The campfire crackled, its light falling across Tsunade's face as she stared darkly at Jiraiya, who was saying something.
"Ahem..."
Finally catching on, Jiraiya immediately shut his mouth and fell silent.
He was worried that if he kept talking, Tsunade would punch him outright.
Seeing Jiraiya fall silent, Tsunade raised her eyebrows and gave him a look that said he knew what was good for him.
"Speaking of the Hokage, I have a feeling. I don't know whether it's right."
Jiraiya hesitated for several seconds, then suddenly looked at Tsunade and said uncertainly, "I keep feeling like Naraku doesn't really want to be Hokage anymore!"
"What?"
Tsunade was startled, then looked almost amused. "What are you talking about? How could he not want to be Hokage?"
"Naraku led the Allied Shinobi Forces to victory in the Fourth Shinobi World War and defeated so many enemies. His prestige is at its peak right now. Who could be more suited to being Hokage than him?"
"I certainly can't think of anyone in Konoha more qualified than he is."
Jiraiya scratched his head. "You didn't hear what I said. I mean Naraku himself doesn't want to continue serving as the Fifth Hokage."
This time, Tsunade frowned slightly, even less able to understand what Jiraiya meant.
"What makes you say that...?"
"It's actually just a feeling. When I chatted with Naraku after the war ended, I vaguely picked up that impression from what he said."
"But like I just said, I'm not too sure about it myself."
Tsunade was puzzled. "If Naraku doesn't plan to continue as Hokage, who else would be suitable?"
"Kakashi," Jiraiya reminded her. "He also made considerable contributions during the war, and then there's his experience."
"In fact, in the Third Hokage's original plans, Kakashi was even more qualified to