In this regard, he knew he was far inferior to his teacher.
"Your child is getting better and better at talking." Jiraiya raised his brows with a smile. "Let's have dinner tonight. I'll be leaving the village soon."
Mirai was stunned when he heard that. "Leaving the village? Where are you going?"
Jiraiya stared up at the blue sky, silent for a moment. "Do you remember the answer I once told you I was searching for?"
"Now that you're stronger than me, and have surpassed me in your ability to protect your family, I can safely go look for that answer."
Mirai seemed shaken as he looked at his teacher with a hint of awe in his eyes.
"Whether people can truly build trust in one another is not something you can learn by staying in one place," Jiraiya said with a faint smile.
"Mm!" Mirai answered, his voice catching slightly.
Under the eaves, teacher and disciple talked until evening.
After Kushina returned, the three of them went to the barbecue restaurant they often visited.
"What wonderful memories..." Jiraiya sighed as he looked around at the familiar surroundings.
The three of them chose a seat—the same place where he had accepted Mirai as his disciple that day.
"Yes, you've all grown so much."
At that moment, the owner of the barbecue restaurant came over as well. He was already in his fifties, and he had known both Jiraiya and Mirai since they were children.
Kushina was the only one present who did not understand what they meant. She immediately asked, "What are you talking about?"
Mirai smiled and explained the reason to her.
"Teacher Jiraiya, where do you plan to go first after leaving the village?" Kushina asked, a trace of envy in her voice. In truth, if she