In the end, Tsunade still couldn't bring herself to hit Jiraiya too hard.
After all, he was still a patient who had only just recovered from serious injuries and needed rest. If she really hurt him, she would be the one left worrying and dealing with the trouble.
But that didn't mean she would let the old pervert off easily.
She had made a very clear mental note of this debt. Once Jiraiya had recovered enough, she would settle the score!
"You old pervert! You never change!"
Tsunade tugged on Jiraiya's ear, gritting her teeth as she scolded him under her breath.
"You've only just woken up, and you're already thinking about that nonsense. Are you trying to get yourself killed?"
"Ow! Easy, easy! Tsunade, I was wrong! Really! I was only joking! Just trying to lighten the mood!"
Jiraiya grimaced and begged for mercy while gingerly trying to rescue his ear from Tsunade's "clutches."
He groaned inwardly. Sure enough, neither Tsunade's monstrous strength nor her temper had changed one bit.
The Seventh Hokage, Naruto, watched awkwardly from the side, scratching his head. He wanted to plead for his teacher, but the moment he opened his mouth, a sharp glare from Tsunade stopped him cold. Her eyes clearly said, Just try speaking up for him.
The Seventh wisely shut his mouth at once, lowered his gaze, and pretended he hadn't seen a thing.
Even the wisest judge couldn't untangle a family dispute, much less one between his teacher and Granny Tsunade. He was better off staying out of it.
Seeing that things were about to descend into another stalemate of "one-sided suppression," the Seventh hurriedly changed the subject.
"Granny Tsunade, Teacher Jiraiya, it's getting late. Why don't you come back with me for dinner?"
Jiraiya's eyes immediately lit up.
*Good