Hearing the Third Hokage's words, Jiraiya didn't immediately answer. He wasn't optimistic about the Third's idea. The Third Shinobi World War had only concluded a few years ago; at this point in time, attempting to unite the Five Great Shinobi Villages was practically an impossible endeavor.
However, Jiraiya didn't voice his doubts, unwilling to dampen the Third Hokage's proactive spirit. After waiting a few seconds, he asked again, "Then, Master, what is it you want me to do?"
The Third Hokage said, his tone earnest, "I want you to stay. Don't keep running around outside anymore! The situation in the ninja world is very complicated right now, and I'm getting old. The village needs someone of your caliber to protect it."
Jiraiya's gaze swept over the Third Hokage, then he pursed his lips and said with a dismissive wave, "Old Man, you look like you're still in pretty good shape to me. You can hold on for a while longer, no problem!" Jiraiya, who had roamed the ninja world freely for many years, had no desire to be tied down and confined within the village. He wanted to continue his travels, continue his… research and writing!
His return to the village this time was solely for the purpose of confirming the identity of the person mentioned in the Great Toad Sage's latest prophecy. From the Third Hokage's account, the target had basically been locked onto Tatsuya. The matching description of strength and signature ninjutsu made it a far easier task than Jiraiya's previous, often fruitless, searches for the Child of Prophecy.
Moreover, Tatsuya was from the Akimichi clan, a family that was, through and through, a staunch and loyal supporter of the Hokage lineage. With the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, still around, Jiraiya believed he could provide Tatsuya with the correct guidance and mentorship.
Seeing that Jiraiya was still stubbornly planning to continue his wandering ways, the Third Hokage's expression darkened slightly, a familiar frown creasing his brow. Just as the Third Hokage was about to launch into a well-worn lecture, Jiraiya, sensing the impending sermon, quickly interjected, deftly changing the subject once again, "Right, Old Man! Since you already know that Tatsuya Akimichi is the person from the Great Toad Sage's prophecy, what are your plans for him?"
The Third Hokage replied, his voice tinged with some exasperation, "I will make the necessary arrangements for Tatsuya myself. He is already a squad leader in the Military Police Force's Third Combat Division. For now, no other special arrangements are necessary."
Hearing this, Jiraiya feigned a sigh of immense relief. "Ah, that's good then! Old Man, since you have everything well in hand and properly arranged, I won't say any more. I think I'll go take a stroll around the village first, see the sights." With that, Jiraiya didn't give the Third Hokage another chance to continue his lecture and, with an agile leap, departed from the rooftop of the Hokage Tower, making a swift getaway.
Watching Jiraiya practically flee from the scene, a vein throbbed uncontrollably on the Third Hokage's forehead. This incorrigible student of his was as infuriatingly evasive as ever! He was practically asking for a thrashing!
Only after Jiraiya's figure had completely disappeared into the distance did the Third Hokage's irritation begin to subside slightly. He turned his head, his gaze drifting in the direction of the Akimichi clan compound, and muttered softly under his breath, "A new Child of Prophecy, hmm? I suppose I'll tentatively trust that old charlatan just this once! Old friend," he sighed, a complicated emotion in his eyes, "I hope he doesn't do anything irrational this time." As his words faded into the evening air, his figure flickered, and the Third Hokage also departed from the rooftop.
Evening, at Kyoko's Barbecue Restaurant.
It was peak dinnertime, and the popular restaurant was bustling with a lively crowd of customers. Around two large dining tables situated in a corner of the main hall sat a large, boisterous group of people. Kakashi, Might Guy, Mitarashi Anko, Kyoko herself, Yuhi Kurenai, Asuma Sarutobi, Iruka Umino, Gekko Hayate, Uzuki Yugao, Sakawa, Yuhi Teru, Tsubaki, Mizuki, and several others were all present.
This was the first time since their graduation from the Ninja Academy that this particular group had organized such a large-scale reunion of their peers and contemporaries. The couple, Yuhi Kurenai and Asuma Sarutobi, were the primary instigators of the gathering, while Mitarashi Anko, who loved any excuse for a lively event, was the nominal organizer. As the official organizer, Anko had happily and generously covered the expenses for the entire gathering. With such a large and familiar group of people gathered together, the atmosphere was naturally very animated and filled with laughter.
