Refusal

"Teacher Jiraiya, please teach us chakra and ninjutsu."

Facing Yahiko and the others' request, Jiraiya could only shake his head helplessly.

"I've told you many times. I have no intention of teaching you ninjutsu, so there's no need to call me 'teacher.'"

"But—"

"There are no buts."

Jiraiya sighed softly and spoke earnestly. "Being a ninja isn't fun. Ordinary people may think ninjas possess powers beyond their reach and wish they could become one themselves, but the truth is that being a ninja is a dangerous and painful profession."

As he spoke, Jiraiya's voice grew unconsciously grave.

"According to incomplete statistics, the death rate among ninjas is well over ninety-five percent. Even the leader of a village can't guarantee the safety of himself or his family."

"You'll find yourself fighting others day after day, constantly watching important people—your family, friends, loved ones, and students—pass away one after another. Of all the ninjas I've encountered, almost none have met a peaceful end."

As he spoke, Jiraiya gestured toward Chiba and the others behind Yahiko.

"If becoming a ninja means you'll eventually lose them, would you still be willing?"

Not just Yahiko—even Nagato and Konan fell silent.

After a moment, Jiraiya continued, "So there's nothing wrong with being ordinary people. The war is over. Find a secluded place, and you can live happily as ordinary people. If you're really worried about your safety, I can take you near Konoha. You'll be practically guaranteed safety there."

Just as Jiraiya thought he had persuaded them, Yahiko suddenly looked up and interrupted him.

"I'm sorry, but I can't do that."

Yahiko's gaze was resolute. "It's true that if we did what you suggested, we might be able to live safely and happily. But what about all the civilians in the Land of Rain? Can they do the same?"

"That's right. We may have peace now, but I don't believe it will last. When war comes again, the tragedy that happened to us will repeat itself throughout this country."

Yahiko's voice grew impassioned.

"I, Yahiko, want to save this country. I want to end this painful cycle. I want to find a true path to peace and bring an end to this chaotic age. I'm willing to stake my life on it. I haven't figured out exactly what we should do yet, but I understand one thing: we need power. So..."

Yahiko bowed low to the ground, his voice firm. "Teacher Jiraiya, please."

Watching Yahiko bow respectfully, Jiraiya felt conflicted.

He had set out on his travels in the first place to search for the Child of Prophecy and a path to peace.

The child before him had a truly stirring ambition. Honestly, for a moment, Jiraiya felt the urge to stay and teach them.

But...

Suddenly remembering something, Jiraiya firmly suppressed that impulse.

"I'm sorry."

Jiraiya stood and sighed softly.

"The truth is, I don't have enough time to teach you. I told you before that I can only stay here for a month at most. During that time, I'll teach you some basic survival skills, like hunting and fishing. After a month, no matter how much you've learned, I'll leave. I have my own mission to carry out."

"As for ninjutsu... honestly, I don't think you'd learn much in a month. Teaching you only the basics would do you more harm than good. So... I'm sorry."

With that, Jiraiya turned and walked out, leaving the group in silence.

For the next half month or so, Jiraiya did as he'd said and taught Yahiko and the others only basic hunting and fishing skills. He never mentioned ninjutsu again, and no matter how much Yahiko pleaded, Jiraiya wouldn't agree.

Naturally, Yahiko was quite disappointed by the outcome.

Chiba, however, saw things much more clearly than Yahiko did.

Whatever the case, Jiraiya had no reason to teach them.

Konoha was still at war. Fighting continued on several other fronts, and the village was short on manpower. Unless something unexpected happened, Jiraiya couldn't possibly stay away from it.

Even without that, he had all sorts of missions to carry out. How could someone as busy as him have nothing better to do than look after children from another country?

Even within Konoha, plenty of children wanted Jiraiya to take them on as students. Yet he had hardly taken on any pupils at all.

Jiraiya was a good person, but he wasn't indiscriminately kind. He couldn't agree to train every child who asked.

Even if they managed to move Jiraiya, he would probably teach them a few basic things at most before leaving. They wouldn't learn anything substantial.

So there was only one way to earn Jiraiya's approval and truly make him stay.

A reason that left him no choice but to stay.

With that thought, Chiba silently turned his gaze toward the window.

Come to think of it, Zetsu should be about ready to make his move.