Before Kimimaro returned to the Land of Vegetables, unexpected visitors arrived.
Fudō and Fūen stood on alert as the white-haired man stepped into view.
"Such pressure…" Fudō muttered.
"He's incredibly strong," Fūen added. "That chakra… he's no ordinary ninja."
The man smiled slightly. "You two aren't bad yourselves. That Earth Release technique was clever. Not many can create such an effective trap."
Fudō scowled. "Don't get cocky. Our comrades will be here soon."
"You're guards of this city?" the white-haired man asked, glancing around. "It seems Kimimaro's doing well here."
Just then, Jūgo arrived with several allied shinobi trailing behind.
"Jūgo, stay back!" Fūen warned. "This guy—he's dangerous."
But Jūgo's eyes widened in recognition. "Wait… Lord Jiraiya?!"
The white-haired man grinned. "Long time no see, Jūgo."
Standing beside him was a blond-haired teenager with vibrant blue eyes.
"Is that… Uzumaki Naruto?" Fūen whispered in shock.
"And Jiraiya of the Sannin?" Fudō added, visibly tensing.
They immediately dropped their battle stances.
"Our apologies, Lord Jiraiya," Fudō said. "Losing to one of the Legendary Sannin is no disgrace."
"You honor us by coming," Fūen added.
From the side, Naruto piped up, beaming: "You guys were awesome too! That Transformation Ninjutsu was pretty wild!"
The hostility eased, replaced by mutual curiosity. Naruto's casual praise set a lighter tone.
Jiraiya gave Jūgo a nod. "So… where's Kimimaro?"
"He went out to handle something," Jūgo replied. "He mentioned a possible trip to Konoha."
"Hah! What a coincidence," Jiraiya chuckled. "I brought Naruto out for training and heard rumors about Kimimaro's activity here. Thought I'd check in."
Jūgo nodded. "If you're not in a hurry, I'd suggest waiting. He should return soon."
"No rush," Jiraiya said. "Naruto and I can train anywhere. Show us around—I want to see how Kimimaro's managing things."
As they walked into the city, Naruto chatted with Fudō and Fūen, who were still trying to piece everything together.
"Did Lord Jiraiya and Lord Kimimaro know each other well?" Fūen asked.
Naruto scratched his head. "Not that long, I think. They only met once last year. But they hit it off. Jiraiya-sensei even said he'd mentor him a little. So I guess that makes Kimimaro my junior… kind of? He has to call me senpai!"
Up ahead, Jiraiya laughed without turning around. "Don't let it get to your head, Naruto. Kimimaro and I are more like equals. I didn't teach him much."
He thought privately: If we started counting seniority based on discipleship, Naruto would be calling Minato's peers "senpai."
Fudō and Fūen were floored. Jiraiya had a bond like that with Kimimaro?
As they strolled through the streets, Naruto suddenly clutched his stomach. "I'm starving. Any good ramen shops around?"
Jūgo smiled. "I was going to take you to the Daimyō's residence. You can eat whatever you like there."
"No need for that," Jiraiya said. "Let's walk the streets and eat something simple. That way we'll get a feel for the local life."
He pointed to a small eatery ahead. "Ramen sounds perfect."
The group filed into the humble noodle shop.
"Mmm! This is amazing!" Naruto exclaimed between mouthfuls.
"Of course," Fūen said proudly. "This is the Land of Vegetables. We grow the freshest produce—you name it, we've got it."
After their meal, the shopkeeper offered them drinks on the house.
"Such hospitality!" Naruto said.
The owner chuckled. "If Lord Kimimaro hadn't told us not to treat guests differently, I'd waive the whole bill. We're all grateful to him. Ever since he took charge, this land's changed."
"In Konoha, even the Hokage pays for his ramen," Jiraiya commented.
"Exactly," the owner said. "Lord Kimimaro said the same. Even the Daimyō must pay like everyone else."
Naruto looked thoughtful. "He really is serious about fairness…"
As they stepped back onto the street, Jiraiya's eyes lingered on the passing civilians—their smiles were genuine, their eyes filled with hope.
He had visited this country years ago. It was stable then, but now… now it thrived.
His gaze drifted to a large building down the road. "Is that… a school?"
"Yes, Lord Kimimaro places great importance on education. He ensures that all children receive equal access to learning. Even shinobi undergo formal schooling here."
"Is that so? That's quite novel," Jiraiya remarked, a brow raised. He had never imagined shinobi attending classes alongside civilian children in a shared system.
As he looked around, someone in the crowd caught his attention. The face was vaguely familiar.
"Who's that man over there?"
"Oh, that's Kazuma. He originally came from the Land of Fire. You might know him."
"Kazuma?" Jiraiya's eyes narrowed. "You mean that Kazuma? The one from the Twelve Guardian Ninja? I thought he died during the uprising?"
"Haha, the situation back then was... complicated. Lord Jiraiya, you can ask him yourself."
Just then, Kazuma noticed them and approached.
"Lord Jiraiya? What brings you here?"
Jiraiya stared, still half in disbelief. "So it is you. You're alive?"
Kazuma gave a weary smile. "It's a long story. I'd rather not dredge up the past. These days, I'm more of a... detainee. And you, Lord Jiraiya?"
"Me? Well, Kimimaro considers me something of a mentor, though it's unofficial. I was passing through and thought I'd check in."
"That so?" Kazuma murmured. "Incredible... Even you acknowledge him."
Jiraiya chuckled. "You know me—I don't like getting involved in politics or grand causes. But Kimimaro and I had a connection. Still, I'm not involved in his administration."
"I see." Kazuma nodded, a distant look in his eyes.
"And what about you? Why are you a prisoner?"
Kazuma sighed, then briefly recounted his fate—the failed rebellion, his betrayal of the Daimyō, and his defeat. "But oddly enough," he added, "life here as a prisoner is peaceful. Being cut off from the schemes and power plays gave me space to reflect."
"And how do you feel now?"
"Surprisingly good. Especially when I watch the kids studying here. Before, I thought my mission was to protect the 'Jade General'—the Daimyō. But now… maybe what truly needs protection is the next generation. Their innocence. Their potential."
Jiraiya nodded slowly. "So Kimimaro's changed your perspective."
Kazuma smiled faintly. "My loyalty to the Fire Daimyō remains in my heart, but it doesn't stop me from recognizing what's happening here. It's... different. And perhaps good."
"Alright," Jiraiya said. "It's rare to bump into an old face. Show me around. I'd like to see more of what's going on."
Kazuma inclined his head. "Of course. I know this place well now."
Jiraiya turned to Naruto. "Coming with us?"
Naruto had wandered off to a nearby building. "You two go ahead. I wanna look around on my own!"
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