Kakashi Hatake's home.
Kakashi Hatake had a copy of "Make-Out Paradise" beside him.
However, this Anbu Ninja was not flipping through his favorite book; instead, he continuously clasped his hands together, a dark Flying Thunder God Mark constantly fluctuating in his palm as he continued to practice the Flying Thunder God Jutsu.
Kakashi Hatake extended his hand and slapped the Flying Thunder God Mark onto the floor of his house, creating a huge Flying Thunder God Mark on the ground.
Looking at this mark resembling the Flying Thunder God Array, Kakashi Hatake felt a slight headache.
"I can't be worse than my juniors..."
Kakashi Hatake spread his hand open again, attempting to condense the Flying Thunder God Mark: "With Kagura following Jiraiya-sama to train, who knows how much he'll surpass me when he returns..."
Nankai Shrine.
Uchiha Obito was still hiding here.
The real body of White Zetsu always felt somewhat uncomfortable, occasionally feeling the gaze of Shimura Danzo targeting this place.
White Zetsu's real body lowered its voice subconsciously while speaking: "By the way, today Awai delivered a message, that brat Kagura is leaving Konoha to go on training with Jiraiya..."
"Hm, I knew that brat couldn't be relied upon."
Uchiha Obito frowned, solely focused on his own plans: "It seems the spy we placed in Konoha won't be of much use for the time being..."
Anbu Dormitory.
Akihara Kagura lay on his bed.
White Zetsu Awai emerged from the ground, revealing his upper torso.
"Young man, can't you really take me along this time?"
"There's a high chance you'll encounter danger."
Akihara Kagura shook his head, not wanting to agree: "I might be taken by Teacher Jiraiya to strange places. The Ninja World is so mystical, there are always people with unique abilities; if they sense your presence, you might fall into danger."
"I can claim I'm here on behalf of Obito to watch over you..."
Indeed, White Zetsu Awai's mind was quite sharp, immediately finding a solution.
"That's actually a good idea."
Akihara Kagura thought for a while and felt the reason was almost flawless.
"Awai."
Recalling the moment atop the Hokage Tower where Jiraiya mentioned wanting to bring back Orochimaru, Akihara Kagura sighed softly: "We ought to send Orochimaru-sama a gift..."
"What gift?"
White Zetsu Awai pondered and nodded.
"Let Orochimaru-sama cherish his bonds."
Akihara Kagura sighed softly and continued: "The Third Hokage had Jiraiya teach me intending to groom me into a future Hokage; thus, I shall learn the Hokage's mindset and make more people cherish their bonds..."
"..."
White Zetsu Awai still could not comprehend the purpose of bonds.
For this White Zetsu, though it possessed human thoughts, lacked human emotions.
To it, life remained inside the Gedo Statue until summoned by the real body to accompany Akihara Kagura, gradually finding purpose as it was always associated with Akihara Kagura as 'we' or 'you all'.
"By the way."
"Orochimaru-sama joined the Akatsuki Organization; undoubtedly some of his laboratories are unused..."
Like suddenly recalling something, Akihara Kagura continued: "Go find one of those unused labs, discreetly gather some accessible Kekkeigenkai, I still possess a modification technique originating from Orochimaru and have a miraculous idea..."
"Alright."
White Zetsu Awai was still unaware that it would be part of that miraculous idea.
"But..."
White Zetsu Awai raised its doubts: "You will stay with that guy named Jiraiya most of the time, right?"
"For a while only."
Akihara Kagura apparently understood Jiraiya well, continuing: "Probably not long before he goes looking for fun, leaving me alone to practice!"
The next day.
Entrance of Konoha Village.
Jiraiya and Akihara Kagura met here.
Yesterday, Jiraiya secretly observed Akihara Kagura for a while, and from his impression that Akihara Kagura wasn't just a mere extreme, Jiraiya's impression of this young fellow improved considerably.
"Let's first give you a taste of life."
Jiraiya took Akihara Kagura to a small town near Konoha, paying for a lavish meal and taking him to the hot springs.
"Ninja life isn't just about battles..."
Jiraiya's body was soaked in the hot spring, indulging in the warmth enveloping him, contently closing his eyes: "There are also aspects that allow one to experience leisurely and comfortable life."
"Danzo-sama mentioned that Ninjas shouldn't covet external enjoyment..."
Akihara Kagura furrowed his brows, seemingly not quite adapted yet, trying to mimic Jiraiya by lying down.
This was Jiraiya's first lesson planned for Akihara Kagura; given his nature, Jiraiya intended to let this child forget the resentment and fighting between ninjas, experiencing the human world's atmosphere.
"Hey?"
"Heehee..."
"Don't splash on me..."
A tinkling female voice came from the adjacent hot spring pool.
"Shh..."
Jiraiya suddenly raised his finger, signaling Akihara Kagura not to speak.
This tall white-haired man, spending less than half a day with his pupil, revealed his true nature, immediately crawling out of the hot spring, casually draping himself with a towel, and carefully heading to the barrier wall dividing the male and female hot spring pools.