The orange-haired boy being teased by Shigeo Aburame was named Yahiko, the future leader of the Akatsuki.
In the original storyline, Yahiko tragically trusted Hanzo, leading to the near destruction of the Akatsuki and Konan being captured by Hanzo.
To save Konan, Yahiko followed Hanzo's demands and chose to take his own life in front of Nagato, triggering Nagato's descent into darkness.
From Shigeo Aburame's perspective, someone like Yahiko could either be described as naïve or, less kindly, as foolish. Teasing him felt harmless.
Nagato, however, was a different story.
This was the future big boss, a man capable of leveling Konoha while chanting something akin to, *"How many sacks of rice can one carry up a flight of stairs?"*
It was only practical to build a good relationship with him now. If things went south in the future, at least begging for mercy might be an option.
The saying goes, *"The more friends you have, the more paths you'll find."* As long as Shigeo treaded carefully, avoided provoking Nagato, and stayed out of his way, survival seemed within reach.
Self-preservation wasn't shameful!
As for saving the world? That was the destiny of the Child of Prophecy. Shigeo considered himself a mere bystander; survival was his top priority.
He resolved to be cautious.
With that in mind, he placed both hands on Nagato's shoulders and, with a serious expression, said, "Nagato, considering I gave you some rations today, could you promise me one small favor?"
"Huh?" Nagato looked confused at first but then nodded slightly, replying softly, "Okay."
This exchange caught the attention of not only Yahiko and Konan but also the three Sannin standing nearby.
Under their curious gazes, Shigeo sincerely continued speaking to Nagato.
"If we ever meet in the future, please spare my life. I'm begging you!"
Nagato: "…"
Everyone: "…"
For a moment, everyone present was dumbfounded.
Jiraiya covered his face, then without a word, grabbed Shigeo by the collar and dragged him out into the rain.
Seeing this, Tsunade and Orochimaru chuckled as they followed them outside.
To the Sannin's surprise, Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato also followed them.
Noticing this, Tsunade turned around and shouted, "We already gave you food earlier, didn't we? Why are you still following us?"
Konan stepped forward, reached behind her, and pulled something out.
Tsunade prepared to strike but was stopped by Jiraiya.
Looking closely, Tsunade realized Konan wasn't holding a weapon but a small flower folded from food wrappers.
With a radiant smile, Konan offered the flower with both hands. "Thank you. This is a token of appreciation."
The gesture surprised Tsunade. She was touched by Konan's thoughtfulness and impressed by her craftsmanship.
Yahiko then stepped forward and addressed Jiraiya and Tsunade. "Teach us ninjutsu. You're Konoha shinobi, aren't you?"
"Uh…"
Hearing this, Jiraiya and Tsunade exchanged surprised looks.
Orochimaru, however, calmly proposed, "Why not just kill these children? I've seen plenty of war orphans—they often meet tragic ends. Ending it here might actually be…"
"Enough, Orochimaru!"
Before Orochimaru could finish, Jiraiya interrupted with a stern expression.
"You and Tsunade can head back. I'll stay here to look after these kids, at least until they can fend for themselves. It's a small way to atone for what's happened."
"But…"
Tsunade wanted to argue but decided against it after seeing Jiraiya's resolve.
Orochimaru, meanwhile, turned to Shigeo with a sly grin.
"Shigeo, your teacher is staying here. Why don't you return with us? Don't worry; if you encounter any issues in your training, feel free to ask me."
"Thank you, Lord Orochimaru!"
Shigeo bowed deeply, but instead of following Orochimaru, he walked over to Jiraiya.
"However, I choose to stay with Jiraiya-sensei. This is not only a direct order from the Hokage but also my duty as his student. There's a saying: *'When the master has a task, the disciple must help.'* That's my role now!"
Shigeo knew full well that the end of the war between Konoha and the Rain Village was only temporary. Battles with the Land of Wind and the Land of Earth were just around the corner.
Returning now would likely mean being sent to the frontlines as cannon fodder by the Third Hokage.
No way was he going back!
Orochimaru, unaware of Shigeo's true thoughts, looked somewhat moved by his dedication.
"Jiraiya, I envy you. You've taken on a fine student. Take care, both of you. Let's go, Tsunade."
"Alright."
Tsunade nodded, casting one last complicated glance at Jiraiya before leaving with Orochimaru.
Watching them walk away, Jiraiya's expression turned wistful.
Seizing the moment, Shigeo leaned in and whispered, "Jiraiya-sensei, based on my experience, if you chase after Lady Tsunade now, hug her, and confess with the words 'Sorry, I love you,' then kiss her, you might secure a relationship with her!"
"Hmm?" Jiraiya's eyes lit up. "Really? How reliable is this?"
"I'd say it's highly likely!"
Adjusting his sunglasses confidently, Shigeo continued, "Fortune favors the bold! Opportunities like this are fleeting. If you miss it, you might regret it forever. The method is clear—it's up to you now, sensei!"
"Uh…"
Still hesitant, Jiraiya glanced at Tsunade, who was disappearing into the rain. Steeling himself, he ran after her.
"Hey, Tsunade!"
"Huh?"
Hearing Jiraiya's voice, Tsunade turned around, puzzled. "Jiraiya? What are you—"
Before she could finish, Jiraiya rushed forward, embraced her, and blurted, "Tsunade, I'm sorry! I love you!"
Tsunade: "!?"
Has this guy lost his mind?!
Wide-eyed, Tsunade was stunned. But her shock turned to fury as Jiraiya leaned in to kiss her.
"Jiraiya, you idiot! Go to hell!"
With a roar, she broke free and landed a powerful uppercut to his jaw.
**Boom!**
With a heavy thud, Jiraiya was launched skyward. It wasn't until Tsunade had walked several meters away that he crashed back down with another loud "boom."
Shigeo, stunned, rushed over.
"Jiraiya-sensei, are you alright?"
"Cough, cough…"
Spitting out blood, Jiraiya groaned and shot Shigeo a pained look.
"Shigeo…your method didn't work. Where did you even get this experience?"
"From plays!" Shigeo replied matter-of-factly. "They're performed all the time in Tanzaku Town. Haven't you seen them, sensei?"
"Pfft…"
Hearing this, Jiraiya spat out another mouthful of blood.
*(Chapter End)*