Jiraiya remembered how he had been back then, the least gifted of the Sannin.
Because he had failed to get a bell, he had been tied to a log, too.
Back then, the Sannin had all been close and had held Hiruzen Sarutobi in great respect.
When Jiraiya was tied to the log, Tsunade had even laughed at him.
These were all precious memories to Jiraiya, but they had all slipped far away from him.
So many years had passed in a flash, and everything had long since changed.
Seeing Jiraiya's expression, Lin Guang knew he was remembering the past.
But the members of the Akatsuki were all so powerful that if they ran into Uchiha Itachi and Kisame Hoshigaki next, they would have a tough fight on their hands.
In Konoha Hospital, Might Guy, Asuma Sarutobi, and Kurenai Yuhi were looking after Kakashi as he lay in his hospital bed.
"Judging by how they acted, it seems they haven't found Naruto yet."
Might Guy spoke.
"Don't you think that's strange? They'd already infiltrated the village. Finding Naruto here should have been easy, right? Uchiha Itachi definitely knows what Naruto looks like."
Asuma Sarutobi voiced his doubts.
Clack, clack, clack...
The sound of wooden sandals striking the floor came from outside. It was Sasuke, who had come to visit as soon as he heard Kakashi had been hurt.
In fact, Sasuke had been quite cheerful as a young child, every bit as quick to warm up to strangers as Naruto.
It was only later that Uchiha Itachi had massacred the clan. Otherwise, Sasuke probably would never have turned so dark.
"Shh!"
Might Guy reminded Asuma Sarutobi to be careful not to mention Uchiha Itachi's name.
"Kakashi-sensei... uh, why is Kakashi-sensei lying in bed? And why are so many Jonin here?