Jiraiya was so familiar with Mount Myōboku that wherever he went, there were toads who knew him. Thanks to that, Fujimoto Tōma quickly became a familiar face as well.
Even Gama Bunta had taken a look at him. Though the massive toad barely listened to anyone, even Jiraiya, at least he wouldn't fail to recognize Tōma in the future.
After making a full round, Jiraiya glanced at the sky and led Tōma back to the spot where they had arrived earlier.
Elder Fukasaku was already waiting for them there. Beside him stood a small green toad with purple hair and purple lips.
The moment Jiraiya saw her, his expression stiffened. Still, he had no choice but to walk forward with Tōma.
"Boss… ma'am," Jiraiya greeted awkwardly. "We're back."
"Finished looking around?" Fukasaku asked.
"Of course," Jiraiya said proudly. "Aside from the Great Toad Sage's place, I've taken Tōma everywhere and made sure everyone recognizes him."
Then he turned slightly. "Tōma, this is my boss's wife. You can call her Elder Shima."
"Nice to meet you, Elder Shima," Tōma said politely.
"So you're the disciple the old man mentioned," Shima said, inspecting him closely. "Hmm… not bad."
She nodded, clearly satisfied, then suddenly produced a large bowl from behind her. Inside were plump, wriggling insects.
"I prepared a bug feast just for you two," she said cheerfully. "Guaranteed delicious!"
Jiraiya and Tōma's faces changed instantly.
"Well then!" Jiraiya said at lightning speed, grabbing Tōma. "Looks like time's up. We'll head back now and see you next time!"
Before either elder could respond, he activated reverse summoning. Both of them vanished in a puff of smoke.
"What was that?!" Shima exploded in anger. "That brat keeps getting worse! Don't teach his disciple anymore!"
"Haha, calm down," Fukasaku said gently, already taking the bowl from her hands. "They're humans. Not appreciating good food can't be helped."
He began eating happily, savoring every bite.
Konoha's back mountain.
Jiraiya and Tōma reappeared, staring at each other before wiping the cold sweat from their foreheads. Then they burst out laughing.
"Sensei," Tōma said suddenly, "if you keep running away like that, what happens to my training at Mount Myōboku?"
"…That's not my problem anymore," Jiraiya said, eyes darting away.
Tōma's expression darkened.
Sensing danger, Jiraiya slipped and bolted. Lightning flickered around Tōma's legs as he chased after him.
The next morning, at Konoha's main gate.
Tōma stood beside Elder Fukasaku, facing Jiraiya.
"Sensei," Tōma asked quietly, "can't you really stay?"
There was still so much he hadn't learned. For example, the Rasengan. Jiraiya hadn't taught it, for good reason. The chakra cost was too high for Tōma at his current stage.
What Jiraiya didn't know was that Tōma already understood the principle and could use it. He just lacked the reserves to train it properly.
"I'm sorry, Tōma," Jiraiya said. There was nothing more to explain.
After a moment of silence, Tōma reached into his clothes and took out a headband the same color as Jiraiya's coat.
"This is…" Jiraiya froze.
"A gift," Tōma said. "Don't lose it."
Jiraiya slowly untied his old headband and replaced it with the one Tōma gave him, tying his wild white hair back again.
"I won't," he said firmly.
"It's not expensive," Tōma added with a smile. "Losing it wouldn't be a big deal."
Jiraiya didn't answer. He looked at Tōma and, for a moment, saw Minato's shadow overlapping with him. He smiled.
At some point, this bond had gone beyond talent alone. Jiraiya was starting to see Tōma the same way he once saw his previous disciple.
"I'm heading out!" Jiraiya waved without turning back and walked away from Konoha, steps light and unrestrained.
Tōma waved back and let out a quiet sigh. Jiraiya had been a truly good teacher. He'd never held back resources, and these days together had only deepened Tōma's respect for him.
Watching now, it was clear Jiraiya wasn't careless or foolish. Even with his former students, he had been sincere, but their identities had forced limits. None of them had ever received a Mount Myōboku summoning contract.
Elder Fukasaku watched silently, smiling. Jiraiya really had found himself an excellent disciple.
Once Jiraiya's figure disappeared completely, Fukasaku spoke.
"Tōma, let's head back. Go home and prepare."
"Yes, Elder Fukasaku," Tōma replied.
They left together.
High above the gate, the Third Hokage stood watching. He smiled softly. Jiraiya leaving was regrettable, but expected.
What pleased him was how Tōma and Jiraiya's relationship had grown, exactly as he'd hoped.
Jiraiya had already explained Tōma's future arrangements, including training at Mount Myōboku. The Third had no objections. Jiraiya himself had done the same once.
Still, he made a mental note. Fujimoto Sana's salary would need an increase. Supporting Tōma's training wasn't something an ordinary household could manage.
As Jiraiya's back faded into the distance, he glanced back once, looking toward Konoha. For a brief moment, it felt like their gazes met in farewell. The Third Hokage's hardened features softened.
Mount Myōboku.
Elder Fukasaku looked seriously at Tōma.
"From now on, I'll be overseeing your training," he said. "I should warn you. I'm very strict."
"Yes," Tōma answered simply.
No matter how strict it was, he was certain he could endure it.