The Inevitable Has Come

The Inevitable Has Come

Jiraiya froze for a moment, then saw the determined look in Naruto's eyes.

He looked exactly like Minato had when he was young. He was usually kind to others and unwilling to haggle over every little thing, but whenever he was needed, he would always step forward—and he was as stubborn as an old man.

The two golden-haired figures seemed to gradually overlap...

"Do you know what it means if I agree to this?"

"I do. That's why I want to fight for the village and protect everyone, instead of making everyone protect me!"

"The enemy will be very powerful. You won't be able to defeat them."

"But that isn't a reason for me to be cowardly and hide. I'm part of Konoha too!"

With Naruto determined to join the battle, Jiraiya couldn't persuade him, nor could he think of any better reason.

After pondering for a moment, Jiraiya wore a troubled expression again and said, "I can agree to let you participate, but on the condition that you must follow orders and not act recklessly. You can only take action after I give the word. Can you do that?"

After the sudden turn of events, Naruto looked excited. "I can!"

"During the time before the enemy arrives, don't run around. I need to be able to find you at any time. All right, get out of here. Since you've managed to come out for once, I'll give you half a day off."

An unexpected bonus?

Naruto left the Hokage's office feeling quite pleased, planning to find Sasuke for a chat and to clear his mind.

After Naruto left, Jiraiya let out a laugh and shook his head.

"That brat really knows how to give me difficult problems."

Just then, the door was pushed open, and