The Land of Hot Springs—Yugakure, the Hidden Hot Spring Village.
Known throughout the shinobi world as "the ninja village that has forgotten war," Yugakure was once a thriving military village. In its early days, the Hidden Hot Spring Village prided itself on its warriors and martial might. But when the long wars of the shinobi world finally quieted, Yugakure slowly began to wither.
Unlike the Five Great Nations, it lacked the resources and political influence to compete in wars or diplomacy. Yet, just as its strength dwindled, the village found another path to survival.
Nature itself blessed Yugakure. Its endless hot springs, picturesque valleys, and tranquil atmosphere made it a paradise. The leaders wisely shifted from military power to tourism, drawing in nobles, merchants, and travelers.
Today, it thrived—not as a warrior village, but as a bustling tourist haven. Steam drifted from every corner, and laughter echoed through the streets as visitors indulged in hot baths, fine food, and peaceful leisure.
At this very moment, Peter was wandering down the lively streets of Yugakure. His eyes sparkled with delight as they swept across the scene before him: women in elegant kimonos, gracefully passing by, their figures swaying with poise.
Peter almost stopped walking altogether. His jaw slackened, and a faint trail of drool threatened to slip from the corner of his mouth.
"Hehehehe…" He chuckled under his breath, rubbing his hands together like a fox spotting prey. "What a heavenly place! Truly worth the trip!"
He wiped his mouth discreetly with his sleeve and let his gaze linger shamelessly. Compared to the barren, dusty streets of Sunagakure, Yugakure was like a paradise of beauty and temptation.
The hot steam carried with it the fragrance of blooming flowers and the faint perfume of passing women. His imagination began to run wild.
Peter coughed lightly, trying to compose himself, but the mischievous grin on his face betrayed his thoughts.
So many beautiful girls, all dressed in kimonos… Ah, Peter, today is your lucky day!
---
Entering the Hot Spring
He soon found himself standing in front of a luxurious hot spring establishment. The wooden signboard gleamed with fresh lacquer, and soft steam drifted lazily from the entrance.
Peter's eyes lit up. "Hahaha! Perfect! If I've come all the way to the Land of Hot Springs, how could I possibly not enjoy a bath? This is fate calling me!"
Without hesitation, he strode in.
The moment he stepped inside, a hostess greeted him politely and guided him to the changing room. Peter eagerly stripped down, exchanged his clothes for a simple bath towel, and padded barefoot toward the hot spring entrance.
Three curtains hung in front of him. Each one bore bold calligraphy.
On the left: "Men's Bath."
On the right: "Women's Bath."
And right in the middle… "Mixed Bath."
Peter's grin spread from ear to ear.
"Do I even need to think about this? Of course, the mixed bath!" He rubbed his palms together like a greedy merchant counting coins. "Beautiful young ladies, here comes Peter!"
He puffed out his chest, straightened his back, and strode boldly toward the middle curtain.
---
A Familiar White-Haired Observer
Not far away, leaning casually against a wooden pillar, a tall man with long white hair tied in a ponytail watched Peter with an amused smirk.
The man wore a red vest over a green kimono, with a large scroll strapped across his back. His eyes twinkled mischievously as he watched the overly eager young man rush straight into the "Mixed Bath."
Jiraiya.
The legendary Sannin, wandering author, and hopeless researcher of women.
He let out a deep sigh, shaking his head slowly. "Ah… young people. Still far too young. Charging headfirst into danger with no idea of what awaits them."
A wistful look crossed his face as he rubbed his chin. "Does he really think he'll stumble into a pool full of lovely young women? Ha! If only life were that merciful."
He folded his arms and leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with wicked curiosity.
"Let's see how long it takes before he comes running out. I bet not more than three minutes."
For Jiraiya, this was better than one of his serialized novels.
---
Inside the Mixed Bath
Peter burst through the curtain like a soldier charging into battle. His heart raced with excitement, and his mind was already painting vivid images of beautiful women soaking in steaming waters.
"Hehehehe… ladies, here I come!" He announced dramatically, leaping straight into the steaming pool with a loud splash.
The hot water embraced him instantly, wrapping his body in comforting warmth. His skin tingled, and steam rose around him. Peter let out a content sigh.
But when he lifted his head to look around, his smile froze on his face.
His pupils shrank. His jaw fell open. His soul nearly left his body.
For in front of him were not young, radiant women…
…but three old ladies.
Each had gray hair twisted into buns, wrinkled faces, and eyes that glinted with unnerving energy. Their bodies sagged, their skin loose, and their wrinkles deep. Yet the gazes they fixed on Peter were sharper than kunai.
One old lady smirked, elbowing the other. "Oh-ho! Look at this boy. What a fine, healthy body."
Another licked her lips shamelessly. "Mm-hmm! Strong, handsome, and full of youth. If only my useless old husband were like this. I'd divorce him on the spot!"
The third leaned forward, her cloudy eyes narrowing like a predator sizing up prey. "Young man, come here. Rub our backs. If you do, we'll make it worth your while…" She winked, her wrinkled face creasing even more.
Peter's entire body went stiff. Goosebumps erupted across his skin despite the steaming water. His face turned pale.
What the hell is this?! Where are the young ladies? Where's the paradise I imagined?!
His heart wailed in despair. Don't tell me I came too late—that all the beauties turned into grandmas while I was on the way?!
---
Harassed by Grandma Ninjas
Before he could react, one of the old ladies slowly approached him, her wrinkled hand trembling slightly as she reached forward.
"Young man… such fine muscles…" She whispered, her voice raspy with excitement.
Peter felt a sudden touch on his abdomen. He looked down in horror—her shriveled fingers were tracing the lines of his abs!
"AAAAHHHHH!" He yelped like a dying pig, scrambling backward through the water.
The old lady giggled, her cheeks blushing faintly, her eyes glazed with a disturbing mix of hunger and delight.
Peter's mind nearly shut down. This… this isn't a hot spring paradise! This is hell disguised as heaven!
The other two old women joined in, waddling toward him with unnerving speed. Their laughter echoed across the chamber.
One cackled so hard her dentures flew straight out of her mouth and plopped into the water with a splash.
Peter stared blankly at the floating dentures. His entire worldview collapsed.
"F-fuck! I'm still so young! How could I be bullied by old women?! If this story spreads, how will I ever show my face again?!"
His legs trembled, his heart pounded, and he clawed desperately at the edge of the pool, trying to escape.
The three old ladies leaned closer, their voices overlapping.
"Don't be shy, young man…"
"Rub our backs and we'll reward you…"
"Don't worry, we won't bite… much."
Their shrill giggles filled the air.
Peter finally snapped. "HELP! Somebody save me!" He screamed, leaping out of the pool and sprinting for the exit, water dripping wildly from his body.
He barreled through the curtain and out into the hallway like a madman fleeing from certain death.
---
Jiraiya's Amusement
Outside, Jiraiya had been waiting.
The moment Peter burst through the curtain, slipping, stumbling, and shrieking like a man possessed, Jiraiya's laughter exploded.
"Hahahahahahaha! Just as I thought! The young fool rushed in dreaming of beauties and came out like a terrified rabbit!"
He slapped his thigh, tears streaming from his eyes as he doubled over in laughter.
"Ahhh… what a performance! Worth every second of waiting."
Meanwhile, back inside the mixed bath, the three old ladies sat soaking peacefully once more. They exchanged bewildered glances.
"Strange boy," one muttered.
"We only wanted a back rub…" sighed another.
"Kids these days are so timid," the last complained, shaking her head.
---
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