Embracing Tsunade: Claiming the Supreme Hegemony!
Chapter 28

Jiraiya's Childhood "Dream"

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Jiraiya, who attended Ninja Academy, was already seven years old. He was a civilian ninja, and everyone in his family was an ordinary person, but he loved them dearly.

Every day after school, Jiraiya always hurried home impatiently. The moment he pushed open the door, warmth washed over him. His mother would greet him with a smile, while his father would ask with concern about how things had gone at school.

Though they did not understand ninjutsu, they always gave Jiraiya endless encouragement and support. Jiraiya thought, I have to work hard. I can't disappoint Mom and Dad. Even though we don't have the background of a powerful ninjutsu clan, I believe I can become stronger through my own efforts.

At Ninja Academy, Jiraiya might not have shone as brightly as those classmates with powerful clan backgrounds, but he never lost heart. He knew that his efforts were the best way to repay his family.

He diligently studied the basics of ninjutsu and practiced hand seals over and over again, never complaining even when his hands ached. I have to keep going. I have to become stronger so I can protect my family, Jiraiya silently encouraged himself.

Once, the school organized a small ninjutsu competition. After hesitating for a long time, Jiraiya decided to participate. He wanted to make his family proud.

I have to do well and let Mom and Dad see that my efforts haven't been in vain. On the day of the competition, his family arrived early. They watched Jiraiya nervously. Taking a deep breath, Jiraiya stepped onto the field with a determined gaze.

In the fierce contest, he fought his way through round after round with unyielding perseverance and solid fundamentals. I can do this. I'll definitely make it! Jiraiya kept giving himself mental encouragement. Though he did not win the championship in the end, his performance earned the respect of his teachers and classmates.

When he returned home, his family held a small celebration for him. In that moment, Jiraiya felt happier than ever before.

He secretly swore that he would work even harder, become an outstanding ninja, and protect his family and home. I'll become stronger. I'll give our family a better life and protect the people I love.

One day, while on his usual way home, Jiraiya came across a newly opened bookstore and curiously looked over the books inside. "Boss, how much is this?" The owner said, "Two hundred yen."

Jiraiya hesitated. Two hundred yen was no small amount to him. But this book is really captivating. I want it so badly.

But the book's cover was simply too alluring. It showed a majestic ninja, stirring a powerful longing within him. Gritting his teeth, he decided to buy it. I'll treat it as a reward for myself. I'll study even harder.

After paying, Jiraiya eagerly opened the book. Its exciting stories and exquisite illustrations instantly drew him in. Wow, this ninja is amazing. I wish I could be like him. He lost track of time, standing in the bookstore and reading with complete absorption. Seeing how focused he was, the owner smiled and did not disturb him.

By the time Jiraiya came back to his senses, the sky had gradually darkened. He carefully placed the book in his schoolbag and happily headed home.

All the way there, he thought about the book's plot, imagining that he too could become a powerful ninja like its protagonist. One day, I'll become an extraordinary ninja and go on all kinds of adventures.

After returning home, Jiraiya showed the book to his family and excitedly told them about his discovery at the bookstore.

As time passed, Jiraiya grew more and more fond of the illustrations in books. They were so interesting. Those illustrations seemed to possess a magical power, carrying him into one fantastical world after another.

The worlds in these illustrations are so amazing. I really want to go inside and see them. Whenever he opened the pages and saw those vivid, colorful illustrations, endless joy and longing welled up within him.

The ninjas in the pictures looked valiant and heroic. Some displayed great power in fierce battles, while others meditated and trained amid tranquil mountains and rivers.

Every picture was like a fragment of a story, drawing Jiraiya in so deeply that he could not pull himself away. How wonderful it would be if I could adventure in a world like that too. He would spend long stretches carefully studying every illustration, imagining himself in that world, adventuring alongside the ninjas in the pictures.

Sometimes, based on the scenes in the illustrations, he would make up one exciting story after another and tell them to his friends. "Look at how amazing this ninja is. One day, I'll be like him too." Everyone was captivated by his stories and filled with yearning for the worlds in those illustrations.

At school, Jiraiya often thought of those illustrations as well. During breaks, he would take out the book and look once more at those beautiful scenes, as if doing so could give him even more motivation and courage. I have to work hard and become as strong as them. Then I can protect everyone and explore even more places. He began studying ninjutsu even harder, hoping that one day he could become a true hero like the ninjas in the illustrations.

