You Want Your Back Scrubbed Too?

Jiraiya believed Sarutobi Hiruzen's idea was far too naive. This was a mistake often made by leaders who had never been on the battlefield and only sat in offices.

Taking things for granted!

He had completely underestimated the dangers of the battlefield.

The situation on the battlefield changed by the second. Although Kirigakure had suffered tremendous losses, it was still one of the Five Great Ninja Villages. Their Mizukage was still alive, and so was their Jinchuriki.

They still had the ability to fight Konoha.

Moreover, Konoha was currently fighting Kumogakure, Iwagakure, Sunagakure, and Amegakure at the same time.

Konoha's situation was actually worse than Kirigakure's.

Kirigakure was currently only defending and not attacking, waiting for Konoha to be worn down by the other battlefields.

Or perhaps they wanted to mislead Konoha into withdrawing its main forces before launching a surprise attack.

However, Sarutobi Hiruzen only wanted to build up Nawaki's achievements and turn him into Konoha's hero. The things he considered were completely different from Jiraiya's.

Seeing Jiraiya's worried expression, he explained further.

"I only want him to hold the title. I won't actually send him to the front lines. I'll keep him in the rear. Given Kirigakure's current situation, they definitely won't attack. Besides, I'll send you there. With you protecting him, nothing can go wrong."

"Based on Homura's and my calculations, once the Mist Ninja learn that we've increased our troops, they'll retreat soon enough. You might even make it in time for the battlefield in the Land of Rain."

Jiraiya did not agree with Sarutobi Hiruzen's naive idea and spoke solemnly.

"There are too many variables in war. Don't underestimate the Mist Ninja either. There must be a reason they're insisting on not withdrawing."

"The battlefield is dangerous. I don't have the confidence to protect him