The Kazekage Retreats

"Fine, I'll take it!"

Sasori of the Red Sands snatched the little bottle, tipped a pill into his mouth, chewed it, and swallowed. Only then did he toss the bottle to Jiraiya.

After making sure the pills weren't poisonous, Jiraiya swallowed one too.

Moments later, the bluish-purple tinge on Jiraiya's lips faded rapidly. The poison appeared to be gone.

He still couldn't fight at his peak, but he had recovered eighty or ninety percent of his strength. At least he could face the Kazekage in a fight, which meant they could negotiate.

The Third Kazekage wasn't concerned about Jiraiya's recovery. He had never intended to fight in the first place.

"Can we discuss terms now?" the Third Kazekage asked.

"Yes."

Jiraiya nodded. After a moment's thought, he replied, "We came for the Chunin Ninja Exams. On our way home, Sasori from your village poisoned us and tried to kill us.

"This could be a minor incident or a major one. We can't tell whether he acted alone or on someone else's orders.

"The Ninja World is already in turmoil. I don't want to make this bigger than it needs to be, but you owe us an explanation, Kazekage.

"Invading Konoha and plotting against Konoha Ninja without paying any price? That's impossible.

"I don't want to start a war, but I won't let the other villages think Konoha is a pushover. Otherwise, every two-bit fool will think they can provoke us."

"Fair enough."

The Third Kazekage gave a slight nod. "State your terms. I'll meet them if I can."

Jiraiya pointed at Sasori of the Red Sands. "Either leave him half-dead or take both his hands."

Chiyo of Sunagakure was also skilled in Medical Ninjutsu, though she wasn't as good as Tsunade.

Severe injuries, severed hands—she could fix them easily. You