As the days passed, Jiraiya's departure drew closer.
That morning, Jiraiya stared at his disciple with a hollow, unfocused gaze. These past few days had felt less like teaching and more like being dragged through an academic battlefield with no cover and no escape. The worst part was that he couldn't even run.
At this point, Jiraiya was seriously considering leaving the village immediately, if only to put physical distance between himself and Fujimoto Tōma.
Tōma, on the other hand, looked thoroughly satisfied.
His theoretical understanding of sealing techniques had improved at a terrifying pace. While he knew perfectly well that his practical application lagged far behind his knowledge, he also understood why. Jiraiya was leaving soon. If he didn't absorb as much theory as possible now, he would lose his best chance.
Practice could wait. Once Jiraiya left, he could slowly work through implementation on his own. With a solid theoretical foundation, the gap wouldn't take long to close.
Noticing Jiraiya's increasingly unnatural expression, Tōma almost laughed. He knew exactly how badly his teacher had suffered under the barrage of questions.
Well, that was the price of leaving the village.If Jiraiya weren't leaving, Tōma wouldn't be squeezing him dry like this.
"So…" Jiraiya asked cautiously, his voice carrying the faintest tremor, "do you still have questions today?"
"Don't worry, sensei," Tōma said with a smile. "Not for now. I've studied enough theory. Next comes practice."
"Good," Jiraiya exhaled in relief. Then he froze."…Wait. What do you mean, 'don't worry'?! I am the Great Toad Sage! How could I possibly be troubled by a few questions?!"
"Oh? Then I can keep going," Tōma said, already reaching for paper as if prepared in advance.
Jiraiya's expression stiffened, but he forced himself to stand tall."Bring it on!"
"…Never mind," Tōma said after a moment, clearly reconsidering. "I actually don't have anything else to ask."
Instantly, Jiraiya felt his strength return. His back straightened, his spirit revived, and he burst into laughter."I knew it! How could I, the Great Toad Sage, be overwhelmed by something so trivial!"
Tōma looked at him. Jiraiya's broad frame and booming laughter did make him look every bit the legendary shinobi.
"Sensei," Tōma said after a pause, a hint of reluctance in his voice, "you're leaving tomorrow, right?"
"Yes," Jiraiya replied gently, rubbing Tōma's head. "Sorry. I can't take you with me."
Normally, Tōma avoided gestures like that, but with parting so close, he let it slide."It's fine. Once I'm strong enough, I'll come find you."
Jiraiya laughed loudly. "I'll be waiting."
"Then when I find you," Tōma added calmly, "you can keep teaching me sealing techniques."
Jiraiya choked on his breath.
Seeing the smile on Tōma's face, he could only shake his head with a laugh."You little menace. At this rate, next time we meet, your sealing skills might surpass mine."
"Maybe," Tōma said without denying it.
Jiraiya laughed again. He liked that confidence. It reminded him of Minato, though in a very different way. Somehow, every disciple he took in turned out absurdly talented.
After a moment, Jiraiya's expression grew serious.
"I've already spoken with Mount Myōboku," he said. "Today, I'll introduce you to my boss."
He bit his thumb and formed seals. Tōma felt the surge of chakra immediately, vast and overwhelming, and couldn't help feeling a flash of envy.
If he had that kind of chakra reserve, summoning Gamabunta wouldn't even be a question.
A cloud of smoke erupted, and a small figure emerged from within.
"Ahem," the figure said. "Looks like the time you mentioned has come, little Jiraiya."
Jiraiya grinned. "Boss, this is my new disciple."
The toad hopped closer and examined Tōma carefully, even patting his limbs and frame. After a moment, he nodded with satisfaction.
"Impressive," Elder Fukasaku said. "His foundation is far better than yours was when you first came to Mount Myōboku. And his age is just about right."
Jiraiya blinked. "Just about? He's only seven. Shouldn't there be plenty of time?"
Fukasaku stroked his beard."This child has trained his body from a very young age, and he's used… unconventional methods. Judging by his condition, he'll enter his next growth stage at least a year early. Possibly more."
Jiraiya did the math and stiffened. That meant around ten years old.
So the timing really was tight.
Tōma, meanwhile, was quietly delighted. He'd expected early development, but not by that much. The Lightning-based conditioning was paying off more than he thought.
Fukasaku turned to him. "Fujimoto Tōma, from now on, I'll be in charge of your training plan."
"Yes," Tōma replied, then hesitated slightly. "How should I address you?"
Fukasaku smiled. "Just call me Elder Fukasaku."