Infiltration

"Naruto, Little Jiraiya has died."

The moment Fukasaku toad spoke those words, Naruto's expression froze.

He had failed to find Sasuke, and now, upon returning to the village, he had received such dreadful news. His emotions finally snapped.

"Teacher Kakashi, why did you let Pervy Sage take on such a dangerous mission?"

Kakashi rubbed the bridge of his nose, looking utterly exhausted. "Naruto, the village's situation is dire. Aside from Lord Jiraiya, everyone understood that. That's why he volunteered to go to Amegakure. You—"

"So what? I—"

Naruto could not continue. With tears welling in his eyes, he slammed the door and ran out.

After two days of despondency, Naruto pulled himself together with Iruka's comfort, then followed Fukasaku to Mount Myoboku to learn Sage Art.

On an island in the Land of Water, a white-haired man stood by the shore, staring blankly out at the sea.

Who am I?

Ever since someone had rescued him, that question had continued to trouble him.

It seemed that he had lost his memory.

Although he could not remember anything from before, he was constantly plagued by a sense of anxiety, as though something was happening, yet he could not recall a single thing about it.

"Teruo, dinner's ready!"

Before he knew it, night had fallen.

In the distance, a youthful and beautiful woman called out to him. The man turned back with a smile. "Mika, I'll be right there."

This girl had saved him and taken him in. He was deeply grateful to Mika, and he vaguely sensed that she had feelings for him as well.

That relationship had yet to blossom, but it was only a matter of time.

He followed Mika back to the small fishing village, smiling as he greeted the villagers. During this time, his easygoing nature