Although there were still many absurd things going on, they did not really have much to do with the story on the surface.
Those behind-the-scenes matters could be left to those behind the scenes to resolve.
—Lady Sparkle would solve everything. The audience only needed to enjoy the dazzling visual feast.
The night passed without incident.
This time, Naruto did not want to run away.
He was somewhat unwilling to run anymore, too.
He was tired.
And... he missed home.
If he kept wandering outside, he would probably only cause everyone more trouble.
Lying in his inn room, he gazed at the moon outside the window before gradually falling asleep.
"Lord Jiraiya."
Kakashi came up to the rooftop.
Jiraiya was sitting there, seemingly lost in thought.
"Kakashi." Jiraiya turned around.
"These past two years have truly been hard on you, Lord Jiraiya. You have always been protecting Naruto, haven't you?" Kakashi said.
Jiraiya shook his head. "Even without me, Naruto could have escaped. That kid's sensory abilities are very strong."
"No, compared to two years ago, Naruto's combat instincts have improved greatly. If it had been the old him, he probably would have charged foolishly at the enemy the moment he saw them." Kakashi said, "You were also using the opportunity to pursue Naruto to train him, weren't you?"
"Well." Jiraiya took a sip of sake. "If I had brought him back directly, he definitely would not have agreed. And then there was what happened a year ago..."
"The Nine-Tails' rampage..." Kakashi muttered.
"Although Kushina's soul is still there, she has remained asleep. Instead, the Nine-Tails has begun growing more active." Jiraiya lowered his head. "Helpless, Naruto kept trying to call out to Kushina, but there was never any response."
"...Naruto once knew nothing about his parents, and that version