As for whether the elite experts from the major hidden villages would take part in the infiltration work,
Jiraiya simply stopped concerning himself with it and left them to act of their own accord.
This had to do with Jiraiya's decision, but it was also inseparable from Ye Chen's "persuasion."
After meeting Ye Chen, just a few words dispelled many of Jiraiya's doubts.
"Don't worry! They'll be fine."
Had anyone else said this, Jiraiya certainly would not have believed them.
Yet coming from Ye Chen, those words convinced Jiraiya considerably.
With his doubts dispelled, he naturally felt much more at ease.
So Jiraiya dragged Ye Chen off for "drinks," taking the opportunity to boast about his "glorious achievements" back in the day.
Ye Chen readily agreed, only to find that Jiraiya led him straight toward the border.
Only then did Ye Chen realize that Jiraiya intended to take him to Amegakure for "drinks."
Ye Chen immediately perked up.
Especially when he saw how heavily guarded the Land of Rain's side was, Ye Chen grew even more animated.
Now that he no longer needed to remain confined to the Hidden Jun Village, his outlook had naturally broadened considerably.
Taking opportunities to find "amusement" had become the norm for Ye Chen after this change in mindset.
At this point, the harder the "infiltration" work was, the happier Ye Chen became.
Only challenging work could stir his enthusiasm.
With their strength, slipping across the Land of Rain's border would have been extremely easy for both of them.
Yet as they approached the border, Jiraiya pulled Ye Chen aside to a deserted spot.
Ye Chen could not help asking curiously:
"Sir, we're about to cross the border. Do you have something planned, bringing me somewhere so secluded now?"
Jiraiya smiled and nodded, saying:
"Sneaking