Uchiha Kei: Game Dev in the Shinobi World

When their cooperation was established, Kei Uchiha created an access point to the spiritual network world for Jiraiya. It came with a private sub-world tailored specifically for him—a specially configured space equipped with various game development support functions. This version was a stripped-down adaptation of the game development software "My World" used by Kei.

Functionally, it resembled version 1.0 of "My World," while Kei himself had already upgraded his version to 4.0.

After all, Jiraiya had zero experience in this field. If Kei had given him the advanced version of the software right away, Jiraiya wouldn't have been able to make sense of it. Even this beginner version required significant time for him to get a handle on.

Kei also prepared a complete tutorial for Jiraiya. As long as he studied it seriously, he could gradually become proficient. The curriculum was arranged clearly and thoroughly—Jiraiya would need a few months to truly master it.

And thus, the plan for Jiraiya to develop a "dating sim" was officially decided.

At the same time, the wandering sage fully joined Kei's inner circle. He was granted full access to both the messaging app and the vast spiritual network. Eventually, he entered the network and witnessed its wonders—including someone he never expected to see again: Nawaki.

In that moment, Jiraiya was completely dumbfounded. His worldview was shaken to its core.

Orochimaru appeared beside him, gazing into the distance where Nawaki and Tsunade were constructing the new Hidden Leaf together. In his trademark raspy voice, he said, "Do you see it, Jiraiya? This is the change I once told you about—the change Kei-dono has brought to this world. And what you're seeing now is merely the tip of the iceberg."

Jiraiya opened his mouth, trying to speak, but too many questions surged at once, and he couldn't decide where to begin.

It took a long while before he finally asked, "Orochimaru… is that really Nawaki?"

Orochimaru nodded. "Yes, without a doubt. I was there the day his soul was summoned and retained in this genjutsu world."

Jiraiya fell silent, then let out a bitter laugh. "No wonder Tsunade chose Kei-dono. With a favor like that, even I would give myself to him if I were a woman."

Orochimaru gave him a sidelong glance. "If you think that's the only reason Tsunade fell for Kei-dono, then you're underestimating both of them."

"Nawaki's rescue is part of it—but what truly moved Tsunade was Kei-dono's talent. His personality also meshes well with hers."

"Most importantly, Kei-dono is a man who cherishes his loved ones. He stays by Tsunade's side when she needs him, rather than abandoning her to chase some vague prophecy."

That last line hit Jiraiya like a gut punch.

Weakly, he muttered, "Still… the Child of Prophecy is tied to the peace of the ninja world. The Great Toad Sage said I—"

"Jiraiya!" Orochimaru cut him off, golden snake eyes staring him down. "I don't know why you place so much faith in Mount Myōboku's toads, but even if the Child of Prophecy truly exists, I believe it's Kei-dono. And if someone else fits that role, it only proves you've been following the wrong person."

Jiraiya blinked, stunned.

He was about to argue when Orochimaru added, "Can the person you believe to be the Child of Prophecy compare to Kei-dono in impact? Don't forget, the changes Kei-dono brought to the ninja world happened in just a few months."

"Can you even imagine what he'll achieve in the future?"

Jiraiya couldn't respond. Orochimaru was right—Kei had done more for the Hidden Leaf in mere months than most had done in decades. And many of the deeper changes were still invisible.

Kei himself was a remarkable figure. Jiraiya enjoyed talking with him; their rhythms matched perfectly. It was like Kei had stepped out of a story.

It was hard to believe he wouldn't bring even greater change to the world.

Compared to Nagato—the candidate Jiraiya had pegged as the Child of Prophecy—Kei already seemed more fitting.

Sure, Nagato was talented. But aside from the legendary Rinnegan, his natural abilities weren't even as impressive as Minato Namikaze's. Full chakra nature affinity was rare, but not unheard of. Hiruzen Sarutobi and Kakashi had it too—and no one called them the Child of Prophecy.

Kei, on the other hand, had already changed the world.

Conflicted and anxious, Jiraiya clenched his fists. "Even if you're right, Orochimaru… the Great Toad Sage said the Child of Prophecy would be my disciple. But Kei-dono…"

Orochimaru sneered. "Then make him your disciple. Didn't you say Minato was the most talented person you'd ever seen?"

"Then maybe, just maybe, Minato was the Child of Prophecy all along. He's Kei-dono's close friend, and deeply influenced by him. In truth, Minato understands Kei-dono's vision better than you ever did."

"If Minato seeks to reform the ninja village system, to break the cycle of war every decade, then tell me—doesn't that sound like the true Child of Prophecy?"

Jiraiya's eyes widened. "Minato wants to change the village system? Orochimaru, are you serious?"

Orochimaru snorted. "I've told you time and again, Jiraiya—you've been gone too long. You've fallen behind the village, and behind your comrades."

He turned and began to walk away.

"Jiraiya, take time to study this world. Everything is changing. Nothing remains eternal."

"Not the village system the First Hokage created. Not the feudal lords who've ruled for a thousand years. Nothing."

"If you can't accept that, then you'll become a relic of the past—washed away by the tides of the new era."

With those final words, Orochimaru vanished, leaving Jiraiya alone in silence.

After a long pause, Jiraiya sighed, scratching his head. "That guy… always talking in riddles. Alright, alright, I get it. I'll stay in the village, study hard, and try not to be a fossil."

"Besides, even without all this, I wouldn't have left. Kei-bro asked me to stay. Tsunade wants me to help out. How could I possibly walk away?"

"Fine! Kei-bro wants me to study, Orochimaru wants me to study—I'll study!"

Muttering to himself, Jiraiya activated the access Kei had given him and entered his personal sub-world, beginning his journey to become a proper dating sim developer.

He understood that Orochimaru hadn't visited just to talk. It was also a warning. If Kei-dono had accepted him into the spiritual network, then he had to stop approaching it with the heart of a wandering fool.

This was the beginning of a revolution—and the genjutsu world would be its core.

Compared to others, Jiraiya was the least trustworthy of the group. Even Orochimaru, his closest friend, wouldn't deny it.

And maybe that was why Orochimaru came to speak to him personally.

His final words weren't just advice—they were a warning.

Don't talk about the genjutsu world. Not even to Sarutobi-sensei.

Only then would Jiraiya truly be part of the circle. Only then would the others accept him.

Jiraiya understood. He knew why it had to be this way. And by the end, he accepted it.

Even though hiding this from his teacher and comrades was exactly the kind of political scheming he despised, if it involved something as monumental as reshaping the ninja world, secrecy was the bare minimum.

Especially since he knew Sarutobi was a conservative—faithful to the First Hokage's ideals.

If they told him they planned to overturn the very foundations of the ninja village system, he would oppose them without hesitation.

Conflict would be inevitable. And Jiraiya didn't want that.

So he took Orochimaru's advice to heart.

He chose to hide everything about the genjutsu world from Sarutobi.

And in that moment, he threw himself into his studies, diligently and seriously.

Meanwhile, in the forest behind the Hokage Rock… in the headquarters of Root…

Shimura Danzo had just received intel—Jiraiya and Kei Uchiha had met at a barbecue restaurant, conversed happily, and later entered a sealed barrier to exchange secrets.