Jugo watched the trio enter the room with clear interest, looking at Asuma, Kakashi and finally Guy, his eyes narrowing.
Kakashi isn't the most powerful, but he can be useful in battles ranging from low-level to Six Paths-level, he's the type of man who becomes more focused the stronger his opponent.
But the real danger was Guy, of course, if he opened the 8 gates, his danger level would increase greatly, though not enough to affect Jugo, since even if his physical power surpassed the level of the 6 paths, Jugo wouldn't be greatly affected in his Wraith form, aside from his accelerated regeneration, Jugo doesn't think he would do worse than Madara.
Even so, this guy is like a nuclear weapon, if a war starts here, Otogakure will be destroyed to pieces.
Besides, Kakashi's Kamui could be dangerous to him if part of it is cut off... he doesn't even know what will happen.
His eyes finally turned to Jiraiya, he saw the apprehension in the man's eyes, the same apprehension he had seen in Hakuja Sennin's eyes.
Like seeing a monster and trying to avoid walking on eggshells around it.
-Look, if it isn't the famous Toad Sannin, Jiraiya-sama, welcome, please, have a seat.- Jugo smiled at the man with feigned modesty.
Just because he could kill all four doesn't mean Jugo will do it. He has no interest in ruling the world and eliminating all obstacles. Instead, as long as Otogakure is safe and no one messes with him, he has no interest in doing anything so drastic.
So, he was still trying to resolve things civilly.
Jiraya recovered quickly and smiled, approaching and sitting down without regard for decorum, the three behind him did not move, still ready for anything.
-Ah, you must be Jugo, I've heard a lot about you.- Jiraya smiled, trying to break free.
-I've also heard a lot about you, especially since you like Bathhouses. Did you like ours? I designed them myself.- Jugo smiled playfully.
Jiraiya's lips trembled, he wanted to jump up and point at Jugo in anger, shouting. - "So you're the one to blame!"
Instead, he held back and let out an "honest" laugh. - Hahahaha, you're a funny man, I really enjoyed the bathhouses, they were very hospitable.
-That's great.- Jugo smiled even more brightly and Guren turned her head to hide her smile.
Even Kakashi and Asuma had to restrain themselves from smiling, while Guy, on the other hand, remained oblivious as always.
-But putting that aside, we came to talk about something else, I believe you already know what it is.- Jiraya's face became serious again.
The trio behind him stiffened slightly, especially Kakashi, who still blamed himself for letting Sasuke escape.
-Ah, the Uchiha boy... yes, he's with us now, in good health and safe.- Jugo agreed easily.
Jiraiya froze, as did Kakashi and Asuma. Guy sensed that the problem was close to being solved and laughed excitedly. -Hahaha! It's good that he's alright, so we can take him back quickly.
Asuma gave Guy a strange look and Kakashi wanted to sigh.
Jiraiya ignored Guy, but looked at Jugo with a slight frown. -I understand, you know Sasuke is a ninja from the Leaf Village, I ask that you let us take him back.
-Sorry, that's not going to happen.- Jugo didn't lose his smile, but Jiraiya did.
-Jugo-kun, do you understand what you're saying? Sasuke is very important to Konoha, what you're saying now could lead to war.- Jiraiya pointed calmly, a slightly veiled threat.
Jugo simply gave a soft laugh. -Well... it's not that I didn't want to let him go, but he's already joined the Hidden Sound Village, which means he's our ninja now.
The group fell silent for a moment before Asuma spoke. -Boy, don't you know that accepting ninjas from other villages is like trampling on their pride? What you're doing now will only lead to war.
Jugo glanced briefly at Asuma before turning to Jiraiya. He didn't say anything, but agreed with what Asuma had said. He didn't want the war to start, nor did Tsunade, but Konoha couldn't have just one head.
The elders might consider the act of a "small village" an affront, if it were another large village, there might be some apprehension, but Otogakure? Even with Jugo, it was simply a matter of more troops.
Jiraiya might have thought that before, but now? He could feel the tremendous power in Jugo, along with the wood style... maybe this is another ninja god.
-Indeed, if you want war, you can bring it.- Jugo shrugged and in the next moment, a devastating wave of chakra and murderous intent erupted from him. Everyone in the room froze, including Guren, who wasn't the direct target.
No one moved, but at that moment, the world seemed to have frozen. Feeling that tremendous, malicious and powerful chakra, the group thought it was even worse than the Kyubi.
Jugo released it only for a moment, before pulling his aura back, calmly looking at the sweaty group. Guren staggered and almost fell, but she quickly braced herself on the table.
Taking a deep breath, she didn't dare look at Jugo, the fear and reverence in her heart growing stronger.
Jiraya pursed his lips, sensing that the situation was becoming increasingly complicated.
-Jugo-kun, we don't want it to come to that.- Jiraiya said after calming down for a moment. -Can't we reach an agreement about Sasuke?
Jugo paused for a moment, thoughtful. It wouldn't do them any good to help Nagato weaken Konoha now, so a war wasn't really a positive thing for them.
Having an idea, he spoke. - I heard that Sasuke has a friend named Naruto.
Kakashi and Jiraiya's eyes narrowed, and Jiraiya asked. -Yeah, so what?
-Let's make a deal. For two years, Sasuke is considered a Sound ninja until then. Two years later, let him fight Naruto. If Naruto wins, you can take Sasuke back. If Sasuke wins, you give up Sasuke.- Jugo showed his hands as he argued.
The opposing group remained silent for a moment, none of them had expected that this could be resolved so easily.
Jiraiya frowned and asked. -Why Naruto?
-Is there anyone else besides him who wants to bring Sasuke back as badly as he does?- Jugo shrugged.
The group fell silent again for a while, Jiraiya turned his head slightly towards Kakashi, who simply gave a gentle nod.
Jiraiya sighed and spoke. -Let's send a message to the Fifth Hokage. Until then, can we see Sasuke?-
Jugo scratched his chin lightly and spoke. -Of course, feel free, as long as you don't take him away from Otogakure, I'm not going to stop you, but know that if you force me, I won't be able to hold back.
His final sentence wasn't followed by any malevolent chakra, it seemed light, like chatting with a friend, but neither of them took it lightly after sensing that terrible chakra from before.
Guren narrowed her eyes, thinking this might not end well, but since Jugo agreed, she didn't move.
-Besides...- Jiraiya said at that moment. -...Is Orochimaru here?
Jugo smiled slightly, seeing the weight of that name on Jiraya's lips. - Of course, you want to see him?
The group's lips trembled. Did this guy like the Konoha traitors so much? Besides, is it right to be so honest with them? Are you still a ninja?
Jiraya sighed deeply before saying. -No, it's alright.
Jugo nodded as he turned to Guren. -Take them to see the brat.
Guren nodded and left the room, soon followed by the four of them. Not only that, but the snake clones followed closely behind any action of theirs would be quickly intercepted.