Ch. 261Dave: I Know How Hard to Hit
Plot and key events
- Daiyue’s friends visit baby Mikoto in the hospital. Dave keeps Fugaku away from the room by insisting on giving him Fire Release practice; Daiyue and Suimon worry, though Daiyue hopes Dave will be careful.
- Daiyue tells Orochimaru that his mother, Tsukimi, is well and that his new sister is named Meiko Senju. Orochimaru then invites him to help with a ninjutsu experiment at the Experimental School, and Daiyue agrees.
- After checking on Tsukimi, Dave visits Nanako and meets her young daughter, Kushina. He gives Kushina a doll set and asks to become her godfather. Nanako agrees, preferring Dave’s influence to that of her husband, Akai.
- Dave takes Kushina to his company, where he finds young Minato studying. He takes both children out to play, jokingly dismissing Minato’s lessons and quietly reflecting on how much he has provided for the boy.
- On the street, Dave encounters Tsunade dragging Jiraiya back after catching him near the women’s bathhouse. Jiraiya defends himself with an excuse about “traditional art,” but Dave notices they are skipping class. They hurry back to the Ninja Academy.
Character developments and interactions
- Dave’s role as a playful but influential guardian grows: he trains Fugaku, becomes Kushina’s godfather, and supports Minato’s education.
- Nanako is protective of Kushina and distrustful of Akai’s immature influence. She is comfortable entrusting Kushina to Dave instead.
- Kushina is affectionate and eager for gifts, while Minato is studious and dutiful. Dave brings them together and encourages them to enjoy being children.
- Daiyue shows concern for both his family and friends, while remaining involved in Orochimaru’s research.
- Tsunade acts decisively to stop Jiraiya’s misconduct; Jiraiya is cheeky and evasive, and Dave responds with exasperated humor.
Significant themes
- Mentorship and responsibility: Adults shape the next generation through training, education, and caregiving.
- Childhood and influence: Nanako and Dave worry about the examples children follow, while Dave insists that Kushina and Minato should also have time to play.
- Humor and affectionate chaos: Dave’s overconfidence and teasing contrast with the children’s innocence and the adults’ antics.