Jiraiya-sama entered Shindai's workshop with a heavy heart.
Shindai was fully immersed in crafting a puppet, muttering to himself.
"What the heck? I just wanted a couple of days off, but even resting involves work. But... I like it. It's all just peanuts anyway. Sigh, research doesn't pay well, and nobody wants to sponsor my work. It'd be great if someone did."
Suddenly, a voice brimming with resentment rang out.
"I invested one million ryō (gold coins) in you, and this is how you treat me? Shindai!"
"Oh no! Pakura Asu Natsuka!"
Startled, Shindai slipped and dropped the puppet arm he was holding onto the ground.
Seeing Jiraiya-sama, Shindai patted his chest in relief and said, "Jiraiya-sama, why must you be as unpredictable as Orochimaru-sama? When did you return? How come I didn't hear anything at all?"
Jiraiya-sama spoke bitterly, "I think it's because you're guilty. No wonder you only asked for a photo before—it turns out you used my image for promotion! Because of this, you've ruined my reputation!"
Shindai shrugged indifferently. "To be honest, Jiraiya-sama, your reputation was already like that anyway. Everyone knows you love peeping into women's baths. It doesn't make much difference."
Jiraiya-sama stiffened. "Damn it! He couldn't even fight back!"
Jiraiya-sama frowned and said, "That's different! You can't just—"
Before Jiraiya-sama finished speaking, Shindai interrupted, "Jiraiya-sama, summon your Puppet. I'll help upgrade it—more actions, more voice lines~"
"Sure thing!"
Jiraiya-sama immediately unfurled the scroll and summoned The Tsunade Puppet.
Jiraiya-sama suddenly froze. What exactly was he doing?
He had firmly decided earlier not to forgive Shindai easily and intended to teach him a good lesson, so how come he ended up like this now?
Looking at Shindai already upgrading his Puppet, Jiraiya-sama gave himself an excuse.
Since things have gone this far, punishing Shindai won't change reality. Well then, let's leave it at that.
Half an hour later, the upgrade was complete.
"It's done. Jiraiya-sama, try it out."
Jiraiya-sama eagerly tested it right away.
When he pressed a button, The Tsunade Puppet winked at him, then hugged his arm, her voice soft and gentle: "If you're weary, pause a while and rest your soul with me."
Jiraiya's dopamine surged instantly. His face lit up with enjoyment as he gave Shindai a thumbs-up. "It's still you who delivers! Amazing!"
"As for the poster..."
Jiraiya-sama generously said, "Use it however you want! Is it enough? If not, I'll take a couple more shots for you. Just keep upgrading for me whenever you get new tech!"
Shindai grinned mischievously.
"Hmph, he can't control Pakura, he can't control Hikaku Uchiha, but can't he even handle that old pervert Jiraiya?"
Jiraiya couldn't wait to go research the upgraded new features. After offering a few encouraging words to Shindai, he hurried off.
Hikaku Uchiha and Kabuto Yakushi watched Jiraiya leave with disdainful looks.
Just moments ago, he'd walked in like he was about to scold Shindai, but now he came out grinning like he'd struck gold, his face flushed with satisfaction as he cheerfully departed.
Anyone could tell he had been tricked by Shindai.
"One of the legendary Sannin... Doesn't seem all that great!"
Nightfall.
After having dinner at Minato Namikaze's house, Shindai, Hikaku Uchiha, and Pakura made their way back home.
After meeting with Hiruzen Sarutobi, Jiraiya made his way to Minato Namikaze's place.
"Hey, reading my [Root of Endurance] huh? But after all, it was my first draft, so the writing is pretty immature. I didn't handle many parts well."
Jiraiya looked embarrassed as he scratched his head, though his expression was clearly proud and smug.
Minato Namikaze smiled and said, "No, not at all. Although I've read Master Jiraiya's first draft before, reading it again still makes me feel the story is fascinating. Many stories are adapted from legends you've left behind; it feels just like your autobiography. However, wasn't the original title [The Legend of Enduring Willpower]?"
"The publisher thought [Root of Endurance] sounded better." Jiraiya sighed, scratching his cheek and saying, "But honestly, it isn't selling well at all. For my next book, I'll just add some of the erotic elements I'm good at. I think that'll definitely be a bestseller."
Minato praised, "The protagonist of this book never gives up until the very end. He's really cool. This main character seems a lot like you, Master."
Praised by Minato, Jiraiya even blushed slightly: "Is... is that so?"
Suddenly determined, Minato said, "I've made up my mind! If my soon-to-be-born child could become a ninja just like this protagonist, may I borrow this protagonist's name for him?"
Jiraiya stared blankly at Minato Namikaze: "Really? Isn't this name something I casually came up with while eating ramen?"
Kushina Uzumaki, her belly swollen with pregnancy, walked out smiling and said, "Naruto. It's a wonderful name."
Jiraiya stared blankly at Kushina Uzumaki: "Kushina..."
Scratching his head again, Jiraiya said, "Man, does that mean I've become the godfather of names? Can someone like me really do this?"
Kushina Uzumaki walked to Minato's side. The two exchanged a sweet loving gaze, making Jiraiya feel a pang of jealousy inside.
His own apprentice and his wife were so sweet and loving together, while he could only be with a Puppet... Ah well, no need to dwell on it—it's all tears anyway."
Luckily, there was still one puppet to comfort his lonely heart~
Minato Namikaze said seriously, "It's precisely because it's you, my sensei. When it comes to great ninja with true ninja skills, no one else comes to mind besides you."
Jiraiya never expected he would be regarded as such a great figure in Minato's eyes.
However, Jiraiya himself felt anything but great.
Jiraiya gave an embarrassed grin: "With compliments like this from you, Minato, I really have no choice but to try harder now."
Minato asked, "Sensei Jiraiya, are you staying in Konoha after returning this time?"
Jiraiya shook his head: "No, the main reason I came back this time was just to see you and Kushina, along with your unborn child. I'm leaving tomorrow already. I've still got to chase after my destiny and find some inspiration for my next book. Speaking of which, I've already decided on the title—Make Out Paradise!"
Suddenly, chaos broke out in the next room.
"Whoa! Didn't know you two were in here together—taking forever, too! I just needed to pee! Cut it out, cut it out! I saw nothing, I swear!"
Jiraiya blinked in surprise. "So rowdy in there, huh?"
Minato chuckled helplessly. "Yeah, it's like this every single day."
"What annoying brats..."
Jiraiya muttered furiously. They've got such rotten personalities… so why do they look like they're having so much fun?
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