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Naruto: Amongst the Whirling Tides Chapter 10
🕑 Added 2023-09-17 07:57:46 +0000 UTCHi all,
Here’s the next chapter. Naruto meets the Great Toad Sage and makes a wager with Tsunade.
Chapter 10
The next morning, Naruto and his godfather prepared for the toads' reverse summoning, which would transport them to Mount Myoboku. Jiraiya unrolled a sealed scroll and told him to sit on it.
"Are you ready, Naruto?" Jiraiya asked.
“Of course,” Naruto said. "Why are we using the scroll?" I thought a shinobi's contracted summon didn't need anything to be able to reverse-summon them to their location."
"They don't," Jiraiya answered. "It simply makes it easier for them to find you and ensure a smooth transition to the desired destination. It is primarily used to transport people who are not contracted with the summoned animal."
“You mean Tsunade.”
"And her apprentice, Shizune," Jiraiya added with a wince. "Sakura's arrival was an unexpected development, and I faced consequences for failing to obtain permission for her in advance."
"The toads are extremely vigilant in safeguarding their home," Naruto said, nodding. "By the way, why do I need permission? I am contracted with the toads."
"It’s not about getting permission, but more about requesting for them to reverse summon you," Jiraiya said. “They are punishing me by having to travel to their home physically for anything that involves them.”
"They sound reasonable in restricting your autonomy," Naruto smirked. "You aren’t the most responsible individual."
"Quiet brat," Jiraiya said before becoming distracted when the seals on the scroll lit up. "Okay, here we go."
The two of them vanished with a loud pop before reappearing in a different location. Naruto opened his eyes and found himself sitting beneath a towering fern plant. He immediately noticed that the plants in the area were massive, easily towering over both him and his godfather. Another thing that drew his attention was the humidity. He could already feel himself beginning to sweat.
In front of them sat two elderly toads. Jiraiya got up to greet them, and Naruto did the same.
Jiraiya pointed to each as he introduced them. "Naruto, let me introduce you to Fukasaku and Shima, elders of the Toad clan and revered sages."
“Sages?” Naruto asked.
"Mount Myoboku is abundant with nature energy," Fukasaku explained, "which enables certain toads to use senjutsu to tap into it and harness its power."
Shima interrupted Naruto before he could ask his next question. "We can explain it later, but the Great Toad Sage wants to see you before you go to see Tsunade. I suggest that you do not keep him waiting."
"The Great Toad Sage is the oldest toad here," Jiraiya explained. "And possesses the most authority among the entire toad clan. Although I can only see him as an old geezer who sleeps a lot.”
“Show some respect, Jiraiya,” Shima scolded him.
The two elderly toads leapt onto Jiriaya's shoulders as he led Naruto to the Toad Sage.
Naruto scanned his surroundings as he sped across the ground. Mount Myoboku was a blend of lush forests, marshes, and great lakes. Not only were the plants magnified in size, but everything seemed out of proportion, making him feel small in comparison. The place exudes an aura more fitting for giants than a toad clan, though Gamubunta, with his immense stature, seemed like he would be at home in this majestic realm.
After ten minutes of travel, they arrived at the base of a massive tree. A stone platform stood in front of the tree, and on it sat a massive toad that could easily rival Gamabunta in size. The toad's excessive wrinkles were an obvious indication of its advanced age.
“Did he really want to see us?” Naruto asked as they approached the sleeping toad, who appeared completely unaware of anything going on around him.
“I told you he was an old geezer,” Jiraiya said. "Kid, if I ever reach a point in my life where I spend the majority of my time sleeping and having trouble remembering things, please put an end to my suffering."
"You're not that far off," Naruto smirked.
“Brat.”
“Great Sage!” Fukasaku called, but the toad remained sound asleep. “Gamamaru!”
"Every single time," Shima sighed, frustration in her voice as she jumped onto the platform and slapped Gamamaru in the face. “Wake up, you old geezer!”
"She demands respect for the Great Sage but gives none herself," Naruto deadpanned.
“What is it, Shima?” Gamumaru asked, his eyes opening slightly. "How many times have I asked you not to wake me up like that?"
"Gamamaru, it’s the only method that actually works to wake you up," Shima said, huffing.
“Hmm,’ Gamumaru turned to address the two individuals standing beneath him. “Who are you?”
“Gamamaru, this is Jiraiya,” Fukasaku reminded him. "The boy is Naruto, the newest shinobi to have signed the toad contract. He is Minato's son. You requested to see him once he arrived."
