The Tiger Returns to the Mountain; the Mountain Welcomes No Great Hero

"Old man, I can't spend another day as Jonin Commander!"

The Hokage Office was thick with smoke. Sarutobi Hiruzen sat behind his broad desk, the white smoke rising from his pipe blurring the wrinkles on his face, but doing nothing to hide the wise eyes that had seen the world.

He looked at the somewhat... unusual visitor before him.

Jiraiya sat carelessly in the chair across from him, one foot even propped on the seat. He was half-slouched against the backrest, reeking of alcohol.

His signature white hair was a little messy, and his gray-black coat hung open, revealing the fishnet armor he wore underneath. There even seemed to be a few drops of alcohol on it.

Compared to his usual bold, carefree self, Jiraiya now had an indescribable confusion buried deep in his eyes... and the relief of someone who had made up his mind!

"Old man, I came to say goodbye. I'm planning to leave the village for a while and travel around the Ninja World!"

His voice was a little hoarse from drinking, but remarkably clear.

Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't immediately look up at Jiraiya. He carefully finished handling the documents in his hands, took a deep drag on his pipe, and slowly exhaled two streams of smoke through his nostrils. Only then did he stop what he was doing and look at Jiraiya calmly.

"Why?"

"Why, huh?"

Jiraiya let out a breath reeking of alcohol and gave a self-deprecating smile.

"If I had to give a reason... I guess I feel like I'm trapped in a cage."

He got up, walked to the window, pushed it open, and sat on the sill, gazing out at the streets of Konoha.

"Konoha is great. Really great!"

"The old man is here to hold down the fort, and Sakumo, Tsunade, and the others are supporting the village. There's that kid Qi Luna, practically a perfect Jinchūriki, the new generation of Ino-Shika-Cho, and rising stars like Minato and Kushina. And there are countless more geniuses growing strong—some just graduated from the Ninja Academy, some are still studying there, and some haven't even enrolled yet."

"Konoha's future is bright and full of promise. It doesn't need another good-for-nothing like me hanging around..."

At that, his voice faltered. He looked away from the view outside and turned toward his teacher, Sarutobi Hiruzen, his voice growing lower.

"But, old man, you know about certain things too... The Great Toad Sage's prophecy has been like a thorn in my heart. The child of destiny... the one who will bring great change to the entire Ninja World..."

"I've been stuck in the village, listening to reports, reading documents, and dealing with all those trivial, harmless Jonin assignments... I can't find any answers or see where I'm headed..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen fell silent, the light in his pipe flickering. He knew how much effort his student had poured into this, especially after seeing Nagato and the other two's abilities and potential. Jiraiya's obsession had nearly become a demon in his heart.

"And besides, I want to travel across the whole Ninja World, see different customs and landscapes, have all kinds of adventures, and collect the little-known secrets hidden away in forgotten corners!"

Jiraiya's voice suddenly rose, charged with almost feverish excitement. He leaped down from the window and onto the roof outside, raising his arm high.

"I'll discover the true meaning of the prophecy on my travels, and find the key that can change the Ninja World!"

"I'll use my pen to capture the soul of the shinobi. That's what a Toad Sage of Mount Myoboku—and the great Jiraiya—ought to be doing! Ohahahaha!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen watched Jiraiya, hands on his hips and full of passion, but didn't interrupt his student.

He knew Jiraiya. He might seem carefree and unruly, but deep down, he cared about the village more than anyone and longed for peace and stability more than anyone.

This seemingly impulsive journey wasn't an attempt to run away. It was a search for another way to protect the village!

He recalled the day Qi Luna had brought Nagato back, and the discreetly shared intelligence Qi Luna had given him. It was still a closely guarded secret, known only to him, Qi Luna, and Jiraiya.

While Sarutobi Hiruzen was lost in memory and thought, the office door opened softly, and someone entered without a sound. It was Uzumaki Qi Luna.

"Lord Hokage."

Qi Luna's eyes were as calm as still water, without a ripple. He gave Sarutobi Hiruzen a slight nod, then stood quietly in front of the desk.

When Jiraiya saw Qi Luna, he paused. The fervor on his face faded a little, and he looked at Qi Luna with a complicated but earnest expression.

"Qi Luna... I've been thinking a lot about what you told me about that boy, Nagato."

Qi Luna didn't say anything. He simply watched him in silence.

Jiraiya took a deep breath, his voice carrying a touch of relief and determination.

"Whatever happens, whether Nagato is the child of destiny in the Great Toad Sage's prophecy or not... whether the prophecy will really come true... those aren't things I can figure out by sitting in an office."

"But I know that with a teacher like you, an older brother like you, and companions like Yahiko and Konan, he's on a path toward the light... and that's enough!"

He looked back at Sarutobi Hiruzen and grinned, flashing his trademark bold smile. His eyes shone with longing for the unknown journey ahead and anticipation for the world he would create with his writing.

"Old man, let me go. The Jonin Commander's office will be in steady hands with Torifu, that guy Dan, and even that kid Shikaku."

"And as for me... I'm going to write my own legend! I'll look for answers on the road and find confirmation in my stories! That's a lot more interesting than facing endless documents all day!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen gazed at Jiraiya for a long while. His eyes shifted to the future beyond the window, to the responsibilities binding Jiraiya, and finally settled on Qi Luna's composed face before the desk.

He slowly breathed out a long plume of smoke, as though pouring all his worries, reluctance, and hopes into it.

At last, he picked up his pipe and gently tapped it against the corner of the desk. It gave a crisp knock.

"Go, Jiraiya."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice was low and firm, filled with a generous elder's trust and confidence.

"My foolish student, take your pen and your passion, and go walk your own path."

"But Konoha will always be your home. No matter where you go or what stories you write... remember that the Will of Fire is what gives shinobi their true resilience and perseverance."

He paused, then added:

"As for Nagato and the others... I trust Qi Luna to handle things, just as I trust him to make peace with the Nine-Tails—and he's already made some progress!"

Qi Luna looked toward Jiraiya outside the window and gave him a slight nod, as if to say:

Go without worry!

Jiraiya burst out laughing, his laughter filled with relief and boundless anticipation for the future.

He climbed back through the window into the office, then gave Qi Luna's shoulder a hearty slap.

"Thanks, old man!"

"Thanks, Qi Luna!"

He turned and left the office, his white hair and robes sweeping up a fresh breeze as he went.

"Maybe next time I come back, I'll bring a masterpiece that shocks the Ninja World—and... who knows, maybe even good news about the truth behind the prophecy!"

"Well then... I'm off!"