"Pervy Sage, why are you standing outside? Hmm! What's going on with all these things scattered across the floor? Are you moving?"
Naruto's eyes widened with curiosity as he took in the chaotic scene inside Tsunade's home. Jiraiya rolled his eyes at his eager apprentice, clearly exasperated.
Sai, however, narrowed his eyes and leaned closer to Naruto, whispering, "Naruto, I sense… murderous intent!"
Naruto groaned audibly and glanced cautiously toward the interior. Damn, Granny Tsunade looked absolutely furious. It seemed clear that Jiraiya had once again provoked her wrath.
"Let's go first, Pervy Sage!" Naruto called, gesturing for Jiraiya to follow.
With that, he grabbed Sai by the hand and began moving away from the chaotic scene.
Sai hesitated, humming softly as he looked back at Jiraiya and then at Naruto. "Naruto, aren't we here to see Jiraiya-sama? We haven't shown him the new sketches yet! Shouldn't we—"
Naruto interrupted, frowning. "Timing, Sai… this is the wrong moment. Right now, looking at sketches could get us covered in flying furniture and blood. Let's go first."
Sai frowned, confused. The severity of Naruto's words was beyond his comprehension.
Seeing the two young ninjas preparing to leave, Jiraiya realized he might finally have a chance to escape. With a forced calm, he called out to Tsunade inside. "Tsunade, look! My juniors have business with me. I'll be back soon!"
Without waiting for a response, Jiraiya bolted out of the house, dodging a few flying objects with practiced agility.
After jogging a short distance, he finally caught up with Naruto and Sai.
"You two! Stop! Stop right there!" Jiraiya shouted, appearing directly in front of them.
Naruto glanced at him, then looked behind cautiously, muttering, "Granny Tsunade didn't come chasing us…"
Jiraiya snorted with a mixture of exasperation and pride. "Who is she? At home, if I say one thing, she never dares contradict me!"
Naruto chuckled. "Pervy Sage, don't act so stubborn in front of me. If you're so brave, go tell Granny Tsunade yourself!"
Sai looked at Jiraiya, who waved a dismissive hand. "Ah, why speak of that? Husbands and wives must maintain humility toward each other. Now, if you're here for business… do you have anything to show me?"
Sai's eyes lit up. Quickly, he handed over the sketches. "Jiraiya-sama, these are my revised illustrations. I've incorporated all the changes you requested last time. I also made the first part of Icha Icha Paradise: Making Love in Heaven into a continuous series for easier reading. Would you like to take a look and see how the plot has been adapted?"
Jiraiya's eyes widened in surprise. Sai had moved quickly, adapting the first part of Icha Icha Paradise into a coherent manga format without needing explicit instructions. "Good, very good!" he said, clearly impressed.
Grabbing the sketches enthusiastically, Jiraiya turned to Naruto and Sai. "Let's find a teahouse and review these properly."
Inside the Teahouse
Jiraiya settled into a quiet corner, sipping tea as he carefully read through Sai's manga adaptation. Occasionally, when a particularly steamy or intense scene appeared, he hummed appreciatively, taking a measured sip of tea as he nodded in approval. His expression was a mixture of amusement and delight.
Observing Jiraiya's reaction, Sai finally relaxed. It was clear that his work had passed inspection.
After five or six minutes of careful review, Jiraiya placed the completed drawings on the table and looked at Sai. "Honestly, Sai… your drawing skills are exceptional. Your understanding of the content is impressive, especially considering I didn't fully explain the novel or the plot direction. You adapted it all on your own!"
Sai's eyes gleamed. "Really, Jiraiya-sama?"
Jiraiya smiled, lifting his teacup. "Of course! I'm not lying to you!"
Sai's excitement grew; receiving praise from Jiraiya was a milestone he had long hoped for. Naruto watched his friend with a mix of admiration and mild envy. Sai, once quiet and stoic, now radiated energy and pride simply because he had been recognized for his artistry.
"But," Jiraiya continued, lowering his voice slightly, "there are still a few shortcomings."
Sai blinked, caught off guard. "Shortcomings? In my artwork? Or is it that I haven't fully captured the charm of the story, Jiraiya-sama?"
Jiraiya placed the teacup down and waved his hand dismissively. "None of that! Your technical skill is already top-tier in the comic world. There's nothing lacking in your ability. What's missing is your imagination—your boldness. You need to expand your mind, Sai. Let me show you."
He picked up the sketches again, flipping through the pages until he stopped on a particular scene. Holding the drawing out toward Sai, he explained, "Look here. The heroine is already exposed, but the hero hasn't had the chance for preliminary actions. You can't just rush straight into… the main act. There's a process, a buildup!"
Sai's brow furrowed. "The buildup… what do you mean?"
Jiraiya chuckled, lifting his teacup. "Sai… honestly, you're still a boy. You haven't experienced some of the things you're trying to illustrate!"
Sai's face flushed crimson, but he nodded in understanding.
Jiraiya smiled knowingly. "No wonder you don't fully grasp it. But don't worry. I'll explain the content of the novel to you and guide you through revising your drawings. You won't need to waste time guessing. Next time, I'll come directly to your home, and we'll work on it together."
Sai glanced at Jiraiya, noting his sense of urgency, and asked quietly, "Jiraiya-sama… you seem very anxious?"
Jiraiya sighed deeply. "You'll understand when you're married."
Naruto observed Jiraiya's slightly weary expression and recalled Tsunade's earlier outburst. Clearly, they had been quarreling over household matters.
"Pervy Sage, what's going on? Why the tension? Tell me!" Naruto pressed.
Jiraiya glanced at his young apprentice, knowing that Naruto had the means to solve most of his troubles easily. But a master's pride is hard to relinquish—he wanted to earn his way independently. "Don't worry. Just wait and enjoy the manga when it's ready," he said with a faint smile.
Turning to Sai, Jiraiya added, "Sai, I'll be staying at your place for a while. Don't worry, it won't be a burden."
Sai groaned lightly; it was obvious he wasn't entirely comfortable with the arrangement.
Naruto smiled. "Does Ino come by sometimes?"
Sai lowered his head and nodded. Jiraiya realized that staying at Sai's house might be complicated with other visitors. How would they manage to finish the manga under these conditions?
After a brief pause, Naruto's expression brightened. "I have an idea that will allow you both to work on the manuscript in peace!"
Jiraiya's eyes lit up. "What's the plan?"
Standing tall, Naruto said, "Follow me!"
Without waiting, he led the way, purchasing an order and signaling for Jiraiya and Sai to follow him to a quiet location where they could work undisturbed.
Dear Readers
For 60 Advance Chapters Join My Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/NF25
-------
Please Support My Patreon 🥺