The Lion's Random Hair Technique and Tsunade

"Of course, he's very handsome. He's a lady-killer."

Xu Ming clapped enthusiastically, giving Jiraiya's long hair high praise.

"Hahaha, it's not that exaggerated..." Jiraiya scratched his head, trying to appear modest, but he couldn't suppress his grin. "But I have to admit, I do look pretty good."

Proudly, Jiraiya placed his hands on his hips.

Swish!

With a flick of his head, he released the ninjutsu, making his long hair retract back into place.

Then, without another word, he ran out impatiently.

"Sensei, Orochimaru, Xu Ming... I'm heading to the training ground to test this new technique! I'll be back before dinner!"

With a whoosh, Jiraiya disappeared.

The training ground he mentioned was the private one at Sarutobi Hiruzen's residence, just next door and only a few steps away.

Seeing this, the Third Hokage didn't stop him. Instead, he sighed and turned to Xu Ming.

"I'm such an incompetent teacher. I never realized Jiraiya's unique talent…"

The Third Hokage's expression grew thoughtful.

Jiraiya wasn't unintelligent—he simply wasn't suited for conventional teaching methods. While most people learn ninjutsu by understanding its mechanics, Jiraiya learned best through physical experience and personal comprehension.

"I just discovered it by accident," Xu Ming said with a smile.

"Regardless, I have to thank you. After today, I finally understand how to properly teach him," the Third Hokage said, patting Xu Ming on the shoulder.

"Jiraiya's difficult days are coming," Orochimaru chuckled.

Before, the Third Hokage had neither the time nor the awareness to recognize Jiraiya's learning style. Now, however, he could create a specialized training plan for him—one that would be rigorous and demanding.

"Hehe, let's at least let him enjoy the New Year first," the Third Hokage laughed.

Not long after, Jiraiya returned from the training ground, his face brimming with excitement.

As he stepped into the yard, he noticed the amused expressions of Xu Ming, Orochimaru, and the Third Hokage, which sent a shiver down his spine.

"W-What's going on?" Jiraiya hesitated, sensing impending trouble.

"Nothing," the Third Hokage said solemnly. "Go wash your hands—dinner will be served soon."

Xu Ming and Orochimaru quickly adjusted their expressions to match the Hokage's serious tone.

"Oh... okay," Jiraiya said, scratching his head.

Instead of going inside immediately, he walked over to the rockery pond in the yard. Turning to the others, he grinned.

"By the way, let me show you something!"

He formed a series of hand seals before anyone could object. His hair grew wildly, extending outward like tendrils and wrapping around the large rock formation in the pond.

Whoosh!

With a swift motion, his long hair tightened around the rockery, slicing through it like a blade.

The enormous structure crumbled into pieces, sending debris into the pond. The ornamental fish suffered a cruel fate, many being crushed under the falling rubble.

"Ninja Art: Lion's Unruly Mane Technique!" Jiraiya declared proudly, rubbing his nose. He turned to Xu Ming and the others, expecting admiration. "Pretty cool name, right?"

"Jiraiya!!"

The only response he got was the furious roar of the Third Hokage.

"Ah! That rockery was handcrafted by a renowned artisan from Kyoto—it cost me a fortune!!"

Smack!

Using the Body Flicker Technique, the Third Hokage appeared in front of Jiraiya and smacked him on the forehead.

Thus began the heartwarming yet comedic lesson between master and student.

"What an unbelievable guy," Orochimaru remarked. "In less than ten minutes, he developed a perfect ninjutsu technique from a simple body modification jutsu."

"You're not bad yourself, Orochimaru," Xu Ming reassured him.

"I know... but it's still frustrating," Orochimaru admitted with a wry smile.

"Why?" Xu Ming asked.

"Because what takes me so much effort to master comes so easily to others. It's as if the complexity of the technique doesn't matter to them at all." Orochimaru sighed deeply.

Xu Ming remained silent, patting Orochimaru on the shoulder in sympathy.

Life is full of unfair moments.

The envy Orochimaru felt toward Jiraiya was the same as Sasuke's toward Naruto in later generations, or Indra's toward Ashura in ancient times.

"Don't worry, Xu Ming," Orochimaru said, taking a deep breath. "Our journey as shinobi has only just begun. Being ahead temporarily doesn't mean much—the real winner is the one who lasts until the end."

"That's a good mindset," Xu Ming nodded approvingly.

After some more bickering, the Third Hokage stopped lecturing Jiraiya and led everyone inside for dinner.

However, even at the dinner table, Jiraiya couldn't help but stir up trouble.

This time, his target was Xu Ming.

"Xu Ming, let me tell you a secret," Jiraiya whispered loudly, making sure everyone could hear. "Tsunade is interested in you."

"..."

Xu Ming shot him a look, the corner of his eye twitching.

Whether it was the sheer weight of that statement or Jiraiya's ridiculous delivery, he didn't know how to react.

Especially since it was coming from Jiraiya of all people!

This situation reminded him of Uchiha Mikoto's matchmaking suggestion. Now there was Tsunade? Did he have some sort of natural aura that attracted the attention of other people's potential love interests?

"Why are you so quiet? Are you secretly happy?" Jiraiya wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

The others at the table turned to Xu Ming, clearly enjoying the show.

"Come on, I haven't even talked to Tsunade that much," Xu Ming said, exasperated.

"No, you actually have," Jiraiya countered, holding up a finger.

"Huh?" Xu Ming blinked. "When?"

"Haven't you noticed how recently, a lot of people—including me—have been coming to you with questions about medical ninjutsu and medical ninja training?" Jiraiya gestured around the table at Orochimaru, the Third Hokage, and even his wife, Biwako. "Who do you think was asking all those questions?"

Xu Ming was stunned. Now that he thought about it, people from various clans had indeed been inquiring about medical ninjutsu, including the Senju, Akimichi, Uchiha, and even figures like Danzo and the Third Hokage.

He had assumed it was just casual curiosity—like chatting about the latest news.

Xu Ming looked around for confirmation, and to his surprise, everyone silently nodded.

"But... why didn't she ask me directly?" Xu Ming asked hesitantly.

"Because she likes you, obviously," Jiraiya said with a smirk. "She wants to know more about you but doesn't want to ask you directly. Doesn't that tell you something?"

Pfft...

Xu Ming nearly choked on his tea, staring at Jiraiya in disbelief.

Not because he thought Jiraiya was wrong—no, it was because he was absolutely right!

Tsunade's actions were suspicious!

"Brother, have you used all your intelligence just for stuff like this?" Xu Ming asked incredulously.

"Changing the subject, huh?" Jiraiya smirked knowingly. "Feeling guilty?"

Xu Ming sighed, picking up a piece of pork with his chopsticks.

Forget it. Time to eat.

After all, avoidance may be shameful—but it's useful.

Laughter erupted around the table as the dinner continued in high spirits.