"Yes, this was Naruto's method to get Jiraiya to accept him as a disciple. Its core logic was somewhat similar to when he first established contact with Kurama—using 'information asymmetry' to create fated coincidences.
Although… this 'dream' itself was fictitious… it wasn't entirely false. In a sense, he had indeed suddenly awakened fragments of memories from another world, as if he had experienced them personally, and the core of those memories was an anime called Naruto.
However, even though the process of 'dreaming' was fabricated, the ultimate outcome it pointed to was real. The person who connected people's hearts, as the Six Paths Sage said, was himself, and the Child of Prophecy, foretold by the Great Toad Sage, who would bring change to the Ninja World, was also himself.
Although the process of him learning about these 'fates' was slightly 'modified,' the final conclusion wasn't wrong, was it?
Naruto tried to use this reasoning to alleviate the guilt he felt from lying.
At this moment, Jiraiya's expression was a kaleidoscope of emotions: first, a sudden surge of alertness, then transforming into incredulous shock, and beneath that shock, an almost uncontrollable hint of joy that he hardly dared to confirm.
When he heard Naruto describe the so-called 'dream,' Jiraiya's first reaction was extreme vigilance. 'Is the Naruto in front of me being controlled by an enemy skilled in genjutsu or mind manipulation?'
But this thought was immediately dismissed by him. 'But… who could the enemy be? Spies from other Villages? Orochimaru? No… they could never know the Great Toad Sage's prophecy; this is Mount Myōboku's highest secret!'
So, should he personally go to Mount Myōboku to verify with the Great Toad Sage?… This idea also immediately seemed impractical. Not to mention that every time the Great Toad Sage summoned him, he acted senile and couldn't remember who he was.
With Fukasaku and Shima Sages constantly having to remind him, just the method of 'dream warning'—one must know, the Great Toad Sage's most famous prophecies are precisely fragments of the future seen in dreams! Could it be… that this time the Great Toad Sage truly directly conveyed a revelation to Naruto?
Of course, before fully believing, Jiraiya still needed to confirm one thing: whether this child truly possessed the Ninja talent and potential to become the 'Child of Prophecy.'
Once he understood the key point, the complicated and conflicted expression on Jiraiya's face quickly faded. The look in his eyes when he gazed at Naruto again had transformed into a gaze mixed with unspeakable joy and intense curiosity.
If Minato's child really was the person from the prophecy, then couldn't Jiraiya legitimately and properly compensate this grand-disciple whom he had failed to care for responsibly for so many years?
Seeing Jiraiya's expression, Naruto knew that he had 'taken the bait.' But being stared at so intently by Jiraiya with such fervent eyes, filled with deep guilt and expectation, even Naruto felt a little uncomfortable.
"…This guest, judging by your attire, you must be a wandering Ninja, correct?"
Just as Jiraiya was engrossed in his thoughts, Uncle Ichiraku's voice interrupted his overly focused gaze.
He steadily placed a steaming bowl of tonkotsu miso ramen in front of Jiraiya. Although his words were polite on the surface, his tone carried a hint of imperceptible scrutiny and a subtle warning.
"Naruto is a simple-minded child and has no ill intentions. If he said anything strange just now or was disrespectful in any way, please don't hold it against him and be understanding."
Jiraiya was taken aback by these words and looked up at the kind-faced ramen shop owner with some surprise. Such a statement… isn't something an ordinary shopkeeper would say to a stranger, is it? This scene felt strangely familiar, with an inexplicable oddness.
"Naruto, your ramen is ready too! Eat it while it's hot! I specially saved two of the thickest and most flavorful slices of chashu for you today! Ramen loses its flavor when it gets cold."
Immediately after, Uncle Ichiraku turned to serve Naruto his equally generous bowl of ramen, his tone instantly becoming warm and enthusiastic. But as he handed over the bowl, he quickly leaned in slightly and whispered.
"Naruto… is that guest you brought really okay? His gaze at you just now… was a bit strange."
