"Jiraiya, what happened?"There was a hint of concern in the Third Hokage's voice as well.
Jiraiya then proceeded to complain to the Third Hokage about how his disciple, Xiali, had been mercilessly bullying her own teacher.
The Third Hokage found it somewhat amusing and couldn't help but say, "Now you finally understand the benefits of studying seriously, don't you? If you hadn't done so back then, you wouldn't be able to teach your disciple now."
"I absolutely have the ability to teach my disciple," Jiraiya replied stubbornly. "It's just that I've never run into this kind of situation while teaching Xiali."
This time, the Third Hokage didn't refute him. After all, Jiraiya wasn't wrong—he hadn't expected Xiali's comprehension speed to be so terrifying.
"Why don't I teach her instead?" the Third Hokage suddenly suggested. If she learned this fast, wouldn't it make sense for her to inherit his teachings? Although he was naturally limited to Wind and Lightning chakra natures, the others couldn't be obtained through training anyway.
"That's not impossible," Jiraiya replied, looking at the Third Hokage, "but Xiali is still my disciple."
Though he was exhausted both physically and mentally, handing over such a genius disciple would be the height of stupidity.
The Third Hokage smiled faintly and said nothing more.
After a long while, he finally spoke again.
"Jiraiya… when do you plan to leave?"
"In the next few days," Jiraiya replied after calculating the time. "My schedule has already been delayed many times."
"And how is Xiali?" the Third Hokage asked.
"Little Xiali is still laying her foundation. It's not suitable for her to wander around with me," Jiraiya answered, fully understanding the Third Hokage's intent.
The Third Hokage took a slow drag from his pipe, fell silent for a moment, then exhaled and looked at Jiraiya.
"Have you never considered staying in the village?"
"Teacher, I already told you about the Great Toad Sage's prophecy," Jiraiya said seriously. "To face the crisis that could destroy the world in the future, I must continue my journey. I've already planned everything according to what Fukasaku-sama said."
The Third Hokage didn't respond. He simply sat there, smoking quietly, looking older than before. Jiraiya found it difficult to bear—but he couldn't agree with his teacher's stance.
Jiraiya knew that if he stayed, the Third Hokage would likely groom him as the next Hokage. But he had no interest in that position. If possible, he would rather live freely and unrestrained.
"Teacher, there's one more thing I'd like to ask," Jiraiya said after a long silence.
"Go ahead," the Third Hokage replied calmly, without a trace of disappointment.
"Xiali's strength already exceeds the level of the Ninja Academy. If one day she applies for early graduation, I hope you'll approve it."
"Very well," the Third Hokage nodded.
Although he hoped Xiali would continue building bonds with her classmates, he also understood that keeping her in the Academy would indeed be a waste of time.
Now that Jiraiya had taken her as a disciple, having a teacher at the Academy was ideal—but not essential.
After finishing his business, Jiraiya quietly accompanied the Third Hokage for a while before leaving.
Walking down the street, Jiraiya glanced back toward the Hokage Office, a helpless sigh rising in his heart.
He spent all year gathering intelligence outside the village—could he truly be ignorant of what was happening inside Konoha?
…
Early the next morning, Jiraiya looked at Xiali—energetic and clearly eager to ask questions—and suddenly felt a sharp pain in his liver.
"Today… no sealing techniques," Jiraiya said hastily. "No sealing techniques. None."
"Then what are we learning?" Xiali asked, somewhat disappointed but calm. She wasn't picky.
"Today, we'll talk about your future development," Jiraiya said solemnly. "I'll be leaving in a few days."
"Can't you stay?" Xiali asked softly. She'd known this was coming—but she'd only just found a real teacher.
"I'm sorry, little Xiali. As your teacher, I have many important matters to attend to. I can't stay in Konoha forever," Jiraiya said gently.
"But don't worry. I've already arranged your follow-up training. After I leave, a powerful being will guide you. You can also use that special medicine."
"The place where the toads live," Xiali nodded, anticipation flashing in her eyes. Perhaps this could finally solve her chakra issue.
"That's right. And little Xiali—do you want to graduate early?" Jiraiya asked. "At your current level, very few people in the Academy can help you anymore."
"Graduate? Does that mean becoming a genin?" Xiali asked.
