Naruto: The Tale of an Otsutsuki

As Kirito and Jiraiya left the Hokage's office, Kakashi reflected on their earlier conversation. Turning to Tsunade, he asked, "Lady Tsunade, you and Jiraiya seem to have a suspicion about the leader of the Akatsuki organization. Is that true?"

Nodding, Tsunade replied, "That's right. When Jiraiya was younger, he adopted several war orphans in Amegakure. One of them had the Rinnegan. That pair of eyes left a lasting impression on both of us."

"If this person was Jiraiya's apprentice, then why has he never mentioned them before?" Kakashi asked, puzzled.

Tsunade rested her chin on her hands, leaning on the desk. "Jiraiya taught them ninjutsu and survival skills, but left them once they were able to fend for themselves. Later, he heard they'd died in the war. Feeling sorry for them, he didn't follow up further."

This was something Tsunade had only recently learned when Jiraiya recalled his past after hearing about the Rinnegan-wielding leader of the Akatsuki, known as Pain.

Jiraiya suspected that Pain might be his former apprentice, Nagato. Determined to find the truth, he resolved to go to Amegakure to confirm Pain's identity.

On one hand, he wanted to know if Pain was truly Nagato. On the other, even if Pain wasn't Nagato, the Rinnegan's presence suggested a deep connection.

Originally, Tsunade had been against Jiraiya going to Amegakure alone, as it was Akatsuki's stronghold.

However, Kakashi's earlier comments about Sasuke and the need for personal accountability seemed to solidify Jiraiya's resolve.

"I see..." Kakashi said quietly, understanding the weight of Jiraiya's decision.

Tsunade sighed, resigning herself to the situation. "Fine. With Kirito by his side, even if they face overwhelming odds, I trust they can retreat safely."

Later that evening, at an izakaya in Konoha, Jiraiya and Kirito sat at a table. While Jiraiya sipped sake, Kirito silently drank juice.

"Hahaha! You're just a fledgling—drink your juice like a good kid!" Jiraiya laughed heartily, raising his glass.

Kirito smiled politely but said nothing, watching as Jiraiya poured himself another drink.

After leaving the Hokage's office, Jiraiya had suggested grabbing dinner. Or rather, he had dragged Kirito to the izakaya without offering him a choice.

Since Kirito was underage, he stuck to fruit juice—a preference he didn't mind, as he disliked alcohol both in this life and his past one.

"Master Jiraiya, we leave on a mission tomorrow. You might want to slow down on the drinks," Kirito advised, watching the steadily emptying bottle of sake.

More importantly, Kirito knew from experience that drunk ninjas had a knack for creating chaos. He had no intention of cleaning up after Jiraiya if things got out of hand.

"Hahaha! I'm the Toad Sage—Jiraiya! I don't get drunk! Hic!" Jiraiya slurred slightly, shaking his head. "Why aren't you eating? Aren't you hungry?"

Jiraiya had ordered a modest spread, anticipating Kirito might be hungry. But seeing Kirito sip juice and barely touch his food, he frowned.

"Food shouldn't be wasted, you know. During the war, there were plenty of orphans who couldn't even eat," Jiraiya said, his tone more serious.

He gazed at the glass in his hand, his expression growing contemplative. "I once took in a few war orphans. I taught them ninjutsu and survival skills, hoping they could make it through the war."

Jiraiya paused, the weight of his memories heavy in the air. "I believed one of them might be the Child of Prophecy, someone who could bring peace to the world. But later, I heard they died in the war. I felt... I'd failed them."

Kirito remained silent, listening intently. He already knew, thanks to the original story, that Jiraiya was speaking about Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan.

"But now," Jiraiya continued, "I hear they're alive in Amegakure. I have to find out the truth. If it's really them, I need to face them myself."

After a long pause, Jiraiya turned to Kirito, his eyes uncertain. "You understand, don't you?"

Kirito nodded. "I understand. I won't act without your signal. My mission is to ensure your safety and help you retreat if necessary."

Jiraiya burst into laughter. "Hahaha! A fledgling like you, drinking juice, ensuring my safety? That's rich!"

Leaning forward, Jiraiya suddenly whispered conspiratorially, "By the way, how's it going with that little girlfriend of yours? Where do you two sneak off to? How far have you gotten?"

Kirito, unfazed by Jiraiya's teasing and the stench of sake, replied curtly, "No comment."

"Ha! Typical fledgling behavior," Jiraiya said, making a mock disappointed face.

Reaching into his pocket, Jiraiya pulled out a book with a green cover and waved it proudly. "Maybe you're progressing too slow because you lack proper guidance. Should I lend you some advice? I am the great author of the bestselling Make-Out Paradise series!"

"No thanks," Kirito said flatly. Then, with a smirk, he added, "But how about you send me a signed set of your books after this mission is over?"

Jiraiya chuckled. "Heh, not a bad idea! These books are too advanced for you right now anyway." He tucked Make-Out Paradise back into his pocket.

After a bit more eating and drinking, the two agreed to meet at the village gate early the next morning. Paying their bills, they parted ways for the night.

Walking down the quiet, lamp-lit streets, Kirito thought about the upcoming mission.

This trip to Amegakure would inevitably lead to a confrontation with Pain. Kirito knew he would have to reveal some of his trump cards, something he preferred to avoid.

As he pondered the possibilities, a wry thought crossed his mind: If I reveal too much, I might have to "silence" witnesses afterward...

(End of Chapter)

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