Chapter 148

"Very well, I'll contact Jiraiya right away," Kakashi acknowledged before heading for the door, to make his exit.

In that moment, Carnes sensed the gravity of his decision.

Carnes' eyes took on a subtle, contemplative darkness. He knew that this was the moment of decision, a critical point where he had to make a choice.

He could either take a gamble, win, and have everything become much simpler. Or he could opt for caution and endure the uncertainties.

"I must admit, I'm not fond of using a dead person to vouch for my identity," Carnes stated.

Kakashi, who had just taken a few steps, froze in his tracks. Tsunade's gaze narrowed, and her suspicion remained. She too felt a sense of unease.

Observing their subtle reactions, Carnes knew that he had succeeded. This bet was his to win.

Indeed, he understood that even after making such a statement, Tsunade's doubts about him might not completely dissipate.

But sometimes, a single word could change everything.

Originally, Carnes had been waiting for the right moment to say something. Unexpectedly, he had now created that opportunity for himself.

"Before Jiraiya met his demise," Carnes continued, seizing the moment he had created.

"He entrusted me with a message for you."

Tsunade looked at Carnes with a mixture of confusion and anticipation.

"What message?"

"He wanted me to tell you: 'You've won the bet, Tsunade. Take care of yourself. I'm leaving first. Farewell, Tsunade.'"

Upon hearing these words, Tsunade's heart quivered. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she could hardly contain her emotions.

In a daze, she reached out to grip the edge of the nearby table for support.

"Tsunade-sama?" Kakashi inquired with concern, hurrying to her side.

"I'm fine, Kakashi..." Tsunade managed to say, her voice trembling with emotion.

At that moment, all of Tsunade's suspicions about Carnes vanished.

These were the very words Jiraiya had said to her before his departure, and now, they had come full circle, filling her with a profound sense of closure and reassurance.

This revelation had settled the matter.

'I don't know this person, but Jiraiya had placed immense trust in him. It's highly likely that he came here to just to fulfill Jiraiya's last wish.' Tsunade thought.

"Did he tell you anything else?" Tsunade inquired, her voice trembling as she wiped away her tears, locking eyes with Carnes.

Carnes, however, shook his head.

"Would you mind sharing a bit about your relationship with Jiraiya?" Tsunade pressed further, her curiosity and grief evident.

"There isn't much to say. I'm just a traveler, and once I've completed what Jiraiya entrusted to me, I'll be on my way," Carnes replied, with a hint of reluctance.

"Very well," Tsunade conceded, her gaze softening.

"You may leave now."

But before Carnes departed, he revealed "By the way, aside from Jiraiya, I have several other companions who now live within your Village."

"To avoid unnecessary complications, I informed you beforehand," he added.

Tsunade hesitated for a brief moment, and sighed,

"I understand. Apart from locations closely tied to Konoha Village's security, you are free to move around," Tsunade replied.

With a nod from Tsunade, Carnes departed, accompanied by Demiurge, their journey shrouded in secrecy.

"Let's proceed, Demiurge!"

Demiurge nodded in agreement and followed Carnes.

Once Carnes had departed, Kakashi, who had been observing the situation, spoke up.

"His words..."

"I think it's true, I don't sense any lies in them" Tsunade affirmed with a relative conviction.

"I think we should assign someone to monitor him." Kakashi, ever the cautious one, suggested.

Tsunade shook her head resolutely. "A man in whom Jiraiya placed such unwavering trust... Should we doubt him?"

"I cannot help but trust him, what he said seemed true."

"And there is something else...

He can easily infiltrate quietly, even without our notice. Someone like him could pose a significant threat to Konoha Village.

But for now, let him be," Tsunade added solemnly.

"I understand."

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