Chapter 192 Jiraiya’s decision

After the rain, Konoha Village seemed to be washed again by nature. Fresh air filled the streets and alleys, mixed with the faint fragrance of soil and grass.

"It's not immortality itself that has meaning, but what to do with eternal time..." Jiraiya muttered to himself thoughtfully as he walked slowly on the wet stone road.

Yu Xi's words kept echoing in his mind.

The sunlight struggled to penetrate the clouds, shedding a few rays of golden light, casting mottled shadows on Jiraiya.

After turning a few corners, the residence of the Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze gradually came into view.

This is a traditional Japanese-style building, simple and elegant.

There are several green bamboos planted in front of the door, swaying gently in the breeze, making rustling sounds.

Jiraiya stood in front of the door, staring at the bamboo trees, as if he could see the scene inside the mansion through them.

He took a deep breath, letting the fresh air fill his lungs, then raised his hand and gently knocked on the door.

The door was soon opened, and Minato Namikaze's face, which always had a gentle smile, appeared behind the door.

There was a bright light in his eyes, as warm as the sunshine.

"Teacher Jiraiya?" Minato showed a hint of surprise on his face.

He hurried forward and said enthusiastically, "Please come in!"

Jiraiya smiled and nodded, then followed Minato through the neat and peaceful courtyard.

In the corner of the courtyard, a small figure was squatting on the ground quietly, counting ants with full concentration.

Suddenly, the sound of light footsteps came into the child's ears, and he raised his head suddenly.

In an instant, those blue eyes sparkled as brightly as the brightest stars in the night sky.

"Lecherous Sage!" Naruto shouted excitedly, and then rushed straight towards Jiraiya like a small cannonball.

Seeing this, Jiraiya couldn't help but burst into laughter. He opened his arms and steadily caught Naruto who was running towards him.

Then, he gently rubbed Naruto's golden hair, which was exactly the same as his own, and said with a smile: "Little brat, be careful!"

Minato watched this scene with a smile, his heart filled with warmth.

He gestured to Jiraiya, asking him to sit down in the living room, and poured a cup of hot tea for both of them.

Jiraiya picked up the teacup and took a sip. The light fragrance of tea spread in his mouth, making him feel comfortable.

However, his expression gradually became serious.

His eyes flickered between Minato and Naruto, as if he was thinking about how to start his conversation.

After a while, he finally put down the teacup and said slowly: "Minato, actually I came here today because I want to discuss something with you."

Minato's ears were like radar, and he immediately picked up on the subtle change in his teacher's tone.

He calmly reached out his hand, patted Naruto's back gently, and said softly: "Go practice ninjutsu, Dad and Teacher Jiraiya have something to discuss."

Although Naruto was a little reluctant, he still pouted.

However, under his father's gentle yet unquestionable gaze, he finally ran out of the room obediently.

After Naruto left, Minato's gaze returned to Jiraiya, his voice low and serious, "Is it about Naruto?"

Jiraiya nodded first, as if wanting to confirm Minato's guess.

But then he shook his head and added, "More than that."

He slowly put down the teacup in his hand and leaned forward.

He moved closer to Minato, while lowering his voice even lower as if he was afraid of being overheard, "I plan on taking Naruto out for training tomorrow."

Minato's fingers tapped lightly on the table subconsciously, making a rhythmic sound.

His brows furrowed slightly, obviously surprised by Jiraiya's decision, "So sudden?"

Jiraiya took a deep breath and looked Minato straight in the eyes.

He said slowly: "Sarutobi teacher is dead, and Danzo is obsessed with the position of Hokage. I am worried that you can't handle it alone, so I want to find a helper to assist you."

Minato's frown deepened, of course he knew that Danzo's behavior had been a little strange lately, and he was indeed a little worried.

Jiraiya suddenly interrupted him and said, "That old fox has been waiting for this opportunity. When the Sandaime was alive, he could suppress him a little, but now..."

At this point, Jiraiya's words stopped abruptly, and the room suddenly fell into a suffocating silence.

After a long while, Minato finally asked, "Who is the helper you just mentioned?"

The corners of Jiraiya's mouth rose slightly, revealing a faint smile, which seemed to be mixed with a hint of nostalgia.

He said slowly, "Tsunade."

Hearing this name, Minato's eyes flashed with surprise.

He obviously didn't expect that the helper Jiraiya was talking about would be Tsunade.

"Can you really convince her?" Minato asked doubtfully.

Jiraiya just shrugged helplessly and replied: "How do you know if you don't try? Besides... there is something more urgent than this."

His expression suddenly became extremely solemn, as if a heavy burden was pressing on him.

Then, he lowered his voice and said, "According to my latest investigation, Orochimaru once joined an organization called Akatsuki. The members of this organization are all S-rank rebel ninjas, and they are very powerful. The recent intelligence shows that they seem to have a strong interest in the tailed beasts, and I'm afraid they have already set their sights on the tailed beasts in our village."

Minato's pupils suddenly contracted and his eyes unconsciously drifted towards Naruto who was playing outside the window.

"You mean..."

"Nine-Tails." Jiraiya nodded heavily, "I was worried about Naruto's safety, so I took him away from the village, partly for training, and partly to avoid the eyes and ears of Akatsuki."

Minato's fingers unconsciously clenched the corner of his clothes.

As a father, he instinctively wanted to protect his son; as Hokage, he had to consider the safety of the village.

"Where are you going to take him?"

"Let's go to Myoboku Mountain first." Jiraiya said, "It's relatively safe there. After that...it depends on the situation. I will teach him how to control the Nine-Tails' chakra, so that he can at least protect himself."

Minato stood up and walked to the window.

Naruto was practicing his newly learned ninjutsu on a wooden target with a pure smile on his face.

The sunlight shone on him, as if giving him a golden halo.

"How long will it take?" Minato asked softly.

"At least one year." Jiraiya walked up to him, "I know it's hard, but..."

"No, I understand," Minato interrupted, his voice firm, "You're right. Naruto needs to get stronger, especially during times like these."

Jiraiya patted his disciple's shoulder: "Don't worry, I will protect him with my life."

Minato turned his head, his eyes flashing with complex light: "I believe you, teacher. It's just..."

His words were interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps.

Naruto flung open the door, his face covered in sweat but filled with excitement: "Dad! I did it!"

Minato's expression softened instantly, "That's great, Naruto!"

"Lewd Sage, do you want to watch me practice?" Naruto looked at Jiraiya expectantly.

Jiraiya laughed, "Of course! But before that..." He winked mysteriously, "I have good news for you."

Naruto tilted his head, "What's the good news?"

"Starting tomorrow, you will go out and practice with me!" Jiraiya announced.

Naruto's eyes widened and his mouth opened into an "O" shape: "Really? Lecherous sage!"

Minato squatted down and looked his son in the eye: "It's true, but remember, training is very hard, you have to listen to Master Jiraiya."

"I will! I will definitely become the most powerful ninja!" Naruto cheered and jumped up

Minato pulled his son into his arms, and from an angle he couldn't see, there was a hint of worry in his eyes.

Jiraiya stood aside, his eyes deep.