Or maybe, that wasn't Tsunade herself at all, but someone impersonating her.
Even fooled Inoichi's perception ninjutsu.
"Shikaku, are you saying..."
Tsunade wasn't a fool, she instantly understood something, and her face turned extremely ugly.
That little brat, actually found someone to impersonate her, to interfere with the Konoha high-level's judgment!?
"Looks like we were all played, Hokage-sama, Tsunade-sama..."
Shikaku chuckled wryly, only then did he realize.
Hiruzen also opened his mouth, he didn't expect all his suspicions about Tsunade were erroneous interpretations.
Jiraiya is very important to Tsunade, but the existence of Konoha, Konoha's face, is just as important to Tsunade.
No matter how disheartened Tsunade is, she is a Konoha ninja, from bloodline and heritage, it's unchangeable, and won't be swayed by anyone's will, loyal to Konoha!
"Before coming back, Shizune and I were always staying in the prison of the Land of Demons, to ensure Jiraiya's safety, treating his injuries. Didn't expect, this would give that little brat an opportunity... Sorry, Teacher Sarutobi, I was a bit thoughtless."
Tsunade sighed, she didn't expect Hakushi would use this time gap to find someone to impersonate him, misleading Konoha's high-level judgment.
However, if she really learned of this matter, what kind of choice would she make?
Tsunade didn't want to think about it.
Either one might make her lose something.
Nawaki, Dan, Orochimaru, Jiraiya... These familiar people seemed to be leaving her.
Such a blow and despair were also unprecedented.
Therefore, Tsunade didn't know, if Hakushi was fulfilling her, or simply taking revenge on Konoha.
"It's okay, as long as you're back, it's good to be back..."
Hiruzen patted Tsunade's shoulder, his eyes were a bit moist, showing a gratified smile on his face.
The transaction with the Land of Demons has already reached this point, it's impossible to change it anymore.
"Yeah."
She nodded her head, Tsunade didn't speak.
Shikaku and the other two exchanged glances, quietly exited the room, leaving it to Hiruzen and Tsunade.
◎
Life in prison wasn't as harsh as he imagined.
Perhaps Tsunade had a hand in this, so the prison administrators took good care of him, in terms of living and dining, even entertainment were catered for.
This undoubtedly made Jiraiya very satisfied.
Except for the cramped space, the cold atmosphere inside the prison made him initially uncomfortable.
After getting used to it, he found this place much more endearing.
Opposite him was the cell of Hidden Sand Jonin Maki.
"Hey, Hidden Sand kid Maki, wanna check out the latest masterpiece from this Immortal?"
Jiraiya shouted to the Hidden Sand Ninja in the opposite cell.
"Jiraiya-sama, my name is Maki."
Maki looked at Jiraiya with slight exasperation.
Frankly, before seeing him in person, Maki had a lot of respect for the legendary Sannin, believing they were exceptional ninjas.
However, reality showed... the other party was a writer of steamy novels, and famously so.
At that moment, the fantasy of the Sannin was completely shattered.
No matter how outsiders appraise greatness, it can't hide the fact that the other party is a lecherous old man.
Lately, he told him a lot of colorful jokes, it's really enough with the Sannin.
The fantasy has already crumbled.
"Calling by any name is the same. Wanna check it out? It's a precious unpublished draft."
Jiraiya picked up a thick stack of manuscript papers, quite proud.
"Well, it wouldn't hurt to take a look, since it's quite boring after all."
Maki coughed lightly, slightly nodding his head indiscernibly.
Indeed, he wasn't interested in reading steamy novels, but simply because it's too boring here.
With his chakra sealed, he couldn't even practice ninja techniques.
Every day was just eating and sleeping, raised like pigs.
The only impression was that the food tasted good.
Just then, a voice unexpectedly came:
"Jiraiya-sama, you're quite leisurely, seems you're living well here. This puts my mind at ease, keeping to my promise with Teacher Tsunade."
Outside wearing a white coat, the clothes with the distinctive smell of medicine remaining, hands in the pockets of the white coat, Hakushi smiled and walked over.
Two hours ago, he already returned to Shion City, after a brief meeting, he came to the prison to check on Jiraiya's situation.
"Thanks to you, it's been quite decent here. How about it, are you also eager to see my new novel draft?"
Jiraiya waved the stack of manuscript papers in his hand.
"..."
True to the Sannin, even in prison, managing to write steamy novels, effortlessly achieving what ordinary people cannot.
Hakushi thought if Jiraiya solely focused on being a writer, he might become a person even more remarkable than a ninja.
"I don't accept such bribes."
"It's not a bribe, appropriate reading can enhance couple's fun, and the content is quite thrilling, I swear on the name of the Sannin."
"Do you have a wife?"
Jiraiya's smile froze on his face, looking lost.
"...After lunch, someone will release you. I've reached an agreement with your teacher, the Third Hokage, afterward you can return to Konoha."
Hakushi turned his head and walked, didn't take many steps, paused in place, and left a sentence:
"Oh, you can't take the stack of manuscript papers with you. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to read it, I'm worried you might have hidden some secret codes endangering the Land of Demons."
Enhancing couple's fun, huh?
Thinking carefully, it sounds quite intriguing.
Hakushi finished thinking, quickened his pace to leave here.