Chapter 199 – Jiraiya's Request
Nara Shikaku had no intention of taking advantage of Jiraiya, nor of making him work without pay.
Proper effort deserved proper compensation.
"Yes."
The Anbu operative hidden in the shadows received the order and immediately moved out to find Jiraiya.
After Hyuga Hiashi mentioned that Jiraiya was likely still at the banquet outside, the Anbu made his way to the celebration grounds.
It didn't take long before he located Jiraiya — enthusiastically devouring food at a table piled high with dishes.
"Jiraiya-sama, the Assistant and the two Advisors request your presence."
Jiraiya mumbled through a mouthful of food, "Can't it wait until I finish eating?"
His words were muffled, but the Anbu understood enough.
The operative leaned closer and whispered, "Jiraiya-sama, the Assistant said the sealing ninjutsu still requires your help, and you will be compensated generously."
Jiraiya's demeanor changed instantly. He set down his food, eyes lighting up. "Where is it? Lead the way."
The speed of his transformation left even the Anbu momentarily stunned.
"The three officials are in the Hokage Building's conference room. Please follow me."
Tsunade, seated nearby, rolled her eyes. "Look at you—so eager. You didn't even ask what the reward is before wagging your tail and running off."
Jiraiya just snorted in response. Without a word, he tore off a golden-brown pig's trotter from the roast and casually followed the Anbu.
The Anbu moved swiftly, but Jiraiya, though appearing relaxed and lazy, easily kept pace. The ninja couldn't help but think: As expected of one of Konoha's Legendary Sannin—his strength really is extraordinary.
Not far away, Izumo Kamizuki whispered to his partner, "Hey, stop eating. Let's go to Pansi Cave for a foot wash."
Kotetsu Hagane's eyes gleamed. "Nice."
Jiraiya, hearing this as he passed by, paused mid-step and turned his head slightly, watching the two slip away with a mischievous smile.
He recalled his own visit to that place when he'd first returned to the village—beautiful girls, soothing voices, and a warm welcome.
When I have time, I should go again, he thought, gnawing on the pig's trotter.
"Jiraiya-sama, we've arrived," the Anbu said, pulling him out of his thoughts.
"Oh. Right."
With an easygoing grin, Jiraiya entered the conference room, the Anbu holding the door open for him.
Inside, seeing him still chewing on his food, Shikaku chuckled. "As expected of Jiraiya-sama. Truly carefree as always."
"Jiraiya-sama, we still need your help with the sealing," Hiashi said warmly.
Jiraiya glanced at the rows of boxes stacked neatly on the floor. He instantly recognized them as the Uzumaki Clan's sealed archives.
He clicked his tongue and said in mock complaint, "This'll take quite a bit of time, you know."
Shikaku smiled, catching the hint. "Don't worry. Whatever you require as payment, we'll do our best to meet your terms."
Jiraiya's eyes glinted slyly. "Well, I've been wandering outside for years. I think it's time I settled back in the village. That shouldn't be a problem, right?"
The three men exchanged glances. It was a simple request—but given Jiraiya's connection to his former teacher, the situation was sensitive.
After a moment's hesitation, Shikaku asked cautiously, "You won't be seeking revenge for your teacher, will you?"
Jiraiya shook his head firmly. "No."
His decisive tone put them at ease.
"Then that's fine," Shikaku said after a pause. "Still, I'll confirm it with Hokage-sama tomorrow and give you an answer. In the meantime, would you mind starting the work first?"
Jiraiya understood the situation perfectly. Even if Shikaku approved, Fugaku's word would ultimately decide whether he could stay.
He didn't mind. "No problem. I can start now."
Shikaku nodded, gesturing to an attendant, who quickly brought over a basin of clean water.
Jiraiya grinned, tossed the half-eaten pig's trotter into the trash, washed the grease from his hands, and crouched beside the boxes.
Moments later, he began to unseal the first set of Uzumaki scrolls.
---
Meanwhile, Uchiha Fugaku and his family had just returned home to the clan compound.
At the doorway, they changed shoes.
"Are we really not eating out tonight?" Mikoto asked softly.
Fugaku slipped an arm around her slender waist and smiled. "Didn't you already prepare dinner? We'll eat at home. We can go out another day."
"The children are here," Mikoto whispered sharply, swatting away his wandering hand.
Catching Sasuke and Naruto's curious stares, Fugaku cleared his throat, withdrew his hand, and quickly changed the subject.
"Ahem—alright, kids! Clear the table, grab the bowls and chopsticks, and bring out the dishes. Time to eat!"
"Okay!"
"Coming!"
"Sasuke, you clear the table!"
Naruto darted into the kitchen, eager to help, while Sasuke sighed and picked up a cloth to wipe the table clean.
Itachi followed Naruto with a faint smile, carrying out the covered dishes Mikoto had prepared earlier.
They hadn't been gone long, so the food was still warm.
"Are the dishes cold? Do they need reheating?" Mikoto asked.
Itachi shook his head. "No, they're fine."
"That's good."
Mikoto nodded and went upstairs to change into loungewear.
A few minutes later, she came back down in soft house clothes.
The family gathered around the table, chatting casually as they began their meal.
Ever since Fugaku had become Hokage, the strict "no talking during meals" rule had long been abandoned.
Now, he was the one who kept the conversation lively.
"Itachi," Fugaku asked curiously, "were you the one who taught Sasuke and Naruto their ninjutsu?"
Before Itachi could answer, Naruto piped up proudly, "Nope! Aunt Mikoto taught me the Shadow Clone Technique!"
"Oh?" Fugaku laughed, glancing at his wife. "So Mikoto's teaching Shadow Clones now."
Naruto nodded enthusiastically. "Auntie explained it so well that I learned it right away!"
Sasuke, sitting beside him, rolled his eyes and muttered, "'Right away,' huh? I wonder who spent days practicing just the hand seals."
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