But a single wrong piece of intelligence could very well drive him into a desperate situation!
So he had to be absolutely certain!
"What? You're going out again? Don't be ridiculous! If you go out again, you'll definitely be killed! Your chakra is already at its limit. Retreat first—bring little Yuu along, and you'll be able to deal with them."
"No! This is the best opportunity. If I miss this chance..." Jiraiya said with a pained yet exceptionally resolute expression, forcing his exhausted body to move.
"Besides, ever since Yuu rose to prominence, in every battle..."
"He was the one who bore the hardest fights."
"Lord Jiraiya, one of Konoha's Legendary Sannin!"
"I am the Sage of the Toads of Mount Myōboku!"
"Once I get back, I'll make that foul-mouthed brat Yuu look at me with new respect!"
"I'm not old enough to retire yet. Once I settle things here... that unfilial disciple, Yuu... this time, this old man will prove Yuu right!"
"That unshakable resolve is what will bring peace to the world. That is the responsibility Yuu has taken upon himself."
"The responsibility Yuu bears."
Jiraiya smiled. The smile on his face was deeply stirring. "Take my corpse and the intelligence with you."
"Forgive my selfishness, you two sages. After I die, bring me back to Konoha and tell Yuu to bury me in the place I chose on Mount Myōboku."
Jiraiya spoke seriously to Shima and Fukasaku, his smile fading. "Huff... Since you've put it that way, little Jiraiya... dear, you go back to Mount Myōboku first. I'll go with little Jiraiya." Sage Fukasaku let out a solemn breath. Seeing Jiraiya's earnest expression, he said helplessly, "Dear!"
"Dear!" Shima Sage immediately became anxious. But when she saw the expressions on Jiraiya and Sage Fukasaku's faces, she fell