After a moment of silence,
that Jonin bit the bullet and stepped forward.
"Hokage-sama, please calm your anger. There's no need to make such a big fuss. A simple lecture will suffice. Please don't let this matter upset you too much."
"Yes, yes, yes!"
The others behind him nodded frantically in agreement.
Peeping is a small matter, but if Hokage-sama's health were to suffer, they would be the sinners of Konoha...
Besides, if they went too far, Lord Jiraiya would settle the score later, and that would be asking for trouble.
"Hmph, that ungrateful disciple! When he returns, I will teach him a good lesson."
Hiruzen Sarutobi still looked furious, but inwardly, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Turning big problems into small ones, and small problems into nothing. That scoundrel Jiraiya, he's in his thirties, yet he still gives me, an Old Man, trouble every day.
"Then, Hokage-sama, we shall take our leave. Please do take care of your health."
The few exchanged glances, bowed to Hiruzen Sarutobi, and prepared to withdraw.
"Sigh, then you all may withdraw. I will handle this matter."
Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed deeply, then agreed to let them leave.
"Yes, sir."
The few hurried away.
After they all left, Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up his pipe, took a long drag, walked to the window, and looked at the Ninja School not far away, slowly exhaling a puff of smoke.
Peaceful days are numbered. Grow up quickly...
Meanwhile,
At Barbecue Q.
Ren looked at Jiraiya, who seemed to have been reborn as a starving ghost, and began to feel his wallet ache.
Originally, he had planned to eat Ichiraku Ramen, but who knew that when he passed Barbecue Q, he was forcibly dragged in by Jiraiya.
With the idea of "spending money to avert disaster," Ren went all out. His parents' inheritance would ensure he was well-fed and clothed until adulthood. Anyway, he would graduate and become a Ninja to earn money in a few years. Compared to the huge expenses for training equipment and Ninjutsu tools, this current expense was nothing.
After figuring this out, Ren also began to gobble down his food, treating it as a reward for himself. If he couldn't beat him, could he at least out-eat him?
Thinking of this, Ren ate while filling the empty spaces on the grill, trying to utilise every bit of space.
The meat sizzled on the grill, hot oil slowly sliding down the meat's grain, quickly whetting both their appetites. At the same time, they eagerly waited for the meat to cook.
Now!
The two impatiently picked up a piece with their chopsticks, dipped it in the sauce, and popped it into their mouths.
Delicious!
The meat, refined by charcoal fire, was already fragrant, and with the added flavour of the salt and pepper dipping sauce, it became even more palatable.
The delicious taste reached deep into their taste buds, and their mouths full of meat aroma stimulated their appetites.
Nearby customers looked at the two ravenously eating, their eyes showing a hint of sympathy and pity.
"How many days have they not eaten, to be this hungry?"
"Are these two from the Akimichi Clan? Their physiques don't look like it."
"Jiraiya, Ren? What are you two doing here?"
Hearing the familiar voice, Ren shifted his gaze from the grilled meat, raising his head to look at the source of the sound.
He saw two white-haired figures, one large and one small, standing in the aisle next to them, looking over.
"Uncle Sakumo, long time no see, and Kakashi too."
Ren quickly stood up, bowed to Sakumo Hatake, and greeted Kakashi.
"You child, your parents and I are good friends. There's no need to be so polite."
Sakumo Hatake raised his hand, gesturing for Ren not to be so reserved.
"Sakumo-senpai, long time no see."
Jiraiya put down his chopsticks, stood up, and nodded to Sakumo Hatake.
"Ah, long time no see. Did you just return to the village after finishing a mission?"
"Yes, Senpai, I just returned to the village today. This mission was quite troublesome; it took me half a month to complete."
Jiraiya scratched his head and chuckled.
He had heard about Sakumo's situation. At the time, he wanted to return and help Sakumo, but he was tied up with a mission and couldn't get away. After hurriedly completing the mission, he rushed back to the village.
Today, he hadn't heard any rumours in the village, so it seemed the matter had blown over.
Now seeing Sakumo standing before him, full of vigour, he felt relieved.
"Let's sit down and talk."
The few took their seats one after another, eating and chatting. When asked why Jiraiya was with Ren, Jiraiya chuckled, forcing a smile while glaring fiercely at Ren.
Ren quickly changed the subject, asking Kakashi about their previous sparring agreement.
"Kakashi, do you remember the sparring match we agreed on last time?"
Kakashi glanced at Ren, then nodded.
"I'm ready anytime. If you're free today, let's go."
At this moment, Jiraiya leaned over, looking at the two with a surprised expression.
"Did I hear that right? You want to spar with Kakashi? You, a Ninja School student studying medical Ninjutsu, want to fight him?"
It's no wonder Jiraiya reacted this way. Currently, only Yuhi, some Uchiha clan members, and Might Guy and his son know part of Ren's strength. Even Shinku Yuhi and Sakumo Hatake can only sense that Ren is not weak, but they are not too clear about the exact extent of his strength.
"You don't believe me? Then, Lord Jiraiya, shall we make a bet?"
Ren looked at Jiraiya, with a look of "unconvinced."
"Bet what?"
Ren cleared his throat and said loudly,
"Don't you think I can't beat Kakashi? Then I'll bet you on that. If I lose, I'll serve you tea and water for a month. If I win, you'll teach me Ninjutsu. How about it?"
"Oh? Interesting."
Sakumo said with a smile from the side.
Is this child so confident that he can beat Kakashi? Kakashi's talent in Hatake sword techniques is no weaker than his own. Regardless of physical fitness or anything else, he dares to say that Kakashi already has the strength comparable to a Special Jonin.
Given time, reaching his level is a sure thing.
"You're on! I don't believe you can beat Kakashi."
Jiraiya slapped his thigh. Although he felt a bit set up, he still believed in Kakashi's strength. Anyway, losing only meant teaching one Ninjutsu.
"OK, the bet is on!"
Only then did Ren reveal a foxy smile.
"Boring."
Kakashi, who had been watching all this, shook his head.
"So, shall we go now?"
Kakashi spoke.
Ren suddenly shook his head.
"It's too late now. How about tomorrow? Let's spar tomorrow at 5 PM at Training Ground Two."
Sakumo also nodded, indicating for both of them to go back and rest up, and compete tomorrow.
Just as the few were about to pay the bill and leave, two Anbu walked into the barbecue restaurant and immediately spotted the four people present. There was no way around it; the combination of three white-haired individuals was too conspicuous.
"Lord Sakumo, Lord Jiraiya."
The two Anbu quickly walked over and bowed to the two.
"Anbu? What is this?"
Not just Sakumo, but the other three also looked at the two Anbu with confused expressions.
"Replying to Lord Sakumo, the Hokage has an urgent summons for Lord Jiraiya. Please, Lord Jiraiya, come with us."
The two Anbu looked at Jiraiya while answering Sakumo's question.
"The Old Man is looking for me? Could it be?!"
Jiraiya was initially confused, then suddenly remembered what had happened at noon today, and his face immediately turned grim.
From the looks of it, they were here to demand an explanation...
Seconds later, they watched Jiraiya, sandwiched between the two Anbu, speeding towards the Hokage Building.
Only three people remained, standing in front of the Barbecue Q restaurant, looking on with puzzled expressions...
.................................
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