Jiraiya looked unbelieving, "Don't think that I don't understand you. If you really listen to the Hokage, Sarutobi-sensei may knock on your door in the middle of the night."

Don't tell it like a ghost story, okay?

Of course, it doesn't matter if you do something cute like this.

"Jiraiya-sensei, you have clearly done a good job in the Anbu these past six months, why don't you continue to do so?"

Naruto sighed and asked.

Jiraiya felt a little guilty when he said that.

It's just that the country is easy to change, but the nature is hard to change.

He really can't control himself sometimes.

It's like everyone knows that the five-fingered girl is harmful to the body, but there are always times when things get better.

"Let's do the mission first."

Jiraiya patted him on the shoulder and said, "You probably haven't been to the Craftsman Country. Let's go to a country near it."

The country of craftsmen is very small.

Probably not as big as the Fire Nation metropolis.

It is a country where a group of craftsmen gather together.

The only source of income is selling ninja tools.

But because of this, in the previous ninja wars, they were often threatened by each other by the five major powers, and were even forced to lower their prices.

The most fundamental reason is that they are too weak.

Jiraiya and Naruto spent half a day arriving at the Craftsman Village.

"Something's wrong!"

Jiraiya's expression suddenly became serious.

According to Kakashi's previous report, the Craftsman Village was deserted.

But in his perception, it was clear that there were many people.

And there are two additional dangers.

"We sincerely welcome His Majesty the King of Dharma."

"..."

Jiraiya was silent for a moment and said, "Should I call you Wuming, the master of Langya Pavilion, or Merlin?"

"Call me Merlin."

Merlin smiled and said, "What kind of wind brings you to this remote countryside?"

"This is what I want to ask you."

Although Jiraiya discussed many things with him, he always remembered that he was a ninja of Konoha, not the king of the White Lotus.

He looked at the strange young man next to Merlin.

It was the two of them who sensed the dangerous aura earlier.

But Merlin is not strong, and he is so strong that it makes one's scalp numb.

No doubt about it.

This person has the power to threaten himself.

"It's nothing, because the Artisan Village and the White Lotus Sect have cooperated."

Merlin said casually.

"Do you think I would believe it?"

Jiraiya said helplessly, "We are friends after all, can't we tell the truth?"

"This is the truth, my friend."

Merlin looked heartbroken, "Your distrustful attitude is so sad."

"..."

Jiraiya always felt that he had seen this tune somewhere.

So familiar.

He turned his head sharply and looked at Naruto.

"?"

Naruto was confused.

Jiraiya turned to Merlin again and said, "I don't care whether you cooperate with the Artisan Village or not. What I want to know is how will the supply of ninja tools be in the future?"

"As usual."

Merlin showed a kind smile, "But we can't lower the price anymore."

"Konoha never does this kind of thing."

Jiraiya shook his head and said, "But maybe the other ninja villages."

As a high-ranking official in Konoha, he naturally knows about the craftsman village.

But what he said was also true.

Konoha has always had a very friendly attitude towards the outside world.

At least that's the case on the surface.

Secretly, Danzo may have done the most.

Similar to Senju Hashirama, Namikaze Minato, Tsunade, etc., they all disdain this.

"very good."

Merlin nodded and said, "If it is the market price, it will be supplied as usual. You don't have to worry."

"Konoha will send someone to meet you later."

Jiraiya said thoughtfully.

He was unwilling to conflict with the White Lotus Sect.

Not to mention that he himself has a favorable impression, considering their strength, it is not necessary.

It will only increase Konoha's losses.

"let's go."

Jiraiya didn't plan to enter the craftsman village.

Who knows what kind of dragon's pond and tiger's den is inside?

He knew Merlin's methods quite well.

The guy who made the Fire Country a turmoil in just half a year.

"Jiraiya, do you really not consider the position of the Dharma King?"

Merlin said, "You should understand what the White Lotus wants to do."

"I am a ninja from Konoha."

Jiraiya was as firm as Megumi Yanashita who refused the temptation of a beautiful woman, "I will not betray Konoha."

"Where's the betrayal?"

Merlin knew that the most important thing in his mind was Konoha. He smiled and said, "If one day the White Lotus Sect controls the Kingdom of Fire, wouldn't it be equivalent to controlling Konoha?"

"..."

Jiraiya was stunned.

This seems to be the truth.

So it doesn’t count as surrendering to the enemy?

No, no, no, you can't think like that.

"Let's wait until that day."

Jiraiya broke the jar and smashed it.

The White Lotus Sect really has that ability, and it seems that it would be good to be a Dharma King when the time comes.

Merlin glanced at Naruto, nodded and said, "Who knows? Maybe you will join earlier."

Jiraiya paused, said nothing more, and left with Naruto.

"What do you want to do next?"

he asked.
To be continued...