The rain continued to fall in a steady drizzle.
The mountain path was slick and muddy from the water washing over it. Jiraiya and Yahiko walked single file, their steps leaving shallow imprints in the wet ground.
Mudkip rested on Jiraiya's shoulder, its tail fin flicking lazily, seemingly drowsy from the continuous gloomy weather.
"I just couldn't help it—I couldn't stand watching them bully..."
Yahiko walked with his hands behind his back, a bright, youthful smile on his face.
He recounted the earlier battle to Jiraiya without holding back, his tone tinged with a hint of innocence.
"Those rogue ninjas keep plundering the villagers at the outposts."
"Hmm."
Jiraiya smiled outwardly, but his eyes subtly observed Yahiko's expression.
The boy's aura had grown steadier, no longer as reckless and disorganized as before.
Yet, that burning passion to change the world still blazed within him like fire.
"But..."
Yahiko's voice softened slightly as he gazed into the distant curtain of rain.
"Lately, Amegakure seems to be mobilizing a lot of people. Many wandering ninjas have been recruited into mercenary squads, and several nearby slums have been affected by them."
He paused, his tone tinged with frustration and helplessness:
"Over this period, I've visited six outposts to deliver the White Stone Improved Crop Seeds. They've started farming on their own, and many children finally have enough to eat."
"I thought... things would slowly get better. But with Amegakure's movements, the black market and rogue ninjas are stirring up chaos again. I really... don't want to see these innocent people dragged into the flames of war."
As the boy's words faded, only the sound of rain echoed through the forest.
Jiraiya stepped forward, patted his shoulder, and offered a weary smile.
"Yahiko, I understand your feelings. But right now, you're still too young. To change a country or the world, ideals alone aren't enough."
He paused, his tone growing more serious:
"You need strength first. Whether to protect others or change the world, without power, it's all just empty talk."
Yahiko looked up, a flicker of defiance in his eyes, but he quickly suppressed it.
He replied softly, "I know. But if I wait until I'm strong, what about those people? How many more years will they have to wait?"
The words caught Jiraiya off guard.
He stared at the rain-soaked boy before him, his eyes clear and resolute, reflecting the faint, distant light.
Jiraiya shook his head with a bitter smile.
"In this world, sometimes ideals need time to take root."
Yahiko nodded without arguing, taking a deep breath instead.
Charmander poked its head out from his embrace, its tail flame flickering in the rain.
The two continued walking.
The path grew quiet, with only the soft sound of their footsteps splashing through puddles.
Occasionally, lightning streaked across the sky, illuminating their silhouettes.
On the opposite hillside, unseen by them, a slender white snake slithered along.
Its scales glided over the damp soil, making an almost imperceptible rustling sound.
The white snake's cold eyes watched the two figures ahead intently.
The moment Jiraiya glanced back, it swiftly slipped into a crevice among the tree roots, perfectly concealing its presence.
At the entrance of the Breeding House.
Jiraiya and Yahiko stepped into the courtyard one after the other, their footsteps stirring faint ripples in the puddles.
Under the eaves, Konan was sorting herbs with Squirtle.
She looked up, startled at first to see them return, then broke into a gentle smile.
"Yahiko, and Jiraiya-sensei, why have you come together?"
Yahiko scratched the back of his head, wearing a somewhat embarrassed expression.
"We ran into some trouble on the way... but it's been resolved."
As he said this, he deliberately glanced at Charmander, who was obediently perched on his shoulder, the flame on its tail making Yahiko's smile appear even brighter.
Just then, the door inside gently opened.
Shiroishi stepped out, his expression as calm as ever, wiping residual medicine stains from his hands.
"Charmander was just summoned away by a Summoning Technique... Yahiko, were you fighting again?"
Yahiko nodded somewhat awkwardly, while Jiraiya burst into laughter, giving him a heavy pat on the shoulder.
"Yes, it's quite capable."
Hearing this, Shiroishi's eyes flickered slightly before revealing a faint, almost imperceptible smile.
"It seems Charmander's growth is faster than I imagined."
"Indeed."
Jiraiya's laughter faded, his tone carrying genuine sincerity and expectation.
"I look forward to seeing what you'll become when you grow up. Perhaps you truly can change this rain-soaked land."
The air was filled with the faint scent of medicinal herbs, with Eevee gently wagging its tail at Shiroishi's feet.
Shiroishi looked up at the three of them, his gaze softening.
"Since you're back, don't just stand outside. I've just prepared dinner. Jiraiya-sensei, please join us as well."
The sound of rain pattered rhythmically against the roof.
Just as they were about to enter, Squirtle, who had been following Konan, suddenly stopped.
It lifted its head, round eyes gazing at the gray sky as rainwater slid down its shell.
Its clear eyes seemed to reflect a thoughtful light.
"Squirtle, come inside quickly."
Konan urged softly.
However, Squirtle didn't respond immediately.
It puffed out its cheeks slightly, as if sensing the rhythm of the rain.
The next moment, it took a deep breath, puffing up its mouth!
"Pfft!"
A sparkling water ball shot from its mouth, spinning through the rain curtain.
With a popping sound, it burst apart, scattering into countless tiny droplets that bloomed like flowers in the air.
The rain and the momentary water light intertwined, making the sky seem to shimmer.
Both Shiroishi and Konan were momentarily stunned, while Squirtle happily narrowed its eyes,
revealing a proud yet innocent smile.
It seemed to have comprehended a new power within this rain.
[Squirtle learned the skill: Water Pulse]
[Konan comprehended the auxiliary technique: Water Release: Water Pulse.]
Bulbasaur had already mastered Poison Powder and Rooting, Charmander had Metal Claw and Dragon Breath, and Konan's Squirtle had always known Life Dew. Who would have thought it would now master an offensive technique as well.
"Heh heh heh..."
Several miles away, in a hidden cave, Orochimaru narrowed his eyes slightly.
Through the white snake's vision, he clearly saw the scene of Jiraiya and Yahiko walking side by side.
"How interesting, Jiraiya."
He extended his tongue, lightly licking the corner of his mouth, his tone carrying a faint, elusive smile.
"So the disciples you've taken in are all orphans from Amegakure... not quite like your usual carefree self."
"And these strange Ninja Beasts all come from this Breeding House, don't they..."
Leaning against the rock wall, his gaze as profound as a snake's, he murmured in a low voice:
The wind howled at the cave entrance, swirling with damp, cold rain mist.
Orochimaru quietly gazed into the distance, a flicker of light shimmering in his eyes.
As a researcher, the sight of these peculiar Ninja Beasts completely ignited his desire to study them.
"I'm growing more and more curious."