The rain and mist gradually dissipated, sunlight streaming through the clouds onto the rocky shore by the stream.
The pages spread before Shiroishi glowed with a faint golden hue under the light.
He sat cross-legged on a rock by the stream, pen in hand, meticulously recording the key points of today's training.
Jiraiya lazily stretched nearby, intending to take a nap but inadvertently catching sight of Shiroishi's notes.
The paper was densely covered with text, arrows, symbols, and annotations.
Each line was neatly organized, detailing everything from Chakra flow directions and control rhythms to corrections for Yahiko and Nagato's combat stances.
Alongside the writing were several detailed diagrams, clearly structured like a complete research manuscript.
Jiraiya blinked, a hint of surprise crossing his expression.
This kid is really serious.
Watching Shiroishi bent over his writing, Jiraiya felt a sudden sense of familiarity.
That composure and focus reminded him of a figure from many years ago—Orochimaru.
Just like that, quiet and reserved, yet almost obsessive in the pursuit of knowledge.
Notes, observations, deductions.
For a moment, the resemblance was almost disorienting.
"Really now…" he murmured softly, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"So diligent."
Shiroishi noticed the gaze and looked up to meet his eyes.
His eyes were like clear lake water, calm and composed.
"What is it, Mr. Jiraiya?" he asked gently, smiling slightly. "I just don't want to forget the details."
Jiraiya paused, then burst into laughter, waving a hand dismissively.
"Nothing, nothing. Just remembering some old stories from my youth. With your study habits, you'd probably be a top student at the Konoha Ninja Academy."
Shiroishi smiled, closing his notebook, his tone as even as ever. "I'll prepare lunch. Everyone should take a break."
Jiraiya initially thought to say it wasn't necessary—Soldier Pills would suffice.
But then he remembered how much theoretical knowledge he'd poured into Shiroishi that morning.
So he simply chuckled, "Haha, sure. My cooking is a disaster anyway, so I'll leave it to you."
"No problem." Shiroishi stood, straightened his sleeves, and turned toward the open area by the stream.
Konan, seeing this, immediately set down the Squirtle she was holding and hurried after him.
"I'll help you."
Squirtle let out a cheerful "Squirtle!" and excitedly followed, its tail splashing water that sparkled in the sunlight.
Shiroishi smiled slightly and nodded. "Thank you."
He bent to gather some dry branches to build a fire. Just then, Yahiko ran over with his Charmander.
"Heh, Shiroishi, need a fire? That's Charmander's specialty!"
"Char!"
Charmander cried happily, puffing out its chest, the flame on its tail flickering.
It stepped forward and—"Whoosh!"—a burst of intensely hot flame shot from its mouth, landing precisely on the pile of branches.
The dry wood ignited instantly, the flames dancing in the wind, illuminating their youthful faces.
Yahiko laughed. "Well done."
Charmander wagged its tail, cackling proudly.
Not far away, Eevee wasn't about to be outdone.
It nimbly leaped to the lakeside, ears twitching as it stared intently at the water.
With a light sweep of its tail, several fish were stunned and floated to the surface.
"Eevee!"
Eevee trotted back with a fish in its mouth, tail held high in a proud display of seeking praise.
Shiroishi smiled as he took the fish, speaking gently, "Thank you, Eevee."
He stroked its fur in return, and Eevee happily nuzzled his palm, its eyes gleaming with pride.
"You're becoming more and more sensible."
Shiroishi then turned to the stream, cleaning and skewering the fish one by one.
Under the firelight, his movements were skilled and composed—slicing the fish open, washing them in the water—his technique reminiscent of a seasoned chef.
Konan handed him seasonings nearby, Yahiko helped turn the skewers on the wooden frame, and Nagato held Bulbasaur, quietly observing everything.
"Thanks for your help," Shiroishi said with a smile, looking up. "I need a bit of sweetness."
Hearing this, Bulbasaur lifted its head slightly, the seed on its back blooming gently.
A soft pink pollen drifted out into the air, carrying a faint, sweet fragrance.
"So fragrant..."
Nagato couldn't help but smile, hugging Bulbasaur tighter as he murmured, "You're so capable."
Bulbasaur narrowed its eyes contentedly and let out a soft "Bulba" chirp.
Watching this, Shiroishi felt a gentle warmth in his heart.
He mixed the pollen with herbs, sprinkling a thin layer over the grilled fish.
As the flames licked the fish, the air instantly filled with an aroma that whetted the appetite.
"This smell... it's irresistible."
Jiraiya walked over with a laugh, crossing his arms and taking a deep breath. "Your skills are impressive!"
Shiroishi looked up, his smile gentle. "If you like it, I can make other dishes another day."
"Looking forward to it!" Jiraiya laughed heartily.
Eating and drinking to his heart's content—that was something Jiraiya truly enjoyed.
Sunlight filtered through the clouds, shining on the campfire by the stream.
Just then, Shiroishi turned his head slightly, looking at Bulbasaur beside him.
"Bulbasaur," he said softly, "since you can release Sweet Scent... could you try producing other types of powder as well?"
"Bulba?"
The little one tilted its head, seeming not to fully understand.
Shiroishi smiled and extended his hand, gently guiding through the air. "You see, pollen is an extension of plants, and Chakra can determine its properties.
If you can adjust the concentration, perhaps the pollen could have different effects."
Bulbasaur blinked, seeming to grasp the idea a bit, and the seed on its back trembled slightly.
A glimmer of light flashed between its vines, causing the air to ripple faintly.
"Bulba!"
With a low cry, it cautiously released a cloud of powder.
Unlike the gentle sweetness of its usual pollen, this powder had a faint purple glow, dispersing into a hazy mist under the sunlight.
"Huh? What's this?"
Yahiko frowned, instinctively stepping back half a pace.
Nagato's eyes sharpened, a faint light flickering in his Rinnegan.
"Everyone, be careful," he warned gravely. "This is... Poison Powder."
"Poison Powder?"
Konan stared in surprise at the light mist, clutching Squirtle tightly in her arms.
The little one reacted immediately, coiling its vines to suppress the remaining powder and prevent it from spreading.
However, a faint purple haze lingered in the air, making their throats feel slightly tight.
Jiraiya reacted faster than anyone.
"Summoning Technique!"
Amid a puff of white smoke, a small toad appeared on the scene.
The toad opened its mouth, extended its long tongue, and swallowed all the purple powder in the air.
Then, it shook its body and spat out a diluted purple liquid, showing a somewhat dazed expression.
Jiraiya bent down to examine it for a moment, his brow slightly furrowed.
"The toxicity is quite strong... For a young Bulbasaur at this stage, this concentration of Poison Powder can already incapacitate an adult ninja temporarily."
"Bulba..."
Bulbasaur lowered its head, looking somewhat frustrated.
At that moment, Nagato picked up Bulbasaur to comfort it.
"You did very well, no need to be afraid."
Bulbasaur raised its head, its eyes regaining their brightness, the leaves on its back gently swaying.
Jiraiya chuckled in admiration. "Truly remarkable. As expected of a breeding master, your insight is impressive."
Shiroishi merely smiled without responding.
Just then, Nagato seemed to sense something and suddenly raised his hand.
The Chakra around him surged faintly, and the grass beneath his feet moved according to his will, actually beginning to secrete a light purple dust similar to Bulbasaur's.
"This..."
Jiraiya was quite surprised but quickly regained his composure.
Nagato looked down at his palm and spoke softly, "It seems... I can also make plants produce a small amount of toxin."
[Bulbasaur learned the skill: Poison Powder]
[Nagato comprehended the auxiliary technique: Grass Release: Poison Mist]