As the days passed, Jiraiya's love for books and illustrations grew deeper and deeper. Those illustrations not only brought him joy and hope, but also became a guiding lamp on his path, lighting the road toward his dream of becoming an outstanding ninja.

Seven-year-old Jiraiya felt that if there was no war in the future, he would travel the world, seek out the most beautiful scenery and paint it, and journey throughout the Ninja World. There must be many beautiful places in this world waiting for me to discover them. I'll paint them all so everyone can see them. From that moment on, this dream took root and began to grow in his young heart.

While studying hard at Ninja Academy, he often imagined his future travels. He pictured himself carrying a pack and traveling through different countries and regions, taking in all kinds of wondrous scenery. I want to see the world outside. There must be many things I don't know and many beautiful sights there. Whenever his teachers spoke of the customs and landscapes of other countries, Jiraiya listened with complete focus, committing every detail to memory.

In his mind, he sketched images of himself standing in those places and experiencing their distinct cultural atmosphere. That place must be so interesting. I wish I could go there.

After class, he would enthusiastically share his dream with his friends. Though they felt the idea was somewhat far-fetched, they were deeply moved by his overflowing passion.

He carefully remembered every detail, imagining the day he would stand in those places and experience their different cultural atmospheres. He shared his dream with his friends, and though they felt the idea was somewhat distant, they were still inspired by his enthusiasm.

Back home, Jiraiya looked up at the sky. The stars above were so beautiful. He raised his hands into the air, as though he could touch the river of stars in the heavens.

He stood there quietly, as if the entire world were immersed beneath the dazzling starry sky. This sky is so beautiful. It shines just like the dream in my heart. A gentle breeze brushed past, bringing a hint of coolness. Jiraiya's thoughts drifted into the distance with it.

He thought of his journey—of the roads he had traveled, the sights he had seen, and the people he had met. Every moment was like a star in the night sky, shining with its own unique light. I'll make my life as wonderful as this starry sky.

He thought that perhaps this was the meaning of life: to keep exploring, discovering, and experiencing the beauty of the world. And this starry sky was like an eternal guide, reminding him that wherever he went, he had to hold on to his love for life and curiosity about the unknown.

Jiraiya closed his eyes and took a deep breath. I have to prepare myself for the challenges ahead. I believe I can do it. He felt the stillness of the night and the power of nature. In that moment, he felt as though he had become one with the entire universe.

When he opened his eyes again, a resolute light shone within them. I'll move toward my dream, no matter what difficulties I face. He knew that his journey would continue. He would go to more places, see more scenery, and paint more pictures. In his own way, he would record the beauty of this world.

And this beautiful starry sky would remain forever in his heart, becoming the source of his motivation and courage to move forward.

Returning indoors, Jiraiya saw steaming Quweiduo Instant Noodles on the table and said happily, "Time to eat." He eagerly sat down at the table, picked up his chopsticks, and gently stirred the noodles. The rising steam washed over his face, carrying a familiar fragrance that instantly awakened his appetite. "Wow, it smells so good. This is the taste of home."

Jiraiya picked up a mouthful of noodles and put them into his mouth. The springy noodles and rich broth mingled on his tongue, bringing a satisfying taste. As he ate, he recalled the day's experiences.

"Today was really fun. I saw so many interesting things. I have to remember them all." The beautiful scenery, interesting people, and memorable events all warmed and fulfilled him, just like the taste of the noodles.

After finishing the noodles, Jiraiya leaned back in his chair and sighed contentedly. Looking at the starry sky outside the window, his heart was full of anticipation for the future.

"Tomorrow will definitely be even better. I'll be one step closer to my dream." He knew that tomorrow would bring another new day. He would continue on his journey and search for even more beautiful things.

He stood up, cleaned up the bowls and chopsticks, then returned to his room and took out his sketchbook and paints. He flipped through the scenery he had painted before, and a surge of creative impulse rose within him. I'll paint tonight's starry sky too, so it can remain in my paintings forever.

He decided to paint the starry sky he had seen that day and preserve that beautiful moment. Sitting at his desk, Jiraiya carefully drew the stars in the night sky.

With delicate strokes and rich colors, he brought the dazzling river of stars onto the paper. I'll paint this beautiful sky so it looks as lovely as the real thing. When he finished, he looked at his work and smiled with satisfaction.

He knew that although his painting could not compare with the real starry sky, it carried his dreams and memories. This is part of my dream. I'll carry it with me and keep moving forward. He would take these paintings with him and continue onward, letting more people see the beauty of this world...

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