Seeing how solemn Tsunade looked, both Jiraiya and Kakashi knew she was serious. After what had just happened, they also understood that Furina's strength was absolutely sufficient, but deciding something like this now—might it be a bit too soon?
With that thought, before Furina could even respond, Jiraiya spoke up first to try to persuade her.
"Tsunade, I know Furina is indeed outstanding, but given her current age, I think talking about this is still rushing things a bit.
Besides, you've only just taken over as Hokage not long ago. There's plenty of time to consider something like this, and with the ninja world's situation so tense right now, there's really no need to hurry."
"Heh, Jiraiya, you sure know how to talk. But don't forget—I'm the Hokage now. Who was it that insisted no matter what that I come back to be Hokage,
instead of you taking the position yourself? Now that it's like this, as Hokage I naturally have the right to decide these things. If you have any objections, just keep them to yourself."
Hearing Tsunade's teasing yet resolute tone, Jiraiya could not help feeling a bit bitter inside. Whether it was Furina or Tsunade, how was it that this master-disciple pair were both so skilled at leaving people speechless?
Just as Jiraiya was sinking into his own self-pity, Furina finally spoke up. However, unlike most people her age who chased after the position of Hokage with fanatic enthusiasm, she appeared completely uninterested.
"What I've wanted from the very beginning has never been to become Hokage, so I'm not interested in it. On the other hand, there are plenty of others who dream of becoming Hokage—they're far more suitable."
"Tch, I knew a restless person like you wouldn't want to be Hokage. But that's fine—at least you're a lot like me."
Hearing Furina's straightforward denial, Tsunade nodded as if she had expected it, clearly not surprised by the outcome.
"...Sigh."
Watching Furina and Tsunade both show such disregard for the position of Hokage, Jiraiya felt even more exasperated. Everyone else in the village held the Hokage in such high respect, yet the Hokage herself and her close disciple treated it with contempt.
Whether one should say it or not, it really was quite ironic—the closer people were to the position, the less they cared, while those farther away chased after it desperately.
"But at least that's good."
Although his heart was already in turmoil, when he thought of his current disciple Naruto, Jiraiya found some consolation. Good, good—at least Naruto hadn't been "led astray" by Furina yet.
"Alright, if there's nothing else, let's wrap it up here. Although I also hated that guy Danzo, I have to admit that his mysterious death given his status is still going to cause some trouble. I need to handle it properly."
"Hehe, Master is the best. Then I'll leave the trouble to you."
Since Uchiha Hikari and the others were still waiting for her, Furina didn't linger. After expressing her admiration for Tsunade, she was the first to leave.
"Heh, that girl really doesn't hold back at all." Watching Furina's decisive exit, Tsunade couldn't help but laugh and scold her fondly.
"She really is exactly the same as before. Well, since the main character has left, I should take my leave too, Hokage-sama."
After the matter was settled, Kakashi—who had insisted on coming along out of worry that Furina would be held accountable and had stayed on the sidelines as a transparent presence—also left shortly afterward.