He'd sparred in ninjutsu with Sunagakure's higher-ups? After hearing Sarutobi Toru's words, Jiraiya curled his lip.
What did "sparring in ninjutsu" mean? Did Lord Jiraiya not know? Back then, he had been sparred with every day until he was bruised all over, then used as material for Medical Ninjutsu treatment. That had been an unforgettable childhood trauma for Jiraiya!
Clearly, this time Sarutobi Toru had beaten Sunagakure's higher-ups badly. Otherwise, they could never have agreed to such harsh terms.
But what was going on with this Pakura?
Jiraiya had heard of Pakura the Scorch Release user. She was Sunagakure's famed untouchable beauty, notorious there for her terrible temperament, immense strength, arrogance, and habit of looking down on others—a problem ninja through and through.
Yet when Sarutobi Toru had just been discussing Sunagakure, there had not been the slightest trace of sorrow or embarrassment on Pakura's face. Instead, she had looked as though it were only natural.
Jiraiya was nearly thirty now and no longer as careless as he had been in his youth. On the contrary, he could be described as rough and boorish on the outside, but meticulous within.
Pakura's behavior did not fit her identity as a Sunagakure ninja. Jiraiya put himself in her shoes. If he were in her position, there was no way he would give Sarutobi Toru a pleasant look, especially when Sarutobi Toru was showing off what happened to be Sunagakure's humiliation.
Jiraiya's probing gaze was well concealed, but it could not escape Sarutobi Toru's eyes; he knew Jiraiya too well. A faint smile tugged at Sarutobi Toru's lips as he reached out and took Pakura's small hand.
"Eek—" Jiraiya was so startled that his white hair stood on end. He turned to check Tsunade's expression, only to see her still gnawing on a