Dusk had slowly crept over the western sky, blanketing the small town in a soft orange glow. Amid the bustling streets of locals and traveling merchants, Team 6 walked quietly without their shinobi gear.
No forehead protectors. No tactical vests. Just plain clothes that made them look like an ordinary wandering family.
Jiraiya walked in front, glancing back occasionally to observe the three children who had just tasted the bitterness of the real world.
Mizuki's steps were light, but her face was blank. Minato tried to smile, but his eyes still held traces of emotional turmoil. Dekai walked at the rear, hands in his pockets, head lowered in silence.
Jiraiya sighed inwardly. 'These kids are growing up too fast. This world forces them to.'
'They need time,' Jiraiya thought. 'Even a ninja is allowed to be afraid and confused—especially at their age.'
Without further explanation, Jiraiya led them to a small inn at the edge of the town. The aroma of miso soup and aged wood greeted them in the lobby.
"I'll take two rooms," he said to the receptionist. "One for the girl, one for me and the boys."
Immediately, Mizuki raised an eyebrow. "Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Jiraiya-sensei."
"Yeah, well, it's not out of kindness," Jiraiya muttered, scratching his head. "I just don't want Dekai snoring and stressing you out more."
Hours Later – Mizuki's Room
The paper lantern above swayed gently. The scent of green tea wafted from the pot Jiraiya had brewed on the low table. The three of them sat in a circle. Mizuki wore a simple white yukata, her long hair let down.
"Why are you all so quiet?" Jiraiya started. "You think you're the first ones to kill at your age?"
No answer.
Jiraiya let out a long breath, then looked at each of them in turn. "Listen. You know I was the Third Hokage's student, right? But when I was your age... I couldn't even throw a kunai straight."
Minato looked at him doubtfully. "Really?"
"Really," Jiraiya nodded. "I was dumb, clumsy, always dead last in class. But worst of all..."
He lowered his head dramatically and whispered, "...I once dragged Orochimaru to spy on the women's bath."
Mizuki stared blankly for three seconds, then... chuckled. "What? Orochimaru—the cold, terrifying one?"
Jiraiya raised a hand. "Swear it on Konoha. And you know what happened?"
Dekai raised an eyebrow.
"We got caught," Jiraiya groaned. "And Tsunade kicked us so hard we flew through the wooden fence!"
Minato began laughing. Dekai covered his mouth with a smirk, and Mizuki—usually as still as a frozen lake—laughed more freely than usual.
"So the point is," Jiraiya continued, "I was once a stupid kid too. But I grew up. And so will you. Today was tough... but it's not the end."
Minato nodded slowly, the light returning to his eyes. Mizuki only looked down, but the corners of her lips curved into a faint smile. "Sensei... you're still stupid."
"HEY!" Jiraiya pointed at her, but everyone was already laughing.
A Little While Later – Still in Mizuki's Room
"Alright," Minato said, pulling out a box of cards. "Let's play a bit so we can sleep with lighter hearts."
They set up the cards on the table.
"No cheating, Mizuki," Dekai said seriously.
"I wouldn't—"
"NO BYAKUGAN!!!" Minato and Dekai shouted together.
Mizuki raised both hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll play... normally."
First round, Mizuki won.
Second round... Mizuki won again.
Dekai narrowed his eyes. "You sure?"
Mizuki looked at them with suspicious innocence. "Just... lucky."
Third round, Mizuki won once more—with an impossible hand.
Minato slapped the table. "THAT'S IT! From now on, you're only allowed to make tea!"
"Agreed!" Dekai gave a thumbs up.
Mizuki went quiet... then giggled. "You're cruel."
That night passed with laughter, warm tea, and the soft flipping of cards. The world outside might have been on the brink of war, but in that small room, the warmth of simple joy erased the lingering stains of blood from their memories.
And perhaps, just perhaps... this was the beginning of a lifelong bond.
The Next Day – Hot Springs
The gentle midday air welcomed the visitors entering the traditional hot spring. Light steam rose from the pools surrounded by bamboo walls and natural stones, bringing a tranquil calm to body and mind.
