How Can a Mouth at Thirty-Seven Degrees Say Something So Cold?

Neither Hiruzen Sarutobi nor Hagoromo spoke.

After all, is it really necessary to blame Jiraiya for this?

Who can guarantee something like that?

"Alright, Jiraiya, stop acting like that!"

After a long pause, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally spoke up in a serious tone.

He had never taught Jiraiya to adopt this posture.

Jiraiya only calmed down after Hiruzen Sarutobi shouted loudly.

"Call--"

Jiraiya first closed his eyes, and after a while slowly opened them, got up and turned to look at Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Old man, I want to go find them."

"Senior brother, don't be naive," Hagoromo interrupted bluntly from the side.

"And then what? Should we question them about why things turned out this way?"

Jiraiya, who was initially quite dissatisfied, fell silent Jiraiya hearing Hagoromo's words; he truly did share that sentiment.

"What should we ask them? Why did they kill? Or are they just asking to die?"

Hagoromo said without any politeness.

Jiraiya frowned, looking at Hagoromo with an expression he had never shown before, and said, "I am their master, and I need to understand what caused them to be like this!"

"Isn't it natural for ninjas to kill? After so many years of experience, I think you Jiraiya- senpai, are well aware of that."

"The answer is already clear. Going there now won't give you the dialogue you want; it will be a life-or-death battle."

Jiraiya opened his mouth, wanting to try to explain.

But I couldn't find any reason.

"Wake up, senior brother. Your former disciple is now the leader of Akatsuki. He has gathered many missing-nin and captured the Six-Tails Jinchuriki."

"Even the Fourth Mizukage of Kirigakure was manipulated and killed because of this. Your going there now will only put Konoha in a situation of—"

"They were attacked by all the ninja villages in a coordinated attack."

Don't be fooled by the current cooperative stance between Kumogakure and Kirigakure; once they find out that Nagato is Jiraiya's student...

That situation will be resolved in an instant.

"Jiraiya... as your teacher, I hope you can calm down."

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke slowly, knowing full well the situation of his disciple.

Having had the same experience, Hiruzen Sarutobi understands even more the heartache of seeing a child he had placed his hopes on and poured his heart and soul into raising go astray.

Orochimaru had already given him that experience long ago.

"Anger, doubt, or sadness—these emotions can cloud your judgment and prevent you from making the right decisions."

"We know nothing about the Rinnegan, just how terrifying this power is."

"You are one of Konoha's Sannin, you should understand that intelligence is more important than brute force. What you need to do now is..."

"It is about using your wisdom and experience to gain a greater advantage for Konoha and to find the enemy's weaknesses."

"Instead of engaging in a pointless interrogation."

Looking at the slightly relaxed expression on Jiraiya's face, Hagoromo slowly spoke:

"Senior brother, I think you know Tsunade's experiences better than I do."

"If you were to do something like that again, have you ever thought about what would happen to Tsunade?"

Hearing Hagoromo's words, Jiraiya finally succumbed to defeat.

If I were to actually go and confront them now, not only would I not get any answers, but I might also get into trouble.

That scene...

"I need to know as soon as possible before this operation begins!"

Jiraiya sat down again, looking at Hiruzen Sarutobi with a serious expression.

Regardless, I need to see those three disciples. Since I can't go alone, I'll participate in this mission.

"This mission has already been assigned to you."

Hiruzen Sarutobi breathed a sigh of relief before speaking.

"However, command cannot be handed over to you, especially since it involves the other ninja villages. I hope you will exercise restraint when the time comes."

"I understand." Jiraiya, and having calmed down, he naturally returned to his usual demeanor.

I was just shocked by this news.

"And you, kid, how dare you look down on me! I am the famous Toad Sage!"

Turning his head, Jiraiya started arguing with Hagoromo again.

After all, being told that by his junior brother made him doubt his own abilities.

"Oh, but I beat you."

Hagoromo raised his eyelids slightly, his sarcastic tone piercing Jiraiya's heart.

"... How can your 37-degree mouth utter such cold words?"

Jiraiya was speechless. This kid had been treating him like this ever since he and Tsunade started making some progress.

"It's alright, what can I do, I'm just being honest~"

Hagoromo shrugged and responded expressionlessly.

"Alright, Jiraiya."

Hiruzen Sarutobi interrupted the two brothers' playful fight, telling Jiraiya and leave.

They just sit here and don't help; it's annoying to watch them.

"Hey, I see now. Old man, you've got a successor now. You really don't take me seriously anymore."

Jiraiya reluctantly got up. He really should leave; there were some things he needed to think about.

Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand without looking up, signaling Jiraiya to leave quickly.

"Hagoromo, come over and sign these documents first."

"They've arrived."

--

Bang--

Kirigakure.

In the Mizukage's Office, Mei Terumi listened to Ao's report, her face grim.

Meanwhile, Elder Genji of Kirigakure slammed his snake-shaped wooden staff into the ground.

"The Akatsuki deserves to die!"

Even with the Fourth's Death, he, as the only elder of Kirigakure, possessed power equal to that of the Mizukage.

But it also infuriated him.

Due to the Mizukage's series of measures, Kirigakure lost several powerful bloodline clans.

Even some highly skilled Jonin have defected from the village, and now even the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist cannot be fully assembled.

"Elder Genshi, we need to get involved in Konoha's operations."

Newly appointed Mei Terumi still needed to rely on her Genji, so she could only pretend not to see it and spoke.

"I understand, but Wudai, you cannot leave the village."

Genji nodded, but still did not want Mei Terumi to leave the village.

Mei Terumi sighed; this was also her dilemma— Kirigakure truly had no one left to rely on.

If they rely entirely on Ao, Kirigakure, situated between Konoha and Kumogakure, will have no say whatsoever.

"I'll involve Gonbei, and as for the other one, I recommend Ringo Ameyuri."

Upon hearing the last name chosen, Mei Terumi's brows furrowed involuntarily, not because she lacked ability.

"Her physical condition is unlikely to be suitable for such a long-term mission."

Kirigakure whose main method of attack is Water Release, produced a ninja hailed as a 'genius ninja of Lightning Release '.

She is rare in herself, but unfortunately Ringo Ameyuri's physical condition is average.

Despite his formidable strength, his body had already begun to suffer from problems after he recklessly advanced Jonin a few years ago.