"Teacher... I promise you..."
Jiraiya finally made his decision.
"But... while there's still time before the Chunin Exams begin, I want to go and ask Tsunade to come back first. If she's willing to become Hokage, then let her take the position for now. After all... she's the granddaughter of the First Hokage. She's more suited to becoming Hokage than I am!"
"Of course, if there isn't enough time, or Tsunade refuses to come back... then I'll take the position myself!"
Jiraiya's words plunged the three of them into deep thought.
However, they soon reached a compromise.
"Jiraiya! The responsibility will be entrusted to you for now! I'll take some people and leave the Hidden Leaf Village first. Remember, don't make this known!"
Jiraiya nodded.
"I understand, Teacher!"
The three of them rose and left. Before departing, the Third Hokage handed Jiraiya the robes unique to the Hokage.
Jiraiya looked at the thing he had yearned for so intensely as a child now resting in his hands, and a helpless look appeared at the corners of his mouth.
"Why... Why is the peace I long for always shattered by one accident after another?"
Root headquarters.
Homura Mitokado looked toward Hiruzen Sarutobi, his tone hesitant.
"Monkey, who should we take with us this time? If we take too many people, we may attract the attention of other nations!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi narrowed his eyes and carefully swept his gaze over Homura Mitokado twice.
I only just said I was handing the position of Hokage to Jiraiya, and the moment I took off those robes, he started calling me Monkey?
However, this was not the time to dwell on such things. The thought merely flashed through his mind.
"My old friend, you're right. We can't take too many people this time."
"I've decided