A brief silence hung in the air. Then, the Jōnin who had spoken earlier stepped forward, a forced calmness in his voice. "Hokage-sama, please temper your anger. There's no need for excessive force. Just a firm lesson will suffice. We wouldn't want you to harm yourself over this matter."
"Indeed," the others echoed, nodding vigorously. Peeping was a minor offense, but the Third Hokage's wrath? That would make them Konoha's pariahs. Besides, if Hokage-sama went overboard, and Jiraiya sought retribution later… unnecessary trouble for the village.
"Hmph, that student of mine! I will have words with him when he returns," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, a residual scowl on his face, though inwardly he was relieved. A potential crisis averted. That incorrigible Jiraiya, well into his thirties and still causing this old man grief.
"Then, Third Hokage, we shall take our leave. Please take care of your health." The group exchanged knowing glances, saluted Hiruzen, and prepared to depart.
"Very well, you may go. I will handle this," Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed, agreeing to their retreat.
"Yes, sir!" Several people hurried out. Once they were gone, Hiruzen picked up his pipe, took a long draw, and walked to the window, gazing at the ninja academy in the distance as he slowly exhaled a plume of smoke. The days of peace are numbered. The new generation must grows stronger, quickly…
Meanwhile, at the Akimichi clan's barbecue restaurant:
Renzou watched Jiraiya devour the grilled meat like a starving wolf, a silent lament for his dwindling funds. He'd initially intended to eat at Ichiraku Ramen, but Jiraiya had strong-armed him into this establishment upon passing by. Adopting the philosophy of "spending money to avoid trouble," Renzou had resigned himself. His inheritance would comfortably sustain him until he came of age. Besides, he'd graduate as a ninja in a few years and earn his own living. Compared to the costs of daily training equipment and ninja tools, this lavish meal was a minor expense. With that thought, Renzou joined in, treating it as a reward. If I can't outfight him right now, I can certainly out-eat him. He diligently filled every available space on the grill.
The barbecue sizzled invitingly, hot oil dripping down the lines of the meat, its aroma igniting their hunger as they eagerly awaited its readiness. Now! Both reached out with their chopsticks, dipped the cooked meat into the sauce, and stuffed it into their mouths. Fragrant! Cooked over charcoal, the meat's aroma was intoxicating. The salt and pepper enhanced its flavor, a delicious taste that resonated deep on their tongues, the meaty scent filling their senses. Nearby patrons eyed the two ravenous diners with a mixture of sympathy and pity. How many days have they gone without food? Are they Akimichi? Their build doesn't suggest it.
"Jiraiya, Renzou? What are you two doing here?" Hearing the familiar voice, Renzou looked up from the barbecue. Standing in the aisle were two white-haired figures, one tall and one shorter, looking their way.
"Uncle Sakumo, long time no see, and Kakashi," Renzou said, quickly standing up and bowing to Hatake Sakumo and Kakashi.
"You, your parents, and I were good friends. No need for such formality," Hatake Sakumo said, gesturing for Renzou to relax.
"Sakumo-senpai, it's been a while," Jiraiya said, putting down his chopsticks and nodding to Sakumo.
"Ah, Jiraiya, long time no see. Did you just return to the village from a mission?"
"Yes, senpai, just today. It was quite troublesome, took me half a month," Jiraiya chuckled, scratching his head. He'd heard about the White Fang incident and had wanted to return to support Sakumo senpai, but his mission had kept him away. Hurrying back, he hadn't heard any recent rumors. Seeing Sakumo in good spirits was a relief.
"Sit down, join us," Sakumo said, and father and son settled at the table, chatting while eating. When the topic shifted to Jiraiya's presence with Renzou, Jiraiya forced a smile while shooting Renzou a pointed glare. Renzou quickly changed the subject, asking Kakashi about their promised spar.
"Kakashi, do you remember our agreement to spar?"
Kakashi glanced at Renzou and nodded. "I'm free anytime. Today, if you have time."
At this, Jiraiya leaned forward, a surprised look on his face. "Did I hear that right? You want to compete with Kakashi? You, a medical nin student, want to fight him?" Jiraiya's skepticism was understandable. Only Kurenai, some members of the Uchiha clan, and Might Guy and his son knew a fraction of Renzou's true strength. Even Shinku Yūhi and Sakumo Hatake sensed he wasn't weak, but the extent of his abilities remained unclear.
"Don't believe me? Jiraiya-sama, care for a wager?" Renzou said, feigning offense.
"What kind of bet?"
Renzou cleared his throat. "You don't think I can beat Kakashi? Then here's the deal: if I lose, I'll gather research material for your… novels for a month. If I win, you teach me a ninjutsu. How about it?"
"Oh? Interesting." Sakumo Hatake chuckled beside them. Was this child truly confident he could defeat Kakashi? Kakashi's talent with the Hatake sword techniques was remarkable, rivaling his own. In terms of physical prowess and other attributes, Sakumo would wager Kakashi already possessed the strength of a Special Jōnin. Given time, reaching that level was almost guaranteed.
"Bet! I don't believe you can beat Kakashi," Jiraiya declared, slapping his thigh. Though he suspected a trick, a single ninjutsu was a small price to pay for Kakashi's victory.
"Alright, the bet's on!" Only then did Renzou reveal a sly, fox-like smile.
"Boring," Kakashi muttered, shaking his head at the exchange.
"Then shall we go now?" Kakashi asked.
Renzou shook his head. "It's getting late. How about tomorrow? Five o'clock tomorrow afternoon at Training Ground Two?" Sakumo Hatake nodded in agreement, suggesting they both rest for the competition.
Just as they were about to settle their bill, two Anbu operatives entered the barbecue restaurant, their eyes immediately landing on the conspicuous group of three white-haired individuals.
"Hatake Sakumo-sama, and Jiraiya-sama," the two Anbu said, approaching quickly and saluting.
"Anbu? What's going on?" Not only Sakumo, but the other three looked at the Anbu with puzzled expressions.
"Hatake Sakumo-sama, the Hokage-sama requests Jiraiya-sama's urgent presence. Please accompany us." The Anbu addressed Jiraiya while answering Sakumo's question.
"The old man wants to see me? Now?!" Jiraiya looked confused at first, then his face fell as the events of the afternoon flashed through his mind. No doubt, they're here to investigate…
A few seconds later, Sakumo, Kakashi, and Renzou watched as Jiraiya, sandwiched between the two Anbu, was swiftly escorted towards the Hokage Building. Only the three remained standing in front of the barbecue restaurant, looking bewildered.
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End of Chapter 22