"Rest assured, Lord Jiraiya. I understand."
Seeing Kakashi agree with a solemn expression, Jiraiya finally withdrew his hand.
Kakashi carefully tucked the scroll into his clothes and finally let out a relieved breath.
"Other than that, is there anything else you need me for?" Jiraiya asked.
Since you asked so sincerely...
Kakashi nodded. "Yes. Could you stay in the village?"
After a brief silence, Jiraiya declared boldly, "Hahaha! Clouds belong in the sky, wandering dragons belong in the sea. Roaming the world is what I, Jiraiya, aspire to!"
Kakashi nodded. In truth, he had known the answer before asking.
Jiraiya was a wanderer. If he stayed at home every day, how could he still be a wanderer?
Kakashi had only asked to lay the groundwork for what he intended to say next.
"Then, could I ask you to keep a closer eye on the village while you travel? Try not to stray too far from Konoha."
Seeing how serious Kakashi was, Jiraiya lost his carefree demeanor.
"Have you heard something, Kakashi?"
Whenever Konoha was involved, Jiraiya became incomparably serious.
Kakashi shook his head. "There's no concrete information, but during recent missions, I've felt that some force, some organization, is plotting against Konoha in the shadows. I can practically smell a conspiracy."
"In the next few years, Konoha may face a great upheaval!"
"If that's the case..." Jiraiya pondered for a moment. "I understand. I'll narrow the scope of my research and keep watch on Konoha at all times."
"Then thank you, Lord Jiraiya." Kakashi breathed a sigh of relief.
"Everything is for the village. There's nothing to thank me for." Jiraiya shook his head. "If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving first."
"My research is finished, and I've met you, the one from the prophecy. If I don't leave quickly, the old man might come block me himself."
Kakashi understood. "Then have a safe journey, Lord Jiraiya."
"Cough, cough. Um, Kakashi, before I leave, could you do me a small favor?"
Jiraiya leaned close to Kakashi, wearing a somewhat ingratiating smile.
"Uh, go ahead."
Kakashi felt that he still could not accept seeing the great hero in his heart make that expression.
"Hehe, I want to visit the open-air hot springs in the Land of Hot Water. I heard they're mixed-gender baths..."
Just imagining it made Jiraiya feel as though his nosebleed was about to start.
"Anyway... it's for research for my new book! But I'm a little short on funds right now. Kakashi, could you sponsor me a bit? When my new book comes out, I'll send you the first copy!"
Without another word, Kakashi pulled out his wallet and slapped it directly into Jiraiya's hands.
"Lord Jiraiya, take all the money I have on me. If it isn't enough, I'll go back and get more."
"That's enough, that's enough!" Jiraiya tucked Kakashi's money away, then dashed off in a flash.
"Remember to say hello to the old man for me!"
Kakashi was somewhat baffled. "Why did Lord Jiraiya leave in such a hurry? Could it be..."
Kakashi abruptly turned his head, only to find Hiruzen Sarutobi standing beside him at some point.
"Lord Third, when did you get here?" Kakashi shuddered in fright, then respectfully bowed.
Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand, signaling that Kakashi need not stand on ceremony.
"I only arrived a little while ago. (I merely heard the entirety of your conversation.) So, did you tell Jiraiya about your concerns? How did he react?"
Kakashi smiled wryly. "I did, but Lord Jiraiya still wasn't willing to remain in the village. He only said he wouldn't go too far from Konoha."
The Third patted Kakashi on the shoulder. "That's already good enough. It's better than having him run around the entire world."
"Truly, these are troubled times. Even within the village, people's hearts have been unsettled lately..."
The Third sighed. "Kakashi, come to the office with me. There are some matters I need to discuss with you."
"Yes, Lord Third!"
In the Hokage's Office, Kakashi habitually dropped to one knee.
"Your previous application has been approved. This is the list of forbidden techniques you're permitted to learn. Choose one."
The Third handed Kakashi a scroll, which Kakashi accepted with both hands in delight.
Today had to be his lucky day!
Sure enough, being single brought good luck!
Over the years, Kakashi had accumulated enough merit to apply for one forbidden technique from the Scroll of Seals. He had submitted his application to the Third some time ago.
To be honest, with his firm political stance, it would have been difficult for the Third to refuse him.
Looking at the long list of forbidden technique names and descriptions on the scroll, Kakashi loved every single one and wanted them all.
But that was clearly unrealistic.
Kakashi quickly settled on his target.
He took a deep breath and said, "Lord Third, I want to learn the Flying Thunder God!"
The Third smiled faintly and took out another scroll, handing it to Kakashi.
Kakashi accepted the scroll, somewhat surprised. "You knew I would choose the Flying Thunder God?"
"Hahaha, you're like my grandson, Kakashi. Of course I understand what you want."
As he spoke, the Third casually pushed the other scrolls in his robes farther down.
He hadn't expected the Third to understand him so well!
Though Kakashi knew those words were meant to win him over, he was still touched.
"After you memorize the contents of the scroll, remember to burn it immediately," the Third instructed.
Kakashi patted his chest. "Rest assured, I'm good at this."
"There's one more matter."
The Third's expression turned serious. "Do you remember the person I mentioned before? Your team is currently one member short, so I'll have him fill that position."
Kakashi replied without changing expression, "Don't you think he's too young?"
"After all, Danzo personally recommended him. He said the boy should gain experience in the ANBU. Pay more attention to this matter."
"Yes, Lord Third!" Kakashi agreed readily.
Even if you hadn't said so, I would have paid close attention. Only after seeing him firsthand would one understand just how terrifying that guy was.
He could be considered a milestone figure in the Hokage series.
Known as One Against Seven, Itachi Uchiha!
"Good. You may leave now."
The Third waved his hand, dismissing Kakashi.
As he watched Kakashi's departing figure, countless thoughts churned in the Third's heart.
The Child of Prophecy, a mysterious ability suspected of mastering Senjutsu, a personality completely different from before...
"This child is shrouded in mystery..."
"He may have the potential to change the balance of the Shinobi World. What move should I make next..."
The Third lit his pipe and brought it to his lips, his entire face disappearing into the smoke.
Before you continue