Jiraiya and Orochimaru, who knew Tsunade well, understood this too. Besides, Hiruzen Sarutobi was the one objecting, so both remained silent.
Naturally, Xuanhui did not speak up for her. He was waiting for that man to appear.
"You damned old man..."
"I agree with her."
An ill-timed voice rang out, abruptly cutting off Tsunade's anger.
She turned to look at the handsome, blue-haired young man.
"We can't just stand by and watch our comrades die in war. The shortage of Medical Ninjas really is our most urgent problem."
She watched as someone who shared her aspirations stepped forward of his own accord to speak on her behalf.
Jiraiya glanced at Dan Katō, a trace of mixed emotion in his eyes.
In the end, Hiruzen Sarutobi proposed a compromise: they could increase spending on medical resources, but large-scale training would have to wait until after the war.
After the meeting ended, Tsunade jogged outside and struck up a conversation with Dan Katō.
Jiraiya remained seated in the meeting room, lost in thoughts no one else could read.
Xuanhui stayed there with him.
Seeing that Xuanhui had not gotten up, Orochimaru prodded his shoulder.
"Why aren't you leaving? We haven't recorded today's data yet."
"Go on ahead. I'll be there in a bit."
Orochimaru looked up. Aside from the two of them, only Jiraiya remained in the meeting room.
"Don't take too long."
Orochimaru patted Xuanhui's shoulder and quietly left.
Xuanhui casually took the seat beside Jiraiya.
"Lord Jiraiya, what are you thinking about?"
Jiraiya turned to look at Xuanhui. After a moment's silence, he decided to confide in someone.
"Xuanhui, do you think Tsunade would have been touched if I'd spoken up for her?"
"No, Lord Jiraiya. You two aren't right for each other."
Xuanhui's approach was decidedly Western. He went