Aoto was momentarily perplexed as to what to reply in this situation. Jiraya was his idol, and his gallantry helped him forget who he really was. He was pervert at first and from the society he hailed from, this act was particularly frowned upon. If caught, the person would often be sent to jail. He was also upset for his own private reasons, which were yet another factor.

He had lost his parents in this world, and he couldn't help but wonder how many deaths would have been prevented if Jiraya and Tsunade had been present. Sadly, in the real world there were no ifs. Even though he was furious, he wasn't crazy to believe that the two Sanins were solely to blame for whatever had happened to his parents.

They departed Konoha in part because all three of them had undergone personal change as a result of the conflicts. One grew completely corrupted, one simply detested Konoha and had a phobia of blood, while another merely desired to calm himself amongst the world's populace.

However, it was undeniable that Aoto had feelings of hatred for Jiraya for those two reasons in particular at that specific time. Someone once said, never meet your heroes. It was perfectly timed for Aoto at the time. Aoto responded since he was questioned.

"Jiaraya-sama, it's highly inappropriate for you to discreetly gawk the women when everyone here is only here to have fun and purchase delectable cuisine. Do you not agree?"

Aoto made no effort to hide the fact that he knew Jiraya. When Jiraya turned to face Aoto, his brows slightly raised.

"Oh... So people in the village still recognize me... Hahahaha.. I am honored..." Jiraya laughed and he didn't even put his accusation in his eyes. This made Aoto's eyes more cold and he was just a few more words away from throwing the legendary Sanin out of the restaurant.

"Kid... I am not ogling the women.. I am..." Jiraya began to speak, but Aoto interrupted him before he could continue.

"In order to finish your books. I know.. But that still doesn't give you the rights to be a pervert." Aoto just finished Jiraya's sentence. This time, Jiraya was astonished. Only a select few people were aware of the explanation for his perverse habit. He was certain that Aoto was an unknown, so how could this man know about him?

He became more cautious as a result and started to take Aoto more seriously. This kid wasn't an easy kid. Aoto was perplexed by Jiraya's reply but quickly saw where he had erred after observing Jiraya's alertness. He shouldn't have opened his mouth about his books. He wasn't meant to know, and in his rage, he revealed some information that only a select few individuals were aware of.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"System, if he attacks don't kill him, just restrain him."

[

Understood, host

]

"Kid, I don't remember saying this to other people." Jiraya enquired in a solemn manner.

"Well, I've read Tales of a Gutsy Ninja before, which is your most well-known work. I saw you here taking notes while looking around so I believe that you are doing it for your new book." Without batting an eye, Aoto said in the most convincing way possible.

When Aoto explained it to Jiraya, his arched eyebrows softened a little. Even though he didn't fully believe Aoto's remarks, he relaxed his guard. He could already sense that the youngster and those running the eatery were merely regular folks who couldn't do any harm to anyone.

However, he also had regular spies operating all over the world who would provide him with information so that someone else could employ the same strategy with Konoha.

"You are very observant kid but I don't think that was your reason for your hatred towards me. Am I right?" Jiraya's question gave off the impression that being a pervert was commonplace. Even after the brief talk, Aoto didn't anticipate being struck by that subject.

"If you, a Sanin was here, maybe my parents would have survived." A part of Aoto genuinely spoke the truth when he did so. This time again, it was Jiraya who was surprised by Aoto's remark. A little taken aback, he turned to face Aoto. He was aware of what Aoto was getting at.

The Kyuubi attack likely claimed the lives of Aoto's parents, and many Konoha residents shared Aoto's idea that if the Sanins had been present, there wouldn't have been as many casualties. It's possible that even the fourth hokage lived.

For a moment, Jiraya was silent while he hung his head. He sprang up from his chair after that and gave Aoto a bear embrace. Aoto initially believed that Jiraya was going to harm him, but since the system didn't intervene to stop Jiraya, it was clear that nothing was wrong.

Aoto felt a little more at ease after the hug, but he didn't hug Jiraya back.

"I am sorry." Jiraya spoke softly in his ear. When he did, Aoto could hear the pause in his voice. He was on the verge of tears. Aoto had forgotten that Jiraya himself lost many things over the years.

His friend Orochimaru, his love Tusnade who never saw him as anything more, his apprentice, his apprentice's wife and more people in the wars. Aoto had recently lost his parents, who he had never met and only had recollections of. Without a doubt, Jiraya was in worse pain than he was. Aot then proceeded to hug Jiraya back.

"I am sorry for saying such hurtful words to you. I didn't mean it." Added Aoto. Jiraya responded by continuing to give him a stronger hug. After a brief embrace, Jiraya resumed being his typically joyful self.

"Kid, I am sorry for being a pervert here." Jiraya laughed as she said. If he said he was on the verge of tears a minute ago, no one would believe him.

"Old man, what does that mean? You will be a pervert somewhere else?" The fact that this individual wasn't willing to admit his sinister motives irritated Aoto.