"That's right, Naruto is also one of their targets. So, I plan to have Naruto follow me from now on. Firstly, I can protect him. Secondly, I can train him well. This kid might really go places in the future. Besides, I have a bit of a connection with this kid."
"Lord Jiraiya..."
Kakashi watched Jiraiya sipping wine alone in the moonlight. This lord still cared about Naruto in his heart. Having Naruto follow Lord Jiraiya out of the village for cultivation could also prevent the enemies from knowing their specific location. It was indeed a good choice...
...............
In the morning, after Naruto had the breakfast made by Mikoto, he felt a strange sense of loneliness looking at the empty chair beside him.
Since Aniki Itachi was hospitalized due to illness, Sasuke had been in a bad mood. He hadn't had breakfast with Naruto for quite some time.
Grandpa Third Hokage still hadn't woken up, and Uncle Fugaku was constantly busy for the village.
"What's wrong, Naruto? Sighing like that. Is the food I made not to your taste?"
"Not at all. I'm just a bit worried about Sasuke and Aniki Itachi."
Afraid that Aunt Mikoto might misunderstand, Naruto quickly explained. Aunt Mikoto's cooking was the warmest and most delicious he had ever eaten.
Hearing this, Mikoto also showed a faint sadness on her face. She slowly sat down opposite Naruto. Time didn't seem to have left too many marks on her face. She was still beautiful, but the worry in her eyes made her look a bit haggard.
"If only one of the men in our family had a personality like Naruto's."
"Aunt Mikoto?"
"Look at them. Each of them seems to be hiding something huge in their hearts. Their mouths are like they've been sewn shut and they won't say a word."
"Ah, indeed!"
"So, Naruto, promise me, okay?"
"What?"
"If one day you have a conflict with Sasuke, don't abandon him as a friend just because he refuses to explain. That kid is even more stubborn - mouthed than his brother and father."
"Pfft~"
Aunt Mikoto's words instantly livened up the originally somewhat sad atmosphere.
"Indeed! He always gives me the feeling of being stubborn and not admitting his mistakes. Aunt, don't worry. Even if I give up on myself, I'll never give up on Sasuke!"
Mikoto looked into the young boy's blue eyes. Everything seemed so full of vitality in his eyes, and his gaze was so firm. Naruto was indeed the child of those two, gentle and powerful.
"Okay, then we have a deal..."
.................
In the afternoon, Naruto walked gloomily on the street alone. He just heard from Neji that because of Orochimaru's disruption, the Third Chunin Exams had to end right there.
Only Shikamaru was selected as a Chunin from them. What the hell! He'd worked so hard to learn such awesome moves, but he still didn't get promoted in the end.
Hey!
"Yo~ Naruto, why are you sighing in broad daylight?"
"
"Teacher Kakashi, Perverted Hermit, how come you two are together?"
Naruto was a bit surprised because this combination seemed rather strange.
"Naruto, it's something about you."
"Me?"
"Well, Lord Jiraiya intends to take you under his wing and guide your cultivation. How about that? Excited, aren't you?"
?_?
"Hey, brat, what's with that expression!"
Jiraiya, who had been holding his head high arrogantly, caught a glimpse of the hint of disdain in Naruto's eyes. Instantly, he blew up, veins popping on his forehead. He leaned in close, his face full of dissatisfaction as he questioned.
"No thanks. I've pretty much learned all I need to. I can handle my own cultivation. Moreover, I can't leave the others in Team 7 and go off to cultivate by myself. Anyway, thanks for the offer, Perverted Hermit. Just drop it."
After saying that, Naruto turned around and left gracefully. But Jiraiya's eyes glinted coldly. He felt offended. In Naruto's tone, he was like a piece of trash to be discarded after use. He stretched out his hair to sneak - attack Naruto from behind and coiled him up.
"Hey! Perverted Hermit, what the hell are you doing? Let me go right now!"
"You arrogant brat, listen up. It's a blessing you earned in your past life for me to teach you. Just say yes already. Stop being so hesitant!"
"I've already said I won't agree. Besides, don't you hate taking care of kids? Instead of bugging me here, you might as well go collect materials as you usually do!"
"Pestering?!"
Jiraiya was rendered speechless by Naruto's words. He angrily grabbed his long white hair, making it look like a beehive. Finally, he reluctantly gave in.
"Fine. If Naruto doesn't agree, let him stay in the village for now. I have something important to talk to Tsunade about. We'll discuss everything when I get back!"
Kakashi stood by, silently mourning for Lord Jiraiya. These kids nowadays were so full of personality! Naruto was wasting such a precious opportunity. Did he even realize that?
"Well, take care, Lord Jiraiya. May everything go well for you!"
After saying that, Jiraiya shuffled off aimlessly as if he had lost his soul. Without noticing, he bumped into someone in front of him.
"Sorry..."
Noticing that the person in front didn't respond for a long time, he looked up. There was a handsome young man with black hair and black eyes blocking his way, looking down at him haughtily.
It was simply unforgivable!
"Sasuke! What brings you here?"
"Well, I just got out of the hospital and was on my way home. Then I ran into this white - haired uncle. Anyway, aren't you going to see Tsunade? I'm coming with you too!"
╰(‵□′)╯
Jiraiya's head ached. He gritted his teeth as he looked at Sasuke, who was speaking to him in a commanding tone. Are all these kids so brash these days?
Those asking for favors were talking like they were giving orders. Just as he was about to lose his temper and teach this arrogant brat a lesson, he heard a surprised voice from behind.
"Sasuke, you're going too? Then I'm coming too!"
"Eh?!"
Jiraiya looked at Naruto with a long face, his face full of disbelief. He rushed forward, grabbed Naruto by the neck of his clothes, and shook him desperately.
"Naruto, tell me what's going on. You weren't willing just now. Why did you suddenly agree? Huh?"
"Sasuke said he's going too. It'll be good to have a companion on the way!"
Jiraiya wanted to get angry, but in the end, he gave up and just left Naruto, who had a sincere look and was on the verge of tears. Damn it! It's all destiny, then.