Though it was hard to believe, Minato could roughly understand why Mikoto acted the way she did.
Mikoto, with her gentle nature, was actually quite perceptive. She had likely guessed the whole story from the anger Minato had shown toward Akasaka Yu the day before.
Regardless of their personal relationship, Mikoto got along well with Kushina too.
Akasaka Yu had not only betrayed Minato but had also used Uchiha En as a pawn to make Kushina the target of his anger.
Such underhanded tactics were despicable, and no wonder Mikoto had lost her temper and taken action against Akasaka Yu.
Uchiha En, the other key player in yesterday's incident, didn't show up at school today. According to Mikoto, the event had even caught the attention of the Third Hokage, since he was also the principal of the Ninja Academy.
Uchiha En had nearly hurt two students, so he would be punished. However, due to his Uchiha clan affiliation, the clan would handle it internally.
Minato knew that once the Uchiha clan got involved, it would bring in the village's upper echelons. After all, the clan held significant power and was responsible for Konoha's security. The fact that the situation was being left for them to handle was essentially a form of protection for En.
Today's lessons were the usual basic training, nothing special. The school didn't seem to have any intention of reprimanding Minato. Chitano had kept a calm expression all day, as if nothing had happened yesterday.
After school, Minato continued his training, not slacking off for even a moment.
His clash with Uchiha En had shown him where he still fell short, and he was determined to close those gaps as quickly as possible and grow stronger.
His goal to become stronger hadn't changed.
But little did he know, there was someone quietly watching him from the shadows.
For three straight days, Jiraiya had been lurking near Minato, observing him.
The Ninja Academy also had rest days, and when school ended in the afternoon, most of the children cheered and celebrated. But for Minato, whether there was a holiday or not didn't matter at all.
In fact, he felt a bit of distaste for these days off, as they meant he would be alone for the entire day.
Just as he was about to head to the back mountains for more training, a tall figure appeared before him.
"Jiraiya-sama, thank you for your help the other day," Minato said, bowing respectfully as he expressed his gratitude.
Had Jiraiya not intervened and saved those two students, Minato would have felt guilty for the rest of his life.
"No need to thank me," Jiraiya replied with a smile.
"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave," Minato said politely, turning to head back toward the mountains, but Jiraiya stopped him.
"Kid, tomorrow's a holiday. No need to rush your training," Jiraiya said with a gentle smile.
"How do you know...?" Minato was surprised. It seemed Jiraiya knew everything about him, even where he was going next.
Jiraiya didn't answer but simply grabbed Minato by the arm and began walking.
Although Minato was confused, there was something strangely comforting about it. Especially when he caught a glimpse of warmth in Jiraiya's eyes that he had never felt before.
It was as though he had known this influential figure in the village for a long time, and there was no awkwardness between them.
Naturally, their walk attracted some attention. Jiraiya's status was well-known, though not many people recognized the boy he was walking with.
In the end, they stopped in front of a barbecue restaurant.
Minato stood frozen at the entrance, slightly stunned, before Jiraiya gave him a light push inside.
The restaurant's owner, a middle-aged man in his forties, greeted them with no awe in his eyes when he saw Jiraiya. He knew Jiraiya from when he was young, and the two had often come to this restaurant together.
"Jiraiya, it's been a while," the owner said warmly, then his eyes drifted downward, landing on Minato.
"Heh, it's Minato! Thanks again for what you did last time," the owner chuckled.
Jiraiya seemed a bit surprised, realizing that the owner had seen Minato before.
"Don't mention it, uncle. It was just a little help," Minato replied with a smile. Last month, on his way to school, he had helped the owner when the truck delivering supplies was blocked by rocks on the road. Minato had steadied the truck before hurrying off to school, and the owner had wanted to thank him, but Minato was already gone.
"Kids like you, with manners, are hard to come by," the owner praised, a sentiment echoed by every adult who knew Minato.
"Uncle, the usual today," Jiraiya said casually, then led Minato to a seat.
The restaurant wasn't too crowded yet, as it was still some time before dinner.
"I really don't like being called 'uncle'," the owner joked with a laugh, heading to prepare the food.
Minato sat down, looking a bit stiff.
"Why are you so nervous? I'm not making you pay. Just eat and relax; this meal's on me," Jiraiya said with a smile.
"Jiraiya-sama, why...?" Minato asked, confused. He had only seen Jiraiya in class and hadn't exchanged a single word with him.
"You ask so many questions. You really don't give adults any space to breathe, do you?" Jiraiya interrupted him, his voice light but teasing. Minato's cautious nature made him feel like the boy could see through anything. It was like being with someone who could read every thought.
"To be honest, you're quite impressive, but you're also making life harder on yourself. Kids should just be kids."
Sizzling sounds filled the air as the meat on the grill cooked, sending a delicious aroma wafting through the air. Jiraiya picked up a piece and placed it on Minato's plate.
"Even though you're a student at the Ninja Academy, you're still growing. You shouldn't eat too many cold foods."
Minato was stunned by Jiraiya's words. He realized that Jiraiya knew far more about him than he had expected—his training habits, even what he ate while training.
Jiraiya must have been observing him in secret, without Minato ever noticing.
"Heh, you figured it out, huh? Sorry about that, I was tracking you without you knowing," Jiraiya said with a smile, noticing Minato's expression. His blue eyes twinkled, and the warmth in them made Minato feel both surprised and strangely touched.
Jiraiya had anticipated many possible reactions from Minato upon discovering the truth, but this reaction seemed a little different from what he had expected.
Minato's emotions flickered as he bowed to Jiraiya, who looked a bit taken aback. His voice trembled as he said, "Jiraiya-sama... truly, thank you so much!"