"Jiraiya! If you don't say anything, no one will think you're a mute!" Tsunade's face flushed red with embarrassment and anger when he exposed her past.
Still, Jiraiya's interruption helped steady Tsunade's emotions a little. She knew this wasn't the time to hold anyone accountable.
The Third Hokage looked somewhat ashamed by Tsunade's words. "Tsunade! Nawaki was right about one thing: a young hawk has to leave the nest before it can learn to fly. Given his abilities, and with Torifu and Sakumo's help, I don't think anything should go wrong. You can't protect him for the rest of his life. This is his choice, and we should support him."
"If it were an ordinary B-Rank Mission, there'd be no problem. But this mission has clearly become an S-rank one. No matter how talented Nawaki is, he's only five years old and has no experience with high-level missions! How am I supposed to feel at ease?" Tsunade asked seriously, having calmed down.
"Er..." Tsunade's words brought the worries the Third Hokage had kept buried in his heart rushing back.
"Heh heh heh... Since the mission's difficulty has changed, the village should be allowed to send more ninja as reinforcements, according to the rules, right? With the three of us helping, this mission shouldn't be a problem. At worst, we might lose a few hostages. I'm quite curious to see just how much Nawaki has grown," Orochimaru said with a sly smile, his eyes narrowed. That last part was probably his real reason.
"Orochimaru's right. With the three of us there, there's no way we'll have a problem!" Jiraiya declared confidently.
"This is the only option now. Old man! We're completing an S-rank mission for the village for free this time. You won't object, will you?" Tsunade glared at the Third