"So, Orochimaru was able to escape?"
In the Hokage's office, the Sandaime was now listening to the report from Kakashi and the others.
At this moment, the Sandaime was filled with conflicting emotions. Although he felt regret, there was a small part of him that was relieved. After all, the Sandaime still couldn't bear to let Orochimaru die.
"Okay, I understand. Everyone except Jiraiya may leave now."
The ANBU shinobi vanished after hearing his command.
"Old man, what are you going to do with me?" Jiraiya asked slyly.
Seeing Jiraiya appear so nonchalant, the Sandaime couldn't help but feel a little surprised. He hadn't expected Jiraiya to remain so calm. He remembered vividly how, upon learning of Orochimaru's defection, Jiraiya had rushed out like a madman.
"You seem far more composed than I expected you'd be," the Sandaime suggested with curiosity in his gaze.
"Orochimaru has his own path to follow. Since I couldn't stop him, there's nothing more I can say to him," Jiraiya replied casually. Yet, only the Sandaime could discern that Jiraiya was far from as composed as he appeared.
"Well, what are you planning to do next? Will you continue travelling the world?"
"Of course. After all, I still need to gather material for my book besides someone has to manage the information network" Jiraiya laughed as he said this.
"You wouldn't mind taking this hat from this old man? Konoha is in a weakened state right now," the Sandaime said, looking at Jiraiya with a glimmer of hope.
Of the three disciples the Sandaime had mentored, Tsunade was currently heartbroken and struggling with hemophobia. She wouldn't return until she healed from her emotional wounds.
The disciple he had the most hope for, Orochimaru, had turned down a dark path and defected from Konoha.
This left only Jiraiya, who seemed unreliable on the surface but was, in truth, deeply dependable.
Unfortunately, Jiraiya's answer would disappoint him.
"Sorry, old man. You know how I am—I can't handle responsibilities like those," Jiraiya said apologetically.
The Sandaime sighed, his eyes reflecting disappointment. Although he had anticipated Jiraiya's answer, it still stung to hear it.
"Well, it seems I'll just have to rely on my old bones," the Sandaime muttered as he sat back in his chair, looking incredibly lonely.
"Old man, don't be like this. Shinsuke and Asuma are both growing up. I'm sure they'll be able to help you soon."
(Shinsuke is the name of the father of Konohamaru. He is also Asuma's older brother.)
"Haha, I know Shinsuke is reliable. But as for Asuma… that brat just seems determined to give me headaches," the Sandaime said, exhaling heavily as he thought about his rebellious younger son.
"Haha! That kid's just going through his rebellious phase—it's normal," Jiraiya said, amused by the Sandaime's reaction.
Seeing Jiraiya's delighted expression, the Sandaime didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
"Kakashi is also a promising candidate. I believe he'll become a new pillar of Konoha in the future," Jiraiya said, shifting the conversation.
"Kakashi?" the Sandaime asked, puffing on his pipe thoughtfully. After a moment, he replied, "That child changed after Minato's death."
"Yes, I was surprised by him today. His heart is clearer now—the darkness in his heart has made way for a fierce determination. I believe his potential is limitless. Old man, you should invest in him. It's also a way to honour Sakumo's legacy. Train him well."
The Sandaime regarded Jiraiya seriously before sighing. "What happened with Sakumo…"
"Let it go, old man. Sakumo wasn't a fool. He chose his path with perhaps the only real regret was leaving Kakashi to fend for himself even if he is more than capable of doing so. In the end, leave the dead to sleep and atone by nurturing his son."
After a thoughtful silence, the Sandaime finally said, "You're right. Konoha's hero's son deserves proper guidance. Rest assured, I won't neglect Kakashi."
"Good. I'm sure Kakashi will grow to be a pillar of Konoha. Old man, if you ever face serious trouble you can't handle, just let me know. I'll return as quickly as I can."
The Sandaime chuckled. "Haha, alright. But do visit every once in a while."
"Of course I will."
The two shared a smile, their mutual concern for Konoha evident despite their banter.