Hozuki Castle.
Jiraiya paced anxiously around his cell. His cell was luxurious, furnished by the Ninja Cats according to the treatment reserved for high-ranking officials.
There was a desk inside for Jiraiya to write at, and the bookshelf was packed with eighteen-plus books.
To keep Jiraiya from losing his inspiration, the shelf was also stocked with plenty of adult magazines.
The other prisoners were practically drooling with envy at such treatment.
But Jiraiya had no interest in any of that right now. He was worried sick about the battle at Mount Myōboku.
How was the Ninja Alliance doing against Madara?
Were Minato and Kushina alright? Or were they already dead?
Jiraiya looked outside the cell. "Konan, Nagato, tell me. How is the battle going?"
Konan and Nagato were standing guard outside, keeping Jiraiya company as they spoke of what they had gone through over the years and celebrated their hard-won reunion.
Nagato shook his head. "Teacher, the situation isn't looking good. Many Ninja Cats from Hozuki Castle have been killed in action, and Madara's White Zetsu have all been taken out."
Jiraiya said anxiously, "I want to hear about the Ninja Alliance, about the Leaf Village!"
Dan was in the cell beside Jiraiya's and had perked up his ears as well. He was deeply concerned about the Leaf Village too.
Nagato shook his head. "We don't know about that. Our intelligence isn't shared with Liao Wu's."
"But if our casualties are already this severe, the Ninja Alliance and the Leaf Village must have suffered no fewer losses."
"Honestly, I don't even know how the Ninja Alliance could fight Madara with the Rinnegan."
"..."
Jiraiya sat in his chair, looking dejected. Perhaps his teacher, his disciples, and all those people had already been killed by Madara!
Konan comforted him, "Teacher, the