"Is this the guarantee you gave me?!"
"Your guarantee is worthless in front of me now. If you can't handle this properly, I won't get involved in any of this—surveillance, the Uchiha, or anything else!"
After Jiraiya arrived at the Hokage Office and found Hiruzen Sarutobi, he immediately launched into a furious tirade.
Meanwhile, Hiruzen Sarutobi maintained his usual demeanor, smoking as he pondered the matter.
He was indeed in the wrong over this matter, leaving Hiruzen Sarutobi speechless as he endured Jiraiya's raging fury.
After taking another drag from his pipe, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally spoke to Jiraiya.
"Konoha has been infiltrated by outside forces until it's practically a sieve."
"This time, Naruto was attacked by another group of outsiders, so we were caught unprepared."
Hearing his teacher's excuse, Jiraiya's anger flared up again, and he spoke once more.
"What's the point of you people fighting over things inside the village again and again?"
"If Naruto dies, one of the village's strategic assets will be gone. Do you think you'll feel good about that?"
"Though I truly hate comparing Naruto to a strategic asset, you should be thinking clearly about what the village wants right now."
Jiraiya's words were harsh, making Hiruzen Sarutobi's already unmasked expression turn even uglier.
"I understand. I'll be more careful from now on."
"Stay by Naruto's side and protect him yourself. That should put your mind at ease."
Hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi finally relent, Jiraiya slowly shook his head.
"This group is very strong. I won't be enough on my own. I need more manpower."
Before Jiraiya had arrived, Hiruzen Sarutobi had already learned the full details of the incident and knew how strong that group was. He spoke again.
"At most, one person."
"Choose for yourself. I can't spare any more than that. After all,