An Unwavering Belief

Although the founding of Peach Country had been bloody, just as Tsunade said, even without Shiraishi Yoshijo, a Shinobi World war would still have broken out. No one could have stopped that trend.

He had caused many deaths, but he had also saved many lives. Peach Country now had a population of nearly fifty million. No matter what Shiraishi Yoshijo, as emperor, had done in the past, these people only had their good lives because of his protection.

Looked at that way, it did not seem so bad.

Still, Jiraiya did not know the details of that man's hatred for Konoha even now, though he had guessed part of it. A monster born from Konoha's dark side... honestly, no wonder Uncle Shikazumi said the old man was both incompetent and hypocritical.

Fortunately, Peach Country and the Land of Fire had become allies. Their relationship would not improve, but it would not get any worse either. Yet Orochimaru had suddenly reappeared and even founded a hidden village. That guy was exactly like Shiraishi Yoshijo back then, and he was clearly following Shiraishi Yoshijo's old path.

Konoha really was plagued by disasters. Maybe the old man truly was not suited to governing anymore. Even a dark force like Akatsuki could be brought in. A politician's bottom line? Anyone who believed in that was an idiot.

Footsteps suddenly sounded as Ebisu slowly walked toward Jiraiya.

"Sorry, Ebisu. I stole your student."

"It's all right. But you really gave me a fright. Lord Hiruzen has been searching for your whereabouts all this time without getting any news. I never expected you to be in Konoha. Lord Hiruzen will definitely be happy."

"Happy?" Jiraiya shook his head. "Never mind that. Does the old man know I've returned?"

"Not yet."

"Good. Keep it a secret."

Ebisu