"Rustle, rustle—"
As wave after wave of Rock Ninja attacked outside the cave, the massive rocky mountain shook violently, causing dust and small stones to keep falling inside the cave where Tsunade and the others were sheltering.
In such conditions, even with Tsunade healing him, the already gravely injured Jiraiya would occasionally cough violently, his expression twisting with pain.
Seeing this, Tsunade's pretty face grew solemn, her eyes full of worry. She focused all her attention on the Mystical Palm Technique glowing in her hand and said sternly,
"Idiot, what do you think made me agree to return to the village and help you complete this mission? Do you think a ninja should be able to endure only this much!?"
"Do you hear me, idiot? Hang in there! If you die here... that would be too cruel... Didn't you promise to bring Sosuke back yourself!?"
Tsunade shouted, though a faint, almost imperceptible vulnerability tinged her pretty face.
If Jiraiya died in front of her, she was afraid she wouldn't be able to accept it. This idiot... how could he just die like this...
He'd made so many arrogant promises...
Just then, Jiraiya, leaning against the stone wall with a pale face, managed to curl his lips into a smile.
"Cough, cough..."
He struggled to raise one hand and gently rest it on Tsunade's shoulder. His voice was low and strained as he said,
"D-don't worry..."
"No matter what... I'll bring that guy back... I... I promise!"
Though Jiraiya's eyes were closed and his face was covered in dust, exhaustion, and grime, the conviction in his words was unmistakable.
Tsunade stared at him blankly, then lowered her head and continued to heal him with all her strength.
Yet, at some point, a few crystalline drops had fallen to the ground. Amid