While Heizo Hattori and Jiraiya fought, Kazemori Masaki and Hiruzen Sarutobi watched from the sidelines. When Jiraiya used his own "Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique," Hiruzen Sarutobi could not help covering his eyes.
"Good heavens! What on earth is that boy Jiraiya doing? Look what he's done to my signature technique," Hiruzen Sarutobi muttered.
Kazemori Masaki knew that Hiruzen Sarutobi had applied the principles of shadow clones to shuriken. Combined with chakra nature transformation, the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique had tremendous firepower. Even without nature transformation, the sudden increase in shuriken could catch an enemy off guard.
Yet Jiraiya had failed to demonstrate any of the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique's advantages. He had even believed his opponent had fallen for it, only to be fooled by a simple Substitution Technique.
"Honestly, how can a ninja fall for such a simple trap?" Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed.
"He's still young and prone to acting rashly. He'll improve as he gets older," Kazemori Masaki said, turning his gaze back to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Yes, that's what I hope. I just don't know what sort of ninja he'll become, though I'm confident I can teach him well..." Hiruzen Sarutobi said.
Kazemori Masaki looked at Jiraiya again. He was bickering with Orochimaru now. Hiruzen Sarutobi probably would never have imagined that this seemingly most unreliable student would one day display extraordinary courage and spirit.
Jiraiya the Gallant was the title that suited him best. He had accepted the Great Toad Sage's prophecy and pondered how to bring change to the shinobi world. Beneath his outward lechery lay a profound wisdom. Compared with the other two, he was more of a sage.
Happiness isn't something a man should pursue. Those were words Jiraiya had once spoken, a piece of philosophy worth savoring.
Happiness?
Kazemori Masaki considered it for a