Jiraiya, Punched Flying

"Yo—you two finally made it! You sure kept me waiting!"

Jiraiya, familiar with the way, walked up behind them and pulled them both into an embrace.

In an instant, familiar feelings filled the hearts of all three, and the scene fell silent.

In the end, Jiraiya was the one who broke the quiet atmosphere.

"Konan, it's been years! You've grown into quite a fine woman! So, is there a boy you like?"

"I'm telling you, I've got a sharp eye for these things. If there's anything you can't decide on, make sure to come ask me!"

After boasting to Konan, Jiraiya turned to Nagato, and a trace of complicated emotion unconsciously flickered through his eyes.

"Nagato, your body is in terrible shape. How did you end up like this?"

Feeling the emaciated body beneath Nagato's clothes, Jiraiya's voice sank several degrees.

"But—you're alive. That's what matters!"

"About Yahiko..."

"Jiraiya-sensei!"

Nagato interrupted Jiraiya's apology.

"It's all in the past now!"

"Hanzo has already paid the price for it!"

"Lord Hokage also promised that once the war ends, he'll hand Danzo over to us for punishment once!"

"I don't know why it's only for punishment once, but that promise is enough!"

"The only thing I still care about is the future of the Land of Rain!"

"So, there's no need for you to apologize! At the crossroads of fate, we each chose the right path."

"Even parting with Yahiko was only so that we could reunite better in the future!"

"As long as Lord Hokage can truly make Amegakure better!"

"Then even if this broken body of mine can no longer hold on, it doesn't matter at all."

The atmosphere fell silent once more. Jiraiya stared blankly at the somewhat unfamiliar man before him.

At last, he broke into a gratified grin.