Chapter 550: Reunion

“Six Paths City.”

Jiraiya looked at the large stone standing by the road with an intrigued expression.

Since Nagato was now a Shinobi Sect Ninja, Jiraiya had learned more about the Shinobi Sect and had developed a great interest in both the Shinobi Sect and Sōsuke.

In this era of frequent wars, there was actually a top Ninja who could set aside prejudices and teach all Ninja, and who also established a Ninja Organization dedicated to maintaining peace. How could Jiraiya not be curious about this?

“It’s a nice, up-and-coming town.” After entering Six Paths City, Jiraiya instinctively began to wander around.

After the Youth Martial Arts Tournament ended, Six Paths City was no longer as bustling as before, but it hadn’t become deserted; it had simply returned to normal.

Due to the strength displayed by the Shinobi Sect, coupled with public opinion, many people had purchased properties in Six Paths City.

Additionally, Six Paths City had taken in many displaced persons and refugees from the wars.

Therefore, Six Paths City was, in fact, constantly expanding.

“There’s no time to waste right now.” After exploring about a third of the city, Jiraiya refocused and began to inquire about Nagato.

Although his time wasn’t so tight that he couldn’t explore an entire town, Jiraiya still wanted to spend his time communicating with Nagato and the other two, and learning about the Shinobi Sect.

Jiraiya’s method of inquiring was simple: he directly asked a Rain Ninja.

After all, he had come openly, so there was no need to hide.

However, the Rain Ninja did not directly answer Jiraiya. How could he be expected to answer questions about Shinobi Sect-related personnel just because a random passerby asked?

Then, the Shinobi Sect Ninja looked at Jiraiya and inexplicably felt a sense of familiarity.

“Konoha’s Three Legendary Sannin?” The Shinobi Sect Ninja remembered something.

“Hmph hmph, that’s right! I am none other than the legendary Sannin, Lord Jiraiya, the handsome man who can even make crying children shut up!” Jiraiya introduced himself immodestly.

“So it’s Lord Jiraiya. Please wait a moment. I’m not sure about this myself; I’ll have to go ask first.” The Shinobi Sect Ninja said respectfully.

In the Ninja World, strength is revered. As renowned and powerful Ninja in the current Ninja World, the Sannin commanded respect even from different factions.

Jiraiya nodded, indicating that it was no problem.

He had some self-awareness about this.

As a well-known Konoha Ninja, it was understandable for the other party to report his sudden, unannounced arrival in the Shinobi Sect’s territory.

After a while, the Shinobi Sect Ninja returned and led Jiraiya to the Training Ground inside the Shinobi Sect’s base.

“Eh, why is it Jiraiya-sensei? Am I dreaming right now?” Yahiko, who was training, noticed Jiraiya’s arrival and was somewhat disbelieving.

He hadn’t seen Jiraiya in a very long time, or rather, aside from the three years Jiraiya took care of them, Yahiko had never seen Jiraiya at any other time.

The time spent with Jiraiya wasn’t just something Nagato missed; Yahiko missed it too.

After all, they were all desolate war orphans at the time. Compared to a life of wandering, stealing, and scavenging to survive, those three years with Jiraiya were incredibly happy.

“Hahaha, it seems being too outstanding is also a trouble. You miss me that much, huh?”

Jiraiya laughed heartily, walked forward, and patted Yahiko’s shoulder, carefully observing the three training individuals, Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato.

Although Jiraiya didn’t have the Appraisal Technique, too much time had passed since he left the three of them. Yahiko and the others had changed significantly in height and appearance from his memories.

“So it’s not a dream.” Feeling the force on his shoulder and Jiraiya’s thick, broad hand, Yahiko’s expression became excited.

“Jiraiya-sensei, I really do miss you.” Yahiko said directly.

“Actually, me too.” Jiraiya laughed heartily.

“Jiraiya-sensei, here.” Konan quickly used a secret technique to create a paper flower and handed it to Jiraiya.

Jiraiya looked at Konan smiling as she handed him the paper flower, and couldn’t help but recall the scene of their first meeting.

At that time, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and the others had just finished fighting Hanzo, and during a break, they happened to encounter the Yahiko trio.

Jiraiya remembered very clearly that at that time, Konan and Nagato were both quite afraid of them and hid in the shadows, not daring to look. Only the braver Yahiko walked directly up to them and asked for food.

As a return for the food, Konan folded the paper wrapping the biscuits into a flower and gave it to them as a gift.

“Konan, not only have you become more beautiful, but your origami skills have also improved greatly!” Jiraiya praised her unreservedly.

It was Konan’s actions back then that moved Jiraiya to compassion, causing him not to return to Konoha with his teammates but to stay in the Land of Rain to care for Yahiko and the other two war orphans.

At that time, Jiraiya didn’t yet know that Nagato possessed the Rinnegan; he simply regarded Nagato as an ordinary war orphan.

“Jiraiya-sensei is as handsome as ever.” Konan smiled and returned the compliment.

