Over the past few years, as a commander, Orochimaru had witnessed far too much cruelty in the war against Amegakure.
Even if they were only children, once they had learned ninjutsu, they possessed the ability to take the battlefield and kill enemies.
In Orochimaru's view, given Amegakure's current situation, it was not impossible for Hanzo, the leader of the Land of Rain, to send out child soldiers in pursuit of victory.
"Orochimaru, stop talking. You and Tsunade should head back first. I'll take care of these little ones for the time being."
Jiraiya's words stunned Tsunade, but he continued.
"I want to stay until they can at least live independently. Consider it a small act of atonement."
"But..."
Jiraiya walked over to Yahiko and crouched down, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. He thought that perhaps this was not merely about atonement. Maybe it was fate's arrangement as well.
"Tsunade, pass a message to Shinichi for me. Tell him I don't know when I'll be able to return, so I'm leaving Minato's further training to him."
Before heading to the Land of Rain to join the battle, Jiraiya had sent Namikaze Minato to Mount Myoboku for senjutsu training.
He believed that even a genius like Namikaze Minato would not find it easy to master senjutsu.
After all, it had taken him quite a long time before he achieved even a little success, and even now, he had yet to fully master senjutsu.
But since he could not be sure when he would return to the village, Jiraiya could only entrust Namikaze Minato's future training to Hyuga Shinichi.
"Sigh, do as you please. Anyway, the war with Amegakure is more or less over. But Shinichi will probably complain that you're an irresponsible teacher. After all, he's very protective of Minato."