Within the Land of Fire.
In a fairly prosperous small town, a sudden commotion erupted in the streets.
A group of women were desperately chasing a white-haired middle-aged man.
"Catch that pervert!"
"You bastard, how dare you peep on us bathing!"
"Stop!"
"Everyone, help us stop him!"
Jiraiya sprinted through the streets, quickly jotting something down in a small notebook as he ran.
"These are all excellent material!"
Gradually, the women behind him ran out of stamina, and Jiraiya took the opportunity to duck into a deserted alley.
Looking over what he had just written, he nodded in satisfaction.
"Not bad. All that effort wasn't for nothing."
Just as he put his things away, Jiraiya's expression shifted slightly. He turned his head toward his back, where a figure dressed as a ninja had appeared at some point.
With a helpless look, he said, "You people really can find me wherever I go. Honestly, can't you just let me travel and write in peace?"
The newcomer was a ninja from the village. If it had been an outsider, he would have acted long ago.
"Lord Jiraiya, this is a letter from Lord Shikaku."
Shikaku?
Jiraiya was slightly surprised. In the past, the only one who had sent him letters was the Third Hokage.
This was truly the first time Shikaku had taken the initiative to contact him.
Thoughtfully, he accepted the letter, opened it, and gave it a glance. Then his expression turned grave.
"I understand. Go back first."
"Yes!"
The contents of the letter were simple: Orochimaru had committed an act of treason against the village.
Orochimaru was already Hokage. How could he betray the village?
It sounded absurd, but it had come from Shikaku, so Jiraiya had no choice but to take it seriously.
Jiraiya greatly admired Shikaku. He