After demonstrating his abilities, Taruho checked Jiraiya's information with the people beside him. Finding that everything matched, he felt a little more reassured.
"It seems you really are Lord Jiraiya."
"That's right! I am the handsome, dashing, charming, powerful Lord Jiraiya, Fifth Hokage, renowned throughout the Shinobi World!"
All that boasting, paired with his sleazy grin and the involuntary twitching of his eyebrows...
Looking at him, Taruho's mouth twitched, and he silently grumbled:
He has such an upright face and an imposing build, so why does he look so sleazy when he smiles?
That contrast shattered the aura of dignity Taruho had associated with the title of Hokage.
Still, grumbling aside, Taruho did not lower his guard. He watched Jiraiya and continued asking:
"Since you're the Fifth Hokage, do you know Mr. Dan Katō?"
Dan Katō?
The name struck Jiraiya like a bolt of lightning.
His flippant smile vanished instantly, and his entire demeanor turned grave and solemn.
"How do you know that name?"
Dan Katō's soul seemed to have already returned to the Pure Land.
After his last resurrection, he had never left Konoha, remaining there to assist the Second Hokage and Orochimaru with their experiments.
The last time Dan Katō had gone on a mission was during the Second Shinobi World War. This young guard from the Land of Demons looked no older than fifteen or sixteen. How could he know Dan's name?
Something was definitely wrong here.
Seeing Jiraiya's intense reaction, Taruho actually felt a little relieved.
It seemed the man really did know Mr. Dan Katō, and their relationship might be rather close.
The wariness on his face eased slightly, though he remained solemn. He stepped aside to clear the way and said to Jiraiya:
"Mr. Dan Katō is with the priestess right now."
"He appeared