Chapter 108: The Beginning of the Rift
Time was as precise and rigid as interlocking gears; regardless of how the outside world changed, it operated with fine precision, and as the sun rose and set, the days passed one by one.
Jiraiya, having officially begun teaching Naruto, found that after his initial doubts were dispelled during their time together, all that remained was his admiration for Naruto.
Jiraiya could not be considered the most prominent among the Sannin. For instance, Tsunade was proficient in medical Ninjutsu, possessed immense monstrous strength, and had even perfected the Yin Seal; these were all her hallmarks.
Orochimaru's tactics were bizarre and ever-changing, and his personality was cold and steady. In the field of scientific research, he was undoubtedly a figure second only to, or perhaps even slightly surpassing, Senju Tobirama, and his survival abilities were absolutely the strongest in the world; no one could compare to him.
In contrast, Jiraiya did not have many standout qualities. Whether in taijutsu, Ninjutsu, or other abilities, he could not be considered among the very best in the Ninja World. However, Jiraiyapossessed an advantage that no one else could match—mediocrity!
The "mediocrity" here was not the Confucian concept of the Golden Mean, but rather a description of how widely Jiraiya dabbled, and that he had commendable achievements in everything he touched.
The skills Jiraiya possessed were truly numerous: Ninjutsu, taijutsu, genjutsu, summoning jutsu, sage arts, and so on...
Even though Jiraiya didn't have any single most prominent feature, once all these were added together, in battles between Ninjas, someone like Jiraiya was undoubtedly the most troublesome to deal with!
Naruto had truly realized this. Although he feared that the Shadow Clone left in Konoha might be accidentally destroyed by Jiraiya, they had never once skipped their daily sparring sessions.
Through competing with Jiraiya, Naruto became even more determined in his previous idea: he also wanted to achieve "mediocrity." As long as it was a skill related to Ninjas, Naruto wanted to learn it, and he wanted to master it!
Even with a Genius like Naruto, it was impossible to completely empty Jiraiya's repertoire in a short amount of time, so now, Naruto's Shadow Clonefollowed by Jiraiya's side without a moment's rest.
In contrast, Uchiha Sasuke, while he could learn much from Kakashi Hatake, beyond Chidori, the Sharingan, and a vast amount of practical combat experience, there was actually not much else for Uchiha Sasuke to learn.
Although both were learning under their respective teachers at the same time, the foundations of Kakashi Hatake and Jiraiya were vastly different, and this difference caused the already wide gap between Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke to widen even further.
Uchiha Sasuke met with the Nth failure of his life against Naruto!
"This is impossible!"
The familiar voice, the familiar tone, the familiar lines—Uchiha Sasuke, who had learned the Chidorifrom Kakashi Hatake, trembled as he spoke in defeat, falling into a state of questioning his own existence.
"The Chidori's attack power, speed, and explosive force are indeed quite outrageous, but..." Narutowanted to reach out and pull Uchiha Sasuke up, but unexpectedly, he was slapped away. Helpless, Naruto could only give up on his gesture of goodwill.
Uchiha Sasuke had changed; although one couldn't say it was absolute, he was like a different person compared to before.
Especially when it came to matters involving Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke could never control the competitive spirit deep within his heart. The shame, disgust, and hatred that evolved after his failures began to erupt without any concealment.
"Why?! Why is this!" Uchiha Sasuke's hoarse voice was filled with despair. "Why are you always walking in front of me, and... you were actually taken as a disciple by one of the Sannin, Jiraiya!"
Naruto naturally heard the thick jealousy present in Uchiha Sasuke's words, but there was very little he could do now. After all, Uchiha Sasuke's own mindset had developed issues, and the cause was Naruto himself; Naruto simply couldn't persuade him.
"Maybe Jiraiya thinks I'm a Genius..." Naruto simply smiled. "After all, he was my father's teacher, and my talent is not weaker than, or perhaps even exceeds, my father's by a lot, so it's quite normal for him to take me as his disciple."
"Is this normal?" Uchiha Sasuke's voice became low. "It seems like all the good things in the world have fallen to you, while I... have only experienced suffering!"
"Slap!"
A crisp sound of a slap rang out. Uchiha Sasuke's cheek quickly became red and swollen, while Naruto's smile had long since vanished without a trace, leaving only an expression of complete indifference.
"At the very least, you had a happy childhood, while I... had only instant noodles as my companion day and night!" Uchiha Sasuke's words made Naruto think of the past he had sealed away and refused to mention. "Be content; you are already far better off than too many others!"
"You don't understand at all!" Uchiha Sasukebecame crazed. "You already possess everything that people our age envy, and as for me, I have nothing left but the hatred I carry!"
"You still have me."
"Hahaha... Ah hahaha!" Uchiha Sasuke rubbed his cheek and then began to laugh crazily. "Someone as hypocritical and skilled at faking as you—besides becoming a tool for me to awaken my Mangekyo, you are unworthy of anything else!"
"Think whatever you want." Naruto was out of options for the crazed Uchiha Sasuke. "Time will prove just how childish and ridiculous your current thoughts are!"
...
At the same time, Hiruzen Sarutobi once again opened a high-level meeting, and the Fourth Kazekage Rasa, leading the Kazekages Guard, was the first to depart from the Hidden Sand Village.
"Regarding this jointly held Chunin Exams, does anyone have anything to add?" Hiruzen Sarutobiasked without looking up, flipping through the documents in his hands.
"The Sound Village, this newly emerging mid-sized Ninja village—I don't think there is any need to pull them in."
"Let me say one thing: the security forces of the various feudal lords are a bit weak and need to be strengthened. After all, we want to demonstrate Konoha's power to the various feudal lords through this joint exam."
"I'll also add a point: the Hidden Sand Village has been a bit restless lately. During the joint Chunin Exams, to ensure Konoha's safety, a portion of the Ninjas out on missions need to be recalled."
"I also have an idea..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi was receptive to good advice; he would adopt opinions he felt were reasonable. The pen in his hand never stopped writing and drawing on the documents, constantly refining the details of this joint Chunin Exams, which was of vital importance to Konoha.
Half the day passed before the meeting was declared over, and after the meeting dispersed, Hiruzen Sarutobi kept Jiraiya, who was just about to leave, behind for a private talk.
"Jiraiya, how are things on Naruto's end?"
"Naruto's progress is very good, and after the Chunin Exams, I have decided to take him to Mount Myōboku for a period of training."
Hearing Jiraiya's explanation, Hiruzen Sarutobiinstinctively frowned; he always felt that Jiraiyawas looking for an excuse to leave Konoha again.
"Are you unhappy staying in Konoha recently? Or is it because of Danzo Shimura?" At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi thought of many things, but could only pick out two reasons he considered reasonable.
"Neither." Jiraiya shook his head. "Naruto's talent is truly too strong. Apart from sage arts, he has already drained me of most of my skills..."
"This..." Hiruzen Sarutobi was at a loss for words. Naruto's cultivation had always been a major concern for him; this news was a good thing, but it was also a bad thing.
"Can't you wait until Konoha is stable..."
"Teacher's health can still hold out for a few more years, and with Naruto's talent, I think in a few years he will be able to inherit the Fourth's legacy!"
"I hope so..." Seeing that Jiraiya had said as much, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't say anything more and could only end the conversation ambiguously.
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