Although they hadn’t seen each other for a long time, Jiraiya seemed to have changed little, much like the Jiraiya in Konan’s memory, just looking a bit more mature.

“Haha, of course.” Jiraiya put his hands on his hips and smiled proudly, accepting Konan’s praise.

“Jiraiya-sensei.”

Nagato did not display Yahiko’s fiery enthusiasm, nor did he offer a welcome gift like Konan. He simply walked silently to Jiraiya’s side, as before, and called out, “Sensei.”

Jiraiya looked at Nagato, at his eyes that were identical to those of the legendary Six Paths Sage.

“Nagato, you are very outstanding. You have already embarked on a path that surpasses mine.” Jiraiya placed a hand on Nagato’s shoulder, a relieved smile on his face.

Although Nagato was not as enthusiastic as Yahiko, nor as attentive to detail as Konan, Jiraiya knew that it wasn’t that Nagato had no feelings for him, but rather it was Nagato’s nature.

If Nagato were as enthusiastic and cheerful as Yahiko, Jiraiya would have to wonder if he had encountered a fake Nagato.

“I am not as outstanding as you say. I am merely following in your footsteps.” Nagato shook his head modestly.

“Now you are recognized by many as the Ninja World’s top genius. Excessive modesty is not a good thing.” Jiraiya encouraged Nagato to be more confident.

If Jiraiya had such prestige as Nagato back then, he would, at the very least, be arguing with Hiruzen Sarutobi three times a day.

“It’s just a fleeting reputation; there’s still much to work on.” Nagato hadn’t expected Jiraiya to be referring to the rumors currently circulating in the Ninja World.

Nagato had thought that the path Jiraiya spoke of was the path to world peace.

On that path, Nagato was indeed just starting and was still diligently absorbing the knowledge Muzuki taught him.

“This is what happens when you come in first; you get praised.” Yahiko deliberately sighed.

“Unlike you and me, Konan, Jiraiya-sensei probably doesn’t even know we participated in the competition, right?”

Konan saw Yahiko’s suggestive look, but being bad at lying, she could only nod with a serious expression, “Uh, mm.”

Jiraiya showed a hint of embarrassment. Although he had gathered intelligence and knew Konan and Yahiko’s rankings, his initial decision to return to the Land of Rain was indeed because of Nagato.

“Ahem, actually, I do know. Yahiko, you were eliminated in the first round of the knockout stage, and Konan was in the second round.” Jiraiya explained briefly.

“After all, it was the Youth Martial Arts Tournament, where geniuses gathered. It’s normal to be eliminated early due to bad luck. But you both made it into the knockout stage, which is still a good result worth celebrating. Today, my treat! I’ll treat you all to an all-you-can-eat feast!”

To somewhat compensate his three long-unseen disciples, Jiraiya decided to treat them to a day of enjoyable eating.

“Hehe, Jiraiya-sensei, I was just kidding. Of course, I know you’re not that kind of person. You don’t need to treat us. We can earn money independently now, so let us treat you.” Yahiko said with a chuckle.

Jiraiya was his guide on the path of a Ninja. Without Jiraiya, Yahiko might have died long ago in some corner of the chaotic Land of Rain.

Even if he had lived, he would most likely have been an ordinary, unremarkable person, unable to fulfill his ambitions.

So Yahiko was very grateful to Jiraiya, and of course, he wouldn’t let his long-reunited teacher pay.

“Let us treat Jiraiya-sensei this one time.” Konan agreed with Yahiko’s suggestion.

Jiraiya had taken care of them for three years; this time, it was their turn to take care of Jiraiya.

“How about we cook it ourselves?” Nagato thought for a moment and suggested.

While treating them was a good option, Nagato felt that cooking together would be even better.

It wasn’t that Nagato was too frugal; rather, he felt it would better match the atmosphere of the past.

“Nagato, you’re a genius! Let’s go fishing, like we used to!” Yahiko threw an arm around Nagato’s neck, exclaiming excitedly.

After joining the Shinobi Sect, Yahiko had been busy with studying, training, and various Shinobi Sect affairs.

Yahiko thought carefully and realized it had been a long time since he, Nagato, and Konan had gone fishing and then had a barbecue together.

With Jiraiya’s arrival, and since Shinobi Sect affairs were currently light, Yahiko realized today was the perfect time for fishing.

Nagato had no objections and nodded.

“Let me check if you’ve forgotten the fishing techniques I taught you.” Jiraiya thought Yahiko’s idea was good.

Konan looked at the laughing Jiraiya and at Yahiko, who was quickly gathering fishing gear, and felt as if everything had returned to how it used to be.

“Jiraiya-sensei, don’t underestimate me! My fishing skills are now superb!” Yahiko said with a proud expression.

Yahiko wasn’t exaggerating. During the Akatsuki Organization period, the fish Yahiko caught saved the Akatsuki Organization a lot of money on food.

He truly had experience in fishing.

“Then let’s have a competition and see who catches more fish.” Jiraiya felt an inexplicable competitive urge rise within him.

So, the four of them found a nearby small river and started fishing.

