Hiruzen Sarutobi paused, his gaze sweeping over the two of them.
"You were lucky today. I was there to hold the line in front of you.
But what about later?
If you were carrying out a mission on your own someday and ran into a situation like this, then charged out in a hotheaded rush, who would clean up after you?"
Tsunade pressed her lips together, feeling somewhat unconvinced—she thought she had fought pretty well today.
But seeing the expression on Teacher Hiruzen's face, the one that clearly said he was doing this for their own good, she swallowed her irritation.
Forget it. Let Teacher vent a little.
Hiruzen said a few more things before finally stopping and taking a sip from the teacup on the table.
"All right, enough about you two."
Tsunade and Orochimaru exchanged a glance, both letting out a breath of relief.
Hiruzen set down his teacup, his tone returning to its usual gentleness.
"Things are more or less settled.
Tomorrow, I need to go to the capital of the Land of Hot Water to discuss some cooperation matters. It will probably take a day or two."
He looked at the two of them. "Get some proper rest these next few days. You can look around nearby if you want, but remember—"
"Behave yourselves."
Tsunade answered, "Got it, Teacher."
Orochimaru nodded as well.
Hiruzen looked at his two disciples, and a faint smile finally appeared on his face.
"Go on. You've had a tiring day. Get some rest early."
The two of them answered and turned to leave the room.
When she reached the door, Tsunade suddenly looked back. "Teacher, that idiot Jiraiya... he's really all right?"
Hiruzen froze for a moment, then smiled.
"That kid has a tough life.
By the time we return to