"Of course."
Jiraiya shrugged. "Think about it. He single-handedly kept the entire shinobi world from raising its head. Even someone like Ōtsutsuki Isshiki had to steer clear of him."
"If someone like him went down in an alternate space just like that, it would be ridiculous."
Tsunade leaned back without saying a word.
Jiraiya continued, "Besides, you need to have a little more confidence."
"You're the strongest medical ninja. Add Kakashi, Sasuke, and the others, and who in the entire shinobi world could stop that lineup?"
"Even if you run into enemies from the Ōtsutsuki Clan, you'll be able to fight back."
"But what if..."
"No what-ifs."
Jiraiya cut her off. "Tsunade, when did you become so hesitant?"
Tsunade glared at him, but her tense shoulders finally relaxed a little.
Jiraiya stood up, walked to the window, and said with his back to her, "Tomorrow, I'll keep sitting in the office wearing Naraku's face."
"Don't worry. I'm better at putting on an act than you are. The village will keep running without a hitch, and I'll keep an eye on Naruto too."
"And with Shikaku here, he can help me handle Konoha's affairs during this time."
Indeed, taking various factors into account, Shikaku would not be joining the rescue team.
After all, if anything happened, he would have to take charge of evacuating and managing Konoha.
Tsunade snorted and said nothing more.
Jiraiya chuckled. "I'm one of the renowned Sannin, you know. Have a little faith in me too."
"I may not be as strong as that guy Naraku, but I'm no slouch, all right?"
"I know, I know."
Tsunade brushed him off, stood up, and closed the operational plan on the desk.
"All right, go back. Before seven tomorrow, I want to see you sitting in the Hokage's seat