As night deepened, the three figures returned to the inn one after another.
When Jiraiya pushed the door open, his face was full of excitement, and he was still muttering words like "material" and "inspiration."
Tsunade followed close behind. Her expression was neither good nor bad; she merely touched her empty coin purse and curled her lips.
Orochimaru was the last to enter. His expression was as calm as ever, but his golden slit pupils were deeper than usual, as though he were pondering something.
"You're all back?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi came out of the room, already changed back into his usual attire.
"Perfect. You haven't had dinner yet, right?
Come on, I'll take you to try some of the Daimyo's Palace specialties."
Jiraiya's eyes lit up. "Awesome! Sensei's treating?"
"Mm, I am."
Hiruzen smiled and nodded. "Let's go."
The four of them left the inn, crossed the street they had come from, and turned into a brightly lit alley.
Deep in the alley was an inconspicuous little shop. A curtain bearing the words "Iseya" hung at the entrance, and an enticing aroma drifted out from inside.
"I came to this place when I was young."
Hiruzen lifted the curtain.
"The owner is an old acquaintance of my teacher. The food is honest, and the prices are fair."
The shop was small, with only four or five tables, but it was clean and tidy.
An elderly woman with graying hair was busy by the stove. When she saw Hiruzen, she smiled.
"Oh my, isn't this Monkey? How many years has it been since I last saw you?"
"Granny, it's been a long time."
Hiruzen smiled in greeting.
"I brought a few juniors here to taste your cooking."
"Good, good, good! Sit, sit, sit!"
The old woman welcomed them warmly.
"We got