Chapter 115: Jiraiya's Amazement—The Uchiha Clan is About to Produce a Remarkable Figure

Though Uchiha Akira managed to teach Naruto the Rasengan without even knowing how to perform it himself, Jiraiya found himself questioning his once-unshakable confidence in his teaching abilities. However, as the events unfolded, Jiraiya realized he had misunderstood the Uchiha.

Initially, Jiraiya had assumed that bringing a seven-year-old Naruto to the battlefield was akin to sending him to die, perhaps even as a way to eliminate him. But now, seeing Kakashi on the team reassured Jiraiya that Naruto wasn't just cannon fodder. After all, Kakashi would never allow that.

As Jiraiya observed, he realized that not only had Akira taught Naruto the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu, but he had also taught him the Rasengan. Coupled with Naruto's incredible talent and vast chakra reserves, it became clear to Jiraiya that Akira was nurturing Naruto as a prodigy, preparing him for greatness even at the young age of seven.

For the first time, Jiraiya looked at Akira and realized that not all Uchiha were detestable. Akira was already hailed as the greatest genius in the ninja world, with many claiming that given ten more years, he could reach the heights of Uchiha Madara. Yet, despite knowing Naruto's potential, Akira still chose to invest in him. Akira didn't fear that Naruto might one day surpass him.

This level of magnanimity showed that Akira wasn't thinking solely of his clan or his own interests—he was genuinely considering what was best for the village.

"By the way, I heard from Naruto that you were attacked by Orochimaru?" Jiraiya asked after a moment of silence, abandoning his initial plan to take Naruto away immediately.

"That's right, and not just by Orochimaru. We also encountered Sasori of the Red Sand, an S-rank rogue ninja from the Sand Village," Kakashi replied. "But the most shocking part was discovering that the missing Third Kazekage had been killed by Sasori and turned into a human puppet. The puppet even retained the Kazekage's Magnet Release abilities."

Jiraiya was stunned. "Orochimaru, Sasori, and a human puppet of the Third Kazekage—such a lineup, and you still managed to defeat them?" He looked at Kakashi and the others in amazement, realizing just how much they had grown in power during the years they hadn't seen each other.

"It wasn't entirely us. The main reason we prevailed was that Akira revealed the power of a Mangekyō Sharingan. Orochimaru seemed to recognize the Mangekyō's terrifying ability and fled in fear," Kakashi explained.

"Mangekyō Sharingan... I see," Jiraiya nodded, understanding the situation. He was well aware of the unique and often terrifying abilities each Mangekyō possessed.

"The advance forces of the Land of Wind have already been defeated by you," Jiraiya mused. "And the Mist Village isn't in any position to threaten the Land of Fire. Next, it's the Land of Earth and the Land of Lightning?"

Understanding the purpose of Akira's team, Jiraiya asked what their next move was.

"Yes, our next step is to head to the border of the Land of Earth to show them that Konoha isn't as weak as they think," Akira replied with a nod.

"And we've analyzed the situation—we believe there's a chance the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, might appear on the battlefield," Nara Shikaku added, joining the conversation.

"Onoki, that old man? It seems unlikely," Jiraiya said, skeptical that the Tsuchikage would involve himself in what was still an early-stage conflict.

Shikaku then explained his reasoning to Jiraiya. In the art of war, the most unlikely moves are often the ones that occur. Considering the long-term interests of the Land of Earth, Onoki had every reason to make an appearance on the battlefield.

As Jiraiya scanned the group in front of him—each one a top-tier ninja and the future of Konoha—he noticed that despite the possibility of facing Onoki, none of them showed any signs of backing down. Could he really just leave them now? Could he harden his heart and walk away?

Konoha was indeed at its weakest point in history. Even though they had geniuses, it had come to the point where even seven-year-old children were being sent to the front lines.

"Hmm, the Land of Earth... It's been a while since I last saw that old man Onoki. I wonder how many years he has left? Since I have nothing better to do, I'll join you and check out the situation," Jiraiya finally said, with an air of nonchalance.

