Chapter 323: Jiraiya's Decision.

After Pain had finished planning, all members of the Akatsuki began to move.

Meanwhile, in Konohagakure Village, Minato solemnly gathered all the Jonin of the village, including the Sannin, Jiraiya, and Tsunade.

"What's the matter, Minato? Why have you summoned all of us?" Jiraiya asked, glancing at the current setup in the Hokage's office. The room contained nearly eighty percent of Konohagakure's combat strength. Should anything happen to them, the village might end up weaker than even a minor ninja village.

"I've just received word that the Akatsuki organization is about to make their move. They've set their sights on all the other Tailed Beasts," Minato said with a grave expression.

Upon hearing Minato's words, everyone's demeanor turned serious. All the Jonin of Konohagakure were aware of the Akatsuki's existence and knew they were a common enemy of the ninja world.

"Is the information reliable?" Jiraiya asked with a solemn look.

"It is."

Minato nodded. The news came from Itachi. Although the Akatsuki had not yet formulated a plan for the Nine-Tails and Seven-Tails, it was only a matter of time after the capture of the other Tailed Beasts.

"If that's the case, then we're in a bit of trouble," Jiraiya said, stroking his chin. Even Tsunade, who usually didn't concern herself with these matters, was listening intently and pondering countermeasures.

"Do the other ninja villages know about this?"

Jiraiya continued.

Minato shook his head.

"As of now, no. And given their attitude the last time, even if we told them, they wouldn't take it seriously."

"So, Minato, what do you plan to do?"

"We can't control what happens in the other villages, but we must ensure the safety of Naruto and Fuu. If the Akatsuki dare to reach into our territory, we'll chop off their hands."

"Understood."

All the Jonin responded in unison.

Minato's main purpose for gathering them was to raise their vigilance to prevent a sudden attack by the Akatsuki on their village.

After the Jonin left, the once bustling office became quiet, leaving only Minato, Jiraiya, and Tsunade.

"Minato, you must have figured out where the Akatsuki's base is by now, right?"

Suddenly, Jiraiya asked seriously.

"Although we don't know their exact location, we have a rough idea."

"Let me go, Minato."

Jiraiya pleaded.

"No."

Before Minato could respond, Tsunade immediately spoke up.

"It's too dangerous."

Tsunade shared her thoughts while looking at Jiraiya.

Undeniably, Jiraiya was powerful, but no matter how strong one person is, they can't compare to a group—except for that freak, Hatake Satoru.

"Somebody has to do it. The identity of the Akatsuki's leader has always been a mystery. Why why can't I be a person who revealed this puzzle."

Jiraiya asked with a smile, ready to step into the abyss ahead.

"And I've always been concerned about the one with the Rinnegan."

Suddenly, Jiraiya's tone changed, and he spoke gravely.

For some reason, a voice inside him was telling him that the Akatsuki organization might be deeply connected to his three former students.

"Jiraiya-sensei, are you prepared?"

Minato's gaze was fixed intently on Jiraiya, knowing that once Jiraiya made up his mind, nothing could change it. Even if he disagreed now, Jiraiya would still act covertly.

"Minato, you can't assign such a dangerous mission to Jiraiya."

Tsunade was just as urgent as Minato upon hearing his words, as if the previous statement implied sending Jiraiya on the mission.

"Don't stop me, Tsunade. Of all the people I know, your support is what I hope for the most."

Jiraiya looked at Tsunade with eyes full of emotion, speaking deeply.

Tsunade seemed to blush under Jiraiya's gaze, her face turning a slight red as she unconsciously lowered her head.

"Then I'll go with you. Together, we surely won't have any problems."

"No."

Tsunade had barely finished speaking when Jiraiya immediately rejected the idea, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

"Why not?"

"It's too dangerous."

Jiraiya used the same reason Tsunade had given earlier to reply to her.

"You're being hypocritical."

Tsunade spoke in frustration, upset by the double standard—facing danger herself was acceptable, but not for others.

"I'm sorry, Tsunade, but I can't agree to this, no matter what."

Jiraiya said in a muffled voice, head lowered.

If it were any other situation, like Tsunade asking him on a date, Jiraiya would agree without hesitation. But to let Tsunade face unknown dangers with him, he would refuse just as strongly.

"Jiraiya, you..."

"Enough, Tsunade-sama."

As it seemed the two were about to argue further, Minato quickly stepped between them, spreading his arms to separate them.

"Don't worry, Tsunade-sama, I absolutely won't let Jiraiya-sensei undertake such a dangerous mission."

Minato assured Tsunade. He didn't want Jiraiya to embark on a mission deep into enemy territory either, especially since the Akatsuki leader's abilities remained unclear to them. Even Itachi didn't know the extent of the leader's powers, only that he possessed the Rinnegan.

Given the terrifying abilities of the Mangekyou Sharingan, the Rinnegan's powers were likely even more formidable.

"Shizune, please take Tsunade-sama back to rest. I'll take care of Jiraiya-sensei."

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

Shizune bowed to Minato and then, with a firm pull, led Tsunade away.

"Jiraiya, if you dare act on your own, I won't forgive you. I'll remember this for a lifetime."

Even with the door closed, Tsunade's shouting could still be heard.

"If being remembered by you for a lifetime is what it takes, Tsunade, then it's not a bad deal at all."

Jiraiya whispered to himself, audible only to him. He knew that he still hadn't fully entered Tsunade's heart, or perhaps, Tsunade's heart no longer wished to make room for anyone else.

(End of Chapter)