Jiraiya stood at the counter, patting his now-empty wallet.
"Dammit... why is it always the teacher who pays?" he grumbled, but still paid for three entry tickets—for himself, Minato, and Dekai.
Mizuki, dressed in a white yukata, walked toward the women's bath hallway. Her gaze calm as ever, but her breath eased a little. The heavy days were behind her, and she could finally relax without worrying about assassinations or sabotage.
"Don't peek, Jiraiya-sensei," she said before disappearing behind the curtain.
"What do you take me for?!" Jiraiya laughed.
Men's Bath – Midday
Steam wrapped around the bodies of three males— including one adult man. Minato leaned against the stone wall, letting the steam open his pores. Dekai sank up to his chin, half-lidded eyes, while Jiraiya sat with his arms folded and a satisfied expression.
"Haah... this is living," Jiraiya sighed. "Heat sinking into your bones... truly refreshing."
Not long after, he turned to Minato, who looked deep in thought.
"Speaking of which," Jiraiya began with a sly grin, "do you like Mizuki... or Kushina more?"
Minato choked on steam.
"S-sensei!" His face turned red. "Why would you bring that up?!"
Dekai squinted, intrigued. "I think a lot of girls in our class have a crush on Minato. Someone even left a love letter under his desk."
"Not me! I never replied!" Minato defended himself.
Jiraiya burst into laughter. "You're perfect for my student, Minato! Popular, gentle aura, handsome... well, one step below me."
Both boys stared at him, skeptical.
Jiraiya pretended to be hurt. "Hmph! Kids these days. Alright, listen... first lesson from the great Jiraiya about women! Women are like fuinjutsu: complex, delicate, and one wrong move... BOOM!"
The two boys exchanged glances, unsure whether to laugh or cry.
Women's Bath – Same Time
Mizuki submerged herself in the hot water, the herbal scent lightly rising. Her black hair was tied up, and her pale neck shimmered under sunlight filtering through the leaves above.
She closed her eyes, enjoying the calm. But soon, she opened them and stared at her reflection.
'This body... has changed.'
Her hand slowly touched her shoulder. Her body was still that of a young girl, but soft curves had started to show—undeniable signs of puberty.
'I thought I'd hate it... but now... somehow, I don't feel disgusted.'
Her gaze shifted to the thin wall separating the male and female baths. Faint laughter—Jiraiya's voice—leaked through.
Mizuki frowned. "What are they talking about..."
Too curious, she quickly formed a hand seal. "Byakugan."
Her eyes glowed gently. Her vision pierced the wood and steam, and she saw—
Gulp.
'W-What is Jiraiya-sensei's body... those back muscles... the bone structure...'
Mizuki froze.
Her face flushed crimson.
Across the wall, Jiraiya suddenly raised an eyebrow. He sensed something.
A sly grin spread across his face. He looked up toward the wooden divider and whispered:
"Don't stare too long, Mizuki. You might fall in love with me."
Splash!
A huge splash of water. Mizuki instantly deactivated her Byakugan and dove underwater, leaving only the top of her head visible. Her face burned red.
'WHAT WAS I THINKING?!' she screamed inside. 'I even analyzed his muscle structure!!'
Behind the wall, Jiraiya laughed heartily, making Minato and Dekai even more confused.
"What is it, Sensei?" Minato asked suspiciously.
"Ahahaha! You'll understand one day! It's a phase every young ninja must go through!" Jiraiya waved dismissively.
Dekai glared. "...If you mean puberty, I'm out."
Minato looked down, cheeks a little red too. "Sensei, please don't be weird... we're only ten."
That night ended with a simple dinner at a local diner. The three sat together at one table, and Mizuki, who still couldn't look directly at Jiraiya, only stared at her food in deep concentration.
"Whoa, Mizuki... why so quiet?" Dekai asked while slurping his noodles.
Minato smiled faintly. "Usually you've already complained three times about the soup seasoning."
Mizuki gripped her chopsticks tightly. "Nothing... just... contemplating life."
On the other side, Jiraiya sipped his sake with a satisfied grin.
'These kids... really do make life interesting.'