Chapter 4: The System and Taking a Master
"Dinner's ready. Sorry to keep you waiting."
Jiraiya, who had been sprawled hungrily over the table, lifted his head and stared at the meal, his eyes lighting up. Finally, food!
"But... Why so many potatoes?"
Looking at the stir-fried potato shreds, potato pancakes, mashed potatoes, and potato stew, Jiraiya's mouth twitched.
"You're eating for free and complaining? You think we're in the Land of Fire? It's not easy getting this many potatoes—plus, I fried that fish Aunt Shanzi sent. Just make do and eat."
With that, Rubik dug in without another word.Jiraiya gave an awkward laugh, feeling a bit guilty, and tried to change the subject.
"By the way, why are you home alone? Where are your parents?"
Rubik paused mid-bite, mumbling, "I only have a mom. She passed away a few days ago"
"Oh... my condolences."Jiraiya realized he'd stepped on a landmine. He'd meant to fish for info, not shorten his own lifespan.
"W-Well, you must have siblings or something, right? I saw a photo in the cabinet when I used the bathroom. That red-haired girl is adorable—is she your sister? She'll grow up to be a real beauty."Jiraiya flashed a goofy thumbs-up.
Rubik glanced at him. "That's my mom in the photo."
"Red bean paste, what the—?!"Jiraiya dropped into a perfect dogeza on the tatami mat. Clearly, he'd done this before.
Rubik sighed. "It's fine. Let's eat first. If you have questions, just ask. Someone as strong as you could make me spill everything anyway. We haven't known each other long, but I can tell you're a good guy. I'll answer whatever I know."
Jiraiya saw a halo of saintly light behind the 8-year-old boy.
"Of course, if you feel guilty, cash works too. Or teach me a few ninjutsu—no S-ranks, I'm not greedy."
Jiraiya snapped out of it, gritting his teeth. "Damn, genjutsu? When did that happen?"
Whatever. Food first!After some vigorous munching….
Burp. ×2
Stuffed with potato water, the big man and the little boy sprawled on the tatami to rest.
Rubik glanced at Jiraiya, who seemed eager to speak but hesitant, and said flatly, "Just ask whatever you want."Jiraiya chuckled.
"Your mom was a survivor of the Uzumaki clan, right? She told you about that?"
"Yeah, the red hair's a giveaway. Mom told me Uzumaki stories. She also shared tales of Konoha's Sannin, so I recognized you right away."
"Heh~ I know I'm famous, but getting spotted in a place like this is kinda embarrassing."
Jiraiya struck a narcissistic pose."Your Body Flicker is impressive. Did your mom teach you?"
"Nope, I just learned it. I only refined chakra last night. Mom wasn't a ninja. She said it was from my dad, whom I've never met. She gave me the chakra-refining manual on her deathbed."
"Eh? You refined chakra in one night and got Body Flicker to that level? Genius!"Jiraiya sprang up from the tatami, startling Rubik.
"Is it that shocking? Aren't you one of the Legendary Sannin? You've seen tons of geniuses."
"Refining chakra overnight is plausible, but your Body Flicker is at—or beyond—standard ninja level after one night? Even in Konoha, that's rare! Damn, it pisses me off. Reminds me of that bastard Orochimaru. Why are all you geniuses so infuriating?"
"Oh, thanks for the compliment.""That wasn't a compliment!"Jiraiya fell silent, then asked, "Kid, what's your plan from here? You don't seem like the type to stay in this village forever. If you have nowhere to go, I could take you with me..."
"Stop—stop! If it's Konoha, pass."Jiraiya looked surprised.
"Why?"Rubik shrugged casually. "Mom said she didn't like Konoha. The Land of Whirlpools was allied with them, but Konoha didn't help when it fell. She told me to be wary."
This was a half-truth, not a full lie. It wasn't Rubik's mom, Shinano, who disliked Konoha—it was her parents, especially her grandfather.
He'd always resented it, believing Konoha reinforcements could have saved their home and his parents, who died shielding him. That's why he never fled to Konoha with his wife and daughter.
Jiraiya gave a wry smile. "Konoha had just been founded. The First Hokage died young, leaving internal chaos. Other nations saw weakness and declared war—the First Shinobi World War. Whirlpool fell during that. Konoha was fighting four villages alone; we had no spare forces."
"Makes sense."Still reluctant, Jiraiya pressed, "Really reconsider Konoha? With your talent and Uzumaki ties, they'd train you top-tier. You'd be an amazing ninja."
"Outside, not every ninja's as nice as me. Trust me—other villages or rogue nin would crush you before you grow strong, no matter your talent."
This wasn't a threat. Despite the short time, Rubik had made a great impression. His Uzumaki heritage reminded Jiraiya of his lonely grand-disciple in the village. Jiraiya's gaze softened with paternal warmth.Sensing the concern, Rubik stood, knelt on one knee before Jiraiya, and bowed.
"Brat, what're you doing? I warn you, I don't swing that way."
"Shut up, you perverted toad! Is your head full of nothing but yellow trash?"
"You little punk know nothing! That's art—art!"
"I'll art you with a Toad Oil Flame Bomb!"
"You little—"
"Please take me as your disciple!!!"Jiraiya, mid-retort, stared at the kneeling black-haired boy.
His expression turned serious."Stand up, kid. I have no reason to take you as a disciple. You're talented, sure, but I'm a Konoha ninja on a mission with a critical duty. I can't bring you along. Sorry."
"No, I'll make you agree."
"Oh? How?"Jiraiya was intrigued; few could sway him.
"With this."Rubik slowly raised his head, locking eyes with the tall man. Jiraiya's serious gaze turned to shock.
"K-Kid, those eyes..."For the first time since meeting Rubik, Jiraiya was truly stunned by the Sharingan—two tomoe.
The Uchiha clan had been massacred a year ago, when Sasuke was 7; Rubik was the same age, 8 now.This made Rubik a ninja-world panda—rarer than rare.
Any faction would welcome him, even if he just ate and drank; they'd line up beauties to restart the Uchiha bloodline.
Seeing Jiraiya's expected shock, Rubik relaxed. He knew now Jiraiya wouldn't let him go—even if he didn't ask.Jiraiya pondered: Uzumaki and Uchiha? What heights could this kid reach? The Great Toad Sage's prophecy... the Child of Destiny to save the world... Maybe him.
After a moment, Jiraiya decided."Kid, from today, you're the disciple of Jiraiya, one of the Sannin! Brace yourself—I'll train you into an elite ninja."
"Yes, Master!"Rubik smiled in relief. His gambit had paid off."Ahem~ One more question, though."Jiraiya scratched his cheek, embarrassed.
Rubik tilted his head. "Ask away." Ever the respectful student, Rubik answered sincerely—masters asked, disciples replied.
"Uh... what's your name again?"Rubik's face darkened.
"Shouldn't have been nice to you, you old perv! I'm Uzumaki Rubik. Nice to be working with you, Perverted Sage!"
"Wait, that's not the way one calls his teacher! Change it back!"
"Nope! Old perv or Perverted Sage—no other options!"
"You insolent disciple!"
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