The Third Hokage shook his head and walked straight over to sit beside Ronglin. That was his seat. Even if he had been sidelined, no one else would sit there—unless the Third Hokage had left for good.
"Heh heh!!"
Anyone else would have felt uncomfortable and awkward, but not Jiraiya. He was, after all, someone with exceptionally thick skin.
With a dry laugh, Jiraiya sat opposite Tsunade, looking from her to Ronglin.
"Did you find him?"
Ronglin looked at Jiraiya, who was chuckling in an attempt to ease the atmosphere, and asked.
"No."
The smile on Jiraiya's face immediately fell away. He slapped the desk and said dejectedly, "If I'd known Orochimaru would show up on the battlefield, why would I have searched for him all over the world?! Seriously."
"You were probably out admiring the beautiful scenery of the world."
Tsunade's sarcastic jab made Jiraiya blush. He opened his mouth, but had no idea how to explain himself. The beautiful scenery of the world she meant was, in fact, beautiful women all over the world.
Given Jiraiya's personality, it was simply impossible to make him give up drinking and womanizing. He might even tell you that one should not forget entertainment while working, that only by relaxing could one focus properly on work.
Don't doubt it. Jiraiya really would say something like that.
"Ah~~ I didn't expect so much to happen in Konoha after I left. First of all, congratulations, kid."
Rather than answer, Jiraiya looked at Ronglin, trying to change the subject.
Like Tsunade, Ronglin had his arms folded and was leaning back in his chair, his gaze fixed on Jiraiya. The difference was that Tsunade's face was cold, while Ronglin wore a smile.
"Thanks. But it seems there's something between us that needs settling."
"Uh..."
The smile