Following Hiruzen's train of thought, Jiraiya stood out as the only one among the trio who shared a deep mentorship bond with him.
However, he also displayed the least interest in assuming the position of Hokage among them. Given his understanding of Jiraiya's character, it was likely that even if he were to propose the notion of Jiraiya becoming Hokage in the future, it would be met with reluctance.
Conversely, Minato embodied the opposite disposition. From his very first day at the academy, he vocalized his aspiration to become the most distinguished ninja in Konoha's history and to become Hokage.
Were Minato to become Jiraiya's disciple, it would inevitably align their goals and bind the two master and apprentice pairs together, forming an even tighter alliance, especially given the recent addition of Kushina as the new Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.
"However, surveillance of Tatsuya cannot be terminated. I shall assign another individual to undertake this duty in your stead. During this period, you may accompany Jiraiya in his training," Sarutobi Hiruzen affirmed with a smile.
Minato appeared to be on the cusp of saying something, his lips parting as if contemplating his words. Ultimately, he refrained from speaking. He harbored reservations about overseeing Konoha's celebrated hero, deeming it slightly inappropriate. Nonetheless, given his own status, he dared not openly challenge Sarutobi Hiruzen and reluctantly conceded.
...
...
A few days elapsed, and the training took place at the seventh training ground situated on the outskirts of Konoha.
Under Jiraiya's watchful gaze, Namikaze Minato bit his thumb and pressed it against the ground, channeling the Summoning Jutsu. Gamabunta, who had previously been summoned by Jiraiya in the Land of Wind, materialized through the summoning. The contract was swiftly finalized between them.
"Fire Style—Great Flame Bomb!" Minato unleashed a deafening roar, combining the ferocious Great Fireball technique from his mouth with the toad oil expelled by Bunta.
The resultant explosion exhibited a level of fiery might surpassing that of an A-rank jutsu. This was none other than Jiraiya's specialty—the toad oil fire bomb—a fusion of his unique skills.
Observing this awe-inspiring display from his vantage point on the ground, Jiraiya was not merely moved; he was genuinely astounded. Namikaze Minato's talent exceeded his expectations by a considerable margin.
Performing the Summoning Technique flawlessly on his inaugural attempt was no small feat, let alone executing the subsequent jutsu with such finesse. The fact that Minato could grasp the essence of Jiraiya's teachings so rapidly was nothing short of astonishing, leaving a greater impression than Nagato's previous progress.
After all, Nagato possessed the Rinnegan, a potent asset, while Namikaze Minato was a civilian with no such bloodline advantage.
"Jiraiya, your new disciple's talent surpasses even yours," GamaBunta remarked, taken aback by the young ninja's prowess.
"A lot of good that does," Jiraiya grumbled in response. While it was gratifying to have a skilled disciple, his ego was slightly bruised by the overt acknowledgment of his student's prowess.
Minato leaped down from Bunta's back and addressed Jiraiya, "Sensei, I've been pondering new ninjutsu lately, but I haven't been able to fully materialize it. Could you offer some insights?"
Curiosity piqued, Jiraiya inquired, "What kind of ninjutsu are you working on?"
Minato extended his right hand, conjuring swirling Chakra into his palm.
Gradually, a spherical outline began to take shape through persistent effort and concentration. However, just as the formation of a complete sphere seemed imminent, the Chakra sphere resembled a balloon punctured by a needle. It disintegrated, giving rise to a turbulent whirlwind that swept through the vicinity. Despite another unsuccessful attempt, Minato managed a wry smile.
"This technique is a creation inspired by the Tailed Beast Bomb that predates Mito-sama's era, but I've yet to master it," he shared.
Jiraiya's eyes widened in amazement as he regarded Minato. "Minato, you truly are a genius," he exclaimed.
Had he not encountered Nagato's Rinnegan, Jiraiya would have been almost entirely convinced that Minato was the "Child of Prophecy," a moniker bestowed upon him by the Great Toad Sage.
"Ughhh!!"
Suddenly, a series of anguished cries reached the ears of Minato and Jiraiya.
"What's happening?" Jiraiya inquired, visibly concerned.
"Master Jiraiya, let's go check it out," Namikaze Minato urged, dashing towards the source of the commotion.
"Alright."
Jiraiya swiftly followed suit.
Gamabunta, seemingly uninterested, transformed into smoke and returned to the Summoning realm.
The master and apprentice sprinted through the forest, becoming increasingly aware of a disconcerting pattern.
This direction appeared to lead them to...
Upon reaching their destination, the scene that unfolded before them left them astonished and bewildered.
Familiar farmlands and a hut came into view.
True to their suspicions, as they traversed the farmland and approached its perimeter, they were met with a startling and horrifying sight.
A pack of fearsome-looking ninja dogs, some squatting and others reclining near the fields, were busily devouring chunks of bloody flesh.
"Kaka~"
A dog akin to Akamaru crunched on bones, producing an audible crackling sound. Abruptly, it spat out a bone fragment.
Jiraiya and Minato inspected the object more closely. To their dismay, it turned out to be a Konoha Shinobi's forehead protector.
In close proximity to the other ninja dogs, human fingers and a gruesome skull were scattered in a pool of blood.
"Well, have you finished your meal?"
Tatsuya's voice rang out casually as he emerged from his wooden abode, donned a white shirt and black trousers, and adorned with a straw hat. He held a hoe in hand and strolled with an air of everyday nonchalance.
"Don't be lazy from now on," he quipped.
"Woof wuf~"
In the blink of an eye, the once-savage ninja dogs, still gnawing on their grisly feast moments earlier, were summoned by Tatsuya's call. Their demeanor shifted instantly, transitioning from ferocity to playful good boys.
One by one, they dutifully donned iron plows typically intended for cattle, engaging in the task of plowing the land as if participating in a farming ritual.
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