The Tale Of An Utterly Old Lady. [Jiraiya x OC]

Chapter 4 | From Where It All Begins

Chapter 4 | From Where It All Begins

"How was your last day?" Jiraiya asked after we met up by the docks. We stood at the same spot as the time we took our walk (where I made my proposal), though this time it was early morning. The sun had freshly risen from the horizon, the sky a light blue, with loud chatter coming from the few people around, readying their boats for departure.

"It was nice," I answered his question, adjusting the somewhat large backpack I carried on my shoulders so that it felt more comfortable. I smiled as I said, "We just talked and stuff. We spent the whole day together...and then we had a larger dinner than usual. Umika-san packed this bag for me, haha."

I thought back to something Umika-san said.

"I know things have been hard for you but...no matter what, know that I'm always here. If you ever need to run away, to take a rest from this 'purpose' you speak of... Papa and I will welcome you back happily."

It made me wonder if she did notice all my crying from those consecutive nights. Though it was an embarrassing thought, still, the smile I wore never disappeared.

"You must really like them," Jiraiya pointed out, smiling.

"O-Of course..." I quickly averted my gaze, instead focusing my eyes towards the sea, as I felt my cheeks burn. "They took care of me after I'd somehow ended up alone. I will always appreciate what they've done for me..."

"Aw, do you miss them already? We haven't even left yet," he snickered, and I frowned at his sneering face. Before I could voice out my displeasure at his tone, however, Jiraiya already spoke up to say, "Bonds like that will surely stay strong. No matter how far apart you are from them...they will think of you and you will think of them."

I stared at him then—at his genuine smile that was directed towards me. I inevitably mirrored the expression, feeling as if my heart had been embraced.

"You're right."

"Anyway, we're leaving now," Jiraiya announced, pointing over to the direction we were supposed to go. He then began to set off, and I followed right after him as he added, "This trip will take two weeks at most. We'll stop by a few small towns on the way when we need to rest or when it nears nighttime."

Sounds like a long time...and on foot, too, I dreadfully thought.

"Um...so do you know what towns are within our path?"

"How do you think I got to Hamaguri no Sato? I went this same way," he looked back at me, still walking.

"So you actually just left Konoha recently?"

"Yep," he replied, and my mouth hung open.

Oh damn... No wonder he didn't want to go back so soon. He just started his travel...

We were close to exiting the village, and some nostalgia fluttered in my heart at the thought of leaving the place I'd resided in for a month since I was somehow brought into the Naruto world. I smiled to myself, reminiscing some memories I'd formed with Umika-san, Usumi-jiisan, the few medics in the clinic, and the other villagers. I felt grateful for feeling accepted there though I was an outsider.