The first to refuse was Tsunade. She had only returned to accompany Nawaki this time, so naturally, she would not be taking any missions.
The next to bow out was Orochimaru. He still had research to do.
Although... he was quite interested in the dragon vein, he had a feeling that only Jiraiya could go on this mission... and that he might run into bad luck if he went himself.
In the end, Jiraiya naturally accepted the mission.
"Sensei... this mission might be dangerous. Why don't I go with you?"
Minato Namikaze looked at Jiraiya as he spoke.
"Heh heh heh... who do you think I am? I'm Jiraiya, the Toad Sage of Mount Myōboku... I'll be fine on my own!"
"Besides, Konoha needs you. Just stay in the village and wait for my good news."
And so, Jiraiya set off for Rōran alone.
Just as he was about to leave the village, Tsunade, who was walking behind him, called out to him.
"Jiraiya..."
Jiraiya turned at her voice, then smiled. "What's wrong, Tsunade?"
"Be careful out there."
"Hahaha... are you worried about me? If you are, let's make a bet! How about we bet that I'll die?"
Jiraiya smiled at Tsunade, then turned and left Konoha.
Watching his retreating back, Tsunade lowered her head.
As she did, she saw the necklace hanging against her chest.
Taking the necklace in her hand, Tsunade thought to herself.
All right... I'll take that bet. If you come back alive, I'll give you this necklace!
At the same time Jiraiya left Konoha, Naruto, Minato Namikaze, Uchiha Itachi, Sasori, and Nagato used the Teleportation Device to teleport to Rōran Ancient City together.
Naruto and Minato Namikaze had each left a Shadow Clone in Konoha.
Because they had mastered Nen, their Shadow