orochimaru ran deep. Otherwise, he wouldn't have dragged his feet in chasing Orochimaru, spending his time wandering instead.

If not for the severity of the baby abductions, Jiraiya wouldn't have taken on the task. Now that he knew Danzo was the mastermind, he felt a weight lift from his heart.

Jiraiya understood the relationship between the Third Hokage and Orochimaru. The Third Hokage had initially wanted Orochimaru to be the Fourth Hokage.

But Orochimaru's abilities were too strong, and his independent thinking didn't tolerate any control. The Konoha elders opposed him, leading the Third Hokage to temper Orochimaru's temperament. Eventually, the Fourth Hokage chose Minato Namikaze, a representative of the common people. Minato had no strong backing, making him easier to manage.

Orochimaru's pride couldn't bear the slight, pushing him into darkness to pursue his truths.

The baby abductions had been the breaking point. Orochimaru had never explained himself, and his departure was as much due to the Third Hokage's distrust as it was about not becoming Hokage.

Orochimaru's "Konoha Crush" plan later was more like a child showing off to an adult.

Even when he finally killed the Third Hokage, Orochimaru had shed tears.

Jiraiya believed Yamaki's information despite their unpleasant encounter.

"Alright, I'll pass on the message to Orochimaru." Jiraiya's usual carefree demeanour showed a hint of change.

The Third Hokage waved his hand.

"Before you leave, go see Naruto. He's in the Ninja Academy now."

Jiraiya nodded and disappeared from the office.

...

Jiraiya left the Hokage building, using the Transformation Jutsu to avoid causing a commotion. He turned into an unremarkable Konoha ninja.

In the afternoon, the academy hadn't let out yet.

Jiraiya checked in with the ANBU and monitored Naruto before finding a suitable spot.

He saw Naruto with his spiky yellow hair and whisker marks on his cheeks, training diligently on the playground.

They ran, jumped over obstacles, and crossed ropes—basic physical and coordination training.

Leading the group was Iruka, who was running and explaining as they went.

"Once you graduate, you'll encounter countless terrain obstacles during missions. So you need to adapt to various terrains now."

Sasuke and Neji, both from prestigious clans, were in front, showing serious expressions. They never slacked in training.

Their movements were precise and natural, indicating similar training at home.

Other students struggled, especially those from civilian backgrounds. Many fell into pits or off the ropes, crying and taking a while to get up.

Even some clan children lagged, like Choji Akimichi...

Among the civilians, Naruto stood out. He was serious about the training and always remembered Yamaki-senpai's expectations.

Even though Naruto often fell, he quickly got up and tried to catch up with Sasuke and the others.

After three laps, only half the students finished. Through sheer determination, Naruto managed to rank ninth in the first tier.

Jiraiya watched from a tree, feeling proud.

Naruto was hardworking and sensible.

After the training, Iruka announced the rankings and dismissed the students for free time.

Iruka approached Naruto. "Naruto, are you okay?"

Naruto, having pushed himself hard, had many scrapes and bruises.

Naruto flashed a big smile at Iruka. "I'm fine, Iruka-sensei. Just some minor injuries."

Iruka gently patted Naruto's shoulder. "You did well, Naruto, but be careful next time. Don't be so reckless."

Naruto gave a thumbs up. "Don't worry, Iruka-sensei. Next time, I'll be first!"

"Naruto! Come play a game!" someone called from afar.

"Iruka-sensei, I'm off to play..." Naruto ran off, cutting off Iruka's advice.

Seeing Naruto was OK, Iruka could only shake his head.

"Let's play catch the bad guy!"

"I'll be the Police Force!"

"I want to be the Police Force too!"

"Then I'll be Jiraiya. You try to catch me!"

Jiraiya, in the tree, nearly fell off.

Cursing Yamaki under his breath, he left the academy.

Konoha was unbearable for him now, even for a moment!