Jiraiya knew about the existence of Akatsuki.
He had long been aware that Akatsuki's goal was to capture the Tailed Beasts.
After the One-Tail from Sunagakure was taken, Jiraiya had considered returning to Konoha.
But in the end, he held back.
Returning to Konoha would mean Naruto's presence would be revealed to Akatsuki. Not only would Naruto be in danger, but Konoha itself could be affected.
The dire state of Sunagakure was the perfect example.
Instead of that, he decided to keep Naruto here, at the site of the former Land of Whirlpools.
He had already erased any trace of their arrival, and he had set up layer upon layer of invisible chakra barriers around the hut to isolate them. There were also numerous surveillance dolls watching over the area, ensuring that even the slightest disturbance would immediately alert him to any threat.
In short, this place was absolutely safe.
As long as they stayed hidden, Akatsuki would never find them here.
As for what was happening in the outside world, Jiraiya chose not to concern himself.
All he wanted was to protect Naruto, ensuring he never again faced suffering or loneliness.
After being lost in thought for a while, Jiraiya snapped back to reality, noticing Naruto pouting and approaching with a look of complaint.
Jiraiya quickly put away the book in his hands, a smile spreading across his face:
"Not bad, Naruto. You learned the Rasengan so quickly, and even figured out how to use Shadow Clones to help compress the chakra."
Naruto huffed proudly, "Hmph! Pervy Sage, you should take my training more seriously! If I weren't so smart, how would I have mastered it so quickly?!"
"Hahaha! A master can only lead you to the door; training is up to you! Alright, alright, stop complaining and come over here! This is your reward for learning the Rasengan."
Jiraiya laughed heartily, pulling something out from behind his back.
It was a cup of instant Ichiraku Ramen.
"Whoa!" Naruto's eyes lit up with hunger as soon as he saw it.
He had been away from home for so long, and he missed Ichiraku Ramen terribly.
"Pervy Sage, you're the best!!" Naruto shouted excitedly, snatching the ramen and running back to the hut to boil some water and eat it.
Watching Naruto's joyful figure, Jiraiya smiled indulgently: "Hehe, remember to come out after you're done eating. I'll teach you a new jutsu."
"Got it!" Naruto's voice echoed from inside the hut.
Though they were far from civilization and life was tough,
The two of them found warmth and happiness in their daily lives.
After all, having someone by your side was what mattered most...
...
One day later.
Early morning, at the Daimyō residence in the Land of Sea.
Natsuhane slowly woke up in bed. Beside him lay a young woman, sleeping peacefully.
She was one of the new wives Natsuhane had selected in the Land of Sea.
The beads of sweat still on her body made it clear just how intense their night had been.
Ever since leaving the Land of Earth, Natsuhane had been working diligently in the Land of Sea, never missing a night.
All for the future of the clan.
He had never forgotten his goal: to spread the Uchiha lineage far and wide, ensuring the diversity of their genes.
"Report!"
At the door, a subordinate's clear voice echoed.
As he dressed, Natsuhane responded, "What is it? Speak."
"Daimyō-sama, one of your wives is looking for you..."
"Oh? Which wife?"
"It... it is Orochimaru-sama."
"Hmm?" The mention of that unexpected name made Natsuhane pause for a moment.
Orochimaru had come to find him voluntarily!
Interesting...
...