You sure left in a hurry.
If Mitokado Homura hadn't left, Jiraiya would have seized the opportunity to mock him a little more. He wasn't worried about offending Homura—most of Homura's authority came directly from Hiruzen Sarutobi. If Homura tried to make trouble for Jiraiya, Hiruzen would undoubtedly intervene.
Of course, Homura wasn't foolish enough to push his luck. He knew better than to trip up Jiraiya, especially now, when Jiraiya was regarded as one of Hiruzen's most promising students. Any action against him could provoke Hiruzen's anger and cost Homura his position in the village hierarchy.
Unlike Danzo, Homura lacked a substantial power base. Danzo, entrenched in the shadows, had cultivated his own loyal faction within Konoha. Even if Hiruzen stripped Danzo of his duties, it would disrupt operations that couldn't easily be replaced. Homura, on the other hand, was easily replaceable.
"The future of the village rests with you young people," Hiruzen said with a smile. "As for us old-timers, take our advice when it seems sound, and feel free to ignore it when it doesn't. At critical moments, don't hesitate to stick to your convictions."
"Of course, valuable advice should still be heeded."
Jiraiya nodded. "Sensei, it's you who's holding the village together right now. No matter what, I'll always consider your guidance seriously."
"This mission was well-executed," Hiruzen said approvingly. "I'm confident that with you in the Anbu, their efficiency will greatly improve."
"I've also approved Hatake Shirayuki's application to join the Anbu. Your judgment was right—while that young girl's talent may not match her brother's, her diligence and determination are second to none."
Jiraiya wasn't surprised. Shirayuki was strong enough to meet the Anbu's standards, and he had already submitted a recommendation for her.
"Sensei, Orochimaru performed outstandingly on this mission, taking down a jonin all by himself," Jiraiya said, handing over a detailed report of their operations.
Whenever battles occurred outside the village, survivors were required to submit a comprehensive report. These reports were crucial for evaluating mission rewards and studying the combat tactics of enemy shinobi, serving as valuable references for younger ninja.
Hiruzen's face lit up as he finished reading the report.
"Jiraiya, this mission's success was largely thanks to you. I'll go ahead and grant your reward now. As for the reward for the jutsu you submitted last time, the council hasn't reached a decision yet, so you'll need to wait a bit longer."
Hiruzen handed Jiraiya a scroll, which he opened to find an A-rank Lightning Release jutsu: Lightning Release: Four Pillar Bind.
The technique served as both an offensive jutsu and a sealing one. Jiraiya recalled an instance during Pain's assault on Konoha when Anbu used it against a summoned dog. The jutsu created pillars of lightning to attack and immobilize enemies, and with sufficient chakra, it could completely seal its target.
"Sensei, has Tsunade taken her jonin exam yet?" Jiraiya asked.
"She passed yesterday," Hiruzen replied. "She's officially a jonin now. Her abilities are impressive, so I've decided to assign her and Orochimaru as Anbu squad captains."
Hiruzen handed Jiraiya another scroll. "This is Tsunade's appointment document. Since you'll likely see her soon, could you deliver it for me?"
Jiraiya nodded, taking the scroll before leaving the Hokage's office.
"Don't forget to visit your teacher's wife," Hiruzen called out as Jiraiya closed the door behind him.
Do you have to keep reminding me about that? Jiraiya grumbled internally as he walked out of the Hokage building, only to spot Mitokado Homura waiting nearby.
Homura opened his mouth as if to speak but hesitated. Jiraiya didn't bother giving him the time of day and strode past without a second glance.
Back at home, Jiraiya took out the gauntlets he'd obtained from the system. He planned to give them to Tsunade, along with two A-rank medical ninjutsu he'd created.
The first was similar to the Chakra Scalpel but could inject neurotoxins into an enemy's body. The second was a powerful healing jutsu, superior to the Mystical Palm Technique, that could be used on oneself or allies.
After carefully writing down the training methods for both jutsu on blank scrolls, Jiraiya set off for the Senju Clan compound.
"Jiraiya-sama, please come in."
A civilian servant greeted him warmly at the entrance, ushering him inside. The Senju Clan held Jiraiya in high regard, their respect evident in the hospitality they showed him.
He made his way to Tsunade's residence, only to hear her voice as he approached.
"Nawaki, stop pushing yourself so hard! You can't keep training so recklessly—it's dangerous!"
Jiraiya entered to find Tsunade tending to Nawaki's injured arm.
"It's just a scratch, Sis. No big deal. I need to get stronger quickly. I want to become a ninja like Jiraiya."
Nawaki's admiration was clear, and Jiraiya couldn't help but chuckle. Thanks to Hiruzen's efforts to promote Jiraiya's achievements, he'd become something of a household name in Konoha. His solo defeat of a bounty station established by Iwagakure during his jonin exam had cemented his status as a rising star, and many young ninja looked up to him as an idol.
This, of course, was all part of Hiruzen's plan to prepare Jiraiya for a future leadership role.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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