Bang! The Two Great Sage Toads summoned Jiraiya to the entrance of Ryūchi Cave.
"Little Jiraiya, it was an emergency. We had no choice but to bring you here."
"No, I'm the one who should apologize. I've dragged you both into the ninja world's conflicts again."
"Enough fussing! Let's finish things up here. I still have to go back and make the Insect Cuisine the children love!"
Shima looked toward the mist at the entrance to Ryūchi Cave. "Still, catching a few old Five-Step Snakes to make soup and give the children some extra nourishment would be wonderful!"
Fukasaku said, "Ma! We can't do that! We're here to ask them a favor. How can we just go around catching their young?"
Jiraiya said, "Why don't I go alone? You two can wait here until I come out, then we'll head back together!"
Fukasaku said, "In your dreams! Do you take us for transportation?"
Shima said, "Besides, Ryūchi Cave is far too dangerous. Going in there is like walking straight into a lion's den... With us two old-timers around, at least they won't kill you out of respect for our old man!"
Jiraiya said, "All right... But if an emergency comes up, please leave my shoulders and save yourselves. Otherwise, I'd never forgive myself!"
Pat! Pat! Fukasaku and Shima hopped onto Jiraiya's shoulders.
Shima said, "Enough talking. Let's see just how impressive that Cigarette-Smoking Old Woman is, the one they put on the same level as our fool of an old man!"
As the three entered Ryūchi Cave, inside the temple at its far end...
A woman with cascading black hair, a stunning figure, and fiery red lips reclined languidly on the Throne. She wore a jet-black robe adorned with golden snakes and held a pipe, puffing out clouds of smoke.