The door slid open with a soft creak, carrying the warm scent of home. Kushina stepped inside, balancing a tray and a bright smile.
"Master Jiraiya, please have some tea," she said, setting the porcelain cups on the low table. Steam spiraled upward, filling the room with the delicate aroma of roasted leaves.
Ever since marrying Minato, Kushina had followed her husband's habit of addressing his mentor with the respectful title Master.
Jiraiya stretched lazily on the sofa and glanced around. "Eh? Minato isn't here?"
Kushina shook her head, a faint pout tugging at her lips. "No. He's been buried in paperwork every day since becoming Hokage. You know how busy he is."
"In that case," Jiraiya said with a grin, fishing inside his travel-worn pack, "allow me to share something I'm particularly proud of. My latest masterpiece!"
He produced a freshly bound book and handed it over with a dramatic flourish.
Kushina accepted it with obvious reluctance. The cover was a vivid yellow, a color suspiciously flashy. Her fingers hesitated on the edge as a small frown creased her brow.
Please don't let this be one of his bathhouse stories, she thought. Rumor had it Jiraiya spent far too much time "collecting material" by peeping at women in hot springs. If this book came from that… she might throw it out the window.
Still, curiosity won. She tilted the cover to read the title.
The Story of Perseverance and Ninja.
"Huh." Relief softened her expression. A book about perseverance hardly sounded scandalous.
Could the so-called Pervy Sage actually write something serious?
With cautious interest, she turned the first page. Words flowed smoothly, painting vivid images of hardship, hope, and the unwavering spirit of a shinobi. Before long, Kushina was lost in the narrative, her eyes scanning each line with growing admiration.
Across from her, Jiraiya smiled, taking no offense at her initial hesitation. He lifted the teacup, inhaled the fragrant steam, and sipped leisurely. This story—his story—was the culmination of years of travel and reflection. The seed had been planted long ago when the Great Toad Sage of Mount Myōboku delivered a prophecy that forever changed his life.
But constant missions and the endless search for the Child of Prophecy had delayed the writing. Until now.
Kushina finally looked up, eyes bright. "I didn't expect this, Master Jiraiya. You… as the infamous Pervy Sage, you've written something genuinely moving. I'm impressed!"
Her praise was warm and sincere.
"Aha-ha-ha-ha!" Jiraiya laughed, the sound booming with pride. "I knew you'd appreciate it!"
He set down the cup and leaned back, arms draped casually across the sofa's backrest, soaking in her words. For years Kushina had looked at him with suspicion, even warning Minato not to be led astray by his "bad influence."
I'm an artist, he thought with mock indignation. Why make it sound so vulgar?
The road to true artistic brilliance was indeed a lonely one.
Still, he never argued with her—crossing Kushina often meant an immediate complaint to Tsunade, and Jiraiya valued his life far too much to risk that wrath.
Suddenly, Kushina clapped her hands together, eyes sparkling. "I've decided! If the baby in my belly is a boy, I'm naming him Naruto!"
Jiraiya's grin widened, a flicker of excitement in his eyes. "Really? That's… that's quite an honor!"
The thought that Minato's child might carry a name from his own novel filled him with quiet pride. It was as if his work had already left a mark on the next generation.
"But… didn't you talk it over with Minato first?" he asked, half teasing.
Kushina tilted her chin, a playful glint in her eyes. "He'll definitely agree. On matters like this, he listens to me."
Jiraiya barked a laugh. "Ahahaha!" He didn't know whether to be impressed or amused. Minato, my boy, you may be the Fourth Hokage, but when it comes to family, you clearly know who's in charge.
His mind wandered briefly. If it were me… well, if it were Tsunade, maybe I'd let her have the final say too. He chuckled to himself at the thought.
Kushina raised a suspicious brow. "Hey, Master Jiraiya, why are you suddenly laughing so… obscenely?"
"Ah—no reason!" He coughed into his hand, scrambling for composure.
"To thank you for this wonderful story," she said with a mischievous smile, "I'll cook dinner myself tonight."
"Ah?" Jiraiya blinked, suddenly wary.
He pictured Kushina's fiery temper in a kitchen filled with knives and boiling pots. A bead of sweat trickled down his temple. "Ahem… actually, I came back to speak with Minato about something important. Since he's not home, perhaps I should visit his office instead. Don't trouble yourself on my account."
Without waiting for her reply, he rose briskly and headed for the door.
Kushina called after him, half amused, half exasperated. "Really? You're leaving already, Master Jiraiya? Not enjoying yourself?"
But the sage was already halfway down the path, sandals clacking against the wooden floor. He waved a hasty goodbye and disappeared into the twilight.
Kushina shook her head, smiling in quiet amusement. "That man… always in a hurry."
Still humming a cheerful tune, she carried the empty tray to the kitchen. Since learning she was pregnant, Kushina had poured her energy into mastering new recipes. Minato worked tirelessly as Hokage; the least she could do was prepare nourishing meals to keep him strong.
---
Elsewhere in the village, Kakashi spotted Jiraiya striding toward the Hokage's office. Adjusting his mask, he quickened his pace and caught up.
Jiraiya arched a white eyebrow. "Hmm? Kakashi? Why are you following me?"
The younger shinobi met his gaze steadily. "I need to speak with you."
"Oh, I see," Jiraiya replied, a mischievous smirk forming. "Planning to go 'collecting material' with me tomorrow? I could use an assistant."
Kakashi's visible eye narrowed. "..."
Collecting material? he thought dryly. As if I'd waste time on one of your ridiculous research trips. I have a girlfriend. If I have free time, I'd rather spend it with Rin… He stopped himself, irritation flashing for an instant before he swallowed it back.
Jiraiya's grin widened. "What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?"
Kakashi inhaled slowly, forcing courtesy. The man might be insufferable at times, but he was Minato's teacher. "Master Jiraiya, this is important. Since you're heading to see Minato-sensei, let's discuss it together at the Hokage's office."
The sage studied him for a beat, then the playfulness in his eyes faded. "Serious business, huh?" He gave a short nod. "All right. Lead the way."
When it came to matters of true importance, Jiraiya could set aside his eccentricities in an instant—a fact that always reassured those who worked beside him.
Together, master and student disappeared into the evening streets of Konoha, their footfalls echoing like quiet promises beneath the crimson glow of the setting sun.
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