"I’m kidding," Gamumaru replied. "I remember everything quite clearly."
The silence that followed that statement was heavy with disbelief.
"Please come closer," Gamamaru said, addressing Naruto.
Naruto climbed the steps and stood directly in front of the massive toad. "Hey there, gramps! The name is Naruto Uzumaki. I must say, you don't look too good. Are you sure you should be exerting yourself? You look like you might collapse at any moment."
"If I died today, I would be content," Gamamaru stated, ignoring Naruto's disrespect. "I have already lived for over a hundred years."
"That's incredible," Naruto said. "You must have witnessed a great deal of history unfold."
"Yes, I have," Gamamaru replied, carefully examining Naruto. "It is just as I suspected. With your mischievous expression and piercing blue eyes, you could be the child of prophecy I have long foretold."
"What are you saying?" Jiraiya exclaimed. "I always thought that it would be..."
Jiraiya paused in the middle of his sentence.
"I only said he would be one of your students," Gamamaru said. “I didn't confirm or deny your assumptions because I don't have the answer myself.”
“What are you talking about?” Naruto asked.
“Don’t mind him,” Jiraiya said. “It’s just the ramblings of an old geezer.”
Naruto cast a glance at him before returning his attention to the Great Sage. ‘I would like the answer…”
Gamamaru had fallen asleep again, emitting a loud snore. Naruto sighed with frustration. He descended the steps to rejoin Jiraiya's side. "Let us go see Tsunade, but I’m not forgetting your attempt to change the subject. We'll discuss this another time."
“Sure,” Jiraiya sighed.
Gamamaru awoke unexpectedly and called out to them just as they were about to leave.
"Remember to bring him back at some point so he can learn senjutsu," Gamamaru instructed.
Jiraiya's face showed shock before he nodded in agreement. “I got it, old geezer.”
“What is senjutsu?” Naruto inquired as he followed Jiraiya as they left the three toads behind.
"I will tell you at a later date."
Naruto was about to argue when Jiraiya raised his hand to silence him. "You already have a lot on your plate with learning the Rasengan and Fuinjutsu. Do I have to remind you that the latter is particularly important?"
"I hear you," Naruto muttered.
"You aren’t ready to practise senjutsu. Learning it is not only difficult but also extremely dangerous. You can trust me to know when you are ready."
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Jiraiya led him to one of Mount Myoboku's lakes, which featured a small island in the centre. They dashed across the surface of the water. Although Naruto hadn't fully mastered water-walking, he could still move swiftly without sinking beneath the surface.
A quaint little house sat in the centre of the island. Voices were heard coming from behind the house, prompting them to walk around it. Naruto spotted his target, who was casually lounging in a seat and drinking from a bottle while watching Sakura spar with a black-haired woman. He assumed this was Shizune.
Naruto watched Sakura with great interest, noting the remarkable transformation she had undergone since he last saw her. Aside from her improved taijutsu skills, what truly stood out was her attitude. When Shizune scored a hit on her body, her resilience was evident in the determined expression on her face, as well as the absence of tears or complaints. She maintained focus and willingly returned to engage in further exchanges with her opponent.
Sakura caught a glimpse of Naruto from the corner of her eye, and her attention was momentarily diverted, leaving her vulnerable to a powerful punch that knocked her off her feet.
“What the hell, Sakura?" Tsunade shouted. “If you allow yourself to be distracted by external factors during a fight, it's going to get you killed.”
"Naruto!" Sakura exclaimed, completely ignoring Tsunade. She rushed over and hugged him tightly. "I'm glad to see you're okay."
Naruto was a bit confused by Sakura’s reaction, but he wasn’t going to question it. "Hello, Sakura. It appears that you too have also been abducted and subjected to harsh training."
"What?" Sakura let go of him and glanced back over her shoulder. "No, I asked Tsunade to train me. It wasn't easy to persuade her, though."
Naruto scanned his surroundings with a puzzled expression. "Something feels off," he remarked. "Are we in some sort of alternate dimension? Is Sakura really asking to be trained?"
"Naruto!" Sakura swung a fist at his head, but he deftly avoided the blow.
“There’s the Sakura, I know!” Naruto exclaimed.
Sakura let out a frustrated sigh before carefully examining him to ensure he was fine. “Where did your hair go?”
“Don’t ask,” Naruto grumbled. "I'd like to catch up, but I need to speak with the old lady first."
