Chapter 122 : You Clearly Have The Talent To Be A Hokage
More than a month had passed. In the mountains behind the town, Naruto had finally mastered the first step of the Rasengan, but he was still struggling to complete the second.
Even at night, he continued to train tirelessly in the forest.
Meanwhile, back at the inn, Jiraiya entered from outside and spotted Riku sitting cross-legged, meditating in the center of the room.
With a smile, he said, "You’ve been in this room all day. Don’t you get bored?"
He walked in, sat down cross-legged beside him, and poured himself a cup of tea.
Riku calmly opened his eyes and looked at Jiraiya. "I’ve gone out. I’ve already visited all the interesting places in this town. Didn’t you notice?"
Jiraiya chuckled and took a sip of tea. "Word is, someone spotted Tsunade on Bamboo Street. That place is also a well-known gambling district, so I’m pretty sure she’s there."
Riku smiled. "So we’re close to finding her then?"
Jiraiya nodded.
Then he asked, "By the way, is Naruto still training?"
Riku nodded. "Yeah, he’s still at it. With his determination, I believe he’ll definitely master the Rasengan."
Jiraiya sighed. "Even with the Nine Tails’ chakra helping him, his progress is still too slow."
Riku replied with a soft smile, "Take it easy. This jutsu is a bit much for someone his age."
In truth, neither the Chidori nor the Rasengan were techniques meant for kids like Naruto or Sasuke. The danger involved was far too high for them.
Jiraiya looked at Riku and grinned. "You say that, but someone like you picked it up instantly. Don’t you think that’s a bit unfair?"
Riku showed no sign of embarrassment and answered calmly, "Everyone’s situation is different. I don’t think it matters whether you learn something quickly or slowly—what matters is that you learn it."
Jiraiya scratched his head, slightly exasperated. "You say that so easily. Who doesn’t want to learn fast? But you’ve got to have the talent for it."
Riku shook his head. "No. I believe what matters most is using the technique effectively. Learning it fast doesn’t mean you can use it well."
Jiraiya nodded. "I agree with that. But you’re a different case—you learn fast and use it well. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be as strong as you are now."
He looked at Riku seriously. "Honestly, I think your strength is already on par with mine."
Riku gave a faint smile. "You’re overestimating me."
But in reality, Riku had indeed surpassed Jiraiya.
With his perfect Sage Mode, immense chakra reserves, and mastery of multiple Forbidden Techniques, Riku already stood at a level above Jiraiya.
Even his summoning beast, Shinya, was stronger than Jiraiya’s Gamabunta. After all, even Manda had once lost to Shinya.
Riku also had a good relationship with the snakes of Ryūchi Cave. If he were to fight Jiraiya seriously, he could easily overpower him.
Of course, Riku had no intention of doing so.
Jiraiya had his suspicions, but when Riku humbly denied it, he simply let it slide.
The two of them continued chatting late into the night, mostly about various training techniques. Jiraiya was surprised to discover just how vast Riku’s knowledge was—far greater than he’d expected.
While Riku hadn’t traveled widely, he made up for it by studying everything available in books and through his time in Konoha.
That had always been Riku’s nature. When he wasn’t training, he was reading or researching obscure jutsu and theories.
Even though he had spent most of his years inside the village, he never found it boring. In fact, he found it fascinating.
Later on, friends like Kakashi, Guy, Yamato, and Yugao had gifted him rare scrolls and forbidden texts. With access to so much knowledge, Riku’s understanding of the shinobi world rivaled even Jiraiya’s.
Their conversation only ended when Naruto returned.
Jiraiya had learned much about Riku that night. He understood now what kind of person Riku was.
And that understanding made him feel a deep regret—what a shame it was that Riku didn’t want to become Hokage. He would have made a great one.
That was something they had in common.
Neither of them wanted the position, even if they were qualified for it.
The difference was, Riku actually had what it took to be Hokage—he just didn’t want it.
Naruto collapsed into bed the moment he returned to the hotel, not even bothering to shower. He was completely exhausted.
Watching him, Riku chuckled. "Thanks to the Nine Tails, he’s got an incredible recovery rate. Otherwise, training like this would’ve wrecked his body."
Jiraiya laughed too.
For all his worry, he had a lot of faith in Naruto.
The next morning, the three of them departed for Bamboo Street. After traveling for several days, they finally arrived.
It was a well-known place in the shinobi world.
There was a lot to do here, but it was most famous for its gambling halls.
Standing at the entrance to the street, Naruto looked up at the grand torii gate and grinned. "Is that woman in there? Haha! Once we find her, we can save Kakashi-sensei, Sasuke, and Bushy Brows!"
Riku laughed. "You make it sound like they’re about to die."
Naruto clenched his fists. "Right now, Kakashi-sensei, Sasuke, and Lee are in real danger. We’ve got to bring her back no matter what!"
Riku patted him on the shoulder. "Just don’t be rude when you meet her. She’s one of the Legendary Sannin, just like Master Jiraiya."
Naruto blinked. "Wait, if she’s one of the Sannin, doesn’t that mean she’s, like... in her fifties? Why did you say she looks young?"
Riku was caught off guard and glanced at Jiraiya.
Jiraiya scratched his head, laughing. "Tsunade’s not the type who likes growing old. I don’t know what kind of jutsu she uses, but somehow, she keeps her body young. Physically and appearance-wise, she’s just like a young woman. A real beauty."
As he spoke, a faint blush appeared on his cheeks.
To Riku, it looked a little... lecherous.
He exchanged a look with Naruto. Together, they said:
"Master Jiraiya, you really are a perv."
"Mmhmm! Pervy Sage is a total old geezer!"
Jiraiya sighed in helpless defeat as the two of them teased him in sync.
"Enough with that. Let’s stay focused."
"Even if people say she’s here, it won’t be easy to find her. This town is huge."
That much was true. Bamboo Street had a massive footprint. The radius alone spanned several kilometers.
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