Naruto: Starting with Infinite Chakra

"Jiraiya-san, I'm so sorry. I got too excited," Might Duy said, calming down as he wiped the tears streaming down his face. His voice carried a tinge of embarrassment.

"Training is important, but you need to balance it with rest. Overtraining can backfire," Jiraiya advised, his tone warm but firm. "I've just finished my training for the day and was about to grab some dinner. If you haven't eaten yet, why don't you join me?"

Jiraiya extended the invitation genuinely. He had recognized Might Duy's immense potential and knew the importance of building a good relationship with him. Duy's boundless energy and dedication were assets Jiraiya wanted on his side, especially with the dangerous future awaiting the shinobi world.

"The Hokage's apprentice inviting me to dinner? I'll have to run a thousand laps around the village to commemorate this moment!" Duy exclaimed, his voice booming with enthusiasm as he raised his face to the sky and shouted.

Jiraiya couldn't help but feel a bit perplexed by Duy's reaction. The man's boundless energy and excitement were almost otherworldly.

"Jiraiya-san, I'm truly sorry, but I can't join you for dinner just yet. I haven't completed today's training," Duy apologized sincerely, bowing his head.

"That's fine. I'll head back for now," Jiraiya said with a smile. There was no need to push, he could tell Duy already held him in high regard. It was a relationship he could nurture over time. Pushing too hard might have the opposite effect.

"Burn bright, youth! I can't let my youth go to waste!" Duy bellowed, then dashed off to run laps around the village.

"Even his jogging is more spirited than Boruto's entire series," Jiraiya muttered, watching Duy's figure disappear into the distance.

As he stood there, Jiraiya couldn't help but think to himself, I wonder if I'll ever be able to unlock the Eight Gates technique. That would be something to look forward to.

The power of the Eight Gates had always fascinated Jiraiya. Although unlocking the final gate, the Gate of Death, came at a steep price—one's life—Jiraiya's body was different. He possessed the potential to awaken the Sage Body. With his regenerative capabilities, he believed he could endure even the most intense strain of the technique.

If I master the Eight Gates and combine it with Sage Mode, my body's vitality would increase exponentially. I could endure even the Dead Gate without succumbing, he mused confidently.

Returning home, Jiraiya fished a plump trout from the pond near his house and brought it into the kitchen. Money was tight. His parents' war compensation and his monthly stipend had mostly been squandered by his younger self on raunchy novels and manga.

At least those books served as inspiration for his future as a writer.

He sighed, resolving to skim through them again when he had the time. They'd help enrich his creative mind. For now, though, he had to make do with what little money he had left—barely enough to last the month. Missions weren't an option yet since he was still deep in training.

With the Second Shinobi World War brewing, though, Hiruzen would soon assign their team real missions to prepare them for what was to come.

Just as Jiraiya finished his modest dinner, a familiar voice rang out from the courtyard.

"Jiraiya! I'm here! Whatever you need, just ask—as long as it's reasonable!"

Tsunade's commanding tone echoed through the quiet evening.

Rubbing his full belly, Jiraiya stepped outside. "Tsunade, I've prepared hot water for you in the bath. You can go in now."

"What?!" Tsunade's face turned crimson. "You pervert! You think I'm going to bathe for you to watch? Absolutely not!"

"Tsunade, calm down. What are you even imagining?" Jiraiya laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender.

"Then what do you want from me?" Tsunade asked, her voice softening but still wary.

"The training grounds," Jiraiya said, pointing to the dusty and cobweb-covered area. "The equipment hasn't been used in a while, and it's filthy. I need you to clean it up. Warm water will make it easier to get everything spotless."

Tsunade blinked, surprised. "You want me to clean?"

She had come prepared to fend off some inappropriate request, maybe even punch him if needed. She had underestimated him, assuming his intentions were less than pure.

For a moment, she didn't know how to respond.

"Well, yeah," Jiraiya said casually. "Unless you're too disappointed that I didn't ask for something… else?" He smirked mischievously.

"You wish!" Tsunade snapped, her face flushing red again. "If you ever try to spy on me, I'll make sure you regret it."

She grabbed the warm water and cleaning supplies and stomped toward the training grounds.

"Don't slack off. I'm going to check your work later!" Jiraiya called after her.

Tsunade didn't bother replying. Instead, she crushed a loose stone under her foot as if to vent her frustration.

She's got a temper, but one day, she'll be eating out of my hand, Jiraiya thought to himself with a sly grin. Women admire strength, and with my system, I'll become unstoppable. Tsunade will come around eventually.

Whistling to himself, Jiraiya walked to the pond, stripped off his clothes, and jumped into the water for a refreshing bath.

Meanwhile, Tsunade stared at the training grounds in dismay. Dust and cobwebs covered everything.

"This is going to take forever," she muttered, shaking her head.

Grumbling under her breath, she began scrubbing the equipment.

"Stupid Jiraiya. I'll make him pay for this," she growled, dumping out dirty water and going to fetch a fresh bucket.

As she neared the pond, she caught sight of Jiraiya stepping out of the water, completely unbothered by his lack of clothing.

"JIRAIYA, YOU IDIOT! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"

Her face flushed a deep crimson, and she spun around with a shriek, refusing to look.

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