Sakura winced. “Don’t call her that. I already made that mistake once, and I was bedridden for the entire day.”
"I am sure I will be fine," Naruto said dismissively as he approached Tsunade, who was speaking with Jiraiya.
"Jiraiya, why are you here?" Tsunade frowned. "I've already made it clear that I won't be accompanying you to your new village."
"I asked him to bring me here," Naruto interrupted before Jiraiya could speak. "What's up, Tsunade? The name is Naruto Uzumaki."
"I could care less, brat," Tsunade replied, turning to face him.
“It’s nice to meet you, Naruto,” Shizune greeted him.
“Hello. Will you be joining us in Uzushio when Tsunade returns with us?”
“I go where Tsunade goes,” Shizune said with a grin on her face.
Tsunade got up from her seat and cracked her knuckles. “You have some nerve brat. How dare you assume that I would return to the village with you?”
“I’m afraid you don’t have a choice in the matter,” Naruto said, getting up in her face. "I have a friend who is severely injured and requires your medical expertise if he is to continue as a shinobi."
“I don’t care about your friend,” Tsunade said. "Now I will give you one more chance to leave before I bury you in the ground."
“How about a wager?” Naruto suggested. “Let’s have a spar. If I manage to knock you off your feet within five minutes, then you have to return and stay in Uzushio.”
"I have no interest in participating in such a wager."
“What’s the matter, Granny?” Naruto taunted. "Are you afraid that your old, decrepit body won't be able to keep up with me?"
Jiraiya, Shizune, and Sakura couldn't help but let out groans at Naruto's foolishness.
“Very well,” Tsunade smirked. "But if you lose, not only will I beat you to within an inch of your life, but you will also have to give up your Shinobi career."
"Deal," Naruto quickly agreed, holding out his hand for them to shake. "I don’t have a shinobi career right now, so I’m not going to lose much."
"What?" Tsunade asked. before her confusion soon gave way to realisation. “Dammit, I should have asked for something else.”
They both stood in the centre of the clearing, facing one another.
“There’s another reason why I want you to return to Uzushio,” Naruto said as he got into his stance.
“What do you mean?” Tsunade stood casually, not taking the fight seriously.
"I promised myself that I would ensure that all of the remaining Uzumaki clan members returned home," Naruto declared. "And you, as an Uzumaki through your grandmother Mito Uzumaki, are very much family to me."
Tsunade appeared taken aback. "We are not related, brat. Unlike your mother, my grandmother wasn’t part of the main lineage.”
"So, you knew that my mother came from the main line,” Naruto said, glaring. “Despite this, you never did anything to help me during my upbringing. Instead, you opted to wallow in self-pity."
“Shut up, brat!” Tsunade growled. "Let's finish this quickly, so I don't have to endure your annoying voice any longer."
Jiraiya, Sakura, and Shizune stood by the side, waiting for the two to begin.
"Will he be alright?" Sakura inquired, "Does he even have a shot at winning the bet?"
"Yes," Jiraiya said, surprising the two women. "If Naruto can harness his secret weapon effectively, he should be able to achieve it."
Naruto extended his chains out and latched onto Tsunade’s leg. He planned to use the chains, but not as a means of launching a counterattack. Instead, he planned to test the waters with his shadow clones. If he was hit while attempting to counterattack, he would be knocked out with a single punch. To devise a winning strategy for the wager, he had questioned Jiraiya extensively about Tsunade's abilities.
“Shadow Clone Jutsu,” Naruto called, performing the hand sign to summon two clones to his side.
“What a complete amateur!" Tsunade rolled her eyes. “You shouldn't announce your jutsu like that. Have you even graduated from the academy yet, brat?”
Naruto concealed a smirk. That’s right, continue to underestimate me, you old hag.
“What’s up, boss?" The shadow clones shouted as they materialised beside him.
“There’s our opponent,” Naruto pointed at Tsunade.
“Woah!”
“Hey, beautiful,” one of the shadow clones called out to her. “How about we make love and not war?"
"You're going to die," Tsunade growled. He could sense her becoming angry through their connection, which had been his plan all along.
Naruto dashed forward, his clones flanking him as they engaged Tsunade. She was surrounded on three sides and faced a furious assault. Despite underestimating her opponent, she maintained her composure and skillfully avoided each strike that came her way. Tsunade had a bored expression on her face, but he could tell she was surprised by his Taijutsu skills. He demonstrated perfect coordination with his shadow clones.