Whether it was because he hadn’t fished in too long and his skills had declined, or because his luck wasn’t as good as Yahiko’s today, Jiraiya could only watch as Yahiko reeled in catch after catch, eventually filling his bucket.

“Only a teacher who raises disciples more outstanding than himself is an excellent teacher.” Looking at the few small fish in his own bucket, Jiraiya consoled himself.

However, when Jiraiya saw what Nagato and Konan had caught, he immediately burst out laughing.

At least he had fish on his hook; Konan and Nagato only had strange items, even shoes.

“It’s okay, it’s better than catching nothing at all.” Jiraiya forcibly suppressed the rising corners of his mouth and consoled them.

“Bansho Tenin!”

Nagato focused his gaze, locking onto a fish in the river. He released an attractive force with his left hand, drawing the fish towards him. Then, with his right hand gripping the fishing rod, he precisely cast the hook into the controlled fish’s mouth.

Finally, Nagato let the fish charge into the water, then reeled in the rod to bring the fish up, stating calmly, “I caught one too.”

“Not bad.” Jiraiya gave Nagato a thumbs-up.

Of course, he wasn’t praising Nagato’s fishing technique, but rather his control.

“In that case, I’ll catch one too.” Konan folded a paper fish and held it in her hand, then used Chakra to disguise it, making it look like a real fish.

“You can do it too, Konan.” Jiraiya praised her similarly.

Although not as good as Nagato, Konan and Yahiko were both excellent among their peers.

“Nagato and the others have changed quite a bit.” Jiraiya, who had looked around, thought with emotion.

Although he still didn’t talk much, Nagato was actually much more cheerful than before.

If it were the old Nagato, even if he couldn’t catch a fish, he wouldn’t use his Ninja abilities to forcibly get a fish and jokingly say he caught it.

While Konan wasn’t as obvious as Nagato, Jiraiya also felt that she was more open and optimistic than before.

“I really want to know about their experiences since I left.” Jiraiya felt a little regretful.

His disciples had become so outstanding, yet he, their teacher, didn’t even know why they had changed.

Ultimately, the fishing competition was won by Yahiko with an overwhelming advantage.

Nagato had only used Bansho Tenin as a joke; he wouldn’t actually use Bansho Tenin to catch fish as part of fishing.

“I’d say it’s barely acceptable, it’s just that there aren’t any big fish. I guess there aren’t any big fish in this river.” Yahiko feigned regret, as if lamenting not being able to eat a big fish at this reunion.

Hearing Yahiko’s words, Nagato scanned the river, then extended his hand towards a certain spot.

“Bansho Tenin!”

A fat fish large enough to fill a big bucket was pulled onto the shore by Nagato.

Yahiko’s eyes widened at the sight, and he couldn’t help but feel a little dejected. This annoying fat fish, why did it have to be so plump?

“Fish obtained this way have no soul!” Yahiko declared.

After the all-fish feast began… “Indeed, fish have to be big enough to be truly satisfying! Jiraiya-sensei, your cooking is still as good as ever!” Yahiko picked up chopstick after chopstick, seemingly unable to stop.

Jiraiya smiled.

He often traveled around, and many times he had money but nowhere to spend it, so his Cooking skills were not bad.

Of course, it couldn’t compare to Muzuki’s. After eating Muzuki’s Cuisine, as long as Muzuki was within sensory range, Jiraiya would have no desire to cook; he’d only want to mooch meals off Muzuki.

“Can you tell me about your experiences after I left? It might even be written into a best-selling novel.” Jiraiya said with a smile.

He was truly curious about what Yahiko and the others had done after he left, how they usually spent their time, and why they joined the Shinobi Sect.

“Of course, you don’t need to tell me everything, just what you want to share.” Jiraiya added.

In life, everyone inevitably has some things that are difficult to speak about.

Regarding the extra chapters.

Xiao Ju apologizes to everyone here. After talking about it for so long, I failed to provide a good reading experience, and I am truly sorry for betraying your trust.

Xiao Ju has read all of your comments and reviewed them thoroughly several times myself.

Finally, I realized that 18,400 characters are still too few to write a major chapter of a manga.

Although 18,400 characters, if released in 2k chapters, would be enough for nine chapters, it is still too little for a major chapter.

To avoid ‘repetition’ with the original work, Xiao Ju also tried extremely hard to avoid dialogue and battle routines, which further led to insufficient foreshadowing and development, making it seem very rushed.

I saw a reader’s comment that I thought was very good: since some plots are inevitably largely similar to the original work, why not release them for free?

Instead of avoiding original dialogue and causing plot problems, it would be better to directly write down the original content and release it for free. This is indeed a good idea.

Xiao Ju has never written such extra chapters before, which led to problems, and I am truly sorry.

I will revise the already published extra chapters when I have time, and at the same time, organize and modify them to continue writing this storyline’s extra chapters.

At that time, content with a lot of original dialogue will be released as free chapters.

However, with this lesson learned, the next extra chapters will likely be a long time from now.

After all, it shouldn’t affect regular updates.