Only after the two had left with Fugaku did Jiraiya slowly approach.
With such a commotion, Jiraiya, one of the Sannin, had naturally sensed it.
Kagami Uchiha had also noticed that he had been there all along, and made no attempt to hide it.
Just as he had once given Minato a choice.
Jiraiya had shown him kindness, so Kagami Uchiha was willing to give him a choice as well.
Fugaku had originally had one too. He had simply chosen wrong.
Jiraiya's gaze at Kagami Uchiha was incredibly complicated, his thoughts in turmoil.
The redness in his eyes faded, and Kagami Uchiha turned and smiled faintly.
"Teacher Jiraiya."
Jiraiya's eyes filled with the image of the boy from several years ago, the one who had called him teacher for the first time with an innocent smile.
It clearly had not been that long ago, yet it felt like a lifetime had passed.
"Kagami... Does this battle really have to happen?"
If even Fugaku could understand the situation, how could Jiraiya fail to see it?
Once this war ended, the conflict between the Uchiha and the village would be impossible to resolve.
Kagami Uchiha, the leader of the Radical Faction, had already risen to power...
"There was once a chance for reconciliation, but Senju Tobirama cut off that possibility."
I understand...
But...
My disciple and my teacher...
Jiraiya remained silent for a long, long time.
"Kagami."
His expression looked as though half his face were laughing while the other half wept. It was terribly twisted.
"Tsunade has left... Once this war ends, I want to go traveling too."
"Forgive me, Kagami."
"Your teacher is a coward. I don't have the courage to stand at your side..."
"At least... Konohagakure will continue to exist, right?"
*Is this