With mixed feelings, Jiraiya left the school.
He then wandered the streets without any particular destination until he arrived at a construction site, where a familiar figure was directing something.
It was Tazuna.
A renowned bridge-building master in the Land of Waves... and indeed, throughout the entire Shinobi World.
His voice rang loud and clear as he gave instructions to several young people.
What Jiraiya found unbelievable was that those young people wore distinctive matching black uniforms, with the Dawn Company emblem on their backs as well.
"Right! Use Earth Release to stabilize this foundation! Be careful not to use too much force!"
"And you, use Wind Release to—"
Not only was Tazuna directing the site in an orderly manner, he was also discussing the structural mechanics of construction with those young shinobi, explaining why one area needed reinforcement and another needed expansion joints.
The young shinobi listened attentively, occasionally offering ideas of their own.
Here, Ninjutsu no longer represented slaughter and destruction. It had become genuine productive power, closely integrated with the construction of homes.
So this is... one of Chakra's true purposes? Jiraiya was filled with emotion.
He recalled what Naruto had said that night: "Use Ninjutsu to improve the environment and increase productivity."
Seeing it with his own eyes was far more shocking than merely hearing about it.
"A remarkable sight, isn't it, Jiraiya?"
A deep voice sounded behind him.
Jiraiya's body instantly tensed. He spun around, a kunai already in his hand, clenched tightly.
"Momochi Zabuza..." Jiraiya's gaze sharpened. "A rogue shinobi from Hidden Mist... what are you doing here?"
"Relax, Jiraiya." Zabuza, with the Kubikiribōchō strapped to his back, waved a hand. His tone was calm. "Lord Naruto predicted that you would come. He asked me to wait here, guide you, and answer some of