"Yes. I've already informed my teacher. If you want to do it now, just let him know—he'll agree."
Jiraiya fell silent, giving her time to think.
But to his surprise, Xiali answered almost immediately.
"Teacher, I don't want to graduate early."
"Oh?" Jiraiya was curious. "Why?"
"I'm still in the foundation-building stage. I can't afford to skip daily training. Once I become a genin, I'll have missions to complete—that would interfere with my progress."
"Even though missions reduce training time, they also provide experience," Jiraiya countered.
Xiali shook her head.
"Genin missions in peacetime are mostly chores. Even escort missions rarely encounter enemy ninja. I don't think they offer meaningful combat experience."
She looked directly at Jiraiya.
"So I don't want to graduate early—but I don't think I need to wait until twelve either."
Jiraiya gazed at her with admiration.
"That's fine. When you feel ready, go apply to the Third Hokage."
Though something felt slightly off, if Xiali truly graduated later, he would arrange more suitable missions for her.
Since she had thought it through, Jiraiya didn't insist.
"Teacher, anything else?" Xiali asked.
"No… please no more…" Jiraiya felt a bad premonition.
"Then let's continue studying sealing techniques!" Xiali's eyes lit up.
That day, Jiraiya felt the last few of his remaining brain cells die heroically.
Chapter 65: Sage Fukasaku
Time passed, and the day of Jiraiya's departure finally arrived.
Looking at his disciple, Jiraiya's gaze wandered. After everything he'd endured, what kind of abyss had he fallen into?
At this point, he was seriously considering fleeing the village immediately.
Xiali, meanwhile, looked satisfied. His theoretical understanding of sealing techniques had advanced by leaps and bounds. Though practical application still lagged far behind, that was unavoidable.
After Jiraiya left, he could practice slowly on his own.
Seeing Jiraiya's strange expression, Xiali couldn't help but smile.
"Yes, I asked a lot. But who told you to leave Konoha?"
"Any questions today?" Jiraiya asked, his voice trembling slightly.
"Don't worry, Teacher. That's enough theory for now—it's time to practice," Xiali said cheerfully.
"That's good," Jiraiya sighed—then froze.
"What do you mean don't worry? I, the dignified Toad Sage, would never be afraid of something so trivial!"
"I was planning to ask more," Xiali said casually, reaching for paper and pen.
Jiraiya's face stiffened.
"…Bring it on!"
"Never mind," Xiali said thoughtfully, deciding to spare him.
Jiraiya instantly felt rejuvenated.
Laughing loudly, he declared, "See? How could the mighty Toad Sage be defeated by such a small thing?"
Xiali looked at him. Jiraiya was tall and broad-shouldered, heroic when he smiled.
"Teacher, you're leaving tomorrow, right?" Xiali said quietly.
"Yes… I'm sorry, little Xiali. I can't take you with me," Jiraiya said gently, ruffling his hair.
"It's fine. I'll come find you once my body's ready," Xiali replied.
"Haha! I'll be waiting!" Jiraiya laughed.
"When I find you, you'll keep teaching me sealing techniques," Xiali added.
Jiraiya choked.
Then laughed again.
"At this rate, next time we meet, your sealing techniques might surpass even my teacher's."
"Maybe," Xiali said calmly.
After a pause, Jiraiya continued.
"I've already spoken with Mount Myoboku. Today, you'll meet my boss."
White smoke rose.
A small figure appeared.
"Hmm… little Jiraiya, it seems the time has come."
"Boss, this is my new disciple," Jiraiya said proudly, introducing Xiali to Sage Fukasaku.
After examining Xiali, Fukasaku nodded with satisfaction.
"You've taken in an excellent disciple. His foundation is better than yours was—and his age is perfect."
Fukasaku stroked his beard.
"His body is extraordinary. With sage energy alone, I can tell—he can enter the next stage at least a year early."
Xiali glanced aside.
So the thunder massage really was effective.
"From now on," Fukasaku said, "your training will be my responsibility."
"Understood," Xiali nodded.
"Call me Sage Fukasaku."
Chapter 66: Mount Myoboku and… Eating Bugs?
Sage Fukasaku looked at Xiali with increasing satisfaction.
"Boss," Jiraiya said, "instead of starting today, why don't I take him to the place he'll often visit in the future?"
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