"Neither of them."
Jiraiya shook his head.
"Ever since you told me Orochimaru escaped after fighting you, he's vanished without a trace..."
"I haven't been able to find any sign of him, either."
"As for Hiruko, I've never heard anything about him."
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked disappointed.
"I see..."
Jiraiya continued,
"I went to Kirigakure. It really was in a state of chaos..."
"It seems something has happened to the Fourth Mizukage..."
"I didn't stay long."
"But I brought him back with me."
As he spoke, Jiraiya brought out a small figure from behind him.
It was a little girl of three or four, thin and frail, but with delicate features and an especially adorable face.
"Haku, this is my teacher, Lord Hokage..."
Jiraiya brought Haku forward.
Haku looked nervous and uneasy, and a little reluctant.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was surprised. He hadn't expected it to be Haku.
"I found him in a village outside Kirigakure. The villagers were attacking him."
"Then he nearly lost control of his bloodline."
Jiraiya explained,
"Haku, from now on, you'll stay in the village."
"Teacher Sarutobi will take good care of you."
Haku cautiously tugged at Jiraiya's sleeve.
"Lord Jiraiya, can I stay with you?"
"Please don't leave me behind."
Jiraiya was taken aback. Seeing Haku's pitiful expression, he felt his resolve soften.
"I'm not leaving you behind, Haku."
"I'm a ninja from this village, too. I'll come back to see you often."
"You'll have better living conditions here, and other children your age to play with."
Jiraiya explained,
"So it's better for you to stay here than to come with me."
Haku shook his head, a stubborn look on his adorable little face.
"I just want to stay with Lord Jiraiya. I don't mind how hard it is."
Jiraiya could only smile ruefully and try