Tsunade grew tired of dodging his attacks. She deftly used one arm to block Naruto's attacks while driving her other fist into the ground. Naruto leapt backwards as a powerful tremor shook the ground. Cracks spread quickly from the point of impact, obliterating his clones in their path. While airborne, he quickly executed some hand seals. A powerful gust of wind surged from his palm, intending to knock her off balance.
Tsunade held her ground against the buffeting wind, not moving an inch from her position. While Naruto anticipated this outcome, he couldn't help but feel disappointed by not getting an easy victory. He called forth two additional shadow clones and resumed engaging in physical combat with her.
Tsunade no longer let him attack freely. Instead, she switched from defence to offence, deliberately allowing herself to be hit to create opportunities for her powerful strikes. Naruto felt a huge amount of pressure as he was relentlessly attacked. He was only able to avoid her attack because of his chains, but he knew that she wasn't giving it her all.
The disruption of his rhythm resulted in the destruction of his shadow clones once more. Tsunade suddenly increased her speed, and he desperately crossed his arms to protect his body. The force of the impact threatened to shatter his bones, sending him tumbling backwards across the ground.
Naruto groaned as he stood up, trying to shake away the intense pain radiating from his arms. A few more hits like that, and they would be rendered useless.
"Why don't you just give up, brat?" Tsunade sneered. "You are no match for me."
"I still have three minutes left," Naruto said. "I won't give up."
“Fine, but I am going to make sure my next strike shatters some bones.”
Naruto summoned two more clones before sprinting forward again, determined to find the perfect moment to unleash his secret weapon. He lacked the time and ability to let the fight go on. He had to seize the perfect opportunity to catch her off guard, knowing he wouldn’t get another chance if he missed.
“You’re still persisting with the same tactic,” Tsunade derided.
Rather than approaching her, he abruptly halted and reached for a smoke bomb stored in his waist pouch. Tossing it to the ground, the bomb detonated, unleashing a dense cloud of smoke that enveloped him and his shadow clones. He quickly grabbed a dozen kunai from another pouch and hurled them forward.
Tsunade watched as Naruto threw the smoke bomb down. "Well, at least he is using some strategy this time," she muttered.
The projectiles emerged from the smoke and flew towards her. She reinforced her hand with chakra and expertly deflected the incoming kunai. A kunai suddenly popped, revealing Naruto, who used the momentum of the kunai's flight to propel himself forward. His arm was drawn back, ready to deliver a punch right to her face.
“Did you think that would fool me?” Tsunade threw a punch, landing a hit on Naruto's chest.
Naruto vanished with a pop, causing Tsunade's eyes to widen. Suddenly, a kunai lying on the ground popped, and another Naruto appeared in a crouching position. He delivered a quick upward kick to her midsection. Tsunade reacted quickly and successfully intercepted the attack by using her arms to block it.
A wave of panic washed over her as she felt an ominous chakra emanate from behind her. She quickly punched the Narutp in front of her, and it came as no surprise when it immediately popped.
Tsunade turned to face Naruto, who was cloaked in orange chakra and had two tails extending from his back. Naruto threw a punch at Tsunade, and she had no choice but to block it, unable to dodge it in time. She felt the force of the impact reverberate throughout her body. She stumbled backwards, and before she could recover, one of Naruto's tails tripped her and knocked her to the ground.
"Yes.!” Naruto exclaimed, raising his arms in the air.
“Dammit,” Tsunade said, getting to her feet. "You tricked me, brat! You never said that you had access to your tailed-beast form.”
"You shouldn’t have underestimated me," Naruto said, grinning. "Now you must pay up and return with me to Uzushio."
Tsunade growled until Naruto rushed over and hugged her tightly. "Tsunade Uzumaki Senju, welcome home!"
Tsunade struggled to find words to express herself, but nothing came out. Overwhelmed by a rush of emotions, she closed her eyes and gave in to the embrace.
“What the hell is that?” Sakura asked incredulously. "What is that chakra cloak? It reminds me of the chakra he unleashed during the chunin exams against Neji."
"That is something Naruto can share with you," Jiraiya said as he walked towards Tsunade and Naruto, smiling. He knew that his godson wouldn’t let him down.
"I can't believe it," Shizine said cheerfully. "I finally have the opportunity to stay in one place and interact with other people."
"Tsunade-sama could easily go back on her wager," Sakura told her.
“No,” Shizune said, shaking her head. “While she might neglect to settle her financial debts, she will never go back on a wager that has personal stakes.”
