The air in Training Ground 3 was thick with the scent of pine and impending deployment. The war had already begun to drain the light from Konoha, but here, under the canopy of ancient trees, the sun still dappled the ground.
Jiraiya, their new Jōnin, was perched on the edge of a jagged rock formation, looking far more like a traveling sage than a military officer. His wild white mane was tied back, and he held a long staff, but the most striking part of his attire was his clearly visible, confident grin.
Minato, Kushina, and Makima stood before him—three teenagers who represented the village's strategic future.
"Alright, bratlings!" Jiraiya boomed, jumping down with unexpected agility. "Welcome to Team 7! My name is Jiraiya, and for the record, I'm your superior officer and the man who will soon be known as one of the greatest and most famous ninja in Konoha's history! Before we hit the battlefield, we need to know what we're fighting for and who we're fighting with."
Jiraiya planted his staff in the ground and leaned on it, adopting a dramatic pose.
"We'll start with me, your incredible sensei! You need a basis for comparison, after all. Listen close, because this is all you get."
"My name is Jiraiya. My likes are varied and artistic. I like the spirit of youth, the energy of a good hot spring, and capturing the human experience in prose," he declared, puffing out his chest. "My dislikes are simple: People who are too serious, fighting just for the sake of fighting, and anyone who questions my commitment to my… research. Hehehe"
He paused, adjusting his forehead protector. "My dream for the future is to one day find a truly stable peace—a peace that lasts, so that young ninja like you never have to see the front lines again. And also, to finish my latest novel series, which is a vital part of my pursuit of that peace!"
Minato smiled politely, ever the respectful student. Kushina, however, was already suspicious.
Makima's golden eyes narrowed slightly, not out of judgment, but calculated interest. She knew exactly what kind of "research" a man like Jiraiya pursued, and it was a form of chaotic freedom she recognized as a powerful weakness.
"Sensei, you mentioned your novel," Makima asked, her voice clear and deceptively sweet. "As a member of Konoha's political council, my clan often reviews works for educational or cultural merit before they are distributed. What is the title of your current work?"
Jiraiya looked momentarily flustered, perhaps not expecting the question from the calculating Utatane heiress. "Ah! Well, it's a deep character study! Very philosophical! It's called… The Flirting Tactics of a Gutsy Ninja!"
Before Jiraiya could launch into a lengthy defense of his "art," Kushina's face went crimson, her two pigtails practically smoking with indignation.
"You're a PERVERT, Jiraiya-sensei!" Kushina shrieked, pointing an accusatory finger. "That's what you were doing at the public bathhouse last week, wasn't it?! Stop lying! You're just a creepy voyeur who writes trash!"
Jiraiya recoiled as if struck by lightning, throwing his hands up defensively. He coughed violently into his hand, trying to regain his composure.
"W-What? No! It's educational! It's meant to educate young men on the subtleties of romance! It's… research for the future of the village! And keep my name out of your bathhouse gossip, young lady! Now, moving on!"
"You first, redhead! Tell us your name, what you like, what you hate, and your ninja way!" Jiraiya commanded, desperate to change the subject.
Kushina Uzumaki stepped forward, her fiery nature taking center stage, though her eyes softened when she looked at Minato and Makima.
"I'm Kushina Uzumaki! I like instant ramen, training hard, and I love the feeling of spending time with my new teammates!" She glanced at Jiraiya. "I hate liars and perverts who try to act innocent! And I hate people who make fun of my hair!" She struck a confident pose. "My ninja way is to become the first female Hokage! I'll save Konoha with my own two hands and prove that the Uzumaki clan's will of fire will never die!"
Jiraiya grinned. "Loud and ambitious. Good. Next, the blonde one."
Minato Namikaze stepped forward, calm and collected, a stark contrast to Kushina. His introduction was quiet but held the weight of true genius.
"My name is Minato Namikaze. I like reading, practicing new techniques, and studying history to avoid repeating mistakes." He gave a small, warm smile towards Kushina. "I dislike pointless conflict and waiting when I know I have the solution. My ninja way is simple: I will never abandon a mission or a comrade. I will ensure everyone I care about makes it home safe."
A beautiful, achievable goal for a loyal dog, Makima noted internally, logging the absolute priority of his emotional bonds.
"Excellent discipline, Minato," Jiraiya praised. "Finally, the quiet one. Makima-chan, let's hear it."
Makima Utatane stepped forward. She smoothed the skirt of her standard Genin uniform and offered a smile so genuine and harmless that it instantly defused the tension Jiraiya's earlier confession had caused. It was the smile of a compassionate leader.
"I am Makima Utatane. I have an interest in efficient structures and systems of governance, and I appreciate when people are direct and honest with their intentions," she said, her golden eyes serene. "I dislike disobedience, unnecessary wastefulness, and anything that undermines the stability of Konoha."
She paused, looking earnestly at her sensei and her teammates. This was the moment for her ultimate lie—the sweet, necessary foundation of her control.
"My ninja way is to become a useful hand in protecting Konoha and guiding its people toward lasting peace and perfect order." She bowed slightly. "I simply want to be the ninja that the village needs to ensure its future. A useful kunoichi must always serve the community's best interests."
The perfect order I envision, she thought, the Control Devil purring deep in her consciousness, is one where every person is guided flawlessly into the role I assign them.
Jiraiya nodded slowly, a thoughtful look replacing his usual grin. He couldn't shake the feeling that Makima was the most mature, disciplined, and slightly unsettling Genin he had ever met.
"Very well, Team 7. You're a complicated bunch," Jiraiya said, his mood instantly returning to high energy. "War is upon us, which means no bells test. Your first mission is immediate deployment—we are headed toward the border of the Land of Wind for vital reconnaissance. Grab your packs. We move at dawn!"