"I do have a bit of a knack for chakra control," Ren said, his tone deliberately humble as he ruffled Kurenai's hair, a gesture meant to temper any impression of arrogance. "But it still took a solid two months to fully refine it."
He paused, turning his inquisitive gaze toward Jiraiya. "Lord Jiraiya, could you elaborate on the difference you sensed? How does my version compare to Lady Tsunade's Chakra-enhanced Fist?"
Jiraiya stroked his chin, considering his words. "There is a distinction, certainly. How to put it…? Yours carries a similar foundational principle but diverges in expression. Tsunade's technique is about overwhelming, raw destructive power—shattering and obliterating. Yours… it trades some of that brute force for a more concentrated concussive impact. The power is focused, not dispersed."
The two variants, while sharing a core concept, had evolved differently, each excelling in its own domain.
Ren nodded, processing the analysis. "Concussive impact… so, greater penetration power?" That made sense. Bakudō #1: Sai was fundamentally a technique to launch a focused shockwave. By integrating its principles, his Chakra-enhanced Fist naturally inherited that piercing, penetrating quality.
Jiraiya was momentarily taken aback, then let out a low chuckle of genuine admiration. "To grasp it that quickly… you truly are a rare find."
The kid's analytical mind was frighteningly sharp.
"..."
Ren offered no false modesty; he was growing accustomed to the 'genius' label. He pressed on, seeking constructive criticism. "Are there areas where you think my technique could still be improved, Lord Jiraiya?"
He held a quiet respect for Jiraiya's pedagogical abilities. In his mind, Jiraiya's talent for nurturing students was legendary—arguably on par with masters who could unlock a disciple's latent potential in three strikes.
Just look at the caliber of monsters his disciples and students became. His only notable "failure" was a certain two-year training trip that yielded… questionable results, but one could blame that on pre-power-creep game mechanics. He bore no ill will.
Jiraiya shook his head decisively.
"No, not in its current form. The technique is remarkably complete. Since its focus is distinct from Tsunade's, comparing them for superiority is meaningless. They are different tools. What you lack right now…" He gestured vaguely at Ren's small stature. "...is simply time. Your body needs to grow into its full potential."
Ren blinked, surprised. "Is that so?" No need for improvement? The version he'd developed independently was already that polished? A warm swell of pride bloomed in his chest. As expected of me!
Unaware of Ren's internal gloating, Jiraiya's expression turned serious, his earlier levity gone. He looked directly at Ren. "Ren-kun. How would you feel about becoming this sage's disciple?"
The question landed with the subtlety of a falling anvil.
Jiraiya continued, his voice earnest. "You possess extraordinary potential. Under the guidance of a proper teacher, your future accomplishments could surpass anything we can currently imagine."
The words were prompted by more than just impressed talent. The Great Toad Sage's prophecy of a child who would bring great change to the world was never far from Jiraiya's mind. In Ren's startling genius and self-driven development, he saw echoes of that destiny. This boy's potential seemed to rival, even exceed, that of Minato—and approached the terrifying latent power of his other, "deceased" disciple, Nagato.
(a/n: I'm confused about the timeline)
"Uh…" Ren was genuinely taken aback. This was sudden. Was he being mistaken for the "Child of Prophecy"?
Don't joke around, he thought. A transmigrator trumps any 'Child of Prophecy' or 'Son of Destiny.' I probably broke the Great Toad Sage's fortune-telling algorithm the moment I arrived. Still, the practical part of his mind began whirring. Becoming Jiraiya's disciple… the benefits seem substantial, with few apparent downsides?
"Hmm…" Beside him, Kurenai Yuhi immediately fixed a deeply suspicious stare on Jiraiya. She then turned to Ren, her voice laced with nervous concern. "Ren, Ren… if you become Lord Jiraiya's disciple… you won't turn bad, will you? You won't start… peeping, right?"
Her greatest fear was that under the tutelage of "Pervy Sage" Jiraiya, her upstanding brother would be led down a path of moral decay and creepy reconnaissance. The thought was unbearable!
Jiraiya: "..."
I already said I'm not the peeping tom! Why won't this little girl let it go?! Kids these days were distressingly perceptive. And what was this about "turning bad"? That was blatant, prejudicial slander against his character as a Sannin!
Minato Namikaze: "..."
He felt an arrow of vicarious shame strike him.
Thanks, sensei. A profound melancholy settled over him. When would his teacher ever act with the dignity his station demanded? "Gathering material" was not a valid excuse!
"..."
Ren reached over and gave Kurenai's head a light tap. Give the man a little face, come on. He sighed with exaggerated helplessness.
"What are you imagining? Lord Jiraiya isn't that kind of person…" The sentence trailed off, the remaining words dying in his throat. He couldn't quite force them out with a straight face.
But putting aside the one glaring… hobby, Jiraiya was undeniably a charismatic and profoundly capable shinobi. His ultimate sacrifice in the original timeline spoke volumes of his core character.
Kurenai muttered under her breath, voice dripping with skepticism, "Isn't he…?"
Ren pretended not to hear. He turned back to Jiraiya and offered a respectful, slightly formal bow. "Lord Jiraiya, would you allow me some time to consider? This proposal is quite sudden, and I would also need to discuss such an important matter with my elders at home."
"Hahaha! Of course, of course!" Jiraiya boomed with laughter, his good humor returning. "Taking a master is a significant commitment. Consulting your family is only proper."
His impression of Ren ticked upward another notch. The boy wasn't just talented; he was thoughtful and measured. A lesser child would have jumped at the offer without a second thought.
Ren smiled. "Thank you for your understanding."
Becoming Jiraiya's disciple was, objectively, an excellent proposition. It offered a direct path to advanced training, resources, and potentially even Sage Arts in the future…
"..."
Kurenai pouted, her expression a mix of worry and reluctant acceptance. Despite her personal misgivings about Jiraiya's extracurricular activities, she understood the weight of the title "Sannin." She wouldn't actively oppose any decision Ren made. Her earlier outburst was just a sisterly warning—she was being responsible, not obstinate!
Minato Namikaze, initially surprised by his teacher's impulsive offer, now saw the logic in it. A smile touched his lips.
"If you do become sensei's disciple, we'd be fellow students." He had a fondness for Ren, whom Kushina had all but adopted as a clan little brother. The idea of having him as a junior was rather appealing. "Take your time to think it over carefully, Ren."
Ren nodded once more. "I will."
"Then we won't disturb your training any further," Ren said, concluding the visit. "I'll explain the situation at home. We'll take our leave now."
With a final nod, he turned, taking Kurenai Yuhi's hand as they walked away from the training ground.
Watching their retreating figures, Jiraiya let out a long, theatrical sigh. "Kids these days… they're getting harder and harder to impress."
Minato could only offer a look of profound weariness. "Sensei… please, for the sake of your dignity and mine, could you perhaps… refrain from those particular 'research activities' in the future?"
Jiraiya waved a dismissive hand. "It's vital field research! 'Gathering material,' you understand? You wouldn't grasp the artistic process."
"..."
Minato found himself, as often happened with his teacher, utterly speechless. He had a wonderful girlfriend, thank you very much. Engaging in such "research" would undoubtedly result in his prompt and violent demise.