"...Naruto really reminds me of those two people."
"Those two people?" Kakashi asked quietly.
Jiraiya exhaled slowly, his expression softening.
"The two most important people in Tsunade's life."
Kakashi's heart tightened. He had heard whispers before.
"You mean Nawaki… and Kato Dan?"
Jiraiya nodded.
Both had died on the battlefield during the brutal wars that shaped the Ninja World. Tsunade had lost her younger brother, Nawaki, and the man she loved, Kato Dan, to war. Those scars had never truly healed.
Jiraiya forced a faint smile.
"Of course, that's not the only reason. If Naruto travels with me, I can continue training him while we search. Two birds with one stone."
Kakashi tilted his head. "There's another reason, isn't there?"
Jiraiya's face grew uncharacteristically serious.
"Kakashi… have you heard of the Akatsuki Organization?"
"The Akatsuki…?" Kakashi frowned.
Jiraiya nodded slowly.
"It's a mysterious and extremely dangerous group. I discovered them by accident while tracking down Orochimaru."
Kakashi's single visible eye sharpened.
"Orochimaru joined them after leaving Konoha… but eventually left."
"Yes," Jiraiya replied gravely. "And based on the intelligence I've gathered so far, every member of the Akatsuki is an S-rank rogue ninja. Criminals who abandoned their villages. There are about ten of them, and they operate in pairs."
Kakashi's heartbeat quickened.
"Ten… S-rank criminals?"
"Each one possesses terrifying strength and unusual abilities," Jiraiya continued. "For example—Uchiha Itachi."
Kakashi's breath caught.
The man who had annihilated the Uchiha Clan.
"If Orochimaru and Itachi are both members," Kakashi muttered, "then that means…"
"Yes," Jiraiya said quietly. "The organization's danger level cannot be overstated. If left unchecked, they could threaten the entire Ninja World."
Kakashi folded his arms. "What is their goal?"
"It's unclear," Jiraiya admitted. "But I have a suspicion."
He paused deliberately.
"It likely involves the Tailed Beasts."
Kakashi immediately understood.
"Then Naruto…"
"Yes," Jiraiya confirmed. "Naruto may be one of their targets."
Silence lingered between them.
"That's why I intend to take him with me," Jiraiya explained. "I'll protect him—and push him to grow stronger. He needs to gain the power to defend himself… and perhaps one day fight back."
Kakashi nodded slowly.
"Even though Naruto has immense potential," Jiraiya added, "he's still far too weak compared to monsters like them."
After a moment, Kakashi asked, "Jiraiya-sama… is there another reason you're telling me all this?"
Jiraiya's gaze sharpened.
"You know the village's situation. Sarutobi-sensei still leads us, but Danzo Shimura has been acting more aggressively. Political tension is rising."
Kakashi understood the implication.
"Akatsuki could exploit the instability."
"Exactly," Jiraiya said. "And during such times, Konoha will need capable shinobi."
Kakashi sighed.
"I'll do what I can… but if I face someone like Orochimaru alone, I doubt I could win."
"Then don't fight alone," Jiraiya replied firmly. "Gather allies. You're not just a lone wolf anymore."
He placed a hand on Kakashi's shoulder.
"I'm entrusting the village to you."
Kakashi nodded. "Understood."
Jiraiya's tone softened slightly.
"Keep a close eye on Sasuke."
Kakashi's expression darkened.
"Besides Itachi in Akatsuki, Orochimaru still covets him. And Sasuke's own thoughts may grow more extreme with time. He needs guidance—strong guidance—from you."
"I'll handle it," Kakashi said quietly.
Jiraiya smiled faintly.
"Good. I'll take Naruto tomorrow."
With that, he turned and left.
Kakashi remained where he stood, staring into the distance.
"Naruto… Sasuke…"
The peaceful daily life they once enjoyed was slowly fading.
The Next Day
Naruto had been planning to begin practicing a new ninjutsu—the Wind Release: Vacuum Blade technique he had received as a reward from the system.
However, he lacked a suitable sword.
