Chapter 604: Deflection and Interception of the Bijuudama
Konoha Village, outside the temporary Hokage office.
At this moment, Edo Jiraiya and Naruto, who had suddenly come face-to-face, were still staring at each other with wide eyes.
"Jiraiya-sensei? Is it really you?!"
"Yo! Naruto, you..."
Jiraiya was stunned, unsure how to face Naruto; aside from Tsunade, this student was the one he loved and missed most.
Before Jiraiya could say anything, Naruto, confirming the identity of the Perverted Sage, lunged forward and hugged him tightly.
"Perverted Sage, I’ve missed you so much..."
"You, the hero of Konoha Village, why are you still like this?"
Jiraiya wanted to say more, but he saw Naruto’s tear-streaked face, wet with emotion.
Only now did Jiraiya realize how much everyone had been relying on Naruto.
What he’d heard about Naruto’s recent growth and strength was merely the result of external crises forcing him to mature.