They were all curious—which was stronger, Ronglin or Akatsuki's leader?
Although he had been wandering outside the village all this time, Ronglin's reputation had only grown greater. Jiraiya had naturally heard of it. The title of strongest had once belonged only to the First Hokage. Jiraiya had never expected that, after being away for just a few years, Ronglin would have grown to this point...
"I really can't say for sure."
Under the curious gazes of the three, Ronglin smiled and shook his head.
"I can only say that I know what he knows, while he doesn't know what I know. Of course, if we run into each other, I can still take care of him."
"Then I'm relieved."
Jiraiya casually tossed out that remark, making Ronglin want to slap him out of the room.
How could anyone feel at ease with such an organization appearing out of nowhere, every member extraordinarily powerful, and its leader someone even Jiraiya had to be wary of? But after hearing Ronglin's description, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and the Third Hokage all let out a breath of relief, feeling inexplicably reassured.
So what if you're powerful? We have someone even stronger. Someone will deal with you.
"Want to go out for a drink?"
Sure enough, once the serious business was over, Jiraiya's old habits flared up again. The Third Hokage continued drinking tea, Tsunade rolled her eyes and could not be bothered to speak, while Ronglin's face darkened. Was this really the time for drinking?
"Sure!!"
Ronglin still agreed, but he looked Jiraiya up and down before tapping the table with his finger.
"You won't run off again after coming back this time, right?"
"Uh, I won't."
Jiraiya scratched his head awkwardly. He had a record, and not just once. It really was hard for anyone