Seiryu never imagined his first proper meeting with Jiraiya would be in such circumstances.
Jiraiya was fairly cooperative after being detained, sitting in an interrogation chair with an embarrassed smile, looking just like the village's usual petty thieves. No wonder the patrol hadn't recognized him—who'd expect the legendary Sannin, the Toad Sage Jiraiya, to act like this?
Seiryu entered the interrogation room, motioned for the guards to leave, and stepped inside.
Jiraiya looked up when he heard someone enter.
"Lord Jiraiya, you're making things difficult for our Police Force," Seiryu said as he went over and unlocked Jiraiya's handcuffs. After all, for someone like him, handcuffs made no difference anyway.
"Hehe…" Jiraiya gave an awkward laugh and looked at Seiryu curiously. "Um, and you are?"
"I'm Uchiha Seiryu, current clan head of the Uchiha, and as of a few days ago, leader of the village's Police Force," Seiryu introduced himself.
"So you're Seiryu? I've heard of you, but we weren't on the same battlefield during the Third War. Nice to meet you," Jiraiya said with a laugh.
"I didn't expect our first meeting to be like this, Lord Jiraiya," Seiryu replied with a half-smile.
"Hehe, life's full of surprises," Jiraiya chuckled, scratching his head.
"Come with me. Someone of your status can't just be locked up here," Seiryu said, gesturing for Jiraiya to follow him.
Jiraiya quickly got up and followed.
"Shouldn't you use a transformation jutsu to hide your identity a little?" Seiryu reminded him at the door.
"You're right." Jiraiya nodded sheepishly, quickly performed hand seals, and transformed his appearance.
Seiryu led the now-concealed Jiraiya out the back of the Police HQ, heading straight for the new prison by the Naka River. There, he took Jiraiya to a fully furnished room.
"Please wait here for a while, Lord Jiraiya. I'll come back with Kakashi after my meeting," Seiryu said.
"Sure, sure," Jiraiya replied cheerfully, thinking he was just being put up as a guest after Seiryu's hospitality.
"Don't let him leave, but otherwise, meet any of Lord Jiraiya's needs," Seiryu instructed the guards before leaving.
Once Jiraiya was settled, Seiryu returned to his meeting.
After the meeting, when the joint investigation team's plans were finalized, Seiryu ordered a banquet and two bottles of good sake to be sent over, then brought Kakashi along to see Jiraiya.
During those hours, Jiraiya behaved himself, lying on the bed to pass the time. When Seiryu and Kakashi entered, he flipped up from the bed.
"Clan Leader Seiryu, this place is pretty nice. Is this where the Police Force entertains guests?" Jiraiya said brightly.
"In a manner of speaking, yes," Seiryu replied, moving the low table and setting out the feast.
Seeing the delicious spread and good sake, Jiraiya brightened up, rubbing his hands. "You're being too generous, Clan Leader Seiryu."
"Not at all. Drinking with a legendary Sannin like the Toad Sage Jiraiya is my honor," Seiryu said. "I've heard you're a connoisseur of the pleasure districts, but as this is the Police Force, inviting geisha wouldn't be appropriate. Hope you'll forgive me."
"No problem, no problem," Jiraiya waved it off. "Next time, I'll treat you to a night out at the best pleasure district in the village."
The three sat down, had a drink, and started to chat.
"Lord Jiraiya, what brings you back to the village all of a sudden? Is it to publish a new book?" Kakashi asked, feigning ignorance.
"I'm still working on the new book—it'll take a while," Jiraiya replied with an awkward laugh at being rushed by a reader. "As for coming back, I don't know what got into the old man, but he sent letter after letter every day until I gave in and came back to see what was up."
"But coming back has its perks—meeting a talented young man like you, Clan Leader Seiryu, and seeing Kakashi back on his feet, that's not bad," Jiraiya said, a little tipsy.
"I'm no such thing compared to a hero like you, Lord Jiraiya," Seiryu replied, pouring Jiraiya more sake.
"Don't sell yourself short. You're the Azure Lightning Dragon, and you'll surpass us old timers one day," Jiraiya said.
"Oh right, Kakashi, I heard you're looking after Naruto now?" Jiraiya asked after a while.
Kakashi nodded. "That's right. I retired from Anbu, so now I have time to take care of him."
Jiraiya sighed. "That's good. With you looking after Naruto, I'm relieved."
At this point, Seiryu suddenly asked, "Lord Jiraiya, what have you actually been doing outside the village all these years? Surely it's not just for that so-called prophecy?"
"Seiryu, that prophecy isn't so-called," Jiraiya said, his face turning serious. "The Great Toad Sage of Mount Myoboku is a wise being from ancient times. He told me a child would be born who would decide the future of the ninja world—whether peace or destruction. My job is to guide him onto the right path."
"So that's the story?" Seiryu said half-smiling. "I apologize for my words. I'll drink a cup as penalty."
He poured himself a cup and downed it.
"So, Lord Jiraiya, have you found this prophesied child?" Kakashi asked.