"So you're saying you and that guy are about evenly matched now?"
The young man in purple adjusted the bamboo hat on his head and asked in an even tone.
The guy he meant was, of course, Orochimaru.
Seated across from him was a tall, imposing man with white hair falling over his shoulders.
At his words, Jiraiya burst into booming laughter, drawing glances from several tables downstairs.
"Yeah, more or less!"
Jiraiya admitted it readily. He took off his bamboo hat, propped it beside the table along with the enormous scroll he carried, and waved a broad hand.
"But that guy has spent all these years pouring his energy into his weird research. His strength has pretty much stayed where it was. He might even have neglected his body and spirit a little because he's so obsessed with jutsu.
"I, on the other hand, have been traveling around, learning about life, and occasionally teaching some unruly youngsters. I've made at least a little progress."
His words were half teasing, half confidence.
As one of the Sannin, Jiraiya's strength had always been unfathomable. With the experience and maturity he had gained over the years, he might indeed have surpassed the severely lopsided Orochimaru in overall combat ability, especially in a head-on fight.
"Young ladies downstairs, bring us some booze and meat! The best you've got!"
Clearly in good spirits, Jiraiya shouted toward the counter downstairs, his booming voice carrying the rough exuberance of a seasoned wanderer.
His voice immediately caught the attention of the two girls talking quietly behind the counter.
One had brilliant golden hair reaching her waist, with neatly arranged bangs above clear, bright emerald eyes. Her face was lovely. She was Ino Yamanaka.
The other was Sakura Haruno, a slender, pretty girl with long pink hair and