"Times have changed," Jiraiya sighed as he strolled down the bustling street, clutching several books in his hands.
Of course, his intentions in acquiring all of Ekinu's books were purely educational. He wanted to delve into the intricacies of Ekinu's advanced writing techniques. It was purely for research purposes, he assured himself! Jiraiya couldn't help but feel a pang of excitement as he imagined the possibilities these books held, the knowledge and creativity waiting to be unleashed.
Little did he expect that while he had been engrossed in years of warfare, a new literary genius had emerged in the shinobi world. He couldn't help but feel a pang of shame for not discovering Ekinu's brilliance earlier. The revelation served as a reminder that the world was constantly evolving, and he needed to adapt and embrace new talents.
Initially, his outing had been aimed at selling books to fund his travels. However...
It had transformed into a book-buying spree, with his own books being left behind. Such was the allure of Ekinu's masterful storytelling. They were books that ignited passion, stirred the imagination, and plunged readers into exhilarating fantasies. Each volume was worth every coin he had spent. They were truly exceptional!
He couldn't help but admire Ekinu. His talent was undeniable, and Jiraiya held nothing but admiration for him.
"If only I knew where Ekinu-sensei resides!" Jiraiya muttered to himself, a hint of determination in his voice. He believed that meeting the author in person could provide invaluable insights.
Just then, a familiar voice broke through his thoughts, calling his name. "Jiraiya~" The voice belonged to none other than Tsunade, his long-time companion and teammate.
Upon hearing the familiar voice, Jiraiya swiftly concealed the books behind his back. With a nonchalant lean against the nearby wall, he turned his head and flashed what he believed to be a suave smile. "Hey, Tsunade, Long time no see!"
"...Didn't we return together just the day before yesterday?" Tsunade regarded him with a puzzled expression, suspicion flickering in her eyes. "What are you up to? Acting all secretive! Don't tell me you're spying on someone taking a bath again!"
"Hahaha! Impossible! I've been completely devoted to my studies lately! Immersing myself in books to expand my knowledge, you know!" Jiraiya chuckled, attempting to divert her attention.
"(￢_￢)" Tsunade just looked at him with contempt in her eyes knowing her teammate very well.
"Anyway, let's forget about that!" Jiraiya swiftly changed the topic, his gaze shifting to the adorable little girl with jet-black hair standing beside Tsunade. "Who's this? Your daughter? She's not a blonde. She's simply adorable, like a little sister"
"Stop making things up! Stay away from Shizune, you perverted toad!" Tsunade exclaimed, throwing a punch at Jiraiya before speaking calmly, "She's the niece of Kato. She doesn't have any family left in Konoha, so I decided to take her under my care."
"Kato's niece?" Jiraiya was taken aback by Tsunade's revelation. He fell silent for a moment, his gaze shifting to the shy and timid Shizune, who was hiding behind Tsunade. He then looked back at Tsunade, his expression turning serious. "You've made up your mind, haven't you?" He paused for a moment. "When do you plan to leave?"
"The day after tomorrow." Tsunade replied, her tone tinged with a mix of determination and sorrow.
"So soon?" Jiraiya's brows furrowed, realizing that the departure of his dear friend was imminent.
"It's already been delayed. If it weren't for some clan matters that need to be handled, I would have left long ago." Tsunade sighed, a hint of confusion flickering in her eyes. She smiled at Jiraiya. "By the way, are you interested in buying a house?"
"???" Jiraiya was perplexed by her sudden question.
"Forget it! You're just a struggling writer! How would you have the money to buy a house? Pretend I didn't ask!" Tsunade cast a scornful glance at Jiraiya and fell silent once more. "Are you planning to leave as well? When will you go?"
"This is part of my training, as you know, I embark on training journeys every now and then. It should be the day after tomorrow," Jiraiya patted the books in his arms and wore a confident smile. "By the time we meet again, I will undoubtedly become a bestselling literary genius!"
"What kind of destined child are you planning to find this time? I think Orochimaru was right. You just find trouble for yourself! Well, why do I even care?" Tsunade muttered. "Where do you plan to go this time?"
"Fate will guide me to the right destination," Jiraiya spoke mysteriously, but upon seeing Tsunade raising her fist, he quickly added, "If possible, I might pay a visit to the Land of Grass"
"The Land of Grass? That small country that was recently rebuilt?" Tsunade recalled the Grass shinobi she had encountered in the Land of Rain. "What are you planning to do there?"
