Jiraiya

Konoha, Women's Bathhouse

A white-haired young man was sneakily drilling a small hole in the wall, holding a peculiar notebook in one hand while wearing a mischievous grin. As he peeked through the hole, he quickly scribbled notes with the other hand.

Fuma stood behind Jiraiya, smiling broadly. He unleashed the full power of his [Predator's Malice] ability without restraint.

Jiraiya, indulging in his strange little hobby, suddenly felt a jolt as his whole body's hair stood on end. A peculiar, heavy scent of blood filled his nostrils, causing his chakra to become agitated and an overwhelming sense of powerlessness to wash over him.

Sighing, Jiraiya thought, "This peculiar aura again... it must be that bastard looking for me."

He turned swiftly, kicking off and throwing a series of kunai, creating distance between them.

He had already formed the Serpent Seal with his left hand, a quick start for the Fire Dragon Flame Bullet jutsu, while his right hand clutched a summoning scroll, ready to call forth the toads of Mount Myoboku.

His long white hair fell to his chest, a sign to those who knew him that he had activated his unique defensive Yang Release technique, "Wild Lion's Mane."

"Tsk, tsk," Fuma clicked his tongue in disdain.

With a few flashes, he caught all eight kunai Jiraiya had thrown, neatly gathering them in his hand. Fuma didn't really need to dodge, but his clothes were new and expensive, and he didn't want them damaged.

"Is this the level of the Third Hokage's disciple now? Jiraiya, has all your training been at the bathhouse?" Fuma, dressed in loose sportswear, taunted Jiraiya with a smirk.

Annoyed, Jiraiya swung his fist at Fuma's shoulder, grumbling, "You bastard! How many times have I told you not to sneak up on people and unleash that irritating aura?"

"And why have you become even tougher? Damn it, don't you have any biological limits?" Jiraiya shook his hand, feeling the pain.

The relationship between Fuma and the Three Legendary Sannin (Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru) was complex.

Fuma's father, Uchiha Kagami, had been a teammate of the Third Hokage. Kagami had died on the battlefield in the Land of Lightning when Fuma was only five.

After the Third Hokage ascended, he showed considerable care and support for Fuma, who bore both the Uchiha name and a connection to the Hokage.

Fuma's unique path, abandoning the Sharingan for Taijutsu, brought him unexpected favor from the Third Hokage, who allowed him access to numerous Taijutsu techniques from Konoha's various schools.

As a transmigrated person, Fuma knew the importance of real combat experience and joined the ANBU instead of a regular Genin team right after graduating from the Ninja Academy.

In the ANBU, Fuma could gain the necessary experience for his skillset through real killings rather than trivial missions like weeding or finding lost pets.

This approach led to him becoming somewhat of an overachiever in the eyes of the Third Hokage, often used as a benchmark to motivate the Three Sannin.

Jiraiya had challenged Fuma numerous times during his rise to Chunin, usually ending in his own defeat. Tsunade, from the Senju clan, initially had an unspoken grudge against the Uchiha but couldn't resist Fuma's relentless charm.

Though they hadn't confirmed their relationship yet, Tsunade seemed to appreciate Fuma's qualities.

Orochimaru, on the other hand, was Fuma's intellectual peer. They often discussed the origins of life, the destiny of ninjas, and the peculiar existence of the daimyo, forming an academic friendship.

However, Jiraiya and Fuma shared the closest bond. Understanding the need for relaxation after Fuma's intense training routines, Jiraiya often accompanied him to Konoha's signature izakayas and hot springs.

Fuma patted Jiraiya's shoulder heavily, putting an arm around his neck and grinning, "I don't have any limits, but you better watch out. I promised Minato I'd deal with you the day after tomorrow."

Jiraiya howled in mock agony, "You bastard! You took my Minato, my Tsunade, and you always ambush me!"

"Uchiha Fuma, you're such a damn bastard!" Fuma remained calm, his demeanor unbothered.

"Well, I did treat Minato to lollipops when he was five," he said, smiling. "As for Tsunade, maybe try catching one of her punches before thinking about dating her?"

Blushing, Jiraiya muttered, "How can you slander me like that?"

Fuma responded nonchalantly, "You call getting beaten up a few times love? Taijutsu doesn't interest you, because all you have ever wanted is a Sharingan for peeping."

The two burst into laughter, the air filled with joy. Fuma, still chuckling, dragged Jiraiya to the nearest izakaya, one of his rare moments of happiness.

After a few rounds of drinks and plates of food, a tipsy Jiraiya, with a songstress on his arm, asked boldly, "What's your plan this time? Are you aiming to be a corps commander?"

Fuma, his mouth curled into a smile, adjusted the songstress' top, drawing giggles, and replied slowly, "Why? Do you think a newly promoted Jonin like me isn't up for the task?"

Jiraiya, clicking his tongue, raised his cup, clinking it with Fuma's, and said seriously, "Those who underestimated you are probably dead by now. You, a monstrous bastard, need to show the old Jonin guys your strength."

"But your status is sensitive. Over the years, you haven't aligned with the Uchiha or the Hokage's faction. No one really knows what you're up to."

Fuma squinted slightly, "Being a corps commander sounds good. I need war merits right now. If I can't get that, I'll go on solo hunts."

"Sigh—" Jiraiya sighed deeply. Over the past two years, Fuma's rapidly increasing power came with a string of rumors. With his undeniable strength and independent attitude, he was often a disruptive force, turning heads wherever he went.

Each enemy ninja slain by Fuma ended up in gruesome conditions, unlike typical assassinations.

This distinctive style made it clear Konoha was behind such acts, thus making Fuma a valuable yet controversial asset to ANBU.

Even Danzo, the head of Root, had once remarked, "Though Root could use Fuma, he's doing fine in ANBU." Earning such praise from the stern Danzo was no small feat, Jiraiya thought wistfully.

"Alright, Jiraiya, see you the day after tomorrow. If we draw lots and face each other, don't embarrass yourself in front of Minato," Fuma teased, picking up the songstress and heading towards the inn's resting area.

"Hey, I'm telling Tsunade about this!" Jiraiya shouted in mock protest.

Fuma waved dismissively, saying over his shoulder, "We haven't even started anything yet."

Jiraiya stood there momentarily stunned, then shook his head with a bitter smile.

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