Jiraiya's long white hair swayed slightly, and his face wore its usual lazy smile.
He casually waved a hand, his tone light.
Hiruzen Sarutobi turned around, saw his disciple, and gave a slight nod.
"Jiraiya."
Jiraiya crossed his arms and tilted his head.
"How did it go? Did the sealing go smoothly?"
Jiraiya had been outside the barrier, so he did not know what had happened within.
Jiraiya had already arrived in Konoha yesterday.
After Hiruzen Sarutobi learned of it, he summoned him.
He had remained outside the barrier as the final safeguard. If the Nine-Tails could not be restrained, Jiraiya would evacuate the villagers.
Hiruzen Sarutobi did not answer immediately. After a moment of silence, he spoke.
"Come on. We'll talk in the office."
Jiraiya raised a brow, understanding at once.
If his Teacher could still be this calm, then things probably had not gone too badly.
The two walked through Konoha's streets in silence and eventually arrived at the Hokage's Office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi walked to the window and gazed at the portraits of the Hokages hanging on the wall, his eyes deep.
"The Nine-Tails has been successfully sealed."
He spoke slowly, his voice low.
Jiraiya leaned against the desk, both hands tucked into his sleeves, and smiled.
"Isn't that a good thing for the village? Lord Mito has suffered under the Nine-Tails for so long. She can finally rest."
"Yes..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed.
"But there was almost an accident during this sealing."
Jiraiya's smile faded slightly.
"Oh?"
"The Nine-Tails resisted more fiercely than expected. The sealing formula nearly collapsed."
Hiruzen Sarutobi turned around, his expression grave.
"If Chiyo Uchiha had not intervened, the consequences would have been unimaginable."
"Chiyo Uchiha?"
Jiraiya frowned.
"He took part in the sealing?"
"Mm."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded.
"His Sharingan suppressed the Nine-Tails' Chakra.