"N-Naruto!"
Jiraiya finally managed to get up from the ground and stared at Naruto in disbelief. "Where on earth did you learn such a creative Ninjutsu...?"
"I made it myself."
Remembering Shinichi's earlier instructions, Naruto answered without hesitation.
"What?!"
Jiraiya was utterly stunned.
This kid was a goddamn... genius!
He could hardly imagine it. With Naruto at his side, wouldn't the boy be able to create material for him anytime, anywhere?
Would he even need to risk his neck peeping at the Women's Bathhouse anymore?
No!
He had to take this kid as his disciple. Talent like this was rare-far better than that blockhead Minato!
Minato: Meow, meow, meow?
"Weird Old Man, why are you still pestering me?"
When Jiraiya refused to let him leave, Naruto was speechless. "Didn't we agree that if I beat you, you wouldn't pester me anymore?"
"Ahem!"
Jiraiya's old face flushed, and he gave an awkward laugh. "Naruto, can't we work something out? I can still stand, can't I? Let's forget that bet. I think you're a once-in-a-generation genius. Become my disciple!"
For the sake of easy, convenient research, he was willing to throw away his dignity.
He absolutely refused to let a disciple like Naruto slip away!
"Sorry."
Just then, a tall, slender figure appeared out of thin air and stepped protectively in front of Naruto with a smile. "Naruto is part of my family. No one gets to force him to do something he doesn't want to."
"Why is it you again?"
Once Jiraiya saw who had come, he looked like a defeated rooster.
"Lord Jiraiya, let me remind you of something."
Shinichi offered what sounded like well-meaning advice. "You only just got into trouble a few days ago. If you dare do it again, even I won't be able to help you!"