Tsunade did not make her decision right away. This choice was far too important, both for her and for Jiraiya.
One wrong move, and everything would be lost.
Besides, the truth could not stay hidden forever. Once she told a lie, she had to be prepared for it to be exposed eventually...
But Jiraiya won't have his guard up around me. If I want to plant a suggestion in his mind, now is the best time.
His mind and mental defenses will only grow stronger as he gets older and gains more experience.
The longer I wait, the harder it will be, and the lower my chances of success!
If I plant a few little, unobtrusive suggestions during the treatment, I won't have to agonize over always chasing after him...
All it would take is one suggestive phrase. Just one!
I can do it. Nothing could be easier, could it?
Do it. This is the best opportunity, and the only one.
Tsunade lowered her eyes and gently rested her forehead against Jiraiya's shoulder.
Happiness within reach, or an illusion beyond her grasp-the choice between the two was so simple that even a child at the Ninja Academy would know which to choose.
But, but...
As the warm breeze blew, Tsunade thought she heard the rustle of turning pages.
Leaf Dragon was someone Jiraiya had never been able to let go of, and a teacher who had earnestly guided her for a time as well.
Though she had initially been drawn to him by his identity and his temperament, which resembled her teacher Yilong's, the differences hidden beneath his Yilong mask would always surface in odd moments, leaving her torn.
Eventually, Leaf Dragon had come alive as a person, taking on a character uniquely his own. He had stepped out from