With a sincere expression, Jiraiya explained the terms of the "blood pact" to Ye Chen.
The blood pact Jiraiya wanted to sign really did involve looking after Ye Chen in his personal capacity.
Suddenly receiving concern from a stranger-and a male stranger at that-left Ye Chen somewhat bewildered.
Still, despite Jiraiya's insistence, Ye Chen politely declined.
"Sir, that would be far too unfair to you. I'm against signing this contract."
Jiraiya spread his hands quite openly and said:
"Of course you have the right to refuse."
"But I'm not nearly as noble as you imagine."
"Signing the blood pact is partly about looking after you a little for old times' sake."
"And partly about making it easier to monitor your every move and guard against the harm you might cause in the future."
Jiraiya's "frank" answer finally made Ye Chen feel a little better.
People could not sign an absolutely "fair" summoning contract with one another the way they could with summoned beasts.
However, the blood alliance contract was the only contract between humans that worked in much the same way as a summoning contract.
But the price required for a blood alliance contract was simply too great.
The party initiating it, in particular, could very well pay an extremely painful price.
Jiraiya had proposed signing a "blood pact" right from the start, which was ample proof of his sincerity.
Although he had also openly stated his other intention.
Still, Ye Chen was moved by Jiraiya's sincerity.
Ye Chen put both arms behind his back, giving Jiraiya no chance to "take matters into his own hands."
He solemnly thumped his chest and promised:
"Sir, you can rest assured. I can swear here and now that I will never act against Konoha, and can even help protect its interests."
After all,