Yahiko showed great interest in Jiraiya's proposal.
He had originally thought about sharing their experiences.
"After you left, Jiraiya-sensei, we wanted to contribute to the peace of the Land of Rain using our own strength. Initially, we helped some villages repel invading Ninjas..."
Yahiko put down his chopsticks and picked up his teacup to begin telling their story.
At first, Yahiko had no intention of creating a Ninja Organization.
After all, at the time he was just a fledgling kid.
He lacked the strength, knowledge, and other aspects necessary to support such an idea.
The overall situation in the Land of Rain was chaotic, but even in such chaos, there were Ninjas who aspired for peace.
During their repeated actions, Yahiko and his companions gradually gained other allies, and when their numbers reached a certain point, the Akatsuki was naturally born.
However, Yahiko didn't dwell too long on the Akatsuki phase and quickly moved on to their first encounter with Sosuke.
It wasn't that Yahiko thought the Akatsuki period was bad, but simply that there wasn't much to say.
"Compared to the impact of the Ninja Sect on the Land of Rain, the Akatsuki was just minor commotion. Though its slogan was loud, its impact was indeed small." Yahiko sipped some water to soothe his throat and continued.
"As a young man, the things you've accomplished are enough to make you put on a proud expression." Jiraiya encouraged him.
Yahiko, an orphan without a formal education, yet possessing such aspirations and taking action to fulfill them, had already surpassed countless others in Jiraiya's view.
Jiraiya's words made Yahiko smile as he continued to recount their story with Sosuke, smiling all the while.
"At that time, Sosuke-sensei might have heard of the Akatsuki's deeds from elsewhere and was interested in our ideals. However, unfortunately, I let him down; I almost couldn't answer any of his questions." Yahiko looked regretful.
From their first meeting, Yahiko had identified Sosuke as a key figure who could promote peace in the Land of Rain.
It was a pity that Yahiko performed poorly, unable to answer Sosuke's questions adequately, possibly disappointing him.
"Sounds like a serious and meticulous person." Jiraiya listened to Yahiko and thought while stroking his chin.
Yahiko's words reminded Jiraiya of the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, as if Tobirama's meticulous nature was to compensate for his older brother's rough disposition, he was thorough in every aspect.
Jiraiya didn't mind meticulous people, or rather, few people would dislike those serious and meticulous in their work and ideals.
Of course, if someone was serious and meticulous about every small matter in life, Jiraiya thought it would be too tiring.
"Sosuke-sensei was very serious when handling important matters, but he was quite easygoing when lecturing," Yahiko explained.
The development of the Ninja Sect was inseparable from Sosuke and his lectures, its birth began with Sosuke touring the Land of Rain and lecturing.
Yahiko kept attending these lectures and eventually decided to join the Ninja Sect, even ultimately disbanding the Akatsuki, merging all members into the Ninja Sect.
"When decisions are made by someone lacking ability, it's a frightening thing."
Talking about the development of the Ninja Sect inevitably led to the crisis that nearly destroyed it.
Yahiko took most of the blame upon himself, as the crisis was inseparable from his naivety.
At that time, the number of Ninja Sect members was originally small, and with Yahiko as the leader of the Akatsuki, supported by a group of Akatsuki Ninjas, his words indeed moved some of the Ninja Sect Ninjas, leading to a vote that favored cooperation.
"So you all were there during that time," Jiraiya was slightly surprised.
Even someone like Jiraiya, who hadn't specially paid attention, had heard of Sosuke's illustrious battle that made him famous throughout the Ninja World.
But for people like Jiraiya who hadn't paid attention, they mostly knew one fact: Sosuke's Fire Release was invincible, defeating Hanzo, who specialized in Water Release by reversing the attribute.
Characters like Nagato and Yahiko, who were just passing by, were unknown to Jiraiya.
As Yahiko continued to recount, the image of Sosuke in Jiraiya's heart gradually became fuller and more concrete.
With a dream of world peace approached with a serious and meticulous attitude, a powerful teaching ability while maintaining a philosophy of inclusiveness in education, a broad vision willing to put aside the hatred of the Rain Village for the sake of the Land of Rain's peace.
"Indeed, I've been too busy in the past few years. There's such an interesting person emerging in the Ninja World, and I haven't noticed." Jiraiya sighed, preparing to travel properly after the war ends.
Yahiko's depiction of Sosuke was quite perfect, some things, even when putting himself in Sosuke's shoes, Jiraiya felt he couldn't achieve what Sosuke had.
"Yahiko, Nagato, your journey until now has been difficult too, having gone through so many experiences, tonight's dinner is on me!" Jiraiya laughed.
Pursuing dreams while encountering like-minded companions, establishing a Ninja organization, then meeting a senior with similar dreams in their endeavors, ultimately going through challenges and continuing to strive.
During the time Jiraiya was away, Nagato and the others' experiences indeed could be adapted into a novel.
"Great!" Yahiko cheered.
While getting a free dinner is something worth rejoicing, what's even better is that Jiraiya would stay until the evening.
After lunch, Jiraiya took the initiative to fulfill his responsibility as a teacher and guide the training of the trio Nagato.