Some reminisced about shared memories from their younger days, while others mused thoughtfully about what the future might hold. Of course, the ones being teased the most relentlessly were the few established couples attending the reunion. The two pairs, Yuhi Kurenai and Asuma Sarutobi, and Gekko Hayate and Uzuki Yugao, got off relatively easy; they were merely pestered good-naturedly about their eventual wedding dates. After all, everyone present was no longer in their teens, and in the ninja world, this was an age when it was quite common for people to get married and start families.
Only Tatsuya found himself the target of the most concentrated, collective teasing from the group. This was primarily because his rather… active love life was a well-known, open secret among them. Both Kyoko and Mitarashi Anko were, more or less, Tatsuya's publicly acknowledged girlfriends, and at the same time, he also maintained a somewhat ambiguous and flirtatious relationship with Uchiha Misuke of the Uchiha clan. Monopolizing two beautiful and talented women at the same time and still apparently not being content—such audacious behavior was indeed a bit much for some of them to stomach with a straight face. In the ninja world, polygamy, while not unheard of, was certainly not widely advocated or encouraged.
Of course, while they teased him relentlessly, their words weren't overly harsh or genuinely malicious. After all, Tatsuya's formidable strength and influence were undeniable, commanding a certain level of respect, however begrudging.
Just as the lively reunion was drawing to a close, its energy beginning to wane, a figure pushed open the main door of the barbecue restaurant and walked purposefully towards their tables.
"Lord Jiraiya." Kakashi, ever observant, was the first to notice the newcomer and quickly stood up from his seat to greet him respectfully.
"Lord Jiraiya." Seeing Kakashi's action, everyone else at the tables also turned their heads. Upon recognizing the legendary Sannin, they all stood up in unison and greeted him with due respect.
In Konoha, Jiraiya had always been an almost mythical figure, a "perfect ninja" admired and idolized by many of the younger generation. He had achieved immortal merits and renown in both the Second and Third Shinobi World Wars, his name synonymous with power and heroism. Kakashi, moreover, was a notably loyal and avid reader of Jiraiya's… bestselling books.
"Lord Jiraiya." Seeing the others rise, Tatsuya naturally also stood up and greeted Jiraiya with a polite nod.
"Ahaha! So sorry to interrupt your gathering, everyone!" Jiraiya boomed, laughing heartily as he waved his hand dismissively at the group. "Sit, sit, please! I'm just here to join in the fun for a bit. Just pretend I'm not even here!" Then, without any further ceremony, he unashamedly squeezed in next to Tatsuya, grabbed a spare set of cutlery from a nearby setting, and immediately began to demolish the remaining delicious food on the table with gusto.
Seeing this rather boorish display, the rest of the group exchanged uncertain glances. Lord Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin, was telling them not to stand on ceremony, but would any of them actually dare to act casually or informally in his august presence? Instantly, the previously boisterous atmosphere at the tables cooled somewhat, becoming a little more subdued.
Moreover, no one present was a fool; they could all see at a glance that Jiraiya was clearly there specifically for Tatsuya. Kakashi, ever tactful, was the first to suggest leaving, offering a polite excuse. Soon, the others quickly followed his lead, murmuring their own reasons for departure. Although Jiraiya verbally made some token polite protests, asking why everyone was suddenly leaving just because he'd arrived, his antsy expression and restless actions showed absolutely no genuine intention of actually trying to make them stay.
Soon, the dozen or so people had all politely excused themselves and departed. Only Tatsuya, Mitarashi Anko, and Kyoko remained at the table with Jiraiya.
After devouring the remaining food like a whirlwind and having clearly eaten and drunk to his heart's content, Jiraiya clapped his hands together decisively and started to walk out of the restaurant. Seeing this, Tatsuya gave a subtle nod to Mitarashi Anko and Kyoko, then rose and stepped out to follow him.
Behind them, Mitarashi Anko and Kyoko watched their departing figures, then exchanged a worried glance. Both their faces showed a touch of shared concern for Tatsuya.
Outside, Tatsuya followed Jiraiya as he walked through the village streets. Dusk was settling deeper into night, and lights began to illuminate the pathways and buildings of Konoha. In the cold, crisp winter night, the scattered, warm pinpricks of light offered a comforting, almost cozy sensation against the encroaching darkness.
Reaching a quiet, secluded spot at the edge of a less-traveled street, Jiraiya finally stopped. He glanced back at Tatsuya, a serious look replacing his earlier mirth, then his figure flickered and vanished from the spot without a word.
A sharp, knowing glint flashed in Tatsuya's eyes, and he quickly flickered, following in pursuit.