Seeing Naruto's startled expression, Jiraiya grinned slyly and asked,
"What's wrong? Don't tell me you're scared of marriage, kid?"
Naruto shook his head quickly with a small smile.
"No, Pervy Sage, it's not like that."
Jiraiya chuckled, leaning back and folding his arms across his chest.
"Then what's the problem? Didn't Hinata say she was pregnant? What are you waiting for? If anything, you should be in a rush!"
Naruto sighed deeply, scratching the back of his head in frustration.
"That's the thing. Hinata's not actually pregnant. She just… lied about it on the spot. My parents overheard and believed her, and now everyone thinks it's real."
For a moment, even the great Jiraiya—the legendary Sannin, veteran of countless battles, and self-proclaimed master of romance—was left speechless.
"Wait, wait, wait… You're telling me Hinata just said that out of nowhere, and everyone believed it?"
Naruto nodded helplessly.
Jiraiya's eyes narrowed in thought. Then, his lips curled into a wicked grin that Naruto knew all too well—the same grin his master wore when he had some "brilliant" idea, usually one that involved peeping, gambling, or questionable inspiration for his novels.
"I'll tell you a little secret, Naruto. But you can't repeat it to anyone else, understand?"
Naruto squinted suspiciously. That mischievous glint in Jiraiya's eye brought back memories of his training days. He remembered that exact look when Jiraiya made him practice the Sexy Jutsu for "research purposes."
Naruto leaned forward with a teasing smirk.
"Don't tell me, Pervy Sage… Did you somehow get Grandma Tsunade pregnant?"
Jiraiya nearly fell over.
"What the—?! How did you…? You brat, you think I'm that reckless?!"
Naruto burst into laughter, pointing at his master.
"Ha! I knew it. The way you're acting gave it away! Same old Pervy Sage."
Jiraiya scratched the back of his head awkwardly. He had thought they were about to share some profound understanding as men, but leave it to Naruto to twist it into a joke. Still, once the laughter died down, his tone grew serious again.
"Listen, Naruto. Even if Hinata lied, the story's already spreading. The Hyūga clan members are whispering about it, and your parents clearly believe it too. You're a man—sometimes you just have to take responsibility and turn a lie into reality. If you ask me, there's no better time to settle this once and for all."
Naruto froze at his master's words. He thought about Hinata—her warmth, her shy but unwavering love for him, the way she had stood up to Pain without fear. Deep down, he knew Jiraiya was right.
He nodded slowly.
"You're right, Pervy Sage. We'll… make it real."
Jiraiya grinned proudly, clapping him on the back hard enough to nearly knock him forward.
"That's my apprentice! That's the spirit of a man!"
Naruto chuckled sheepishly.
But then Jiraiya leaned closer, rubbing his hands together like a merchant about to close a deal.
"Speaking of which, Naruto… there's something I need your help with."
Naruto tilted his head, suspicious again.
"Here we go… Alright, what is it this time? If it's something I can do, I'll help."
Jiraiya scratched his head, looking suddenly embarrassed.
"Well… I heard you bought a lot of stuff at Hinata's house the other day. Jewelry, gifts, all that. And I also know that after the war, a lot of Akatsuki's hidden assets ended up under your control."
Naruto blinked.
"Yeah… so?"
Jiraiya leaned closer, lowering his voice as if confessing a crime.
"The thing is… Master doesn't exactly have money right now. Writing novels pays decently, sure, but your mother-in-law—Tsunade, you know how she is. Gambling, debts, debts, and more debts. I used up all my savings trying to help her cover them. Now she wants a proper wedding, and I've got nothing!"
Naruto stared blankly at him.
Jiraiya continued, clutching his chest dramatically.
"I mean, what kind of man would I be if I can't even afford to marry the woman I've loved all my life? Naruto, my boy, your master is broke!"
For a second, Naruto just stared. Then he burst out laughing again, waving his hand dismissively.
