He wore an expression that said, "I have no idea what you're talking about," making people want to laugh.
Tsunade was also one of Jiraiya's weak spots. It seemed that most people felt helpless when facing the person they liked, unable to do anything about them. Jiraiya was no exception.
The three of them left the Hokage's Office Building together and headed for the little tavern the Sannin used to frequent.
"Boss, bring out the wine and food!!!"
The moment he entered the tavern, Jiraiya threw back his head and shouted.
"Coming right up!!"
The Sannin were old regulars, and the tavern owner greeted them with a broad smile as he ushered the three of them inside.
At their usual table, Ronglin, Jiraiya, and Tsunade took their seats. Tsunade sat beside Ronglin and poured him a cup of wine, leaving Jiraiya's face full of bitter smiles.
"Drink!! Drink!!!"
Jiraiya planned to drown his sorrows in alcohol and use wine to numb himself.
A trusted companion had defected from the village, and the woman he liked was with someone else. Was there anything more tragic than that?
Ronglin smiled and shook his head, lifting his cup to take a small sip. The sight made Jiraiya frown.
Back when you said you were still a kid, fine. Every time you drank, you took tiny little sips and only had one cup. But you're still doing that now? That's no fun at all.
"What?"
Seeing Jiraiya staring at him with knitted brows, Ronglin looked himself over in confusion. Nothing seemed wrong. He then glanced at Tsunade, silently asking whether there was something on his face.
Tsunade smiled and shook her head. She had guessed why Jiraiya was acting like this.
"Can't you drink like a man and take a big gulp? Like this!"