Chapter 306: Omen (cont.)

Naruto had clearly become much more restrained now,

but while his bearing could be restrained, his personality would ultimately never change.

So compared to the other rookies, Naruto could only be said to have grown up somewhat, but he had not truly matured yet.

Jiraiya slowly approached along a small path in the distance.

When he saw Naruto as he was now, he could not help but nod.

Hmm, not bad. As a ninja, one had to at least understand how to cultivate oneself and maintain one's composure,

adjusting one's emotions at all times so they would not interfere with one's judgment.

Naruto's current performance left Jiraiya fairly satisfied.

But that was all. It could only prove that over the past three years, Jiraiya's efforts on Naruto had not been in vain.

Seemingly sensing Jiraiya's arrival,

Naruto slowly opened his eyes and immediately said, "Jiraiya, you're finally back."

Upon hearing that, Jiraiya immediately slapped his forehead. Good heavens, this was probably going to be a stain on him for the rest of his life.

After all, what if one day he and Naruto were walking down the street together,

and some very pretty older girl suddenly took an interest in him?

Naruto would probably just call out "Jiraiya," and that would be enough to scare everyone away.

Jiraiya was a little annoyed,

but remembering that he had just spent Naruto's money, he did not dare say much and instead planned to change the subject as quickly as possible.

So Jiraiya got straight to the point. "Naruto!"

Naruto nodded, and Jiraiya continued, "We've been away from Konoha for more than three years now, haven't we?"

Naruto immediately nodded. "Yes, Jiraiya."

Jiraiya nodded. "After training for so long, you've more or less mastered everything I could and should teach you,"

"so it's