You're the Second Person to Thank Me

With Fugaku's tacit approval, the Security Division's recruitment drive went very smoothly.

Not only was the pay decent—thirty percent more than odd jobs—but more importantly, the Uchiha opened up internal channels for learning ninjutsu.

Don't underestimate these humble techniques; many commoner descendants might only touch ninja tools during their school days.

Even an ordinary Great Fireball Technique could be something they'd never encounter in a lifetime.

With these conditions in place, quite a few villagers steeled themselves and walked through the door.

After all, who you followed didn't matter much.

Having meat to eat, ninjutsu to train, and the ability to defend themselves against bandits—that was their greatest wish.

As for danger?

With the great Hokage watching over them, what danger could Konoha possibly face?

Could anyone really slaughter the entire Security Division?

For all these reasons, the Security Division's expansion was a resounding success.

Hiruzen naturally knew about this, but he couldn't intervene.

The Security Division's management regulations left by Lord Tobirama clearly stated that the Uchiha had the right to recruit relevant personnel, with specifics to be determined based on circumstances.

And given the current situation, they really needed people!

Besides, the recruits were all civilians—what kind of trouble could they stir up?

Hiruzen felt quite at ease with them.

He'd deal with contacting the other ninja clans when the time came.

It wasn't until a week later that recruitment, onboarding, and training were fully completed.

The Security Division's arrangement was simple: civilian ninjas handled low-risk tasks.

The main force would focus on maintaining public order in Konoha.

With fresh blood joining, the clan members who had been complaining nonstop finally relaxed a bit.

You could have me charge onto the battlefield with a blade and fight the enemy.

If I died, that was my lack of skill—I deserved it.

But if you made me pick up trash or unclog sewers, I'd secretly curse your ancestors for eight generations.

A few days later, with everyone's recommendation, Eiji successfully rose to the rank of Deputy Captain of the Security Division.

The Captain was Fugaku—any higher and it would be disrespectful.

After wrapping up these matters, Eiji carved out some free time.

He sent Kuro to knock on Naruto's door, and before long, the little blond came scampering over.

Having not seen Eiji for a while, little Naruto actually missed him.

"Teacher Eiji, you're finally back."

Without wasting words, Naruto whipped out a kunai and showed off a flurry of moves. "How about that? While you were out of the village, I've been training hard every day."

Eiji gave a thumbs-up. "Not bad. One day, you'll definitely become a ninja as excellent as the Fourth Hokage."

But before that, let me take care of the village for you for the next seventy or eighty years.

"Hehe." Naruto shook his head smugly. "I've learned the Clone Technique too."

Eiji had taught Naruto the Clone Technique before, and he hadn't expected the kid to actually keep at it every day.

With that, little Naruto let out a breath.

He formed hand seals. "Clone Technique!"

With a poof, the smoke cleared, revealing a crooked, lopsided clone.

Before Eiji could even comment, it vanished.

"Uh, that was a fluke—let me try again!"

"Clone Technique!"

"Again!"

"Clone Technique!"

As little Naruto went poof poof poof, Jiraiya, who was spying from the shadows, seemed lost in thought.

"Looks like the Nine-Tails' chakra is having quite an impact on Naruto."

"Who's there!"

Eiji hurled a kunai, which grazed past Jiraiya's hair before embedding itself firmly in a tree.

"Kid, are you trying to kill me?!"

Jiraiya stomped over, cursing. "Come here, stick your head out—let me show you if I'll flatten you or not."

"So it's Jiraiya-sama. Sneaking around like that, I thought Orochimaru had come. What do you want with me?"

Jiraiya's teeth itched with irritation.

"You little brat, what do you think I want? The Old Man hounds me every day about why I haven't started teaching you yet. He's driving me crazy."

Eiji blinked, surprised that Hiruzen cared so much about this.

No, wait—was this about taking him as a disciple?

This was clearly about picking a side.

While the two of them bickered, Naruto studied Jiraiya with curiosity.

"Is this weird old guy also part of Teacher Eiji's family? He's got white hair too."

Sometimes Eiji marveled at Naruto's imagination.

If matching hair color meant they were related, then he'd be Tobirama's grandson and Kakashi's little brother.

Jiraiya couldn't help but laugh. This was the first time in years he'd come face-to-face with Minato's son.

"Little Naruto, you've grown so big. Last time I saw you, you were still in your mother's belly."

Naruto's interest perked up. "Old man, do you know my parents?"

"Of course. Your parents were, uh, incredible shinobi."

Hearing that, Naruto nearly jumped for joy.

He'd finally learned a little more about his parents.

If he kept asking, maybe he could even get their photo.

Naruto had already decided—he'd buy a frame and put it on his desk, so it would feel like they were right there with him.

Just thinking about it made him happy.

"Old man, do you have a picture of my parents?"

Jiraiya's face turned serious. He thought for a long moment.

"Sorry. I don't."

"Oh. Okay then."

Naruto looked a bit downcast, but he still politely expressed his thanks.

"Thanks for telling me about my parents, old man." He fumbled in his pocket for a while and pulled out a shiny shuriken.

"This is the first shuriken I ever bought with my own money. I'll give it to you as a gift."

Jiraiya's voice trembled slightly. "Thank you. I, Jiraiya, accept it."

"You're the second person to say thank you to me. Looks like I've made another friend."

Jiraiya couldn't help but ask, "Who was the first?"

"That's Teacher Eiji, of course. He was the first friend who wanted to play with me. That night I was really hungry, and Teacher Eiji treated me to a bowl of ramen with extra chashu..."

A few hours later, Naruto lay sprawled on his blanket, snoring loudly.

Every now and then, he'd chuckle in his sleep—seemed like he was having a good dream.

"Eiji, thank you for looking after Naruto."

"I just couldn't bear to see the Descendant of Heroes become a demon fox that everyone curses."

Jiraiya fell silent for a moment. "I've been searching for the Child of Prophecy, so I neglected..."

Eiji raised a hand to cut him off. "Whether it's Jiraiya-sama or Senior Kakashi, your reasons don't matter to me."

"Jiraiya-sama, do you really think that vague Child of Prophecy is more important than living well in the present?"