**Chapter 6: You're the Most Beautiful Girl in Konoha I've Ever Seen**
Jiraiya rubbed the huge lump on his head, glaring at his smug master and bratty disciple. "You two went too far! I've bled for the village! Old man, if you don't lend me that precious crystal ball for a couple days, I'll spill all your youthful dirt!"
Seeing Jiraiya throw a tantrum, Hiruzen flushed and yelled to save face: "Shut it, Jiraiya! There's a kid here! He's new to Konoha—don't spout nonsense and give him a bad impression!"
"Uh... first time here, but I'm pretty familiar with Konoha. Like, I know when the whole village got renovated."
Rubik grumbled inwardly.
Hiruzen and Jiraiya dropped the antics and got serious. Jiraiya's wandering wasn't just for "research." He was Konoha's top "sales ninja"—138 S-ranks, 614 A-ranks, 684 B-ranks. Without massive contributions, his year-long jaunts would've branded him a deserter elsewhere (shoutout to Deidara). If voting "Top 10 Touching Konoha Figures," Rubik owed Jiraiya a vote for those "nightclub scenery tours" over the years.
With no secrecy, Rubik quietly listened behind Jiraiya as he reported.
Just as Rubik thought it was wrapping up, the door opened.
"Lord Hokage, Team 10 reporting mission. Huh? Lord Jiraiya?! You're back?"
Asuma, all business at first, lit up at the sight of Jiraiya.
Jiraiya grinned at his long-lost junior: "Hahaha, long time no see, Asuma! Leading a team now? Time flies! How's herding brats?"
Jiraiya chatted warmly, clearly thrilled. Hiruzen sighed inwardly at Asuma's 180 from his earlier attitude toward him. Asuma grew up under strict mom Bishamon's watch, distant from his dad—especially after Hiruzen opposed his Guardian 12 gig, icing their already frosty bond. Biwako's death years ago only deepened Asuma's resentment.
Asuma had matured into a fine ninja, gaining some understanding of his Hokage father, but things stayed awkward.
Hiruzen eyed his son complexly and spoke first: "Asuma, report the mission later. I need some private time with Jiraiya."
He nodded at Rubik: "This is Jiraiya's new disciple,it is his first time in Konoha. Show him around."
"Is That okay, Rubik?"
Hiruzen asked kindly.
Rubik got the hint—they wanted privacy. He was happy to explore the familiar-yet-new village. He nodded at Hiruzen, smiled at Asuma: "No problem. Let's go, Mr. Asuma."
Rubik followed the appraising Asuma out.
...
With Rubik gone, the vast office held just master and disciple.
The Third Hokage broke the silence seriously: "Jiraiya, do you think Rubik will stay in Konoha, and become one of us?"
Jiraiya shook his head earnestly: "Hard to say. Kid's been independent since young—more mature than Minato back then. After years together, I'd swear he's an adult in disguise.
I've probed—he dodges or says 'next time.' But he bores no malice toward Konoha. I'd stake my life on that."
Hiruzen smiled helplessly at Jiraiya's gravity: "You're overthinking. From how he played along with my prank, he holds no grudge against Konoha—at least not this Hokage.
I was worried about Uzumaki clan trauma or his possible Uchiha dad breeding resentment, but he's a sensible kid. Good job teaching him, Jiraiya."
"Of course!"
Jiraiya beamed proudly.
He was thrilled with his disciple Rubik, though his initial motives were mixed... Not just the kid's talent, but Sharingan to counter Naruto's Nine-Tails. A big reason for taking Rubik was hoping he'd help Naruto control the fox later. Otherwise, he could've dumped him in Konoha and bounced. Keeping Rubik close warded off Danzo's schemes and tested Great Toad Sage's prophecy. Was Rubik *the* Child of Prophecy?
Hiruzen eyed Jiraiya's pride: "Since he came back with you, he must feel strong enough to stay safe."
Jiraiya nodded seriously: "Right. These 4 years, I taught him everything but sage mode. He's a genius—my legacy finally has an appropriate heir."
Jiraiya spoke with emotion. Rubik wasn't just a student; he was his ninjutsu successor. He'd mentored many fine ninjas, guiding their paths, but none fully inherited his style like Rubik—the first.
"So, what about his Sharingan progress?"
Hiruzen finally asked what mattered most.
"Three tomoe already. Self-taught, but mastered. The best Uchiha application I've seen—maybe matches Shisui or Itachi, though I never saw them."
A bold claim from Jiraiya.
Hiruzen exhaled smoke, regretful: "Really? I wanted Kakashi to teach him Sharingan basics, to build goodwill. It is a Shame."
"Integrating him, earning Konoha loyalty—gonna take work."
Hiruzen sighed.
"Nah, I think it'll be easy."
Jiraiya grinned confidently at Hiruzen.
"Oh? Why?"
Hiruzen eyed his cocky disciple curiously.
Jiraiya laughed: "Obvious! He's my disciple—carries his own Will of Fire!"
Hiruzen chuckled helplessly at the foolery. "i Hope so."
...
Meanwhile, on Konoha's streets
Yamanaka Flower Shop
Asuma rubbed his forehead exasperatedly, eyeing Rubik holding the flowers.
Rubik thrust them at shop-helper Ino, dramatically: "You're the most beautiful girl in Konoha I've ever seen. I see stars in your eyes—this flower's my gift to you."
Caught off-guard, Ino blinked blankly at Asuma, then the handsome guy gripping her hand. Her face flushed crimson.
"Ah... uh... um..."
Today, Rubik discovered his personal verison Will of fire..m