"Not good!"
Shima's expression changed:
"Don't tell me that brat Gamabunta started fighting that little punk?"
"Let's get inside and take a look!"
Fukasaku no longer bothered to walk slowly. Leaning on his cane, he rushed inside.
The two of them charged into the courtyard one after the other, and Shima shoved open the door—
Then they froze.
The scene inside was completely different from what they had imagined.
There was no tense confrontation, no furious opponents glaring at each other.
Instead, one large and one small figure sat in the middle of the room with their arms around each other's shoulders, as close as brothers separated for years.
Jiraiya sat with one leg crossed and the other propped up, one hand draped over Gamabunta's shoulder, his face full of smiles.
"Big Brother! It was all this little brother's fault just now!
I never expected there to be such a powerful toad as you on Mount Myōboku!"
Gamabunta also had an arm around Jiraiya's shoulder, his huge frog face brimming with pride.
"Of course! Who do you think I am?!"
Jiraiya continued:
"During that fight just now, this little brother could tell at a glance that you were a true talent—no, a true toad talent!"
"Of course, of course!"
Gamabunta nodded repeatedly and patted Jiraiya on the back.
"Little Brother Jiraiya, we only got to know each other after a fight! Big Brother didn't hurt you too badly just now, did he?"
Jiraiya patted his chest. "No, no! I should be thanking Big Brother for going easy on me!"
"In that case—"
Gamabunta waved a large hand.
"To show my apology, if anyone bullies you in the future, just give them my name!
I'll bring my brothers to back you up!"
"Then many thanks, Big Brother!" Jiraiya's eyes lit up.