Mizuki's disappearance didn't cause much of a stir at the Ninja Academy, because the academy announced that he had been transferred to another position.
By contrast.
Since Sasuke had started thinking about changing teammates, the biggest topic at the academy these past few days was the countless students who had gone to volunteer themselves as his new teammates.
That night.
Naruto sat alone on a swing, his head bowed.
To beat Sasuke, he had even snuck into the Hokage's residence and stolen the Scroll of Seals. But not only had he failed to learn anything, Iruka had also given him a thorough scolding.
"Ah..."
Thinking that Sasuke might replace him and Sakura, Naruto couldn't help sighing.
"Kid, why the sigh?"
Just then, a voice sounded behind Naruto.
Naruto turned around. "Who are you?"
Jiraiya stepped out of the shadows, smiling. "What's troubling you, kid? Want to tell me about it?"
Naruto said, "You wouldn't understand even if I told you!"
Jiraiya pulled a popsicle from behind his back and handed it to Naruto. "Then tell me anyway!"
For the sake of the popsicle, Naruto licked it as he told Jiraiya how Sasuke was about to replace him and Sakura.
"Hahahaha!"
After listening, Jiraiya burst into laughter.
Naruto's experience reminded him a little of his own. Back in the day, he'd been a dead-last at the academy, while Sasuke, hailed as a genius, was just like Orochimaru had been—exceptionally gifted!
Seeing Jiraiya laugh so heartily, Naruto got a little angry. "What are you laughing at?"
Jiraiya said, "I just remembered what happened to me back then. I was just like you are now."
Naruto became interested. "Did your teammates dislike you too?"
"Yeah!"
Jiraiya nodded.
"What happened after that?" Naruto pressed, staring at Jiraiya. "Did your teammates replace you in the