Time flew, and another year and more passed on Konoha's calendar.
The ecosystem around Konoha suffered a devastating blow. Wild boars, black bears, and even slightly larger rabbits vanished for a hundred li around, and even passing birds had to take a detour.
There was only one reason: the boy named Son Goten was in his growing years, and his appetite had tripled.
In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi stared at the alarming string of deficits on the financial report, so worried that his hair fell out in handfuls. At this rate, he would lose not only his pension but even his burial savings.
He had to hurry and find someone to take over the mess as Hokage.
Ichiraku Ramen Shop.
Son Goten had his face buried in his eighteenth bowl of miso ramen, his slurping echoing throughout the little shop.
The entrance curtain lifted, and a tall, white-haired figure walked in with a short blond boy.
"Yo, having a bite?" Jiraiya plopped down beside Goten and casually reached for half a marinated egg in his bowl.
Smack. Without even looking up, Son Goten brought his chopsticks squarely down on the back of Jiraiya's hand.
"If you want to die, just say so." Goten guarded his bowl, his words muffled. "Ayame specially saved this love-filled egg for me."
Jiraiya sheepishly withdrew his hand and rubbed the spot that had been struck red, chuckling. "Goten, I've got good news. I talked it over with the old Third, and we've decided I'll take you and Naruto out of the village to train, and find someone while we're at it."
Beside him, Naruto Uzumaki immediately shouted in displeasure, "Pervy Sage! Why do we have to take this bastard boss along? All he does is steal my fish cakes! Last time, he stole all