Another Misunderstanding

"Ahhhhh! Why are you such a big eater!"

Konoha, Ichiraku Ramen.

Naruto looked at the tall stack of empty bowls in front of Takemi, feeling somewhat exasperated.

He turned his head to look at Jiraiya, who was wiping his mouth, and couldn't hold back anymore.

"Why are you here too?!"

"Hmph, it's just a few bowls of ramen, is it really that big of a deal?"

Jiraiya glanced at Naruto and spoke with some displeasure, "Don't forget, I taught you and that Uchiha brat. What's wrong with eating a few bowls of your ramen?"

On the night Takemi celebrated becoming a Chunin, Naruto's 'awe-inspiring' performance naturally captivated Jiraiya, the super pervert.

It was just helping with training, it wasn't a problem for him at all, and just one more person wouldn't be a big deal.

He taught Naruto and Sasuke the most basic things, but they were things that would benefit any Ninja for life.

For example, tree climbing and water walking, though simple, were manifestations of Chakra control.

Sasuke performed well, while Naruto was a bit lacking, but this was normal. Jiraiya knew that the Nine-Tails inside him was affecting him.

But overall, they both performed adequately, and he also had exclusive benefits...

"Jiraiya-sama, have you finished your business?" Takemi interrupted at the right time, asking a question.

"What was the result?"

"Hmph, don't even mention it, found nothing." Jiraiya shook his head, looking a bit dejected.

"I found a few places, but without exception, no one was there. It was a wasted trip."

"Such good luck." Takemi blinked, feigning a sigh.

"Unlike me, who's so unlucky, the first time I..."

"Hey, hey, hey, are you trying to say thisI am out of luck?"

Jiraiya rolled his eyes, then scrutinized Takemi before continuing, "But I heard about your mission. You performed well, just too reckless."

"Hey, are you two even listening to me?"

Naruto watched Takemi and Jiraiya chat amongst themselves, then thought of his soon-to-be-empty 'little frog' wallet, and shouted.

Takemi calmly said, "It wasn't reckless, it's just that the opponent was too strong. That Jutsu indeed has significant side effects."

Unfortunately, neither Takemi nor Jiraiya paid attention to Naruto. Takemi even revealed his true intentions.

He said, "I was wondering when Jiraiya-sama would return. This is perfect for me to ask for guidance."

"Eh?"

Jiraiya looked puzzled, but soon had an understanding expression.

He said, "As expected, old man already told you, didn't he?"

"Huh?"

Now it was Takemi's turn to be stunned. He had gone back to rest without even attending the meeting, so how could he have met Sarutobi Hiruzen ?

"Honestly."

Jiraiya stood up, patted his backside, and spoke, "If you wanted to learn, you should have said so earlier. I won't be stingy, especially..."

At this point, Jiraiya smiled and shook his head.

Perhaps this kid really resembled Minato, or perhaps in some ways, he even surpassed Minato...

Jiraiya, of course, wasn't like Naruto. Even if he lost his footing and fell from the Hokage Building, he could still land steadily.

Afterward, he was 'invited' back by Sarutobi Hiruzen and learned many things.

Takemi and Kakashi's mission was very successful. Not only did Kakashi gain new power, but they also uncovered intelligence about the enemy.

Most importantly, Takemi's performance this time was exceptionally outstanding, though he was also a bit reckless this time.

The Eight Inner Gates was indeed not suitable for him to use indiscriminately, especially since his primary offensive method was Ninjutsu.

They were worried that Takemi would develop a bad 'dependency' just from one power boost.

So they all intended to have Jiraiya persuade him, and Sarutobi Hiruzen also hoped Jiraiya would take it a step further.

"Sage Mode, huh."

After Sarutobi Hiruzen proposed his idea, Jiraiya didn't really think of refusing.

Although Takemi's personality was a bit rough, he truly liked him. Besides, he had some experience from teaching Minato, and he was very willing to try again.

"Huh?"

Takemi was still confused.

Ignoring Naruto who was jumping up and down beside him, he asked curiously, "Lord Hokage didn't tell me, what's going on?"

"He didn't?"

Jiraiya tilted his head, then shook it.

He chuckled lightly, and patted Takemi's shoulder, saying, "Never mind, let's not talk about that. Once you're full, get ready to go. Didn't you want to ask for guidance? I happen to have time."

"Alright."

Takemi also smiled, then stood up and left with Jiraiya, leaving only Naruto stunned in place.

Naruto shouted, "Hey?! Are you two really just leaving like that?"

Naruto stared blankly at the two, and finally, with a painful and helpless expression, pulled out his 'little frog' wallet.

He knew Takemi could eat a lot, but he didn't expect him to eat that much.

"And Jiraiya-sama too, honestly..."

Naruto counted the money in his 'little frog' wallet, then looked at Teuchi, who was tidying up, with a fawning expression.

He said, "Um, Uncle Teuchi, you see, we ate so much, could you give us a discount or something?"

"Hmm?"

Teuchi was momentarily stunned, then said with a laugh, "What's wrong? Didn't they already pay?"

"Eh?"

Naruto was taken aback, and then he saw a stack of banknotes pressed under the ramen bowls of Takemi and Jiraiya.

"They..."

"Jiraiya-sama cares about you a lot, and Takemi is truly a good friend." Teuchi said with a smile as he tidied up.

"Didn't you want to gain everyone's recognition? You've already done very well. Keep up the good work!"

"Mm."

Naruto pursed his lips, then deliberately feigned an annoyed expression.

He said, "Who told them to pay? Honestly, I said I'd treat! Damn it, you guys wait for me!"

"Hey, hey!"

Watching Naruto run out directly, Teuchi shook his head helplessly.

"Jiraiya-sama and Takemi both paid, but they paid too much..."

"Forget it, next time I won't charge them."

.....

"Is someone calling us from behind?"

"Seems like it, but I didn't hear clearly."

Takemi and Jiraiya headed straight for the forest deep within Konoha.

They were both very fast, and although they felt someone calling from behind, they didn't pay it any mind.

Before long, they had already arrived within the forest.

"This place is pretty good. There's even a hot spring nearby, so you can rest well when you're tired." Jiraiya smiled, then became serious.

He said, "Kid, let me tell you first, although I don't know what you want to ask, I do intend to teach you something."

"Eh?"

Takemi was somewhat stunned.

He originally wanted to learn the 'purification' Sage Art, but Jiraiya actually wants to teach him something?

With a hint of confusion on his face, he asked softly, "Jiraiya-sama, what do you plan to teach me?"