Chapter 13:
Yes, Jiraiya had indeed graduated successfully!
Although Jiraiya, like Naruto in his youth, was a bit nervous and excited, he was by no means a failure. The reason Naruto seemed like a "loser" in the original story wasn't due to a lack of talent. Rather, it was because he had the Nine-Tails, the Kyuubi, sealed within him, which disrupted his ability to control his chakra properly.
But Jiraiya was different.
There was no Kyuubi sealed inside him, and his natural talent wasn't bad. While he couldn't compare to geniuses like Orochimaru or Tsunade, Jiraiya was far above the average student in his class. He fell into that category of being better than most, but not quite at the top level. Otherwise, how could he have graduated at the age of six and caught the attention of none other than Sarutobi Hiruzen?
What's that you say? Konoha traditionally pairs the top student with the worst one to balance the teams?
That's nonsense!
That reasoning might apply to other teams, but when it comes to the legendary trio of Sannin? Absolutely not! Even in times of war, anyone who graduates from the Ninja Academy at the age of six is considered an undeniable genius.
The fact that Jiraiya graduated alongside Orochimaru at just six years old spoke volumes about his potential.
But back to the story at hand...