Old Opponent

After resting in Kumogakure for two days, Ming Jing finally left that comfortable place with Itachi as the fighting on the front lines grew increasingly tense.

The two strolled along a forest path, listening to the crisp birdsong in leisurely contentment. Following behind Ming Jing, Itachi could not help asking, "The person we're looking for is Lord Jiraiya, isn't it?"

"You figured it out? As expected of Itachi." Ming Jing turned back with a smile. "He's right ahead."

Itachi sighed inwardly. Sure enough, since Ming Jing had been able to save him, saving Lord Jiraiya was hardly unexpected. After crossing a small hill, they spotted a wooden house in a nearby valley. Jiraiya was sitting on its second floor, writing something by the open window under the sunlight.

"Looks like you've started on your new book already!" Ming Jing leaped onto the second-floor eaves and looked at Jiraiya with a grin.

"Ahahaha... You're here, Ming Jing!" Jiraiya set down his pen and noticed Itachi below. Resting his chin on one hand, he continued, "Just as Ming Jing said, Uchiha Itachi, you truly are someone worthy of trust!"

"It has been a long time, Lord Jiraiya." Itachi nodded and bowed in greeting.

"Hahaha... You came to invite the Toad Sage of Mount Myōboku, the great Jiraiya, back into action, didn't you?" Jiraiya rose confidently, stretching and striking a pose as he spoke. "Someone as amazing as me ought to make an entrance with this much grandeur! Konoha's Twin Stars came personally to invite me—no one could possibly surpass this treatment, right?!"

"Ming Jing, where are we going next?" Itachi asked, looking at Ming Jing.

Ming Jing smiled. "Everyone's here. We'll head straight to the battlefield."

"Hey, hey, is it really okay for you two to ignore the great Jiraiya like this?"