Team Jiraiya

A/N- first chapter to not be letters, I hope you find it good still, thanks for reading.

Jiraiya sat at the small table, sipping the tea that Sanji had prepared with such care. He couldn't help but be impressed by the boy's culinary skills. It was a talent that surpassed many, even at such a young age.

"Sanji, my boy, this tea is exquisite," Jiraiya complimented, his eyes twinkling with appreciation. "You've truly outdone yourself."

Sanji beamed with pride, taking a modest sip of his own tea. "Thank you, Jiraiya-sensei. I'm glad you like it."

As they enjoyed their meal, Jiraiya couldn't help but notice the extra portion Sanji had prepared. It was a habit he had observed in the boy over time. Sanji's cooking was not just a skill; it was an expression of his care and consideration for others.

"Sanji," Jiraiya began, choosing his words carefully, "I've noticed that you often prepare extra food. And it's not just for us, is it?"

Sanji's blue eyes met Jiraiya's gaze, and he nodded slowly. "No, it's not just for us. I usually make a bit more for... well, for some of the others."

Jiraiya knew exactly who Sanji was referring to – his classmates, especially Sakura. The boy had been infatuated with her for some time now, and it was no secret.

Jiraiya chuckled, a knowing twinkle in his eye. "Ah, young love. I remember those days."

Sanji blushed slightly, embarrassed but not denying it. "I just want to make sure they have a good start to the day, that's all."

Jiraiya patted Sanji on the back with a grin. "You're a good-hearted kid, Sanji. Just remember to take care of yourself too. And who knows, maybe one day you'll have the chance to share your meals with someone special."

Sanji's eyes sparkled with a mixture of hope and determination. "I'll make sure they're ready when that day comes, Jiraiya-sensei."

As they finished their meal, Jiraiya couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in his young charge. Sanji's culinary talents were extraordinary, but it was his kindness and generosity that truly set him apart. With that, the two continued their morning routine, ready to face whatever challenges the day had in store for them.

As they ventured out to find Naruto and Sakura, Sanji carried a couple of containers filled with his expertly prepared food. One was slightly more elegant, a subtle attempt to impress Sakura. His intentions were clear, and he couldn't resist the opportunity to shower her with attention.

"Naruto, Sakura!" Sanji called out as they approached their two young comrades. "I've got breakfast for you!"

Naruto, always eager for food, perked up immediately, his stomach seemingly growling in anticipation. "Hey, Sanji! What do you have today?"

Sakura, on the other hand, was a bit more reserved. She appreciated Sanji's kindness but wasn't quite accustomed to his somewhat forward approach. She politely accepted the container, which Sanji had taken the liberty of packaging in a more refined manner than the one he had prepared for Naruto.

"Thank you, Sanji," Sakura said with a small smile, clearly trying to be gracious.

Sanji couldn't resist an opportunity to flirt, even though he knew Sakura's reactions all too well by now. "Sakura, you look even more radiant than usual this morning. Breakfast suits you."

Jiraiya chuckled quietly at Sanji's antics, watching the exchange between the two with amusement.

Sakura, blushing slightly at the compliment, responded with a polite yet firm rejection. "Thank you, Sanji, but let's focus on our mission today."

Naruto, who had been digging into his meal with gusto, piped up between bites. "Yeah, Sanji, we've got to be ready to take on anything!"

Sanji sighed dramatically, as if Sakura's rejection were just another melodramatic scene. "Ah, Sakura, my heart weeps in the face of your indifference. But fear not, I shall continue to woo you with my culinary prowess."

Sakura rolled her eyes playfully, a hint of a smile on her lips. "You're incorrigible, Sanji."

As they continued with their meal, the banter and camaraderie flowed naturally. It was moments like these that solidified their bond as a team, each member contributing in their own unique way. Sanji's unyielding pursuit of Sakura may have been a running joke, but it was a testament to their friendship and the vibrant dynamic of their team.

Jiraiya cleared his throat, his expression turning more serious as he addressed the young members of his team. "Alright, listen up, you three. I'm going to tell you about a little test I once went through, a test that shaped me as a shinobi. It's called the Bell Test."