"That's all? Geez, Pervy Sage, you scared me for nothing! Of course I'll help. I've got plenty saved up. I'll cover the wedding costs—don't even worry about it."
Jiraiya's eyes lit up like a kid who'd just been handed a lifetime pass to the women's bathhouse.
"Now that's what I call a good apprentice! You've truly inherited my spirit!"
Naruto gave him a side-eye.
"Don't push it."
But then Naruto asked curiously,
"So what's the money for, besides the wedding? You don't need that much, right?"
Jiraiya rubbed his chin with a grin.
"Well… since things are peaceful now, there aren't many high-paying missions anymore. Assassinations, high-risk bodyguard work—that kind of thing has dried up. If I want to keep living the way I do, I need another source of income. So… I'm going to release my greatest novel yet!"
Naruto blinked.
"Another Icha Icha book?"
Jiraiya wagged his finger proudly.
"Not just another. My masterpiece. I'll add new themes, new emotions, and—get this—illustrations. With the right investment, it'll outsell everything I've ever written. I just need you to sponsor me for publishing fees. Once it succeeds, I'll give you a share of the profits."
Naruto tilted his head thoughtfully. In his past life, Jiraiya's books had indeed become even more popular in peacetime, when shinobi had fewer life-threatening missions and more free time. The market for entertainment skyrocketed.
This could actually be a smart investment.
Naruto smiled.
"You don't even have to give me a share, Pervy Sage. I'll support you regardless. But sure, let's call it an investment. Consider me your sponsor."
Jiraiya's grin widened ear to ear.
"That's my boy! Don't worry, Naruto—once this comes out, it'll be the hottest book in the shinobi world! I've already got new inspiration that'll blow minds."
Naruto chuckled.
"Congratulations in advance, Pervy Sage. Tomorrow, let's go to the Konoha Bank together. I'll withdraw the money and hand it over."
Jiraiya slapped him on the back again.
"Done! I'll make you proud, Naruto."
That night, Naruto used the Flying Thunder God Technique to teleport directly onto the Hyūga compound's rooftop. Quietly, he slipped into Hinata's room.
Hinata stirred in her sleep, her Byakugan instinctively opening for a moment.
"Naruto?" she whispered softly.
Naruto froze.
"You recognized me right away?"
Hinata smiled faintly, her cheeks flushed even in the dim moonlight.
"I remember your scent."
Naruto's chest warmed. He climbed into her futon beside her.
"What do you think I came here for? It's time we make that little lie… reality."
Hinata's face turned crimson.
"Y-you still remember that…"
Before Naruto could reply, Hinata pulled the quilt over both of them.
(The following events are omitted for discretion, but needless to say, their bond deepened.)
The next morning, Naruto dressed quietly and left Hinata's room. He headed straight to Jiraiya's place.
Inside, Tsunade greeted him warmly.
"Naruto! You're just in time for breakfast. Come, sit!"
To Naruto's surprise, Jiraiya himself was cooking. Memories of training trips came rushing back—his master always insisted on campfire meals when they traveled together.
After breakfast, Jiraiya reminded Naruto of their errand. Tsunade left for Hokage duties, while Jiraiya and Naruto headed to the Konoha Bank.
Naruto withdrew the money, placing a pouch of ryo into Jiraiya's hands.
"Here. Use it well, Pervy Sage."
Jiraiya beamed, eyes sparkling with confidence.
"Naruto, you won't regret this. Once I release my masterpiece, the dividends will be huge!"
Naruto laughed.
"I'll be waiting."
But then Jiraiya leaned close, lowering his voice.
"There's one more thing. I've taken on a partner for this project. My soul painter."
Naruto blinked in confusion.
"Painter? What do you mean?"
Jiraiya smirked proudly.
"Didn't I tell you? This new novel will have illustrations. And the one drawing them is none other than Sai. He's perfect for the job. I'm heading over now to check his progress!"
Naruto's jaw dropped.
"WHAT?!"
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