Orochimaru glanced at Jiraiya with a helpless expression, then said irritably:
"Hanzo hasn't even gone all out yet, and even if we kill him, it would only benefit the Sand Ninja for nothing. Anyway, we've won this war for the Leaf."
After hearing Orochimaru's explanation, a look of sudden understanding appeared on Jiraiya's face.
However, when faced with Tsunade and Orochimaru's expressions of looking at an idiot, Jiraiya suddenly put on a serious face.
"Ahem, I was just testing you, Orochimaru. Of course I understand such a simple reasoning. Don't walk away, you two, listen to me finish..."
Watching Tsunade and Orochimaru's retreating backs, Jiraiya couldn't help but feel frustrated.
At this moment, Hayato Ren and Charizard emerged from the Summoning World, and Ren immediately asked:
"Where's that old bastard Hanzo?"
Jiraiya wiped his nose with his hand and replied proudly:
"Hmph, under the leadership of the brilliant Toad Sage, someone like Hanzo is naturally nothing. If he hadn't been begging for mercy with tears and snot just now, I wouldn't have let him off so easily."
But Hayato Ren had no interest in listening to Jiraiya's nonsense. Seeing that the battle was over, he had Charizard return to the Summoning World while he himself caught up with Tsunade.
Watching the retreating figures of Hayato Ren and Tsunade holding hands with fingers interlaced, Jiraiya suddenly muttered to himself:
"Something feels off about these two. Even if they're close, they shouldn't be holding hands like that..."
Soon, Jiraiya shook off this thought, a self-mocking smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.
With Tsunade's proud personality, how could she possibly be with Hayato Ren...
Then, Jiraiya strode forward and caught up with the three of them.
...
Orochimaru looked toward a nearby bush, a flash of killing intent in his eyes.
"Come out! I've already found you."
Soon after, two ragged little kids cautiously emerged from the grass.
Seeing this, Hayato Ren understood. Even though he had taken Konan away, Yahiko and Nagato would still become Jiraiya's disciples just like in the original story.
He wondered how Orochimaru would feel in the future when he realized he had let a pair of Reincarnation Eyes slip away.
But then again, there must be White Zetsu watching Nagato nearby.
Even if Orochimaru knew now that Nagato possessed the Reincarnation Eyes, it would be difficult for him to obtain them under Uchiha Madara's watch.
Tsunade glanced at Nagato and sighed slowly.
"They're just two war orphans, nothing to worry about."
But Orochimaru wasn't so kind-hearted. He pulled out two kunai and threw them at Nagato and the other.
"We're still in a battlefield right now. We can't afford to be careless in the slightest."
At that moment, a figure suddenly stepped in front of Nagato and Yahiko, blocking both kunai.
"Orochimaru, you really are a cold-blooded bastard. Those two kids clearly pose no threat to us at all."
Jiraiya complained to Orochimaru before turning to look at the pair who had been frightened stiff by Orochimaru's earlier actions.
Seeing that Jiraiya seemed intent on protecting Nagato and Yahiko, Orochimaru suppressed his killing intent.
It wasn't worth conflicting with a teammate he'd worked with for years over two insignificant people.
Jiraiya crouched down, revealing a brilliant smile.
"Were you two frightened? This isn't a good place, you should leave quickly."
Then, Jiraiya gently patted Nagato and Yahiko's heads a few times before preparing to leave.
Watching Jiraiya's retreating back, Yahiko suddenly mustered his courage and shouted:
"Ninja sir, my name is Yahiko, he's Nagato. Can we both learn Ninjutsu from you?"
Jiraiya's footsteps halted, and he turned to look at Yahiko, studying him curiously.
"Why do you want to learn Ninjutsu from me?"
Yahiko responded without hesitation:
"For power. Because only with sufficient power can we protect this country that's always crying."
After hearing Yahiko's words, Jiraiya fell completely silent.
His reason told him he should return to the Leaf like a hero immediately, to enjoy flowers and honors.
But Jiraiya saw a certain spirit in Yahiko.
This couldn't help but remind him of the Great Toad Sage's prophecy. He had originally thought Namikaze Minato was the legendary Child of Prophecy, but Hayato Ren's sudden emergence had completely overshadowed Minato.
And in Yahiko, Jiraiya saw another possibility.
After pondering for quite a while, Jiraiya finally revealed a meaningful expression.
"Then you better be mentally prepared. I won't go easy on you."
Orochimaru's face immediately showed an impatient expression - he had already guessed what Jiraiya intended to do.
"Jiraiya, don't do these unnecessary things. The teacher is waiting for us to return to the Leaf."
Jiraiya casually patted Orochimaru's shoulder.
"Hanzo has surrendered, the war is already over. Whether I return to the Leaf or not doesn't matter much. You and Tsunade go back and remember to greet the old man for me. Actually, the Rain Country will be very helpful for my next research."
Seeing that he couldn't persuade Jiraiya, Orochimaru left with a "You're on your own" before turning to leave.
Tsunade gave Jiraiya a helpless look, sighed, and left as well.
Jiraiya looked at Hayato Ren before him and suddenly felt touched.
"Kid, I didn't expect you to be so sentimental and loyal. Return to the Leaf with peace of mind, I'll take good care of myself."
Hayato Ren immediately showed a dead-fish-eyed expression and responded irritably:
"What are you being so sentimental about here? What I wanted to say was, remember to send my manuscript fees back, and introduce me to publishers in the Leaf too."
Hearing this, Jiraiya remained silent for a long while before taking out a pen on the spot and writing a personal letter to give to Hayato Ren.
He then told Hayato Ren about his collaborators in the Leaf, so that Hayato Ren could present this letter when visiting them later.
After saying "Thanks," Hayato Ren summoned his Charizard and hurried off toward Tsunade's direction.
Watching Hayato Ren's dashing retreating figure, a look of yearning appeared in Yahiko's eyes.
"Teacher, will I be able to have such a cool partner in the future too?"