I had barely stepped back when the back of my collar went taut.
Tsunade hauled me back like a little chick.
"Where do you think you're going? Get to the hospital with me!"
She glared, her clenched fist cracking.
I rolled my eyes and sighed.
"Lady, this is unpaid overtime. You've got a heart of stone."
"Cut the crap. What if this old fool drops dead on the way?"
Tsunade's voice trembled a little. Clearly, she was scared out of her wits.
I pursed my lips and let her drag me to Konoha Hospital.
The corridor reeked of disinfectant and felt rather deserted.
ANBU stood guard at the door, their expressions grave.
The red light over the emergency room was on, and the Medical Corps inside were working nonstop.
Jiraiya lay sprawled on the hospital bed.
His breathing was heavy, but his heartbeat was deep and strong.
"Lady Tsunade, Lord Jiraiya's vital signs have stabilized."
The medical ninja in charge of emergency treatment was drenched in sweat as he said hesitantly:
"This is a miracle. His heart was clearly pierced."
"But now, there's not even a trace of damage."
Tsunade hurried forward, pale green light glowing at her fingertips.
Her hands trembled as they moved back and forth over Jiraiya's chest.
Her usually steady eyes grew increasingly misty.
"He's all right... he's all right..."
She sniffed, her voice sounding a little muffled.
Unexpectedly, Jiraiya broke into a grin from his bed.
"Old woman, I'm a tough one to kill. What are you crying for?"
"I'm not crying! It's the disinfectant fumes!"
Tsunade slapped his stomach, making his eyes roll back.
"Ow! You old hag, are you trying to murder me?"
Jiraiya clutched his stomach and groaned in pain.
Seeing his shameless antics, Tsunade laughed through her tears.
The tears she