"What am I planning to do? Pursue my dreams, of course!" Jiraiya lifted his head, a smile playing on his lips, his eyes filled with hope as if gazing into the distant future. "The war has kept me from writing for many years. So this time, I intend to find solace and study writing techniques, read more, and reflect deeply! Tsunade, let me tell you, I've encountered a great writer..."
However, before he could finish his sentence...
"Forget it! I don't want to hear it! I don't know when we'll meet again anyway!" Tsunade waved her hand, cutting off Jiraiya's words. She continued walking ahead with Shizune, leaving behind a stunned Jiraiya, who had been excited to share his encounter with a new literary genius.
Watching Tsunade's figure fade into the distance, Jiraiya maintained a serene smile, standing there in silence.
Until her figure disappeared completely.
He murmured softly, "I hope you find someone who can continue to bring you strength, Tsunade."
Having said that, he stretched lazily and muttered to himself, "Ekinu-sensei... What kind of experiences must he have had to write such captivating books?"
Although he hadn't been able to find out who Ekinu-sensei really was, according to the store owner, their books were all signed from the Land of Grass. Therefore, based on Jiraiya's analysis, "Ekinu-sensei must be in the Land of Grass!"
With a renewed sense of purpose, Jiraiya tightened his grip on the books he had purchased. He was now determined to embark on his journey to the Land of Grass, not only to study writing techniques but also to uncover the mystery behind Ekinu-sensei's captivating stories.
As he walked through the bustling streets of Konoha, Jiraiya couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation. The Land of Grass awaited him, and he believed that this journey would bring him closer to his goal of becoming a renowned author.
.....
"Ah-choo~"
Akihiko couldn't help but sneeze, feeling as though someone was talking about him. However, he quickly dismissed the thought, attributing it to the many people who had their opinions about him in the Land of Grass. Shaking off the distraction, he focused his attention on the pressing matters at hand.
The recent war had only just ended. The Land of Grass was still in the early stages of its reconstruction. With the tension of the Second Great Ninja War fading, the nation was now laying the groundwork for its development. Two meetings had solidified the comprehensive five-year plan, encompassing construction projects, talent recruitment, population growth, economic initiatives, livestock management, livelihood improvements, and military strengthening. The goal was clear: to become a formidable nation.
Progress was steady across the board.
The academy had been completed, and Akihiko had prepared the teaching materials in anticipation of its opening. Despite the chilly weather, the school was scheduled to welcome its first students soon.
However...
Akihiko glanced at the documents in his hand, his expression turned strange.
["Haunted incidents at the academy!"
According to investigations and testimonies from workers, strange sounds had been heard emanating from beneath the construction site. Reports described eerie laughter accompanied by the words "poop poop." The nature of these sounds was indescribably unsettling. It caused widespread panic among the workers.
The current situation remained uncertain, with suspicions of haunting, but no injuries had been reported. Strangely, no further strange sounds had been heard since then.]
Akihiko contemplated the situation.
Could it be that White Zetsu had happened to pass by the construction site and playfully produced those sounds, coincidentally witnessed by the workers?
It reminded him of the Kannabi Bridge incident, which took place in the Land of Grass and connected the Land of Earth and the Land of Fire. It was during the subsequent Battle of the Kannabi Bridge that Obito had been struck by falling rocks and abducted by White Zetsu.
And at that time, the White Zetsu were... digging tunnels in the vicinity. Tunnels that are potentially linked to the Five Great Nations.
Akihiko couldn't help but wonder why these White Zetsu, with their abilities, had chosen to engage in tunnel excavation. They could have utilized their skills for logistics, potentially becoming the premier logistics company in the entire ninja world.
However, such thoughts were of little concern to Akihiko. After all, he had dared to bring Nagato, Mrs. Fuso's son, back with him. Why should he worry about a group of White Zetsu?
Furthermore, these White Zetsu were still concealed, working towards their millennium plan. They wouldn't jeopardize their secrecy merely for the sake of the Land of Grass.
Akihiko cast a determined gaze at the task labeled [Black Zetsu: Meet Mommy Again], asserting, "No one can prevent the children of the Land of Grass from attending school!"
With conviction, he swiftly inscribed two prominent words on the document: [School Opening].