However, in Konoha, Jiraiya was free to do these things, even traveling back and forth between the Land of Rain and Konoha multiple times, becoming a free person in both nations.
Such actions in other nations would be seen as a person asking for death, but Konoha—or rather, Sarutobi Hiruzen—tolerated it. They didn't even question it, showing classic indulgence.
Having received so many benefits, when Jiraiya's teacher urged him to return to the village, even though he still wanted to stay and teach a few more disciples, he had no choice but to prepare to return.
At that moment, Jiraiya called his three disciples and explained to the young and energetic Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan that he had to return to the village.
Before returning to the village, Jiraiya still wanted to conduct one last test for the three ninjas. This test was to see if, after years of training, they had gained the strength to graduate.
The three of them felt reluctant upon hearing this, but having grown up in the Land of Rain, they understood well that, like young birds, they would eventually have to fly on their own. Jiraiya, as a Konoha ninja, had already done a lot for them.
Now, their teacher wanted to see the results of their growth, and they were determined to show him their progress.
The three of them seriously promised they wouldn't disappoint Jiraiya, and then they went into the wilderness with him.
What followed was an intense teacher-student battle.
The young trio, facing Jiraiya in his prime, were completely overwhelmed, but they still managed to show their own style, not letting down the years of training Jiraiya had given them.
In the end, with their excellent teamwork, they used Nagato's Rinnegan to break through Jiraiya's Shadow Clones, completing their graduation exam.
Jiraiya was very pleased, congratulated them, and gave them each something as a memento.
Afterward, he took them to a bustling commercial city at the border of the Land of Fire for a nice meal and some fun, as a farewell ritual.
As for why they went to the Land of Fire instead of the Land of Rain, it was because the situation in the Land of Rain was dire, and as one of the Legendary Sannin of Konoha, Jiraiya's identity was highly sensitive.
If they were discovered, it would cause big problems, so they decided to go to the Land of Fire instead.
For those with exceptional strength, crossing borders was no big deal.
Upon arriving in the city, the four entered a barbecue restaurant and enjoyed a meal, allowing the three young ninjas to fully experience the prosperity of a great nation.
This strengthened Yahiko's resolve to change the situation in the Land of Rain and make it as prosperous as the Land of Fire.
As for Nagato and Konan, they were envious of the stability and prosperity of the Land of Fire, saddened by the poor state of the Land of Rain.
Clearly, during this time, the most idealistic and passionate was Yahiko, who had a pure heart for redeeming others, while Nagato and Konan were more like drifters, following the idea of "Yahiko's dream is our dream."
Jiraiya was very aware of this, but he didn't think there was anything wrong with it.
After all, in the ninja world, where things are harsh, dreams and great ideals are considered luxuries.
The trio, with Yahiko leading and the other two following, were a good match. If all three had their own dreams and philosophies, it would be easy for their beliefs to clash and cause problems.
This isn't something impossible, it has happened many times in the history of the ninja world.
For example, the First Hokage and Uchiha Madara.
These two were once the best of friends, but due to their differing ideals, they eventually fell apart, and their friendship was completely severed at the Valley of the End.
After eating, Jiraiya took the three of them around the city, hoping they would see more and understand the differences between the Land of Rain and the Land of Fire.
This way, they would have clear goals for changing the Land of Rain in the future.
As for how to turn the Land of Rain into a prosperous place like the Land of Fire...
Well, you can't expect someone like the Toad Sage, who only thinks about the "Child of the Prophecy" and talks about grand philosophies, but lacks the political skill of even Sarutobi Hiruzen, to understand this profound reason.
As I said before, Jiraiya even made Naruto think about his life and future on his own, hoping Naruto would awaken as a great thinker. But that was something for years later.
Even someone with Jiraiya's life experience could only let Naruto figure things out himself.
How much more difficult would it be for someone who was in his thirties, had not traveled across the entire ninja world, and lacked enough experience and knowledge?
It could only be said that these people in the ninja world were all focused on the idea of hoping the younger generation, whom they didn't understand, would awaken as thinkers.
The Third Hokage was like this, and Jiraiya followed this tradition. Uchiha Fugaku, on the other hand, took a much harsher approach with his son, Uchiha Itachi, which was definitely a win for him.
Then, in this mix of 'observation' and 'thought,' Jiraiya, who had always been 'confident yet ordinary,' suddenly froze, showing a look of confusion.
Jiraiya brought his three disciples to a newly opened arcade in the city, a place he had never seen before since he had always been teaching his disciples deep in the mountains and forests. He was quite puzzled by this kind of store.
However, Jiraiya was a social butterfly. When he didn't understand something, he boldly asked, quickly learning that the arcade was a place for games. A look of surprise and interest appeared on his face.
"So, this is the genjutsu game the old man mentioned in his letter? They've already made it public and opened an arcade? Don't they worry about sensitive information leaking out?"
Jiraiya didn't understand, but his little disciple was shocked. He waved his hand to call his three curious disciples over and led them into the arcade.
The plan was to experience the game together, even though Jiraiya didn't know the specifics about the genjutsu game.
When the arcade staff saw the four enter, they immediately greeted them warmly with excellent service, aiming to make the guests feel at home.
After learning that the four were there to experience the game, they quickly recommended the game The Road to Survival to them.
Thus, their first genjutsu game adventure began with an apocalyptic setting, leaving all four deeply shocked.
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