The three followed Jiraiya into the living room.
Unlike Jiraiya's usual pigsty, with books, manuscripts, and liquor bottles scattered everywhere, the living room had clearly been tidied with care.
The floor was clean, the clutter had been packed into boxes in a corner, the cushions on the sofa were neatly arranged, and a faint scent of soapberries lingered in the air.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen, surveyed the transformed room, a flicker of surprise and understanding crossing his eyes. Stroking his beard, he teased Jiraiya:
"Heh... finally, it doesn't look like a pigsty. Having someone who knows how to keep house really does make a difference."
His words carried a double meaning, acknowledging the change Konan had brought to this "home" while subtly probing the relationship between them.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura also watched for changes in Jiraiya's and Konan's expressions.
But the three soon turned their attention to the most important member of the household.
The Third's gaze settled on Miwakan in Konan's arms. The little fellow seemed to be sleeping soundly.
My, what a quiet child. He looks much easier to care for than Konohamaru was as a baby.
"Your name is Konan, isn't it?"
The Third took a few steps forward, his voice gentle and warm with an elder's kindness.
"May I... hold the child?"
Konan did not answer immediately. Instead, she instinctively looked at Jiraiya, a question in her eyes.
Jiraiya hurried to introduce him. "Konan, this is my teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Konoha's Third Hokage. The old man's a good person. There's nothing to worry about."
At the title "Third Hokage," Konan's expression did not change.
Of course she knew what that name meant.
The leader of Konoha, the "Shinobi Hero" who had once stood at the pinnacle of the shinobi world, and one of the