Third shook his head almost without hesitation. "For now, we shouldn't act rashly. Let's wait until the Intelligence Squad has more information, then we'll decide what to do!"
Jiraiya hesitated. "But..."
"The village can't afford to lose you right now!"
That was all Third said before leaving the conference room.
Things were different from the original timeline. After the Grass Country War, the Five Great Shinobi Villages had gained a clearer understanding of the Akatsuki Organization's strength. There was no way the seasoned Third would let Jiraiya venture alone into Amegakure.
Besides, no one could say how much affection Jiraiya's former students, who had remained in Amegakure, still held for him. Entering the village so rashly could easily mean never coming back.
Jiraiya sighed, then left the Hokage Building alone.
He had once believed that Nagato, who possessed the Sage's Eyes, was the Child of Prophecy from the Great Toad Sage's prediction—the one who would change the Shinobi World's balance of power.
Later, when he heard that Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan had disappeared, he thought all three of them had died. He had been overcome with grief and guilt.
During the Grass Country War not long ago, when he saw Nagato and Konan, his shock had far surpassed everyone else's.
He had never imagined that his students might be the leaders of the Akatsuki Organization, the ones the Five Great Shinobi Villages had been searching for—the figures lurking behind the scenes.
Looking up at the deep night sky, Jiraiya murmured, "Nagato, Konan... what have you been through all these years?"
At the Root Base.
Danzo, leaning on his cane, stared coldly at the subordinate before him. "Have you confirmed Hanzo's situation in Amegakure?"
The Root shinobi, kneeling before him, answered through gritted teeth, "I'm sorry. Hanzo has kept a low