"What are you doing...? Please, get up. Whatever it is, we can discuss it slowly."
Director Yamada shot Inoue Reina a meaningful look.
The head of the Inoue Clan, who had earlier circled around to Jiraiya's rear flank, immediately helped Jiraiya to his feet.
The Konoha brute, who had always been utterly defenseless against beautiful women, indeed promptly stopped himself from bursting into "loud sobs" at the sight, recovering at least some of the bearing expected of the Third Hokage's disciple.
"You've agreed to help?" He craned his neck and asked eagerly.
"This is a matter of great importance. If there is any way I can be of service, I would not dare refuse.
However, given the current situation, I personally believe that Lord Jiraiya merely needs to make good use of your available forces and formulate a plan step by step. This air raid operation will surely come to fruition naturally."
"That part's easy... Please give me some more practical pointers!"
Jiraiya first pulled a miserable face, then stepped closer with a sly grin. "For example, the key targets for this operation! Right now, all I can think of are important facilities like the Mizukage Building and the mission reception center, as well as the air-defense installations built by the Land of Water... Other than that, is there anything else you think should be added?"
Though he never seemed particularly serious when it came to getting things done, the young Jiraiya was certainly not one of those lazy, stupid high-ranking parasites.
Judging from their conversation just now, while his tone had been somewhat flippant, once it involved concrete work, the Mount Myoboku turtle had clearly incorporated his own thoughts into the analysis.
And when faced with a conversation founded on normal logical reasoning, Director Yamada finally revealed the truth.