"But no matter what, there's one thing I know."
"What?"
"Everything Naraku does benefits Konoha in the end."
Tsunade turned to look at Jiraiya. "Whatever Naraku is planning, at least so far, he hasn't done a single thing to let Konoha down."
Jiraiya nodded in agreement.
"That's true."
"So..."
Tsunade picked up her cup again, her tone returning to its earlier casualness. "Rather than sit here guessing, we might as well see what he does next."
"He's still Konoha's Sixth Hokage right now, isn't he?"
At that, Jiraiya couldn't help laughing.
"You're certainly taking it in stride."
"What else should I do?"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Turn against him? Fight him? Who do you think could beat Naraku now?"
"He used to be my student, and you taught him too."
"But his strength surpassed ours long ago."
"I admit I'm no match for him, anyway. Do you think you could win?"
Jiraiya laughed even louder.
"No, of course not."
"There you go."
Tsunade downed her last cup of sake and stood. "Let's go. It's dark. Time to head back."
"Aren't you waiting for Shizune to pick you up?"
"I'm not drunk."
Tsunade shot him a glare, slid open the private room's door, and strode out.
Jiraiya shook his head, rose, and followed.
By the time the two left the izakaya, night had fully fallen.
Konoha's streets were brightly lit, bustling with people.
Standing outside the izakaya, Tsunade took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled.
"Speaking of which, Jiraiya, what do you think Shihōin Naraku is doing right now?"
"He's probably gone home to rest."
They chatted as they headed toward their respective homes.
After passing through several streets, they both turned back at the same time to look at the Hokage Building.
They found the distant Hokage Building brightly lit.