Hatake Tatsuya in Naruto

Jiraiya, Namikaze Minato, and Uzumaki Naruto

These three Shinobi, it can be confidently said that the World of Shinobi has been marked by them.

However, compared to Naruto and Minato were geniuses or had Hax-like Nine-tails. Jiraiya was an exception, and found himself at Mount Myoboku, the abode of one of three Sage regions, following a childhood mishap.

He holds no reservations regarding the proclaimed prophecy of a creature known as the [Great Toad Sage]. He assessed Nagato, Minato, and Naruto as the heirs of that prophecy.

There existed an opportunity for escape during the clash with Pain as narrated in the original Manga. Nevertheless, Jiraiya, resolute in his faith in the prophecy of the Great Toad Sage, willingly embraced his fate.

As he looked upon Jiraya's path, Jiraiya's life seemed dedicated to serving others.

For those who try to control fate, their end is never good. He tried to train a student who would bring peace to the Shinobi world. But he died in the hands of his own students.

Though he is often described as carefree, the reality contrasts with Tsunade and Orochimaru's dispositions.

Jiraiya attempted to counter:

"That entity is the Great Toad Sage, whose existence spans back to the era of the Sage of Six Paths. It—"

"It's quite peculiar to assign the moniker 'Sage' to creatures like toads. After all, they aren't humans in the first place, are they?"

Tatsuya chuckled before removing her hand from Konan's visage, "Bid farewell to your pupil, let us embark."

Once again, Jiraiya heaved a sigh.

No use arguing; ever since my youth, debating with this white-haired individual has proved futile.

Shifting his focus to his trio of disciples, he bestowed greater attention upon Nagato due to his possession of the Rinnegan. Jiraiya had unreservedly embraced the belief that the other party was the foretold progeny.

"Now that you stand united, I can depart with confidence, Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato."

Jiraiya's smile resonated with relief.

"Teacher..."

Yahiko wiped his tear-moistened eyes with his sleeve.

Konan's gaze involuntarily settled upon the setting sun's golden hues. While Nagato remained silent, his clenched teeth revealed the emotions he held within.

"Let's proceed."

Tatsuya, leading the way, softly articulated two words.

"Our paths shall cross again."

With these parting words, Jiraiya concluded his message for his three disciples.

Then, he faded into the distance, alongside Tatsuya's figure.

...

...

"Are you truly involving yourself in this mission? Isn't this your first venture since the age of 6?"

Two Kage-level shinobi raced along the road from the Land of Rain to the Land of Wind. Jiraiya mirrored Tsunade's perplexity.

He didn't do a single mission but not now is taking S S-level mission directly. Certainly, a compelling reason underlies this decision.

"My foolish brother's tangled in a mess, leaving me no recourse but to intervene and lend aid."

Jiraiya's countenance portrayed bewilderment at this response. Before he could inquire further, Tatsuya interjected, "I abhor redundant explanations. When you return to the village, consult a Konoha shinobi for specifics. Ironically, this super S-rank mission has stirred up quite the commotion."

Observing the faint mockery in Tatsuya's expression, Jiraiya involuntarily furrowed his brows, his curiosity piqued and a vigilant watch over his heart maintained.

Two days later.

Rumor had it that 90% of the Land of Wind was draped in yellow sand. However, as Tatsuya and Jiraiya set foot here, the reality seemed even more overwhelming. A staggering 95% of the land appeared to be an unrelenting desert.

A desert devoid of any sign of life, where no plant dared to thrive.

While the Land of Wind appeared as one of the largest of the five nations, the truth unveiled its status as the smallest.

"No wonder, during the two Ninja Wars, no nation took the initiative to attack the Wind Kingdom. Who would covet such a place?"

Tatsuya's words carried a hint of amusement.

"Indeed, this is why the Kingdom of Wind perpetually stirs the cauldron of war, seeking expansion outward."

Jiraiya, the Advocate of Peace, sighed contemplatively once more.

Tatsuya, disinclined to delve further into this discussion, swiftly transitioned to the core subject:

"Proceeding onward, we'll encounter Sunagakure's vigilant shinobi guards. Have you formulated a viable assassination strategy?"

Jiraiya shook his head and responded succinctly, "No, strategy isn't my strong suit."

I doubt you'd be able to conjure up anything truly practical, anyway. Tatsuya's expression matched expectations, as he delved into thought.

Much like Konoha, every shinobi village erected unique barriers. The intrusion of foreign chakra immediately triggers an alert. In the original tale, the young Sasori arranged for internal operatives, to infiltrate without rousing any suspicion.

"How about this? Do you have any ideas?"

Minutes later, observing Tatsuya's prolonged silence, Jiraiya couldn't suppress his curiosity.

"Well, let's move."

Tatsuya donned her sand-resistant hat once more.

...

...

Sunagakure.

Sand dunes formed walls at its rear and flanks, while a colossal mound, nearly a hundred meters tall, stood as a fortress before it. Only a lengthy trough in the center served as the sole entry and exit point.

Any attempt to enter or exit would invariably attract the attention of the guard ninja positioned atop the mound.

Resistance warranted immediate aerial bombardment from these guard ninjas, who held the advantageous high ground.

On a tall rock, a mile from the entrance stood two figures.

Jiraiya shielded his eyes with his raised right hand, gazing upon Sunagakure in the distance, his voice tinged with admiration:

"Penetrating the village through such a towering mound is no small feat."

He then turned to Tatsuya beside him and inquired, "So, what's your plan?"

Tatsuya's sudden smile sent a ripple of unpredictability through Jiraiya.

This demeanor often signaled good things from this enigmatic individual.

In the next heartbeat, Tatsuya seized Jiraiya's collar from behind and propelled him toward Sunagakure's entrance, akin to pitching a baseball.

Simultaneously, Chakra converged in her throat as she shouted, her voice piercing eardrums:

"Intruders! Intruders!! It's Jiraiya from the Village Hidden in the Leaves!"

"Eh!?"

As Jiraiya hurtled toward Sunagakure, his eyes widened like bells, an expletive escaping his lips, "You're using me for this, Tatsuya!!!"

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