"Ariel," Kakashi began, his voice steady, his posture relaxed as he leaned against the wall of the academy, "I've told you this before. You can't accompany me to the preliminary matches." His visible eye was closed, giving the impression of peaceful slumber, but his tone was firm.

"But Dad!" I protested, my hands clenched into fists at my sides. "I want to be there for Naruto and the others. I want to learn from their matches!"

Kakashi opened his eye, looking at me with a serious expression. "I understand your feelings," he said, "But you're not officially a student at the Ninja Academy yet. The preliminary matches are only for those directly involved with the academy. It's a rule to keep everyone safe and the exams fair."

I felt a pang of disappointment, but I knew he was right. I nodded, understanding the situation. "Alright, Dad," I said, trying to hide my disappointment. "I'll just train harder and prepare for the day when I join the academy and participate in the matches myself."

I turned around, my heart heavy but my resolve unbroken. As I walked away, I couldn't help but let out a sigh. I had been so excited to see the scenes from the manga play out in real life. But Dad was right. I wasn't officially a student at the Ninja Academy yet, and I had to respect the rules.

As I made my way towards the training grounds, I allowed myself a moment of self-reflection. Yes, I was disappointed, but this was just a minor setback. I was here, in the world of Naruto, living a life that I had only dreamed of while reading the manga. I had the opportunity to train and become a shinobi, to be a part of this world. That was something to be grateful for.

I thought about Naruto and the others, about the challenges they would face in the preliminary matches. I wished I could be there to support them, to cheer them on. But I knew that the best way I could support them was by becoming stronger myself.

With this goal in mind, I quickened my pace towards the training grounds. I would train harder, push myself to the limit. I would become a shinobi, not just a spectator. And one day, I would stand alongside Naruto and the others, not as a fan, but as a comrade.

As I was on my way to the training grounds, a familiar figure caught my eye. It was Jiraiya, one of the Legendary Sannin. A mischievous grin spread across my face. "Well, well, if it isn't Jiraiya," I muttered to myself. I decided to follow him, curious to see what he was up to.

Keeping a safe distance, I trailed behind Jiraiya, careful not to make any noise. It was a bit of a thrill, sneaking around like this. It felt like I was a character in one of the manga chapters I used to read.

I mean I am but... You get it!

I followed Jiraiya, navigating through the lively lanes of Konoha, struggling to match his swift strides. Our path led us to a structure I identified as a public bathhouse. Jiraiya, with a knowing chuckle, positioned himself outside.

A wave of uncertainty washed over me. I was aware of Jiraiya's... peculiar form of 'research' from the manga, which involved spying on women at bathhouses. But witnessing it firsthand was an entirely different experience.

Just as I was about to interrupt his questionable activities, he disappeared. I panicked as I frantically searched for his chakra in the vicinity.

Suddenly, I heard a voice behind me. "Looking for someone?" I spun around, only to find Jiraiya standing there, an amused smirk on his face.

He just chuckled and then looked down at me, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "What's a pint-sized squirt like you doing following me around?" He asked.

I scoffed at the Sannin's audacity. "And what is a man of your stature and fame doing spying on young women in the bath?" I retorted.

Jiraiya, unfazed by my retort, just laughed heartily. "Ah, the innocence of youth!" he exclaimed, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "My dear little guppy, this is not mere peeping. This is a crucial part of my research for my next novel!"

With a mischievous grin, he pulled out a notepad and a pen from his robe, ready to jot down any 'inspiration' that might come his way. "Now, if you'll excuse me," he said, turning back towards the bathhouse with a sense of purpose, "I have some… research to do."

As he sauntered off, I took a deep breath and shouted, "A man is peeping into the bath!" The words echoed through the bathhouse, causing a sudden commotion inside.

Caught off guard, Jiraiya dropped his notepad. He shot me a look of disbelief before a wave of panic washed over his face. But before he could react, the bathhouse door burst open, and a group of angry women stormed out, their faces flushed with indignation.

In an instant, Jiraiya's 'research' was abruptly cut short.

The sight of the women chasing after Jiraiya, their shouts echoing through the streets of Konoha, was too much for me. I couldn't help but burst into laughter as Jiraiya, the legendary Sannin, was now running for his life, his dignified image completely shattered.

"Stop right there!" one of the women yelled, her voice ringing out in the quiet street. But Jiraiya was already far ahead, his speed not surprising for a man of his skill.

As I watched the whole scene play out, a fit of laughter overcame me. That's what he gets for peeping on poor defenseless women. It was a sight to behold, a legendary Sannin fleeing from his own folly.