Namikaze Minato felt like his entire worldview had just been shattered.
What did he just see? His own teacher, groveling nervously, while Gekko Chizan wore a thoroughly annoyed expression.
And what did he just hear? Tsunade-sama's materials?? How did Gekko Chizan get those?? For a moment, Minato's brain felt like its CPU was about to overheat.
When he heard his teacher's cry for help, he immediately forced his still-shaking legs to move and hurried over to Gekko Chizan's side.
"Chizan, Sensei was just joking with you."
"He doesn't actually want to look at Tsunade-sama. What he likes isn't big—he likes flat!"
"Right, Sensei?"
Jiraiya hadn't expected his own student to come to his defense like that.
Doesn't like big? Likes flat?
How is that possible!!!
But right now, calming down Gekko Chizan was the top priority. Whether he liked flat or not could be sorted out later!
"Right! I like flat!"
"Chizan-kun, don't get the wrong idea!"
"A smooth plain is true love! Hills and valleys are just fleeting clouds!"
Heh. This guy… Chizan couldn't help but admire Jiraiya.
Changing even your preferences just to survive?
Impressive!
"Is that so? What a shame."
"Alright, I still have to lead the team back to report. I won't stick around here any longer."
"Jiraiya-sama, Minato, you two get some good rest."
Hearing Chizan finally let it go, Jiraiya visibly relaxed.
But as soon as he relaxed, his legs began to tremble again. Helpless, he grabbed onto Minato for support to keep himself from collapsing.
Minato immediately felt pressure on his legs, but what could he do? He could only grit his teeth and bear it.
Not until Gekko Chizan left the tent did the master and student duo finally breathe a sigh of relief.
"Minato, help me back to the bed. My legs..."
"Sensei, I'm about the same..."
The two looked at each other with bitter smiles—but the next second, Gekko Chizan popped his head back in.
With a mischievous grin on his face.
"Jiraiya-sama, I forgot to tell you—everything I said just now was fake."
"I don't actually have any of Tsunade-sama's material. I still want to live a few more years, hehehe..."
"But now I know—so Jiraiya-sama, you like a smooth plain, huh? Not bad. You've got taste. I learned something new today."
"But what I don't get is—if you like flat, then why were you showing Hiruzen-sama the big ones? Tsk tsk tsk, I'll have to report this to Hiruzen-sama."
"I'm off now, no need to see me out!"
And with that, he vanished.
Leaving behind Jiraiya with eyes rolled back—full-on white-eyed mode!
And Gekko Chizan received another delightful system prompt.
[Ding! Detected that the host once again pranked Jiraiya, thoroughly breaking his mental defenses and sending him into shock. Special reward: 4% progress toward second Kekkei Genkai unlocked.]
Done! As expected, the stronger the target, the better the reward!
Gekko Chizan felt great inside, humming a tune as he walked toward his team.
Now that the supplies were delivered, the caravan would return to the village.
So Chizan's team needed to head back with them.
"Kakashi, Obito, Rin—go call Honda Saburo and the others. Time to head home!"
His good mood gave him energy. Even though his chakra wasn't fully replenished, he didn't care. Once they left the Land of Grass, it would be safe.
Besides, he'd already wreaked havoc on the border between the Land of Grass and the Land of Fields. Iwagakure probably wouldn't start a war anytime soon—not even a small skirmish.
He could return to the Land of Fire with ease.
"Yes, Chizan-sensei."
Kakashi and Obito headed off to gather the others, while Rin walked over to Gekko Chizan.
"Chizan-sensei, there's something I want to ask you."
"Hmm? What is it, Rin?"
"Um... Chizan-sensei, are you close with Pakura-sensei?"
Pakura?
Chizan paused slightly. Seeing Rin's slightly shy demeanor, he suddenly understood.
This little girl wants to learn combat techniques from Pakura?
"You want to learn fighting techniques from Pakura?"
Rin's thoughts were seen through in one glance, and she looked a little embarrassed.
"Back in the battle... I couldn't help much because I'm a medical-nin."
"I want to fight too. I don't want to always be watching from the back, being protected."
"I want to catch up to Kakashi and Obito."
Chizan nodded. Right now, during wartime, the village protected medical-nin very carefully.
Normally, they wouldn't allow them to join combat.
After all, they were the backbone of the team's survival.
Rin had a gentle nature, but behind it, she was strong-willed. Watching Kakashi and Obito fight stirred something in her—she wanted to contribute too.
"Mm... I can't promise you this outright."
"The importance of medical-nin can't be overstated."
Hearing this, Rin lowered her head slightly, disappointed.
Seeing her expression, Chizan smiled gently.
"But if you really want to learn some fighting techniques for self-defense, I don't see a problem with that."
"As for Pakura, I'll talk to her. I'll ask her to teach you some self-defense moves—or even ninjutsu."
The sudden shift in tone lit up Rin's face with surprise and joy.
"Alright, no need to thank me. After all, it's Pakura who'll be teaching you."
"Go pack up. We're heading back."
Rin nodded firmly and went to help with the caravan preparations.
Chizan chuckled.
"Leading a team really is fulfilling."
"Watching the younger generation grow—nothing compares to that kind of joy."
Suddenly, a deep male voice sounded from behind him.
Chizan turned to see a man and a large dog looking at him.
"Inuzuka Gaku-san..."
"You caught me getting emotional."
The newcomer was Inuzuka Gaku and his big yellow dog.
Gaku wasn't very old, but he looked mature. On this mission, he was part of the same squad as Namikaze Minato.
A very kind senior.
"Hahaha, Gekko Chizan."
"We in Konoha have no shortage of talent. You, in particular, have become quite well-known lately."
"The intelligence prodigy."
Inuzuka Gaku's gaze held a hint of approval—it was clear he liked Chizan.
"Ah, it's just luck. When it comes to intelligence, Jiraiya-sama is the true top in our village."
That wasn't flattery—Jiraiya was a true master of intelligence and missions.
"It's good for young people to be humble, but you also need some fire in your belly. You're a bit too calm."
"Go on, head back early. The village needs you younger ones to grow strong."
Inuzuka Gaku patted his dog, then gave Chizan an encouraging look.
Chizan nodded in return.
Just then, Kakashi and Obito came back. The caravan was ready to go.
Gekko Chizan raised his arm high and declared their departure!
...
A/N: Actually, Inuzuka Gaku and Uchiha Fugaku should be the same age...
And Fugaku's wedding to Mikoto was coming up soon. If they delayed any longer, Itachi's birth would be affected. Haha.
Some readers were confused about why Itachi hadn't been born yet—so here's the clarification: Kakashi is 9 years older than Itachi, so it's not time for him to be born yet.