"If you can't stand what the Konoha leadership is doing, why not try to change it?" Tsunade said, shifting the conversation.
Jiraiya laughed it off. "That sounds like too much trouble. I don't want to get involved. Once the war's over, I'll go back to wandering and writing.
"The Great Toad Sage predicted that I'd meet the child of destiny who will change the Shinobi World. This world is full of hatred.
"I'll leave all that to the child of destiny. I'm happy just watching from the sidelines."
Tsunade fell silent. The three of them had grown up together, and they knew one another too well.
Jiraiya rarely acted serious, but deep down he was full of ambition. That was why their friendship had only grown stronger over the years.
If he had truly been a petty, lecherous man at heart, Tsunade and Orochimaru would never have stayed so close to him.
The night passed quickly. In the morning, Fugaku and Uchiha Jin watched Jiraiya and Tsunade disappear into the rain.
Inside the tent, the captains of the camp's ninja squads had gathered.
Fugaku looked around. "From today onward, I'm the commander of Konoha's outpost in the Land of Rain. I'll be responsible for all matters here, and I'm counting on your cooperation.
"Our existing strategy in the Land of Rain remains unchanged. Continue monitoring Stone and Sand and the Ame shinobi.
"Pay particular attention to the Land of Wind. Report any large-scale troop movements to me."
"Yes, sir."
While Fugaku took charge of the camp in the Land of Rain, Danzo had also arrived back in Konoha.
Inside the Hokage's Office.
Danzo and the Third Hokage sat facing each other.
"How is Homura?" Danzo asked.
"He's out of danger. All he needs now is time to recover. He'll return