Isn't this a coincidence?

Jiraiya had originally thought that Konoha had become so open during his absence, but he hadn't expected... it was this open?!

At that moment.

The tight training outfit, as if embodying the Will of Fire, flashed before his eyes. Figures darted through his mind, appearing before his very gaze, seared into his memory. He had to quickly replay his memories of gathering materials from the past few years.

To cleanse his eyes.

What were the elders of Konoha doing?!

Gathered together dancing?

They were so idle?

And wearing the same tight shinobi outfits as the old man, just in different colors?!

Jiraiya immediately tilted his head up at a forty-five-degree angle, sighing with emotion. He now realized he'd likely been tricked by that girl Kushina.

What a scam!

It looked like he'd have to waste some time gathering materials again tonight to replace the scene that had been so deeply etched into his mind.

A fleeting glimpse!

Even now, if he closed his eyes, he could still remember that tight Will of Fire outfit!

He had originally wanted to relax in the village, let his body rest, and prepare for the coming turmoil in the Ninja World. But now... truly, plans couldn't keep up with changes. He had to get serious about gathering materials again.

As expected.

It wasn't that he didn't want to rest, but he genuinely had no chance to rest!

With a long, drawn-out sigh, he muttered, "I really need to have a good talk with Minato. How could his own wife trick her own master like this?"

He wasn't doing anything wrong.

All of this was for art!

He wasn't wrong... Okay, fine!

Now he had to cleanse his eyes!

However.

No sooner had he spoken.

Just as he turned around, feeling dejected, intending to quietly leave and pretend he'd never been there, a green blur shot past him.

As one of the Konoha Sannin, his reaction was incredibly swift. He immediately turned, crossing his arms to block. Although his hands felt a bit sore and tingly from the impact, he quickly created some distance.

Jiraiya looked at the man with the distinctive attire before him with some surprise, then quickly resumed his usual playful grin and said, "A traveler passing through, no intention to disturb, I shall now depart..."

Before he could finish.

"Lord Jiraiya?!" Might Duy's booming voice immediately drew everyone's attention. He stood at attention and bowed respectfully, "My apologies! I thought someone was peeking sneakily!"

"..."

Don't say another word! Don't say another word!

Jiraiya's face was practically turning green. Seeing the gazes of the group of elderly people turning towards him, he quickly forced a laugh and said, "I just returned to the village! I was just about to come here to practice some ninjutsu, I didn't expect anyone to be here already!"

"Is that so?" Might Duy nodded very seriously. "If you want to train ninjutsu, the riverbank over there is better. Also..." he hesitated, then said with some concern, "Why are Lord Jiraiya's eyes so red?"

Did he rub them?

As soon as he said that.

"Hahaha!" Jiraiya continued to laugh it off, scratching his head. "It's nothing, just too many things going on, I haven't slept enough, my eyes are a bit uncomfortable. If there's nothing else, I'll be taking my leave."

After saying that.

Without waiting for Might Duy to speak, he quickly turned and sprinted away, as if he couldn't bear to linger for even a moment.

Those eyes... they were too terrifying!

Jiraiya feared that if that guy kept talking, even if he hadn't been peeking, he'd be perceived as having been peeking!

However.

He didn't know.

Given his reputation for lurking in women's bathhouses, a bunch of gossips immediately started whispering amongst themselves...

"Is that the Konoha Sannin, Jiraiya?"

"I heard he's not a respectable person. My child told me that whenever he went to relax before, Jiraiya was always there!"

"Your child isn't exactly respectable either!"

"He was just going to relax, how is he not a good person?"

"..."

Sometimes, that's how rumors are born.

A few days later.

After so many D-rank missions, Minato's team was finally embarking on their first real mission outside the village.

It seemed to be a specific mission assigned to him, Minato Namikaze. Compared to peacetime, it was a bit rushed, and perhaps a bit beyond what a rookie shinobi should handle. However, during wartime, special circumstances called for special treatment, and it was understandable.

With a Jonin leading the way, there shouldn't be any major issues!

Minato looked at Kakashi and Rin before him and gave a helpless smile. "Obito, is he late again?"

"..." Kakashi leaned against a tree, glanced over, and said nothing, quietly gazing at the sky again.

He was used to it.

Lately, that guy had the most complaints about food delivery; Uncle Sato had stopped paying attention to him.

There was nothing to be done.

Who knew that guy might become Uncle Sato's young master?

As for Rin... she also gave a slightly embarrassed, gentle smile and said softly, "Obito might have encountered someone who needed help again."

"Hahaha, that's true!" Minato didn't mind. There was still some time before they left the village, so it wasn't a big deal.

After laughing heartily twice, he looked at Konoha Village with a touch of helplessness.

The rumors these past few days...

Jiraiya-sensei was working very hard!

He hadn't seen Jiraiya-sensei for several days since they met that day.

Minato sighed and murmured, "When we get back, I have to take Kushina to apologize to Sensei!"

Maybe the yakiniku restaurant would be open by then?

He could treat Sensei to a feast with his mission reward!

He wasn't worried about Sensei being angry; these rumors were child's play for him. After all, Sensei was one of the Konoha Sannin, the Toad Sage Jiraiya! He was a famous shinobi in the Ninja World!

Just then.

"Minato-sensei!" Obito came running over in a hurry. Seeing the three pairs of eyes on him, he gave an embarrassed, silly laugh. "Haha, sorry! I'm late!"

"It's fine, we just got here too," Minato said with a slight smile, shaking his head. Then, he looked at Obito very seriously. "But Obito! Punctuality is also a shinobi's duty! Look at Kakashi; no matter what, he's never late!"

"I understand, Minato-sensei."

Knowing he was in the wrong, Obito didn't say much, just lowered his head to accept the lecture, even though he had heard it many times...

Actually, he didn't want to be late.

It was just that lately... he had to help old ladies cross the street, prepare his own bento, and clean the house. He was very tired.

He thought about how his daily workload had increased since his grandmother started dancing.

But as long as Grandma was happy, that was all that mattered!

Moreover, Grandma had seemed much more energetic recently.

Seeing that Obito had repented again, Minato didn't say anything more. He chuckled and ruffled Obito's hair. "Alright, is everyone ready?"

As he spoke.

"Yes," came Kakashi's voice.

"Ready!" Rin replied softly.

Then.

The three turned to look at Obito. Obito gently wiped his nose, a slight smile curving his lips, his teeth seeming to flash as he gave a confident thumbs-up. "I was ready last night!"

"Then..." Minato took a deep breath and waved his hand, about to excitedly announce that Team Minato was departing.

A luxurious carriage slowly drove towards them.

As everyone watched in confusion, a handsome head poked out from inside. He seemed to notice something, looking surprised, then narrowed his eyes at the boy wearing goggles in Minato's team.

Well, isn't this a coincidence?

Requesting recommendation tickets. I'm busy today and only have one chapter! So few tickets! Please support me if you like it!