Naruto : Konoha Light

His eyes were distant as he muttered, "So, Father was saying that only when I grow up and experience things myself will I truly understand?"

Regardless, the people around him all seemed to have their own moments of realization.

Rin clenched her small fists, her eyes shining with determination. "Shimizu-senpai, I understand now! I will work hard to become a true medical ninja!"

Zhihui also nodded in comprehension. "I get it now! Even though I can't directly make amends to Mizuki, just like how Shimizu bore the responsibility for my mistake, I can also shoulder the mistakes of others. Good intentions and mistakes can spread their influence! This is the answer my heart tells me!"

Seeing Kakashi and the others have their moments of realization, Obito grew anxious. "I get it too!"

Might Guy, who was still struggling to grasp the lesson, quickly asked, "Obito, what did you understand?"

"I... I..." Feeling everyone's eyes on him, Obito nearly blacked out on the spot. Thankfully, he managed to think quickly and, with a serious and solemn tone, declared, "Gambling is bad! Never gamble!"

Shimizu couldn't help but chuckle. "Alright, let's not overthink things. More importantly, if we don't hurry, we won't get anything to eat."

Hearing this, the group immediately snapped back to reality and sprinted toward the food.

"Damn it! They've already started!"

"Save some for me!"

But they were too slow. By the time they arrived, all they could do was wait for the second round.

Watching their classmates devour the food, Obito's face was filled with envy. "Damn, that looks so good..."

His eyes wandered toward Shimizu in the distance, and he found some comfort in the fact that at least Shimizu hadn't eaten yet. "Well, at least Shimizu-senpai hasn't started yet..."

Just as he had this thought, two girls suddenly approached Shimizu, each holding a plate of food. One stood to his left, the other to his right, subtly blocking anyone who might interfere.

"Shimizu, I saved you a chicken leg!"

"Shimizu, I saved you a steak!"

Seeing this scene, Obito's eyes instantly turned as sour as a lemon. "The joys and sorrows of people are truly not interconnected… They're eating barbecue, and all I can do is watch."

At that moment, a sudden explosion of smoke erupted in the crowd.

"What's happening?!"

"Are we under attack?!"

Amidst the rising panic, a loud, boisterous laugh rang out.

"Hahaha! Behold, the great Mount Myōboku's Toad Sage has arrived—"

BANG!

A pained yelp echoed as a man with two red marks under his eyes was grabbed by the collar and dragged away by an enraged Kushina.

"You bastard! How dare you scare my guests!"

"Wait, wait! It was just a friendly greeting!" he pleaded.

Realizing she might have gone overboard and not wanting to frighten her new acquaintances, Kushina hesitated. However, the surrounding crowd had already burst into cheers.

"Kushina-neesan is amazing!"

"Yeah! Hit him! He made me drop my skewer!"

Hearing their support, Kushina's confidence flared up again, her eyes burning with renewed intensity.

"Wait, I'm not an unreasonable person—"

His pitiful cries reverberated through the training field like a sad melody. Then, a familiar yet confused voice spoke up.

"Kushina, let him go. This is my teacher, one of the legendary Sannin, Jiraiya."

"The legendary Sannin?" Kushina looked at the battered man in her grasp, her brow furrowing.

"Hahaha! That's right! The great Toad Sage of Mount Myōboku—Jiraiya-sama—is here!" Though his words sounded impressive, his current sorry state completely ruined the effect.

"You're just like that old pervy Hokage," Kushina scoffed but reluctantly let him go.

"He's really one of the Sannin?"

"I heard Jiraiya-sama is insanely powerful!"

Though his infamous perverted habits hadn't changed, at least he hadn't gone as far as his later years. Right now, he was still highly respected.

Hearing the admiration from the crowd, Jiraiya, who had been somewhat disheartened, quickly regained his confidence.

But then the murmurs shifted.

"Is he really Jiraiya-sama? He got beaten up by Kushina-neesan without even fighting back."

"Is that Big Brother's teacher? How did someone so graceful end up with such a... weird teacher?"

"I get it! This uncle must be so ugly that he couldn't find a girlfriend, so he's playing with kids instead!"

Jiraiya's expression went numb. How did this go from a conversation about his reputation to his love life? Worse yet... it was true!

Seeing his teacher drowning in despair, Minato sighed and quickly intervened. "Sensei, I'm really sorry. Kushina is just..."

"Haha, don't worry about it! It was just a joke!" Jiraiya forced a carefree smile, though deep inside, he felt utterly crushed. "That girl's punches are just like Tsunade's... I was so shocked I forgot to fight back!"

Glancing at Minato, who was watching him with sympathy, Jiraiya found some solace. "Well, at least my disciple ended up with a girlfriend just as terrifying… Minato, you've got it rough."

Sensing the atmosphere settling, Shimizu stepped forward and announced, "I almost forgot to introduce everyone! This is Minato Namikaze, an incredibly powerful ninja! He mastered the high-difficulty S-rank Flying Thunder God Technique! And this here is Jiraiya-sama! Many of you have probably read his books. If you want an autograph or have questions about his work, now's your chance! And for those who are hungry, let's get ready for the second round of barbecue!"

The previously silent crowd instantly erupted with excitement.

"So that's the famous Shimizu?" Jiraiya watched in admiration. "This kid is sharp. He shifted the atmosphere in an instant. First, he highlighted Minato's and my strengths so we wouldn't feel awkward, then he mentioned food to keep those who aren't interested in us entertained."

Before he could reflect further, Jiraiya was quickly swarmed by eager fans.

"Jiraiya-sama! In 'Shinobi Chronicles,' how many girlfriends does the main character end up with?"

"Jiraiya-sama! In 'The Counterattack Shinobi Saga,' was the female lead based on Tsunade-sama?"

Cold sweat trickled down Jiraiya's forehead.

On the other side, Minato found himself surrounded by children as well.

"Minato-nii, can you show us that move again?"

"Yeah! We want to see an S-rank jutsu in action!"

Minato rubbed his temple. Performing the Flying Thunder God Technique just for fun? That would be exhausting!

At the center of it all, Kushina was still busy cooking.

"Kushina-neesan, you've worked so hard! Here, eat something!"

"Yeah! Let us do the grilling this time!"

Seeing the sincere eyes of the children, Kushina felt something stir inside her. Her eyes prickled slightly, as if there was sand in them.

Laughter and chatter filled the air. Everyone was enjoying themselves, as if they had stepped into a perfect, heartwarming scene.