Sakura nodded, relieved that her master had at least some scruples. It seemed that she would also be going to Uzushio. Despite missing her parents, she had a reasonable expectation that they would be safe because they were civilians. Tsunade's training was important to her for more reasons than just keeping up with Naruto and Sasuke. Tsunade had already explained what kind of man Danzo was, and she was aware that the Elemental Nations were in for a turbulent future. If the situation required it, she would return to Konoha and rescue her parents from the village.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Danzo returned to the compound to attend an important meeting. Orochimaru had finally contacted him, so he planned to discuss their future cooperation. While it bothered him to rely on others, it was necessary until Konoha's position was more secure.
Spook greeted him and led him to his office. Since his ascension to Hokage, the compound has become noticeably emptier as he preferred to keep more of his root operatives in the village. He also felt the loss of Fu, whose skills as a sensor had been important to him.
After inspecting Fu's body, it was discovered that Naruto Uzumaki had been responsible for his death. This conclusion was reached due to the presence of lingering traces of Kyuubi’s chakra on his body. His main concern was that the boy had already started mastering his tailed-beast transformation, a fact that had completely escaped his notice. He hated being caught off guard because of a lack of reliable intelligence. Was Jiraiya teaching him to master it?
"You may remain with me during the meeting," Danzo told his subordinate as they entered his office.
“I understand, Lord Hokage,” Spook said. "Do you know whose body he took over for the Living Corpse Reincarnation?"
"No," Danzo admitted. "I believe it must be a Konoha shinobi simply due to the lack of opportunity for anyone else. The true question is whether he will choose to reveal it to us or not."
Orochimaru and Kabuto arrived shortly after, but Danzo was unable to see the sannin's new appearance. Orochimaru had deliberately concealed it beneath a face mask. He was teasing Danzo, playing one of his usual games. The only thing he could surmise from his appearance was that he was a man, noticeably taller than the woman whom he had used previously.
"Danzo," Orochimaru hissed, sinking into his seat. “It appears that the troubles piling up on your shoulders have no end in sight. I can only imagine that the allure of becoming Hokage has lost its appeal now that you are in this position."
“It is just a momentary setback,” Danzo said evenly.
"You are deceiving yourself. I'm relieved that I never became Hokage. Looking back, it was a foolish ambition of mine that would have caused me endless problems."
"Will you reveal your new form?" Danzo asked, cutting straight to the point. "I hope you didn't deprive me of an important shinobi."
Orochimaru chuckled. "When you see whose body I have taken over, you will undoubtedly be grateful. It is quite amusing that I found a spy in your village, right under your nose."
“What do you mean?” Danzo asked, his shock evident only in how tightly he held his cane.
Orochimaru reached up and removed his face mask. Danzo's mouth dropped open, unable to contain his surprise.
“That is Darui from Kumogakure,” Spook said. "Why was he in our village?"
"Undoubtedly, he was gathering information on Konoha following the appointment of a new Hokage," Orochimaru stated. "Fortunately, Kabuto and I encountered him and managed to restrain him. He will serve as an adequate vessel for the time being."
"You have my gratitude," Danzo said, but the words left a bad taste in his mouth.
There was something strange about the situation. Darui was the Fourth Raikage's right-hand man and a particularly powerful jonin. Could Kabuto and Orochimaru, with the latter’s abilities restricted, have defeated him? Darui should have been able to get away at least. He would look into it later, but there was a more pressing matter to deal with right now.
The Fourth Raikage demonstrated his boldness by sending one of his most capable Jonin to Konoha to identify any weaknesses. How much information had Darui given back to the Raikage? Was this the start of an impending conflict, or was he simply assessing the situation?
“Although I am grateful, the Raikage is not going to be pleased that his right-hand man has gone missing in our village,” Danzo said. “This may lead to open hostilities.”
"It's your problem to worry about," Orochimaru hissed, his body morphing his face back to his own appearance. “Now, let's discuss the cooperation you mentioned. What specifically are you seeking from me?"
“I need soldiers,” Danzo stated. “I would like you to use your Impure World Incarnation by using the blood from the bodies recovered from the recent invasion, as well as others that I have acquired.”
"Dear me," Orochimaru smirked, "you certainly possess great ambition. What leads you to believe that I won't use these soldiers for my own purpose?"
"I have knowledge that I'm sure you would be interested in," Danzo replied.