Sanji, Naruto, and Sakura all looked at him with curiosity, eager to hear the details of this test.

Jiraiya continued, "This test isn't just about physical strength or individual skills. It's about teamwork, strategy, and the ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges. You'll be working together to try and take these bells from me." He jingled a pair of small bells he had produced from his pocket.

Naruto's eyes lit up with excitement. "Sounds like fun! We'll definitely get those bells, sensei!"

Sakura nodded in agreement, though she was already thinking about the teamwork aspect. She knew that their success would depend on how well they could coordinate their efforts.

Sanji, always up for a challenge, gave a confident smirk. "Count me in, sensei. We'll show you what Team Sanji is made of."

Jiraiya nodded, pleased with their enthusiasm. "Good. But remember, there's a catch. Only two of you will get a bell. The one left without a bell will go hungry."

Naruto's eyes widened at the thought of missing out on a meal, and Sakura's competitive spirit flared up. Sanji, however, didn't seem too concerned. He had likely faced tougher challenges in his culinary pursuits.

"Alright, sensei, let's do this!" Naruto declared, cracking his knuckles.

With that, Jiraiya led them to a training ground where the Bell Test would take place. As the test began, he watched with a keen eye, curious to see how his young charges would approach the challenge, just as he and his former teammates had done in their youth.

The training ground was a vast, open space, with dense foliage and towering trees providing ample cover. Jiraiya stood in the center, bells jingling in his hand, a mischievous glint in his eye. His three young disciples, Naruto, Sakura, and Sanji, stood at the ready, determination etched on their faces.

As soon as Jiraiya gave the signal, the test began. Naruto, fueled by his unyielding spirit, charged forward first. His speed was impressive, but Jiraiya effortlessly sidestepped his attacks, his movements graceful and calculated. With a flick of his wrist, Jiraiya sent Naruto tumbling to the ground, bell still firmly in his grasp.

Sakura and Sanji, witnessing Naruto's attempt, decided to coordinate their efforts. Sakura used her medical knowledge to analyze Jiraiya's movements while Sanji used his keen observation skills to anticipate his sensei's actions.

They approached cautiously, with Sakura playing a supportive role, ready to heal and provide assistance, while Sanji aimed to outmaneuver their sensei with his agility and combat skills. Despite their combined efforts, Jiraiya's experience shone through. He effortlessly countered Sanji's kicks and Sakura's shuriken with a flick of his fingers.

Their teamwork was commendable, but Jiraiya exploited the gaps in their strategy. He sent Sanji sprawling with a well-placed strike to the pressure points, leaving him temporarily immobilized. Sakura's shuriken were redirected with ease, causing her to adjust her tactics on the fly.

As the test continued, it became evident that Jiraiya was not using his full power. He was testing their ability to adapt, their creativity in the face of adversity. It was a lesson in humility and the vast gap between their abilities and those of a seasoned Sannin.

Naruto, Sakura, and Sanji refused to give up. They continued to press their sensei, learning from each failure, adjusting their tactics, and trying new approaches. Naruto's shadow clones attempted to swarm Jiraiya, Sakura focused on medical jutsu to support her teammates, and Sanji utilized his culinary expertise to create distractions with smoke bombs.

However, each attempt was met with Jiraiya's unwavering composure. He seemed to effortlessly evade, counter, and disarm their efforts, all while offering occasional words of encouragement and guidance.

Hours passed, and the three young genin were visibly exhausted. Their clothes were torn, and their faces streaked with dirt and sweat. They had thrown everything they had into this test, but the bells remained securely in Jiraiya's grasp.

Jiraiya finally called a halt to the test, nodding in approval at their determination. "Well done, all of you. You've shown great teamwork and resilience today. Remember, this test was never about winning; it was about learning and growing."

Naruto, Sakura, and Sanji exchanged exhausted but satisfied glances. They might not have gotten the bells, but they had gained valuable experience and insight into the world of shinobi.

As they walked away from the training ground, Jiraiya couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in his young charges. They had faced an insurmountable challenge with unwavering determination, just as he and his former teammates had done in their youth. The legacy of Konoha lived on in the hearts of these young shinobi, and Jiraiya was eager to continue guiding them on their journey.