"Just as you said back then, maybe it's fate," Jiraiya said, his expression turning serious. "I once received a prophecy from the Great Toad Sage of Mount Myoboku. He told me to let fate guide me.
"Ever since I met Minato Namikaze last time, I've felt that the two of us were meant to be teacher and student."
Fugaku looked at Jiraiya as if he were a fool, deep suspicion in his eyes.
"You don't need to hide it from me, Jiraiya. I've heard a little about what happened to you on Mount Myoboku. After all, word gets around.
"Is Minato the person you've been searching for—the one who will bring change to the Shinobi World, the child of prophecy? The moment I first saw him, I could tell he was no ordinary child."
Jiraiya smiled bitterly to himself. "No. To tell you the truth, Minato did appear in the Great Toad Sage's dream. He said the two of us were meant to be teacher and student.
"He told me to guide and teach Minato well. That boy will play a crucial role in the Shinobi World's future."
Fugaku nodded. "Then my judgment wasn't wrong. Minato may come from a civilian family, but few of Konoha's clan children will be able to match him in the future.
"I've heard the Great Toad Sage has lived since ancient times—several thousand years now.
"Since the Great Toad Sage says you and Minato are destined to meet, I certainly won't stand in the way. With both you and me teaching him, Minato will have a bright future, even if he isn't the legendary child of prophecy."
Jiraiya thought for a moment, then burst out laughing. "That's true. Fate is impossible to figure out, but sometimes you can't help believing in it."
"Minato still