"So, how is the war now?" Minato continued to ask.
"I don't know the situation with the Cloud Ninja, but the Sand, Stone, and our Konoha are currently locked in a fierce battle in the Land of Rain. There are wins and losses on all sides. I only came back this time to deliver intelligence, so I can't stay for more than a few days before I have to go back."
Jiraiya looked at Minato apologetically. This disciple of his was truly outstanding, and although he was his master, the war left him with too few opportunities to teach him.
"It's okay, I'm used to it. Just make sure you don't die on the battlefield. I'm not collecting your corpse." Next up was probably the so-called battle where the Sannin would make their name, though he didn't know exactly when it would happen.
But Minato was afraid of a butterfly effect causing Jiraiya to die at the hands of Hanzo of the Salamander, so he was very worried.
"Haha, I'm Jiraiya the Gallant! How could I possibly die on the battlefield? Don't you worry about me, kid. Also, I have a gift for you before I leave. I hope you won't blame me for being an incompetent master," Jiraiya first laughed proudly, then gave Minato a mysterious smile.
"You'll find out tomorrow. I won't tell you now. You'll know tomorrow," Jiraiya said, maintaining the mystery.
"By the way, I beat up a member of the Uchiha clan today. I think he was a Chunin, named Uchiha Qinghui." Minato also briefly explained what happened to Kushina.
"Don't worry. So what if you beat up an Uchiha? They were in the wrong first. Your master will back you up. Let's see who dares to cause trouble," Jiraiya said, patting his chest in assurance, thinking Minato was worried about retaliation from the Uchiha clan.
"But kid, if you can beat a Chunin, why not apply for graduation?" Jiraiya then continued.
"You're asking the obvious. If you're not in Konoha, who will lead me after I graduate? I don't trust anyone else," Minato retorted with a roll of his eyes.
Jiraiya scratched his head in embarrassment. That seemed to be the case. Minato was such a genius, probably only he was qualified to teach him. No one else was worthy, Jiraiya thought narcissistically.
"How about this: I'll apply for graduation in one more year. You should also work a little harder for a year, and then apply for a long leave to train me."
Minato thought and came up with a compromise. This would also give him a year to cultivate his relationship with Kushina.
"Alright, it's settled then," Jiraiya nodded in agreement.
The next morning, in the Hokage's office.
"Old man, I want to use my war merits to exchange for a chance for my disciple to see the Scroll of Seals," Jiraiya said, standing before Hiruzen Sarutobi to make his request. This was the gift he mentioned yesterday.
"Jiraiya, Minato is still young. Letting him see the Scroll of Seals now is a bit too risky. Let's wait until he graduates, becomes a ninja, and completes some missions," Hiruzen Sarutobi suggested.
But the other meaning was also clear: Minato was too young, and his master wasn't always reliable.
"I, Jiraiya, guarantee it in my name. Minato is absolutely a future pillar of Konoha and will never betray the village." Jiraiya naturally knew Hiruzen Sarutobi's concerns, so he used his own name as a guarantee.
"Is that so... In that case, I agree. Remember, you only have one day, and he can only learn one technique." Since Jiraiya had guaranteed it with his name, Hiruzen no longer insisted.
If he refused after Jiraiya had vouched with his name, it would mean distrusting his own student, and Hiruzen Sarutobi had great trust in his students.
He took out a large scroll and handed it to Jiraiya. "Remember, only one day. Bring it back at this time tomorrow," Hiruzen Sarutobi said gravely.
"Relax, relax. Don't you trust me?" Jiraiya took the Scroll of Seals, then waved his hand coolly and left.
Watching Jiraiya's disappearing back, Hiruzen Sarutobi muttered to himself, "To be able to defeat an Uchiha Chunin at the age of 9 through his own efforts... As expected of the genius Jiraiya has his eye on. And most importantly, he is a commoner."
It seemed Hiruzen Sarutobi had also been paying close attention to Minato and knew about him defeating the Uchiha.
When Jiraiya returned home, Minato was just waking up. It was clear he had gone to great lengths for his disciple, running to the Hokage's office first thing in the morning.
"Make a shadow clone to go to class. You and I have important business to attend to at home all day today. I'll probably be heading to the front lines tomorrow," Jiraiya instructed as soon as he saw Minato.
Minato was stunned for a moment, then nodded. After creating a shadow clone and sending it to school, he looked at Jiraiya with confusion. What could possibly require a full day?