"...That's how things stand. Hiruzen-sensei hopes you'll return to Konoha and take over as Hokage. There's no one in the village better suited to the position than you now."
Jiraiya looked at Tsunade with great sincerity as he finished speaking.
But they had known each other for far too long and understood each other too well.
Tsunade immediately realized something was wrong.
"Are you sure that's what Hiruzen-sensei said in his letter to you?"
"Of course. Would I lie to you?"
Jiraiya's heart lurched, but he kept up his act as though nothing were wrong and continued trying to fool her.
But just then, Tsunade suddenly sneered. "Give me the letter. Let me see it."
"Uh... well..."
"What, can't produce it?"
"I destroyed the letter after reading it."
"Oh, please, Jiraiya. Just as you understand me, I understand you well enough too. Never mind why Old Man would write you a letter specifically asking you to find me. If it were true, you would have kept the letter and shown it to me the moment you saw me. That way, whatever the outcome, you could wash your hands of the whole thing."
Tsunade's words immediately left Jiraiya speechless.
Exactly like Naruto earlier. They really were master and student!
"Still not going to tell the truth? If you don't, I'm leaving."
"All right, all right, you win. You're still as sharp as you were back then. I admit I lied about this just now, but it wasn't entirely a lie..."
"...That's how things stand. Hiruzen-sensei hopes you'll return to Konoha and take over as Hokage. There's no one in the village better suited to the position than you now."
Jiraiya looked at Tsunade with great sincerity as he finished speaking.
But they had known each other for far too long and