Hearing Jiraiya's words, everyone present smiled as if they had just been handed a reassurance. Konoha was currently more in need of high-level combat power than ever before, with the only Kage-level fighters being the Fifth Hokage, Uchiha Fugaku, and Akira. Jiraiya's return and his willingness to accompany them to the Land of Earth was a significant boost—a timely intervention.

Although Jiraiya downplayed his decision, making it sound as if he was just tagging along out of boredom, everyone knew the real reason. He still cared deeply for Konoha, and that's why he was going with them.

This was why, despite Orochimaru defecting from the village and becoming an S-rank rogue ninja, Jiraiya, though absent from Konoha for many years, never turned his back on the village.

"Is this old man really coming with us? Are we sure he's not just going to mess things up and drag us down?" Naruto muttered quietly. Though his voice was low, everyone present, being elite ninjas, heard it clearly.

Shikaku and the others struggled to suppress their laughter, trying hard to keep straight faces. Jiraiya's face, however, darkened as he glared at Naruto. It was as if a parent had just watched their child break the TV and scribble all over the walls—a mix of frustration and exasperation.

Meanwhile, Akira couldn't hold back and burst into laughter. "I knew Naruto's sharp tongue was impressive, but this... even Jiraiya is no match for him."

"Alright, Naruto," Akira said after a moment, noticing Jiraiya's increasingly sour expression. "Jiraiya is a very strong ninja. If you train with him, you'll grow much stronger."

With that, Akira quickly offered some words in Jiraiya's defense, hoping to smooth things over. After all, if Jiraiya got too angry and decided to challenge him, Akira wasn't entirely confident he could win against this veteran Kage-level ninja, especially considering Jiraiya's Sage Mode.

Besides, fighting Jiraiya wouldn't bring him any benefits.

"What? Train with him?" Naruto's expression was one of pure distaste, clearly unimpressed with Jiraiya. "You've already taught me the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu and the Rasengan. I think training with you is enough!"

"Naruto, I forgot to mention—Jiraiya is not only one of the Legendary Sannin but also the teacher of the Fourth Hokage," Akira added, trying to change Naruto's mind.

"Huh? He... he's..." Naruto's eyes widened in shock as he glanced between Jiraiya and Akira. He found it hard to believe that this untrustworthy-looking white-haired old man had been his father's mentor.

Naruto turned to Kakashi and the others, seeking confirmation, and they all nodded, indicating that it was true.

This revelation left Naruto feeling as if his entire worldview had been turned upside down.

Feeling immensely satisfied as he watched Naruto's shocked expression, Jiraiya felt as if he had just taken a refreshing gulp of ice-cold cola on a scorching summer day. It was immensely gratifying to see Naruto, who had so deeply misunderstood him, finally realize the truth.

"And another thing..." Akira continued after a pause, turning to Naruto. "You said you wanted to compete with me for the position of Hokage, right? If you keep following my training, you'll always be in my shadow. How will you ever surpass me?"

"So, if you want to surpass me and become the next Hokage, your best chance is to train with him," Akira finished, pointing to Jiraiya.

Jiraiya couldn't help but glance at Akira in surprise. Initially, he had mixed feelings about the Uchiha clan—he wasn't particularly fond of them but didn't outright hate them either. Then, learning how dedicated Akira was to training Naruto, his opinion began to shift. He realized that not all Uchiha were to be disliked.

But now, after listening to Akira's conversation with Naruto, Jiraiya found himself genuinely liking Akira. Despite Naruto's obvious dislike for him, Akira had spoken up on his behalf.

Yes, this child was truly likable.

Most importantly, for two seven-year-olds to set a rivalry for the Hokage position, and for Akira to have the magnanimity to suggest that Naruto train with Jiraiya—it was clear that the Uchiha clan was about to produce an extraordinary individual.

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