Within the Land of Rain.
The sky was gloomy, and the torrential rain beat violently against the ground, as if it meant to wash away every trace of impurity.
Inside Konoha's outpost.
"Splash!"
Jiraiya suddenly burst into the tent where Tsunade was staying. Not caring that she was still asleep, he hurriedly called out to her.
"Tsunade, wake up!"
Tsunade had been drunk and fast asleep, but Jiraiya's rough shoving and shouting woke her.
Clutching her throbbing head, she knitted her brows tightly and let out a soft groan.
"Ugh... my head hurts... You, you bastard, Jiraiya!"
Her bleary, tipsy eyes were full of annoyance. She shot a glare at Jiraiya, who had woken her, and snapped at him.
Hearing Tsunade's words, Jiraiya gave a bitter smile but offered no explanation.
His expression grew slightly serious, and he spoke in a low voice.
"Tsunade, you, Sosuke, and Orochimaru were ordered by the village not long ago to find Sakumo, weren't you?"
As he spoke, Jiraiya watched Tsunade closely, trying to see whether her expression changed.
But in response, Tsunade just rubbed her head vigorously, her pretty face full of the misery of a hangover. She didn't seem to have even heard him.
"Ugh... what did you say?"
Jiraiya had no choice but to repeat himself.
Hearing him, Tsunade furrowed her brows. It was clear that the mention of Sosuke had once again dampened her mood.
She shot Jiraiya an impatient look and scolded him.
"You idiot. How could the village possibly issue an order like that?"
"If it was an assignment, couldn't the Anbu have handled it?"
At Tsunade's words, Jiraiya's gaze darkened. Wanting to make absolutely sure, he pressed her again.
Tsunade was clearly getting irritated by his questions. Her expression turned ugly.
If she hadn't been drunk, she