"…?" Naruto didn't react for a moment.
However, for a Ninja of Jiraiya's caliber, no matter how low the voice was, such close proximity was enough for him to hear everything clearly.
He immediately understood the situation—he had been so shocked and overwhelmed with thoughts just now that his expression management must have completely failed. He had actually been mistaken by this ramen shop owner for a suspicious person with improper intentions towards a child?!
Jiraiya's old face instantly felt hot with embarrassment, and he was speechless. He didn't like men at all! Let alone a child… what kind of undignified expression had he shown just now to cause such a huge misunderstanding?!
…Ultimately, despite feeling a little puzzled as to why this ramen shop owner was so concerned about and protective of Naruto, fortunately, after Naruto's hurried explanation and clarification, this embarrassing misunderstanding was finally resolved. When Uncle Ichiraku learned that the white-haired Ninja in front of him was actually Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin, his attitude immediately shifted to one of utmost respect and apology.
"I am truly very sorry, Lord Jiraiya! It was my poor judgment; I misunderstood you!" Uncle Ichiraku apologized sincerely, then generously declared, "To express my apologies, this meal of ramen today is on me! Please enjoy yourselves!"
— — — — — —
Although both initial encounters were a bit awkward, the atmosphere had significantly eased after they finished their ramen. Walking out of the noodle shop, Jiraiya said to Naruto in a tone that implied, "You're lucky today, kid."
"Hmm… since our meeting is somewhat fated, and while officially taking you as a disciple still needs consideration, seeing as you treated me to ramen, I'll teach you a trick or two first! Let you witness the power of the legendary Sannin!"
Naruto immediately showed a perfectly fitting, sparkling gaze mixed with anticipation and admiration, which Jiraiya thoroughly enjoyed. In a good mood, he led Naruto to a secluded forest within Konoha Village, where a clear stream flowed nearby, creating an ideal environment for training.
Naruto was also somewhat curious and expectant. 'What will Jiraiya teach me first? Is it the Summoning Contract of Mount Myōboku? Or… that iconic Ninjutsu developed by his father?'
"Watch closely, Naruto! This is the first Ninjutsu I'm going to teach you today!" Jiraiya declared with great presence, then raised his right hand, palm facing upwards.
With exquisite Chakra control, a visible blue Chakra quickly gathered in his palm. In the blink of an eye, a brilliant blue sphere of Chakra had already formed!
Rasengan?!
Looking at this classic Ninjutsu, so familiar from his 'memories,' Naruto was indeed surprised. 'He's teaching me this A-rank, hand-sign-less Ninjutsu so quickly?'
There was no other way. Because of Naruto's previous performance, both his personality and appearance reminded Jiraiya of Minato Namikaze, which is why he chose to teach him this technique developed by Minato as a gift for their first lesson.
"Hmph!" Jiraiya grunted, slamming the Rasengan in his palm against the trunk of a large tree nearby that would require two people to embrace!
"Boom—!"
Accompanied by a dull thud and splintering wood, a huge hole was instantly carved into the tree trunk! The unsupported tree groaned under the strain, slowly tilted, and finally crashed down, stirring up a cloud of dust.
After the demonstration, Jiraiya casually tossed a water balloon he had bought on the way to Naruto. Once Naruto caught it, he began to explain in detail the principles of Rasengan training and the key points of Chakra control.
Simply put, the core of this technique is to make Chakra rotate intensely at a fixed point in the center of the palm. This water balloon is the first step in training… After the explanation, Jiraiya looked contentedly at Naruto, who seemed to be deep in thought, then stretched with a big yawn, casually turning his back to Naruto and waving his hand.
"Alright, that's enough theory. The rest requires a lot of practice to grasp. You try it slowly first; I'll rest for a…"
"Bang!"
Before he could finish his sentence, a crisp sound of a water balloon bursting clearly came from behind him, accompanied by splashing water.
Jiraiya's lazy movements instantly froze, and he slowly turned his head.
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