"Honestly..."
Jiraiya raised a hand to rub the back of his head and muttered:
"Kid, with a face that cute, how did you turn out so mischievous?"
Jiraiya kept his complaint so quiet that even Hayashi couldn't make it out.
"Huh? Lord Jiraiya, what did you say?"
He leaned half a step closer.
Seeing this, Jiraiya discreetly reached out and gently pushed him back into place, then took a step back himself, raised a finger, and wagged it with exaggerated solemnity.
"This is grown-up business. Little brats aren't allowed to get involved."
"Aww, Lord Jiraiya, but I'm curious."
Hayashi looked up, gazing at him pleadingly.
When those eyes met his, Jiraiya faltered for once.
The red-haired child tilted his face up, his eyes practically spelling out, "I want to know." That face looked sweet and adorable no matter how he looked at it.
For a moment, he was at a loss, his head-scratching hand freezing in midair.
No, stay calm. I'm a sage.
Jiraiya made a fist with one hand, brought it to his mouth, and pretended to cough twice. Then he folded his arms across his chest, adopting his sage's bearing once more.
"No, no, no~ Little Hayashi, I'm carrying out a secret mission. I certainly can't tell you."
Little Hayashi?
What's with this new nickname?
Hayashi grumbled inwardly while continuing to gaze at him pleadingly.
"You can't even tell a fellow shinobi of Konoha?"
"Of course I can't tell you."
Jiraiya nodded firmly.
A secret mission?
Oh, please. You've practically got "research" written all over your face.
As Hayashi silently scoffed, Jiraiya cleared his throat, looking ready to say something to send this excessively curious brat on his way-
"Lord Jiraiya!"
A voice came from inside the bookstore first.
"The latest volume of Icha Icha Paradise