Danzo shared an irresistible piece of information with Orochimaru, aiming to pique his curiosity. Judging by the shocked expression on Orochimaru's face, it was clear that he had surprised him. Danzo knew that if Orochimaru wanted the complete information, he would have no choice but to cooperate with him.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Upon their return to Uzushio, Tsunade promptly assumed control of the medical tent to assess Rock Lee's injuries. With his mission completed, Naruto wasted no time and resumed his training, determined not to let any further distractions hinder his progress in mastering the Rasengan and Fuinjutsu.
He dedicated the remainder of the day to alternating between two activities: first, using up his chakra in an attempt to burst the water balloon, and then honing his calligraphy skills. By evening, he had come close to successfully popping the balloon. He should be able to accomplish the first step by tomorrow.
Naruto stepped out of his tent just as Hinata was approaching his tent.
“Hi, Hinata,” Naruto greeted her. “Do you want to go to dinner together?”
“I would like that, Naruto,” Hinata said shyly.
They made their way towards the communal area, where some people had already gathered for dinner. Naruto caught sight of Sakura and Ino sitting together, engrossed in conversation.
Naruto chuckled. “Maybe they can go back to being friends now that Sasuke is not around to put them in heat. Meow!”
"Naruto," Hinata gasped, trying to conceal her smile with her hand. "That was rude. Don't you like Sakura as well?"
“Hell no,” Naruto replied. "At one point, I may have had a crush on her, but her consistent rejection and physical aggression quickly put an end to any romantic feelings. I am satisfied with developing a strong friendship with her, given that Tsunade has sorted out her priorities.”
Hinata looked happy at his response. After grabbing some dinner, they seated themselves at one of the tables.
“What’s that?” Naruto asked, pointing towards the object hidden beneath a sheet that had been placed next to Jiraiya's office.
"I'm not sure," Hinata responded, "but I have a feeling we'll soon find out."
Sakura came over and joined them after finishing her conversation with Ino. “Hi, Hinata. Why are you hanging around with this idiot?”
"I enjoy spending time with him,” Hinata replied. “I heard you are apprenticing with Tsunade. How is that experience for you?"
“It’s hard,” Sakura complained, but then her face lit up with a smile. "However, to my surprise, I've come to enjoy the feeling of becoming stronger through hard work. I don't know why I wasted so much time before."
Naruto let out a cough that suspiciously sounded like “Sasuke.”
“What was that?” Sakura scowled.
“I wish I could have a master like her,” Hinata said wistfully. “I am interested in learning some medical ninjutsu.”
"Well, I don't believe she will accept another apprentice," Sakura responded. "However, I think she would be willing to share her medical knowledge. And if not her, Shizune is highly skilled as well."
"Really?" Hinata smiled. "I'll ask them tomorrow."
After dinner, Jiraiya rose to address the crowd. "I have an important announcement to make. When we first arrived here, I believed it prudent for us to maintain a low profile and limit our movements within this area to minimise the risk of being discovered. However, I have since changed my mind."
“What do you mean?” Hiashi asked.
"We are quite safe here," Jiraiya explained. "To begin with, a mist envelops the island, making it impossible for anyone to observe our activities. Furthermore, I have people stationed at the nearest harbour and monitoring the surrounding sea to alert us if anyone approaches the island. Therefore, I have a reasonable level of confidence that we can further explore the village and the rest of the island safely."
Jiraiya removed the sheet covering the object, revealing a board filled with dozens of slips of paper.
"This is the mission board," Jiraiya explained. "You can complete these missions to earn some Ryo. Your basic needs will be covered at no cost for the foreseeable future, but if you want to buy luxuries or better equipment, you will need Ryo."
"Is the mission structure the same as Konoha's?" Naruto called out. “Are they mandatory for the Shinobi?”
"No," Jiraiya responded. "The missions are voluntary. However, I believe you might become easily bored without something to occupy your time. Nevertheless, there is a tier system in place to ensure that you undertake missions that align with your capabilities."
“What possible missions are there on this deserted island?” Inoichi asked doubtfully.
"There won't be much variety initially," Jiraiya admitted. "Mainly, we'll focus on tasks such as clean up, building infrastructure, and surveillance. However, I expect this to change as time goes on."
Naruto examined the board with interest. While he had a strong desire to train all the time, he realised that it wasn't healthy. Introducing occasional missions to break up the monotony seemed like the ideal solution to this problem.
So, what do you think? In the next chapter, Naruto explores the island and makes a shocking discovery.
Thanks for reading.
