In the Land of Rain, deep within a mountain region—
Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru sat on stone blocks, casually eating.
"Ahh… the war is finally over!"
Jiraiya stretched lazily, his expression complicated.
"What should I do now? Might as well travel… write some books…"
Tsunade didn't even react.
If it were before, she might have mocked him—but now?
Her mind was completely occupied by Yoru.
Why bother with this white-haired idiot…
Orochimaru, meanwhile, remained silent, his snake-like eyes calm and observant.
"I'm here."
A voice suddenly came from the darkness.
"Who's there?!"
Orochimaru's pupils shrank instantly, his gaze snapping toward the shadows.
"It's Yoru!"
Tsunade stood up immediately, her eyes filled with joy.
Jiraiya glanced at her, slightly annoyed.
Tch… she's never looked at me like that.
"Jiraiya… seeing you this lost, I really feel bad for you."
Yoru stepped out slowly, smiling.
The tone sounded friendly—
But anyone who knew him would immediately feel something was off.
Jiraiya shivered.
"Oi… what are you plotting now, you brat?!"
He was extremely cautious.
Yoru had tricked him more than once.
"Oh come on, I'm really helping you this time."
Yoru sighed dramatically, looking like a misunderstood good friend.
"Just say it already!" Jiraiya snapped.
"Come out."
Yoru turned and called into the darkness.
Two boys walked out.
One had orange hair and a carefree expression—
Yahiko.
The other, quieter, had red hair covering his eyes—
Nagato.
(That hairstyle was Yoru's doing—no way he was letting Orochimaru notice those eyes.)
"This is perfect timing," Yoru said with a smile.
"Jiraiya, since you don't know what to do next… I'll leave these two to you."
"I'm sure with your teaching ability, you can turn them into outstanding ninjas."
Jiraiya froze.
"…What?!"
"Do you take me for some kind of babysitter?!"
Yoru nodded seriously.
"You're strong, experienced… and great at teaching."
Jiraiya blinked.
Wait…
Did Yoru just… praise me?
He immediately burst into laughter, scratching his head proudly.
"Hahaha! Well… I mean… I am pretty amazing—"
Suddenly—
He stopped.
"WAIT A SECOND!!"
"Yoru, YOU TRICKED ME AGAIN!!"
Yoru just smiled calmly.
"You've always wanted to make up for this country, right?"
"Here's your chance."
"These two… are war orphans. Their parents died because of this war."
Yahiko lowered his head sadly.
Nagato even trembled slightly.
(…both acting exactly as Yoru instructed.)
Jiraiya froze.
Then guilt hit him hard.
"…I see."
"It's because of us… that they suffered…"
"Alright!"
He clenched his fist.
"I'll take care of them!"
Orochimaru glanced at him like he was watching an idiot.
Tsunade, of course, had no objections—anything Yoru decided, she supported.
Yahiko and Nagato looked up, their faces full of "hope," making Jiraiya feel even more responsible.
Yoru smiled faintly.
Then—
He leaned close to Jiraiya and whispered:
"Still feeling reluctant?"
"…Nagato has the Rinnegan."
Jiraiya's pupils shrank instantly.
The prophecy of the Great Toad Sage echoed in his mind—
"Your disciple will change the world…"
"Whether it brings destruction… or peace… depends on your guidance."
He had once thought that Minato Namikaze might be that child.
But now—
A boy with the Rinnegan stood before him.
Jiraiya's breathing became heavy.
"This… this must be him!"
Excitement surged through him.
The "Child of Prophecy"—
He was certain now.
Jiraiya's attitude changed instantly.
He looked at Nagato like he was looking at destiny itself.
Yoru, watching this—
Smiled quietly.
Hook, line, and sinker.
"By the way… what did you tell him?"
Tsunade asked curiously as they left.
Orochimaru's eyes also flickered with interest.
Yoru just smiled.
Then—
With Tsunade and Orochimaru—
He dashed toward Konoha.
Behind them—
Jiraiya had already entered full "training mode."
And just like that—
Yoru had successfully secured himself
A future powerhouse
And a top-tier personal trainer
All at once.
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