The Hyuga were modest in comparison, while the Uchiha occupied a significant portion of the room.
With over twenty Uchiha jonin sitting together, it was quite an impressive sight. In contrast, the Hyuga's presence seemed meager-they had fewer than half the number of jonin as the Uchiha.
The alarming part was that not all of the Uchiha jonin were present; some were still occupied with their duties. Otherwise, the Uchiha would have taken up nearly half the meeting room.
In the Uchiha section, Mikoto Uchiha glanced at Xin and winked.
Xin responded with a smile.
"Hey, hey, I'm not late, am I?" Jiraiya walked into the meeting room, grinning.
Tsunade, arms crossed, shot him a cold look:
"I thought you'd died somewhere out there."
Is that any way to talk to someone?
Alright, alright, I can't argue with you, but at least I can avoid you.
Knowing he was in the wrong for being away for so long, Jiraiya sheepishly smiled and went to sit next to Xin and the others.
He ended up sitting right beside Xin.
"Jiraiya, your spot is up front. This is where us younger folks sit," Xin said, pointing ahead.
"Ahem!" Some of the older jonins, who were somewhat lacking in presence, couldn't help but cough at this comment.
"Oh, come on now, no need to be so rigid," Jiraiya laughed, giving Xin a hearty slap on the shoulder.
"Not bad, not bad. Haven't seen you in a while, and you've grown stronger."
Try slapping me again!
Xin looked at the handprint left on his shoulder and had half a mind to throw Jiraiya out of the room.
No matter how laid-back you are, personal hygiene is still important.
Judging by his appearance, Jiraiya had probably rushed back to the village upon receiving the news, without even taking a moment to clean himself up before heading straight to the Hokage's office.
"Go sit up front!"
"Go sit up front!"
Tsunade mercilessly pulled Jiraiya up, shoving him toward the front of the room before plopping down beside Xin.
She waved her hand in disgust, saying, "You reek. You must've been to those seedy places again."
"Cough, cough!" The sound of suppressed laughter filled the meeting room.
Jiraiya, clearly embarrassed, quickly ducked his head and found his seat at the front.
Just stay away from me, Orochimaru thought, shifting his position to put some distance between himself and Jiraiya.
Why?! Why do all of you avoid me?!
Sakumo Hatake, sitting beside Jiraiya, sniffed and gave some considerate advice, "Jiraiya, I know you enjoy your travels, but it's still important to maintain proper hygiene. The smell is... noticeable."
"...."