"Jiraiya's Senjutsu."
Seeing this reward, even the well-informed Takemi couldn't help but quicken his breathing.
Senjutsu!
This was the ultimate trump card of Naruto, and even the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama.
When Naruto faced the Ten-Tails, Kurama once told him that the Ten-Tails' power is the natural energy that cycles throughout the world, and its power is endless.
Takemi naturally had thoughts about this kind of power long ago, but on the one hand, he had just acquired the Otsutsuki bloodline.
And on the other hand, he didn't have a suitable method. After all, there is a risk of being petrified if he randomly starts absorbing natural energy.
"The natural energy in this world is completely different from what I knew before, the danger level is maxed out."
Before arriving in this world, he had read quite a few novels, and he had never heard of natural energy being the top dog. But no matter what, it is still terrifying in its own right. And now, he can finally try to get his hands on it.
"Although Jiraiya's Sage Mode isn't anything special, the most important thing is his knowledge of Senjutsu Chakra."
Knowledge is priceless!
Feeling the information in his mind, Takemi was very satisfied.
With these experiences, combined with his bloodline, learning Sage Mode shouldn't be too difficult, right?
.....
After resting for another day in the Land of Waves, Kakashi felt a little better, and they immediately set off.
Although guided by Takemi, both Kakashi and Jiraiya felt that Orochimaru and the others might be in the Land of Water.
But the Land of Waves is too close to the Land of Water. Who knows if Juzo and Itachi would come looking for them?
So no matter what, let's run first.
Fortunately, they didn't encounter any trouble on their way back, and they returned to Konoha in less than two days.
"Konoha is still the same as before, no changes?"
Standing outside the gates of Konoha, Jiraiya looked at the familiar place in front of him, and for a moment, he was filled with emotion.
Sometimes he couldn't help but wonder, if he hadn't left ten years ago, then would that not have happened...
The reason he hadn't returned all these years, besides tracking Orochimaru, was also because he truly didn't want to think about these sad things.
But now that things have come to this, thinking about it anymore is useless. The most important thing is to deal with the matters at hand first.
"Let's go."
Turning his head, Jiraiya looked at Kakashi, who was being supported by Takemi.
"Kakashi, I'll take you to the hospital first, and then I'll go find that old man. Kid, keep an eye on Kakashi for a while."
"No need, I'll go to Lord Hokage's place with you." Kakashi shook his head, refusing Jiraiya's suggestion.
"I'm doing well now, and such an important matter should be reported first."
"Hey, you don't have to push yourself. You know that, right?" Jiraiya rubbed his forehead.
No matter how he looked at it, Kakashi clearly wasn't in good condition but Kakashi was still very insistent.
Kakashi said, "Don't worry, I know my own condition. I won't push myself."
"Alright." Jiraiya could only nod.
Then he looked at Takemi, who hadn't spoken and said, "Kid, I'll borrow your sensei for a while. You can disband for now."
"No problem!" Takemi nodded obediently. In fact, he had long wanted to run away.
After all, with them around, he couldn't carefully examine the reward he had just gotten. After holding back for so long, he was already itching to try it out.
"Oh, right, make sure you have an empty stomach."
Jiraiya walked over and actively supported Kakashi, then spoke in a seemingly casual manner, "You completed your first mission, but Kakashi clearly can't celebrate with you. So this great sage, the Toad Sage will reluctantly help you out. If you have any friends, feel free to bring them. Come find me at the hospital."
Jiraiya actually had a good impression of Takemi.
Although he had a bit of a sharp tongue, when facing Itachi and Jūzō, he not only didn't run away alone but even calmly made a judgment, tricked them, and was able to hold his own when facing Jūzō, while also saving Kakashi.
Even the subsequent analysis of that organization was based on his ideas.
Jiraiya couldn't possibly dislike such a smart kid who valued his companions and had exceptional talent.
Especially since he was Kakashi's disciple.
"Then thank you, Jiraiya-sama." Takemi wouldn't refuse such a good thing.
Jiraiya wasn't short on money. He was a bestselling author, while Takemi, although he had beckme a ninja, was still quite poor.
Following the two into the village, Takemi noticed that he didn't need to fill out any messy forms.
This prompted him to cast a look at Jiraiya again. Kakashi had to fill out some things, but with Jiraiya around, even these procedures were skipped.
"I can finally go back."
After watching the two leave, Takemi also turned around and ran towards his home.
But just as he was about to reach his home, he suddenly saw Naruto jumping down from his window sill.
"Hey, hey, hey, what are you doing?"
Seeing this, Takemi was dumbfounded.
"Huh? You're back?"
Naruto was startled at first, but he quickly got riled up. "Damn it, you asked me to water your flowers, but you didn't even give me the key!"
"Uh, is that so?"
Takemi was stunned for a moment, but then he remembered what he had done.
"Sorry, sorry, I just said it casually, I didn't expect you to actually come."
"You bastard!"
Naruto snorted lightly, then said somewhat smugly, "But even if you're a bastard, I will definitely do what I promised you, just like how I will definitely pass the exam and become a ninja!"
"Didn't you say before that you were going to take the exam early? Have you lowered your standards?" Takemi blinked and asked in confusion.
Naruto's face instantly froze. Before Naruto could speak, he continued, "Also, if you want to pass the exam smoothly, you have to study hard. Don't you have class today?"
"Today is a rest day…"
Naruto's tone weakened a bit, but he quickly shouted loudly again, "I will definitely pass!"
"Okay, okay." Takemi scratched his ear. Naruto was really loud.
"I believe you. Keeping your word is your Ninja Way, I understand."
"Huh?"
Hearing this, Naruto himself paused.
Keeping his word?
Ninja Way?
It seems…
It's very fitting!
"Here, for you."
While Naruto was in a daze, Takemi suddenly took out a kunai and a scroll from his pouch.
He said, "This kunai is what I used to defeat my first enemy. Consider it payment for helping me water the flowers. I hope you become a ninja soon too. As for the scroll, it's a gift I bought in the Land of Waves, for you."
"Uh… Tha… Thank you!"
Naruto quickly took the two items, staring at them blankly.
Suddenly, he forgot that he had just called Takemi a bastard, and his eyes even became a little moist.
"Hey, don't do this. Don't forget. We're friends."
Takemi lightly punched Naruto's chest. He had gotten so many subsidies from him. It was only right to give him something in return.
"Also, since I completed my first mission, there's a party tonight. Make sure you have an empty stomach and remember to come. Don't be shy."
"Ah…"
Naruto came back to his senses. He was first a little excited, but then became a little wary.
"My… subsidies haven't been issued yet."
"Idiot, someone else is treating. Don't worry."
Takemi didn't give Naruto a chance to refuse. He turned around and walked towards his home.
"Also, don't bother me later. I've been exhausted these past few days."
Ignoring Naruto, Takemi closed the door after entering and then plopped down on the bed.
"Finally, I can give it a good try."
Closing his eyes, he began to carefully review the knowledge he had obtained.
He had basically finished sorting through this knowledge on the way back, but he hadn't done any practical application or pondering.
Time passed bit by bit. After an hour, he suddenly opened his eyes, and at the same time, a strange aura appeared on his body.
In an instant, a red mark appeared around his eyes.