As he stood in his room, debating whether to purchase one, a familiar voice echoed from below.
"Naruto."
His heart leapt.
That voice—
He rushed to the window and pushed it open.
There, leaning casually against a large tree with his arms crossed, stood a familiar figure.
"Perverted Sage!"
Without hesitation, Naruto leapt out the window.
He landed with a heavy thud before sprinting toward Jiraiya.
"What are you doing here?!"
Ever since they had rescued the Hokage and driven Orochimaru away, Naruto hadn't seen him.
"Did you come to congratulate me on becoming a Chunin?" Naruto grinned proudly.
Jiraiya laughed.
"In a way. But I have something more important for you."
Naruto blinked. "What is it?"
"I'm taking you to find someone."
"Who?"
"One of the Legendary Sannin. My equal—and Orochimaru's."
He paused.
"Tsunade."
Naruto's curiosity ignited.
"Tsunade? What kind of person is she?"
Jiraiya smiled nostalgically.
"She's the granddaughter of the First Hokage. Known as the most beautiful woman in the Ninja World. The greatest medical ninja alive—the one who established the modern rules of medical ninjutsu."
Naruto's eyes widened in admiration.
"But," Jiraiya continued casually, "she's also hopelessly addicted to gambling. And unbelievably unlucky."
He grinned.
"She's called the Legendary Sucker."
Naruto's expression twisted.
"So… she's just a gambling addict?"
Jiraiya bristled.
"Watch your mouth! The Sannin are extraordinary!"
Naruto laughed.
"Extraordinary? Orochimaru's a monster. You're a pervert. And Lady Tsunade is a gambler!"
Jiraiya smacked him lightly on the head.
"You brat!"
Naruto chuckled.
"Fine, fine! I'll do my best to help you find her!"
Then his tone shifted.
"But… will you continue training me along the way?"
Jiraiya smirked.
"That depends on your performance."
Naruto's eyes sparkled.
"If you do well, I won't just train you—I'll teach you new, powerful techniques."
"Really?!"
"Of course."
Naruto clenched his fists.
"Then I'll give it everything I've got!"
"Good," Jiraiya said. "Pack your things. We leave now."
"Now?!"
"Now."
"Alright!"
Naruto dashed upstairs.
Though he had little to pack, he strapped additional weights to his limbs before returning.
Jiraiya noticed immediately.
"You're still wearing training weights?"
Naruto grinned sheepishly.
"I visited Lee at the hospital. He used the Eight Gates, so he needs rest for a while."
"He told me he doesn't regret it—he defeated Neji, gained recognition, and even became a Chunin. He said his special training felt like hell… but it gave him a chance to win."
Naruto's expression grew thoughtful.
"When I heard that, I realized I've been slacking lately. So I want to push myself harder."
Jiraiya stared at him.
"How heavy are those weights?"
"About four to five hundred kilograms total," Naruto replied casually.
Jiraiya rubbed his forehead.
"Slacking? You call this slacking?"
"During the Chunin Exams month, you trained in genjutsu resistance, pressure-point control, and sealing techniques with me. You learned the Single Thread Light Formation, the Sanpō Fūin, and even began studying my Celestial Veil Formation."
"You managed to use the Uzumaki Clan's Diamond Sealing Chains at a critical moment—despite not fully mastering them."
"I don't know how hard Rock Lee trains," Jiraiya continued, "but he can't surpass you."
Naruto scratched his head.
"Are you praising me?"
"Of course, you idiot!"
"You're talented. And you work harder than anyone. Compared to you, most shinobi are lazy."
Naruto laughed.
"Well, I don't have a choice."
His blue eyes shone with unwavering determination.
"My dream is to become Hokage."
Jiraiya studied him silently.
That stubborn ambition.
That refusal to stop moving forward.
Yes…
If he didn't strive endlessly, how could he ever become Hokage?
Jiraiya turned toward the road ahead.
"Alright, Naruto. Let's go find Tsunade."
Naruto grinned widely.
"Yeah!"
And together, master and student set off on a journey that would change the future of Konoha—and perhaps the entire Ninja World.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)