Konoha's hot spring bathhouse offered separate facilities for men and women, as well as a mixed section.
Of course, those who typically occupied the mixed bath were elderly women in their seventies and eighties. The youthful and radiant seventeen- or eighteen-year-old girls most people fantasized about? They were never found here.
However, for a ninja, this obstacle was negligible. Even without something as convenient as the Byakugan, there were always other "tools" one could use.
For example, just ahead, perched on a tree branch, a tall white-haired man was squatting low, a telescope gripped tightly in his hands as he peered into the open-air women's bath.
Uzumaki Naruto stood nearby, a slight smile tugging at his lips. So, this must be the one Orochimaru mentioned...
Just three hours earlier, Naruto had contacted Orochimaru.
His purpose was straightforward—he wanted Orochimaru to deal with the Sand ninja responsible for Gekkou Hayate's death.
---
Flashback – Three Hours Ago
"Using me as a hitman, Naruto-kun?" Orochimaru said with an amused tone. "You underestimate me."
"I'm not here for games," Naruto replied coldly, his brow slightly furrowed. "Also… can you take a step back? That cheap perfume of yours reeks."
Orochimaru chuckled. "Tsk. You're a man who fascinates me more and more. Though I'd love to help you, I can't reveal my identity so casually."
He paused, then added, "But I can tell you that the Sand ninja you're after is Baki—a Jōnin of the Wind Country, and one of the Kazekage's most trusted men."
"I see." Naruto turned to leave. His tone was indifferent—he had only tried this route on a whim. If Orochimaru helped, great. If not, he'd handle it himself.
"Impatient as always, Naruto-kun," Orochimaru purred. "I didn't say I wouldn't help you."
Naruto stopped. "Oh?"
"That's right… Recently, someone arrived near the Konoha hot spring…"
Naruto listened as Orochimaru laid out his plan.
When he was finished, Naruto's lips curved into a satisfied smirk. As expected of Orochimaru… so delightfully devious.
---
In the Shinobi Audience Dimension
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Orochimaru, you snake! What exactly did you tell Naruto?!"
Orochimaru: "Oh, sensei, why so upset? I've told you before—Naruto-kun and I get along rather well. At the very least, our short-term goals are aligned."
Fourth Raikage: "If Naruto is really cooperating with Orochimaru, Konoha's going to suffer more than just the loss of a Hokage."
Ōnoki: "That brat Naruto is sharp. Using Orochimaru to eliminate a Jōnin from the Sand? Tch. Good thing he's not from our world."
Deidara: "Heh, if he was, the old man would've stepped in already."
Terumi Mei: "To think I'd fall for the same man as Orochimaru one day… What a fascinating boy."
Jiraiya: "Why do I have a bad feeling about this? Don't tell me… the one near the bathhouse Orochimaru mentioned…"
Hatake Kakashi: "It must be you, Jiraiya-sama. I recall that in that world, you met Naruto at the bathhouse too."
Senju Tsunade: "Jiraiya! Were you spying on the bathhouse again?! I must've been too gentle with you last time!"
---
Back at the Hot Spring
Uzumaki Naruto stared ahead.
The man squatting on the tree branch was unmistakable—white hair, a big grin, and a telescope in hand.
Yes, this was Jiraiya, the famed Toad Sage, one of the legendary Sannin.
An exceptional shinobi, no doubt.
But his flaw? Lust.
He was also the author of the infamous Icha Icha Paradise.
Naruto calmly approached and said, "Hey, what are you doing?"
Without waiting for a response, he kicked the tree trunk.
CRACK!
Jiraiya lost his balance and plummeted to the ground headfirst. Fortunately, his years of experience as a peeping tom had conditioned him well. The fall didn't knock him out—it only made him clutch his head and roll on the ground.
"Owwww! That hurt! Damn it, where did you come from, you little—"
He paused.
He finally got a clear look at the golden-haired teen standing over him.
Wait a minute…
That hairstyle… that face… those whisker marks...
"You're not… Uzumaki Naruto?" Jiraiya exclaimed, eyes wide with shock.
"I'm Naruto," he said with a blank expression. "What of it?"
Jiraiya stood up slowly, still rubbing his head. But now, his eyes held delight. He could feel the incredible chakra within Naruto. This boy had inherited both Minato and Kushina's strengths.
"Not bad, not bad!" Jiraiya grinned. "You're way more impressive than Minato was at your age!"
He leaned closer and grinned. "So? Want to become my student?"
Naruto's eyes narrowed. "Your student? A filthy old perv like you? No thanks."
With that, he turned around and began walking away.
But just as he took two steps—
BOOM!
A large cloud of white smoke exploded behind him, kicking up wind and steam. Naruto turned, his hand instinctively moving toward a kunai.
Through the dispersing mist, a giant toad emerged—and standing confidently on its head was none other than Jiraiya.
He balanced on one leg, arms crossed in a flashy pose, and shook his hair.
"Behold!" he boomed. "Standing before you is one of the Sannin! The Toad Sage—Master Jiraiya!"
He struck another dramatic pose. "Well? Was that cool or what? Were you stunned by my overwhelming handsomeness?"
---
Back in the Shinobi Audience
Tsunade: "You're how old and still acting like this? Jiraiya, you're an embarrassment!"
Konan: "Jiraiya-sensei... you never change."
---
Naruto chuckled. "I'll admit, you're not weak."
"Hmph! Of course not! Now, little brat, hurry up and accept me as your teacher!"
Fourth Raikage: "That world's Naruto doesn't need Jiraiya. He's strong enough already."
Terumi Mei: "Exactly. He's already on par with most Kage."
Hatake Kakashi: "But… if I remember correctly, it was Naruto who approached Jiraiya first in that timeline. Things might not be what they seem."
---
To everyone's surprise, Naruto suddenly turned serious.
"Teacher!" he called out.
Jiraiya blinked. Then he puffed his chest out proudly. "Heh! Wise choice! I knew you'd see the light. After all, who wouldn't want to train under one of the Sannin?"
But unknown to him, Naruto was smiling coldly inside.
One of the Sannin? What a fool. He's already fallen for it…
---
Ōnoki: "That Nine-Tails kid is such a good actor. He's totally using Jiraiya."
Fourth Raikage: "What else is new? He's clearly up to something more devious."
Senju Tobirama: "Becoming Jiraiya's apprentice? Hmph. There's definitely more to this."
Uzumaki Kushina: "Minato…"
Namikaze Minato: "Yes, Kushina. I entrusted the key to the Nine-Tails seal to Jiraiya-sensei. If Naruto wants to understand it, Jiraiya is the only one who can help."
---
The implication was crystal clear.
Naruto hadn't sought Jiraiya just for training or companionship.
No, this was something far more calculated.
He wanted access to the Nine-Tails' seal.
And Orochimaru's plan? Killing Baki may have been the surface goal—but something much deeper was unfolding behind the scenes.
After all, Baki was just a Jōnin.
Nothing more than a stepping stone in Naruto's larger scheme.
---
To Be Continued…
more chapter available in p@tréøñ(Atoki_29)