The air over the training ground grew a little heavy after Kakashi's words.
Hayashi never promised anything he couldn't deliver.
Yet the exam was about to begin, and he still hadn't returned.
"Well... of course I know."
Jiraiya scratched the back of his head helplessly, then looked seriously at Kakashi Hatake.
"But Mount Myōboku hasn't asked me to come back."
"Then why don't you just go there, Lord Jiraiya?"
Grinning, Naruto hugged one of Jiraiya's arms and wriggled.
Who knew where he'd learned to squirm around like that?
He shook Jiraiya's arm so much it was practically going numb.
"Just go once, Lord Jiraiya. Please?"
"No, no. You little brat, I've really spoiled you."
Jiraiya pulled Naruto Uzumaki off his arm, then crouched down and looked him straight in the eyes.
"Listen carefully, Naruto."
"The main reason they haven't asked me to come over is..."
"Mount Myōboku hasn't heard anything either."
He said it very calmly.
But behind that calm lay the fact that even Mount Myōboku had no news of Hayashi for now.
After saying that, Jiraiya patted Naruto's head.
"Do you understand a little better now?"
"Tch. You're useless, Pervy Sage."
Naruto turned away, folded his arms across his chest, and snorted dismissively.
"You little brat!"
Before Jiraiya could lose his temper, Kakashi Hatake's lazy voice cut in.
"Apologize to Lord Jiraiya, Naruto."
"He went all that way for Hayashi."
"What did Hayashi tell you before?"
"You should remember the people who treat you well."
At those words, Naruto finally lowered his folded arms.
He remembered Hayashi's ever-smiling face, and the expression she wore when she said things like that.
Seeing this, Kakashi turned Naruto around to face Jiraiya.
Seemingly realizing his mistake at last, Naruto first bowed to Jiraiya, then said quietly:
"I'm sorry, Pervy Sage. I