Both the Third Hokage and Jiraiya had attempted this test themselves, which was why they knew they lacked the innate talent for the Flying Thunder God technique and understood its difficulty. Of course, with their ninjutsu abilities, they could potentially learn it, but it would likely only be the Flying Thunder God Formation rather than the full Flying Thunder God.
The Flying Thunder God Formation was honestly, an embarrasment to Flying Thunder God. It was better not to attempt it at all, as it didn't seem very useful.
"Ahem, Jiraiya, if you still need to search for the Child of Prophecy and have no time for anything else, why don't you let me take over?" The Third Hokage said calmly.
Jiraiya was stunned and then scrutinized his teacher, noticing that the Third Hokage showed no sign of embarrassment. Unable to hold back, he said, "Teacher, have you no shame? Trying to steal your own disciple's disciple?"
Instantly, the Third Hokage's expression darkened, and he began forming hand seals.
"Hey, old man!" Jiraiya's face changed as he was caught off guard and received a playful reprimand from the Third Hokage.
Natsuro watched this scene with a sigh. As expected, the Third Hokage and Jiraiya, both high-ranking ninjas, were engaging in this light-hearted brawl. If it were him, he certainly wouldn't have been able to withstand it.
It was his first time seeing this side of the Third Hokage. Although he didn't see the Third Hokage often, he could tell that the Third Hokage was usually not like this. This was likely a side he only showed in front of Jiraiya.
He couldn't help but reflect that the Third Hokage seemed to be getting older. It was only when someone aged that they became sentimental, overly concerned about their own reputation, and somewhat uncontrolled in their emotions.
Nevertheless, despite his old age, the Third Hokage remained as astute as ever. Without Jiraiya, he likely wouldn't have handed over the Flying Thunder God Technique to him.
He had always known that the Third Hokage was aging, and he thought that with his performance, he might still win over the Third Hokage. Although there might be a slight gap, time could bridge that gap.
However, reality showed him that the Third Hokage was still the same old Third Hokage, just older. His fundamental calculations were still sharp.
He hadn't taken Jiraiya into consideration. Although he knew it was possible, the uncertainty was too great, so he focused his goals on replacing Sakura Haruno from Team 7 rather than becoming Jiraiya's disciple.
He smiled, content that although his calculations missed, the outcome was still good.
The little drama between the Third Hokage and Jiraiya quickly came to an end, with the Third Hokage eventually giving up.
Natsuro breathed a sigh of relief. He had no choice in the matter, only the right to be chosen. Although he would have preferred Jiraiya as his teacher, if the Third Hokage chose him in the end, it would of been silly to refuse.
Regardless, both the Third Hokage and Jiraiya gave Natsuro significant advantages for now.
"Hmph, kid, from now on, you're my disciple." Jiraiya declared with a hearty laugh.
"Yes, greetings, Master." He responded with genuine excitement. This time, there was no need for pretense; he was genuinely excited.
"Since it's settled, let's leave quickly." the Third Hokage said casually.
Seeing this, Jiraiya casually greeted the Third Hokage and prepared to leave with Natsuro. But he couldn't be as casual as Jiraiya and, after the Third Hokage's gesture, followed Jiraiya out.
After they left, the Third Hokage who continued to smile quickly composed himself, tapping his smoking pipe on the desk, then a masked figure appeared before him.
"Go tell Danzo to behave himself for now." the Third Hokage's voice came through his hat, shrouded in shadow.
"Yes!" The ANBU leader responded without asking questions, then left the Hokage office.
The Third Hokage looked into the distance, feeling some satisfaction. Jiraiya's strength was even greater than he had imagined, which reassured him.
Even with the Great Toad Sage's prophecy, the Third Hokage hoped Natsuro could persuade Jiraiya to stay in Konoha, though he knew the chances were slim.
His apprentice was quite stubborn. If he hadn't sent over a dozen letters, Jiraiya might not have returned. Although the Third Hokage felt that if Jiraiya didn't return, he might end up with a talented disciple.
Soon, Danzo looked at the ANBU leader with a dark expression. Around him were several Root members lying on the ground, evidently thrown there by the Anbu leader.
"What does Hiruzen mean by this? I've already made enough concessions," Danzo said coldly.
"The Hokage said you should behave yourself for a while." the ANBU leader relayed the Third Hokage's message truthfully.
"You've said that before. I've already pulled back Root!" Danzo roared angrily.
"Then let Rootwithdraw completely. Also, I only know that Jiraiya-sama has returned." the ANBU leader said, delivering the message and then leaving.
Danzo stared at the Root members scattered on the ground, grinding his teeth. Finally, he ordered, "For now, there's no need to 'guard' the Nine-Tails brat."
Danzo knew the Third Hokage's concern was that Jiraiya might discover Naruto's treatment and harbor grievances.
The Root members lying on the ground sighed in relief. If Danzo had demanded them to continue, the consequences would have been dire.
Not to mention the Third Hokage, even if Jiraiya discovered their surveillance, it would have been difficult to survive.
Danzo pondered why Jiraiya had returned at this time. It must have been a summons from Hiruzen, but what urgent matter required Jiraiya's return? The Uchiha massacre?
No, that had passed. If it were about that, Jiraiya would have been summoned earlier.
At this moment, a message arrived from a Root member stationed at the Hokage's gate.
Upon seeing Natsuro's name, Danzo instantly understood why. It was to notify Jiraiya to return and take on a disciple!
"Hiruzen!!"
Danzo gritted his teeth. Where did he fall short compared to Jiraiya? Why was Jiraiya summoned from afar, yet he wasn't willing to give Natsuro to him?!
However, it wasn't the worst news. The fact that Jiraiya didn't return to take the position of Hokage was somewhat reassuring to him. Jiraiya's return wasn't for the position of Hokage, so he felt a bit relieved.
He knew he could wait for the Third Hokage's successor, but Jiraiya's return was another matter. As for Natsuro, he was still too young to pose a significant threat.
Yet, the deep-seated frustration remained in Danzo's heart.
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