**Chapter 38: Hatake Sakumo’s Speech**

After finishing emergency treatment, Reiki sought out Jiraiya with a knowing smile.

"Jiraiya-sama, it seems you're not particularly keen on this training assignment?" Reiki asked, watching Jiraiya's face for a reaction. "This isn't quite what we discussed."

Jiraiya blinked, feigning innocence. "What do you mean? I've been following our plan…"

"Oh? Half the time cut, training shortened…" Reiki's smile widened. "You're clearly speeding things up to finish sooner. Not very subtle, Jiraiya-sama."

Caught, Jiraiya let out a sigh. "Alright, alright! Listen, kid, I have manuscripts due. If I don't get back to writing, my editor's going to start hunting me down." But Reiki barely listened. He had one goal for Jiraiya: to uphold the quality and intent of training, ensuring at least half the team was genuinely battle-ready within the month.

Meanwhile, on the training grounds, a crowd had gathered around Hatake Sakumo, who'd decided to address the growing concerns.

"Everyone," Sakumo began, "I'm Sakumo Hatake. I know many of you are frustrated with the intensity of Jiraiya-sama's training. But there's a reason for this hardship." His voice carried across the field, silencing the murmurs and drawing everyone's attention. "You all think Jiraiya-sama's methods are harsh? Understand that he's preparing you for the reality of battle."

The ninjas in training listened intently, especially the ones who had endured Jiraiya's grueling techniques.

"Some of you are confused, maybe even feeling defeated," Sakumo continued. "But remember this: the battlefield is a hundred times crueler than Jiraiya-sama could ever be. If you're unprepared, it will kill you without hesitation. And on the battlefield, there are no medics waiting to patch you up."

One young ninja raised his hand, his voice unsteady. "Sakumo-sama, I don't understand. How does this kind of training help us?"

Sakumo looked at the young man with a steady gaze. "How many of you have experienced real battle?" Silence followed. "The battlefield is merciless. If you freeze in fear, you'll be killed without a second thought. This training isn't cruelty—it's survival." He paused, his face shadowed with memories. "If you can't handle this fear here, in the village, you won't make it out there. Now, let me tell you about what I've seen on the battlefield…"

The young ninjas were transfixed, their gazes fixed on Sakumo as he recounted his experiences. He spoke of brutal skirmishes, difficult choices, and how survival demanded strength of both body and mind. Reiki returned just in time to see the powerful effect Sakumo's speech was having on the crowd. The skepticism and fear were replaced by a new sense of resolve.

Jiraiya arrived on the scene with a resigned sigh. He saw immediately that Sakumo's words had done more than motivate; they had inspired a fierce determination among the trainees. Any hope he'd had of avoiding his month-long training commitment evaporated as he watched groups of ninjas forming, discussing strategies, and readying themselves for more. 

The next month passed in intense training. When the final day arrived, Reiki stood with Jiraiya at the village gates.

"Jiraiya-sama, Tsunade said she's occupied and can't come for now," Reiki informed him with a mischievous smile. "But she asked if you'd stay in the village a bit longer to help the others train up even more."

Jiraiya raised a hand to stop Reiki. "Not a chance. I'm off. A month of 'helping' is enough." He gave Reiki a tired smile. "I've got research to do, and I'm taking Minato with me." With that, Jiraiya disappeared, leaving the village in a flash.

As the dust settled, Reiki turned toward the training grounds. "Back to work," he muttered, already bracing for Sakumo's relentless training.

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi fumed. He'd been optimistic, thinking Jiraiya was finally learning to build alliances and gain favor within the village. Instead, Jiraiya had barely stayed a month before abandoning his post, and to top it off, Hatake Sakumo was now leading the training—gaining admiration and support with every speech and session.

Watching his carefully constructed plans slip out of his grasp, Hiruzen's frustration was nearly palpable. The Hokage's strategy for Konoha's wartime balance and order had taken another unexpected turn.

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Gimme Power stones I'm Poor