CHAPTER 123: [BONUS] JIRAIYA’S TIME TO LEAVE

Hanzo was highly efficient in his work. After finishing his speech, the reconstruction of Amegakure began.

First, the iron nets in the central area of Amegakure were dismantled, and the debris was cleared. The ninjas’ stamina made these tasks seem exceptionally easy.

"To give such a dangerous mission to Haruki, while we are here doing tasks that even ordinary people can complete..." Eiji muttered to himself, lifting a huge stone.

Yuhi, walking beside him, heard his words and glanced at him. "Eiji, trust Haruki, he can handle it. Maybe when he returns, he will have grown to a terrifying extent."

Yuhi couldn’t help but smile.

Eiji shook his head with a bitter smile. "Of course I know Haruki’s strength, it’s just... I feel a little guilty."

It should have been them to go out to fight, but because of their weakness, a young man had to undertake such a dangerous mission in their stead. Eiji felt immense guilt.

"If you feel guilty, then work hard." Yushi’s hand landed on Eiji’s shoulder.

He looked at Eiji seriously and said, "For Haruki to see a new Amegakure when he returns, that will be the best gift we can give him."

Eiji was stunned, he looked at Yushi and suddenly understood.

Yes!

Haruki had such deep feelings for Amegakure. He must surely wish to see a strong and complete Amegakure.

The guilt in Eiji’s heart was immediately replaced by a stronger motivation. He was filled with power.

Yushi smiled, seeing Eiji’s enthusiastic demeanor.

Meanwhile, Haruki had already embarked on his journey. His figure moved swiftly through the forest. After flying for so long, it was time to exercise his legs, lest his legs become useless.

Haruki landed on the branch of the last large tree in the forest. He took a deep breath of fresh air and stretched out his arms.

"This is the taste of freedom."

He looked straight ahead, a wicked smile on his face. His crows had not yet found ninjas from other ninja villages hiding in the Land of Rain. But he knew of an existing one—Jiraiya.

He ran wildly towards the direction of the seaside cabin.

At the same time, at the seaside cabin, Jiraiya and Haruki had the same thought. His expression was slightly solemn.

Now that the war in the Land of Rain had ceased, Hanzo, the leader of Amegakure, had issued an expulsion order. Non-Amegakure ninjas were to leave the Land of Rain immediately.

As a Konoha ninja, Jiraiya’s continued presence here was illogical. If discovered by the Amegakure ninjas, it could even affect the relationship between Amegakure and Konoha.

Amegakure and Konoha had finally ceased hostilities. Jiraiya did not want to see friction arise again because of him. Perhaps it was time to leave.

Jiraiya withdrew his gaze and looked at Yahiko and the others, diligently training ninjutsu by the sea. He wondered if he would be able to see Haruki one last time before leaving.

Jiraiya sighed silently in his heart.

Just then, Yahiko excitedly ran towards Jiraiya.

"Jiraiya-sensei! I’ve learned it. I’ve already learned the new ninjutsu."

Yahiko’s face was filled with uncontrollable excitement and eagerness.

Jiraiya smiled, he stood up and walked towards Nagato and Konan.

Yahiko stopped, followed beside him, and pestered Jiraiya to teach him another powerful ninjutsu.

Jiraiya didn’t speak, he stopped in front of Konan and Nagato.

Yahiko’s steps halted, the smile on his face slightly receding. He looked at Jiraiya, his keen intuition telling him something was amiss.

"What’s wrong, Jiraiya-sensei? What happened?" Yahiko scratched the back of his head, asking in confusion.

Jiraiya gazed at the three before him. He had witnessed the growth of Yahiko and the others.

Although the three of them didn’t possess the powerful talent and innate strength like Haruki, their abilities were sufficient for self-preservation. As long as they could protect themselves, he had no worries.

He had to leave. After hiding in Amegakure for so long, it was time for him to return and face his own battlefield.

"Yahiko, Nagato, Konan." Jiraiya called out their names in turn.

Nagato looked up slightly, his gaze fixed on Jiraiya.

"Jiraiya-sensei..." Konan’s eyes were slightly red, as if she had a premonition.

Jiraiya smiled, without hesitation, getting straight to the point. "I must go."

Yahiko froze in place.

"Jiraiya-sensei? Where are you going?" Yahiko asked, looking at Jiraiya.

"I must leave the Land of Rain and return to Konoha." Jiraiya told Yahiko.

Yahiko’s face was blank. He had been so happy with Jiraiya that he had forgotten... forgotten that Jiraiya was a Konoha ninja... forgotten that Jiraiya wouldn’t always stay with them...

"Then... then what about us?" Yahiko didn’t want Jiraiya to leave.

After Jiraiya leaves, where will they go?

Yahiko felt as if he was surrounded by mist. He was trapped in the mist, lost and helpless, not knowing where to go.

"Yahiko, Nagato, Konan, I will return to Konoha sooner or later, and I will leave you sooner or later. You must embark on your own life’s path." Jiraiya patiently told them.

The sound of Konan’s sobs came from in front of him, and Jiraiya’s heart softened.

"After a year of training, you possess the strength to protect yourselves..."

Jiraiya paused, then glanced at Yahiko. "If you truly don’t know which way to go, then go find Haruki."

"I won’t go to him!" Yahiko immediately retorted.

"He works for Hanzo!"

"I don’t want to work for Hanzo!" Yahiko shouted, tears in his eyes.

Jiraiya sighed, choosing to drop the topic. "Before I leave, I will test your strength and guide you one last time."

"What about Haruki?" Konan sobbed, looking at Jiraiya.

"Aren’t you going to say goodbye to Haruki, Jiraiya-sensei?"

Jiraiya fell silent.

"Jiraiya-sensei!" A clear voice sounded from afar.