Jiraiya stood on the railing of the Ninja Academy's rooftop, leaning over to look at the children laughing and playing below. Though it was pleasant enough, this way of watching was obviously nowhere near as enjoyable as admiring the lush beauty in a bathhouse. Mingye smiled and pointed at a blond boy who stood out among the playing children.
"This child is called Minato Namikaze!"
Following Mingye's finger, Jiraiya looked over. In the bustling playground, one child quietly watched the others play. Though he was smiling, he did not join them at all. He was completely observing the children's antics from the perspective of an outsider.
"Very special!"
Jiraiya had to admit that the blond boy truly possessed a temperament unlike anyone else's. He could not quite describe what it was, but it was something Jiraiya himself had never possessed.
"Namikaze... Minato! Is he from the Namikaze Clan?"
Jiraiya muttered to himself before suddenly asking Mingye. Mingye nodded, and Jiraiya's expression became awkward.
"The hidden branch of the Uzumaki Clan!"
Mingye froze. In Konoha, aside from Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzō, and Uzumaki Mito, he was the only one who knew this information. Even Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura had never received accurate details. Yet Jiraiya had now given him an unexpected surprise.
"Looks like the monkey told you quite a lot!"
Seeing the confusion in Mingye's eyes, Jiraiya quickly explained.
"I once saw their clan paying their respects to Tsunade. It seemed to be a very formal ceremony, and Tsunade told me about it afterward!"
Mingye nodded. The Uzumaki Clan still held great respect for Tsunade. After all, she was the princess's granddaughter and Konoha's current princess. That honor alone was eye-catching enough. He did not dwell on the matter and continued.
"The Namikaze Clan is the hidden branch formed