Naruto: Kushina's Redemption, My Revenge

When Jiraiya mentioned Nawaki's name, a slight ripple stirred Orochimaru's otherwise calm demeanor.

As his very first disciple, and the one he cherished most, Nawaki always held a special place in Orochimaru's heart.

Jiraiya didn't notice Orochimaru's subtle change and continued speaking, "Your skill in training disciples remains excellent. I've already heard about the fight between Chinya and Kuroiwa Tatsuji, leader of the Hidden Hot Water Village.

He must be twelve or thirteen years old—about the same age as Minato. Never would I have imagined that someone so young could fight an elite Jonin to such an extent, even managing to seriously wound Kuroiwa Tatsuji while sustaining only minor injuries himself. That really surprised me."

Orochimaru's lips curved slightly as he spoke, "Chinya has extraordinary talent. Compared with regular training, battles like these draw out his full potential."

Jiraiya smiled and said, "But my disciple isn't bad either, Orochimaru. Let's make a bet—let's see who among your Chinya and my Minato will grow stronger more quickly during this war."

Orochimaru gave Jiraiya a sidelong glance, "There's no need to bet. In my opinion, your student is merely decent in talent, nothing more."

Jiraiya protested, "Hey, I can't agree with that! Minato's talent is amazing—it definitely rivals that of your disciple. Since you insist on it, then this bet is on!"

Crossing his arms over his chest, Orochimaru stared directly at Jiraiya, "So what do you wager?"

Grinning cheerfully, Jiraiya replied, "I'm working on something right now. How about I'll let you read my new book first once I finish it?"

"Hmph, boring."

Orochimaru strode straight toward the tent flap, preparing to leave.

Jiraiya hurriedly called out, "Wait, Orochimaru! What about your bet?"

Without turning back, Orochimaru tossed over his shoulder, "I won't lose," before disappearing outside.

Jiraiya rose from his seat, muttering "Typical tsundere act" under his breath before also exiting the tent.

Even until now, Jiraiya still felt fatigued from the previous battle.

Moreover, things were going to get busier later—he wouldn't get much time to rest.

When Jiraiya reached the entrance of his own tent, he noticed that Minato Namikaze wasn't inside the neighboring tent.

Sighing, Jiraiya muttered, "Looks like my apprentice is off track again. He could use some guidance from his old teacher."

On a nearby hilltop, Jiraiya found Minato sitting there lost in thought, staring into the distance.

"What's wrong? Because Chinya seems too extraordinary, are you doubting yourself?"

Jiraiya sat down beside Minato.

Minato wore a troubled look as he answered, "Master, I indeed have some doubts. Sometimes I question whether my decisions are really right."

"Oh? Why do you think that way?" Jiraiya asked curiously.

With his head lowered, Minato responded, "Chinya is extremely rational—in fact, scary so. Without hesitation, he gives Explosive Tags to comrades who've lost fighting ability, making them die together with Cloud Ninjas to maximize benefits, as he calls it.

But I believe what he does is wrong. He shouldn't treat the lives of comrades-in-arms as nothing more than tools."

"But when I confronted him about it, his responses left me completely speechless. I even felt like he was right—and that I was the one in the wrong."

Jiraiya furrowed his brows.

He hadn't expected Chinya to have done something like that during the Hidden Hot Water Village's war.

But Jiraiya quickly caught on.

After all, he's Orochimaru's disciple.

Makes sense.

If it were Orochimaru, he would definitely act the same way.

Before Jiraiya could say a word of comfort, Minato cut in— 

"I saw the whole fight between Chinya and the leader of the Hot Water Ninja. I freely admit—I'm nowhere near his level.

I really thought I'd caught up with him by now—but I haven't. Instead, the gap between us has only widened further. He truly is a genius... whereas I'm just not cut out to be one.

What torments me most is that when Chinya was in danger, my feet stopped moving. My mind flashed back to the moment when Chinya gave an Explosive Tag to Dagi and ordered him to take down the Cloud Ninja—even if it meant sacrificing his life. At that time, a thought actually crossed my mind—I didn't want to save Chinya.

Even though I always wanted to do my best to help my comrades, I betrayed my very heart."

Jiraiya sighed deeply and said, "It seems Chinya's arrival has really affected you, Minato. But remember—you're human too. With people you love, naturally there are also those you dislike. You and Chinya are like fire and water. It's perfectly normal for you to dislike each other.

Therefore, this isn't your fault. Everyone has personal biases—not just you, but even me. There's no need to dwell on it so much.

Chinya's actions aren't entirely right or wrong—they happened on the battlefield after all.

But your desire to help your comrades? That must certainly be right. Never doubt the heart that drives you to protect others.

Chinya is undeniably talented—a child nurtured well under Orochimaru's tutelage. However, Minato, don't let doubt creep into your heart. Once you start doubting yourself, you'll forever lose the chance to grow stronger.

If you stop believing in yourself, how will you ever grow stronger—let alone catch up with Chinya?

Minato, let me ask you something—do you consider me a genius?"

Looking at Jiraiya beside him, Minato answered, "Of course you're a genius, Jiraiya-sensei! You're not only the Hokage's apprentice, but also one of the Sannin."

Jiraiya laughed and shook his head, saying, "No, I'm definitely no genius. Back in the day, I was always bringing up the rear."

Minato exclaimed in surprise: "How could that possibly be true?"

Jiraiya replied, "I'm not lying to you—that's simply the truth. Back in those days, I constantly trailed behind Orochimaru. While he was universally recognized as a genius, I refused to accept defeat. I firmly believed that I wasn't any worse than Orochimaru.

Driven by that belief, I kept chasing his every step, continuously growing stronger along the way until reaching my current power.

So tell me, what difference does it make whether one is a genius or not? As long as you keep believing you're just as strong as anyone else—and keep pushing forward—you'll get there."

Minato exhaled deeply, his eyes now free from earlier gloom, and declared, "I understand now, Jiraiya-sensei. I'll give it my all!"

Jiraiya chuckled and patted Minato Namikaze on the head: "You're quite a worrisome apprentice. I've actually made a bet with Orochimaru, wagering that you'll become even stronger than Chinya during this war."

Minato Namikaze exclaimed in surprise: "What? This…?"

Jiraiya countered with a question: "What? You don't believe in yourself?"

Minato Namikaze took a deep breath before loudly declaring: "I have confidence!"

Jiraiya stood up from the ground and said to Minato Namikaze: "Go back and rest early. Things are about to pick up from here on out. Oh, let me tell you some good news—I'm going to request reinforcements from Konoha. I'll talk to the old man and have a ninja deliver the training manual for the Flying Thunder God Technique."

After Jiraiya left, Minato Namikaze made a quiet resolution inside—he absolutely had to train harder... much harder.

He must never betray the trust Jiraiya had placed in him!

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