After declaring Nagato the final victor, the ice clone gathered all the students and helped bandage the ones who were injured.
Once the chaotic cleanup was finished, they returned to the classroom. The ice clone and Jiraiya each gave their commentary on the students who had stood out, a list that included Yahiko, Nagato, and Momoka.
With little time left in the morning session, the ice clone decided to dismiss class early and let them go for lunch.
He and Jiraiya went to a newly opened restaurant outside, sharing a drink from Jiraiya's personal stash.
After a few cups of fine sake, Jiraiya's cheeks flushed red. He squinted and said, "So? I taught them pretty well, didn't I?"
"By the standards of children, they've certainly passed," the ice clone replied, taking a small sip. "How do they compare to the kids in Konoha?"
"There's a difference, of course." Jiraiya shook his head. "Just the number of teachers alone is several times what you have here, not to mention they have free access to proper ninja tools. Wooden tools are safe, sure, but they lack the proper feel. When it comes to a real battle, they'll have to readjust."
"Hmm, that is a problem," the ice clone nodded. "Alright, I've noted that. Anything else?"
"Then there's their daily diet. A ninja's growth requires a massive amount of nutrition, especially at their age. If their nutrition can't keep up, their bodies won't develop properly. And if their bodies don't develop, how can they knead chakra? Nagato, especially. He's far too thin. You need to put more effort into building him up. Also..."
Jiraiya unburdened himself of everything on his mind, as if giving his last will and testament.
At the end, he glanced at the ice clone and said, "They're a good group of kids. I'm handing them back to you now. It's your turn to worry about them."
"When are you leaving?"
"After this meal. Orochimaru has already urged me several times."
"You're not going to say goodbye to them?"
"No, no. I can't stand those kinds of farewell scenes. If I'm lucky enough to survive, I'll come back to see them after the war is over."
"Fair enough."
After that, they chatted about matters in Konoha, with the conversation mostly centered on Tsunade. It wasn't until the plates and the wine jug were empty that Jiraiya stood up, still wanting more. "I'm off."
"Goodbye."
After taking a few steps, Jiraiya turned his head to the side and said softly, "I don't know what happened during your time in Konoha, but please believe me when I say that I, and most of the people in the village, bear you no ill will."
"I know," the ice clone replied with a smiling nod.
"Good. Then I'm really leaving."
Jiraiya waved and staggered away, chanting as he walked, "I am the Drunken Toad Sage, with worries and cares, a rootless wanderer..."
"A sage with troubles is no true sage at all," the ice clone sighed. "Wouldn't it be better to be a sage without a care in the world?"
...
Land of Rivers, Twin Rivers Village.
After a year of development, the river channels here had been widened considerably, allowing more boats to pass through. An increasing number of merchant guilds were setting up rest stops in Twin Rivers Village. The influx of people attracted numerous vendors, and the village had blossomed into a highly prosperous commercial town, one that was on track to surpass the capital of the Land of Rivers.
However, a prosperous town also becomes a target for bandits and robbers. Fortunately, the security team led by Ruri had protected Twin Rivers Village from harm.
"Lady Ruri, the latest news from 'Hawk' is that another large group of bandits has gathered in the Emerald Forest. They plan to make a move against our village."
In the office of the central building of Twin Rivers Village, Sanshin, the bearded head of the Intelligence Division, was respectfully reporting the newly received intel to a woman with beautiful red hair.
"More bandits?" Ruri sighed. "Have you checked if there are any ninja among them?"
"We've already investigated. There are no obvious chakra signatures."
"Just to be safe, take my mission order and dispatch a ninja squad."
"Yes!" Sanshin hesitated for a moment before adding, "Lady Ruri, we're becoming more and more short-staffed. Should we start recruiting again?"
"I'll handle the recruitment. You can go now."
"Yes!"
After he left and closed the door, Ruri couldn't help but press her hands to her temples, feeling utterly exhausted. She was now not only the head of the school but also the acting mayor of Twin Rivers Village. The former village chief, Daisuke, knowing his own capabilities were insufficient, had already stepped down to let someone more capable take over. He now served as the head of the neighborhood association, managing the town's minor affairs. All other important matters had fallen onto Ruri's shoulders, leaving her increasingly weary.
"I'm just a twenty-year-old girl in the prime of her youth. Why do I have to bear such a heavy responsibility? Kaito, where did you go? Why aren't you back yet?"
She grumbled for a bit before forcing herself to rally her spirits and tackle the documents in front of her.
...
Sanshin took the mission order signed by Ruri and was about to find an available ninja squad when he ran into a girl who also had a head of beautiful red hair.
Damn it, how could I be so unlucky to run into this little chili pepper? he lamented internally. He quickly hid the mission order, lowered his head, and pretended to be in such a hurry that he hadn't seen her. He quickened his pace, brushing past the girl.
Just as a sliver of relief began to rise in his heart, a clear voice called out from behind him. "Wait!"
"..." Sanshin gritted his teeth, pretended not to hear, and kept walking.
"Head of the Intelligence Division, Sanshin! I told you to wait!"
An agile figure leaped lightly into the air, did a flip, and landed in front of him, blocking his path.
"Oh, it's Kushina. Were you calling me just now?" Sanshin chuckled awkwardly. "Sorry about that, I was lost in thought and didn't hear you. I have something urgent to deal with right now, but I'll make it up to you later when I have time. See ya."
As he spoke, he tried to go around her, but Kushina blocked him, refusing to budge an inch.
"What's so urgent? Tell me about it. Maybe I can help," Kushina said with a smile, her arms crossed.
"No need, I already know what to do." An idea struck Sanshin, and he brought out the big gun. "I just came from Lady Ruri's office. I heard she has a mission for you."
"Really?!" Kushina's voice rose in excitement.
"Really!"
"Alright, I'm going to find Sister Ruri right now. If you're lying to me, you're finished!"
With that, Kushina leaped up again and disappeared across the rooftops.
Watching her receding figure, Sanshin prayed with a cold sweat trickling down his back, "Please, Lady Ruri... as smart as you are, you'll know this was just an excuse, right? My life is in your hands!"
With a smile, Kushina headed straight for the central building. Amidst the gazes of people who seemed to instinctively shy away from her, she knocked on the door to Ruri's office.