Jiraiya spent the entire evening chatting happily with the young shinobi of the Sarutobi clan.
After dinner was served, Sarutobi Biwako dismissed most of the group, leaving only the most talented members of the clan to dine with Jiraiya. It was a way to strengthen their bond with him.
Once the meal was finished, Biwako turned to Jiraiya with a warm smile.
"Jiraiya, the night view from the Sarutobi compound is quite beautiful. Why don't I take you on a walk to enjoy it?"
Jiraiya hesitated. He wasn't sure if it was appropriate.
After all, this was his sensei's wife, and she had been alone for quite some time now. A moonlit stroll together… it didn't seem right.
However, Biwako was insistent, and rejecting her in front of so many Sarutobi clan members would be disrespectful. He didn't want to put her in an awkward position.
"Alright, Biwako-sama," Jiraiya finally agreed with a grin. "I've heard that the Sarutobi clan's estate has some amazing scenery. I'd love to see it for myself."
Pleased, Biwako led him to the compound's rear garden.
The garden was vast, with elegant pavilions, koi ponds, flowing streams, and carefully placed rock formations. It was designed like a traditional landscape garden, and under the bright moonlight, the scenery was even more breathtaking.
As they strolled through the garden, a group of kunoichi entered, each one dressed in carefully chosen attire that accentuated their features. Jiraiya quickly realized Biwako's true intention.
She was introducing him to the women of the Sarutobi clan.
These kunoichi were all exceptionally attractive, clearly handpicked for this occasion.
Hiruzen and Biwako knew that he was already involved with Tsunade, yet they had still arranged this meeting. Their intent was obvious—they wanted to strengthen the ties between Jiraiya and the Sarutobi clan.
"That's the famous ninja, Jiraiya, right? He's even more handsome in person!"
"He really is! I wonder which one of us will catch his eye tonight."
"If you ask me, it'd be best if he picked all of us."
"Ha! You little minx, are you trying to compete with me?"
"Please, you're dreaming if you think you can outshine me. My curves are way better than yours!"
The kunoichi whispered among themselves, casting flirtatious glances his way.
Hiruzen had spent years building Jiraiya's reputation as one of Konoha's greatest heroes. Not only did young shinobi admire him, but many women were drawn to him as well. Strength was an irresistible trait, after all.
Biwako gave him a knowing smile.
"Jiraiya, these girls have all been eager to meet you. You're quite the popular man. Even some of the Sarutobi men are jealous of you—don't let this opportunity slip away."
With that, she excused herself, leaving him alone with the kunoichi.
Jiraiya tensed. The way they were looking at him… it was as if they were ready to pounce.
For most men, this would have been a dream come true. Marrying a kunoichi from the Sarutobi clan was a privilege usually reserved for members of Konoha's powerful factions or highly talented civilian shinobi—though the latter had to agree to raise their children within the Sarutobi family. Even then, those lucky enough to be chosen were overjoyed.
But Jiraiya wasn't interested.
None of them could compare to Tsunade. Not even close.
If he could, he would've asked Biwako to bring in a new lineup.
The only other woman who might catch his attention was Mei Terumi, all the way in the Land of Water. He had never met her, but he knew she could use Boil Release. If he could win her over… let's just say having both fire and water at his disposal would make things very interesting.
Pushing those thoughts aside, Jiraiya smiled politely and exchanged greetings with the kunoichi.
Soon, they led him through the garden, engaging him in conversation and lighthearted teasing.
By the time he left the Sarutobi compound, he could feel the envious stares of the male shinobi.
Jiraiya sighed.
If only they knew.
I didn't do anything! he wanted to shout.
Well… aside from a few pats here and there. Nothing major.
Back at home, Jiraiya stepped into his bathroom, filled a tub with warm water, and sank into it with a contented sigh.
Tonight, there was no training. He had a mission tomorrow, and he needed to be well-rested.
…
Meanwhile, in a dimly lit chamber within the Shimura compound, a masked shinobi knelt before Danzo.
"Lord Danzo, we've confirmed it—Jiraiya will be traveling alone to the border tomorrow."
A sinister gleam flashed in Danzo's lone eye.
"Finally, an opportunity…"
He turned to the masked shinobi.
"Go to the underground bounty exchange. Issue a kill order. Whoever eliminates Jiraiya will receive ten million ryo."
Danzo could see what Hiruzen was doing—elevating Jiraiya's reputation, setting him up as the next Hokage.
That was unacceptable.
Only he was fit to lead Konoha.
Anyone who stood in his way would be eliminated.
"Jiraiya, I gave you a chance," Danzo murmured. "But you failed to take it. Don't blame me for what happens next."
He didn't actually want to kill someone as talented as Jiraiya, but if the man wouldn't align with him, then his only path was death.
Danzo narrowed his eye.
"When you go to the exchange, keep an eye out for a bounty hunter named Kakuzu. They say he never fails once he takes a job."
The masked shinobi hesitated.
"Lord Danzo, I've heard of him. But he has a habit of demanding extra payment midway through a job. If we hire him, ten million ryo won't be enough."
Danzo smirked.
"That won't be a problem. If Jiraiya dies, whatever price he asks will be worth it."
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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