Senju Tobirama looked like he still wanted to continue speaking, but Hashirama immediately grabbed the microphone out of his hands.
"Tsunade is getting married today. As her uncle, what kind of nonsense are you saying?" Hashirama scolded lightly.
Tobirama narrowed his eyes. "What nonsense? I didn't say anything wrong."
Hashirama rolled his eyes hard, then passed the microphone back to Kakashi.
Kakashi chuckled and raised the mic. "Alright, alright. Let's give a big round of applause to the First and Second Hokage!"
Tobirama gave a cold humph, clearly still wanting to keep talking, but Hashirama placed both hands on his brother's back and physically pushed him off the stage. Tobirama's expression said: I am surrounded by idiots, while Hashirama's expression said: Enough, get moving.
Once the two Hokage stepped down, Kakashi lifted the microphone again, smiling brightly.
"Now that we've heard the thoughts of Tsunade's family, it's time to hear about Jiraiya-sama. For that, we need someone who knows him very well—so, first, let me invite Orochimaru-sama!"
Orochimaru, who had not expected to be called, blinked in mild surprise.
Sitting beside him, Kabuto clapped and encouraged, "Orochimaru-sama, please go."
Suigetsu, Karin, and Jūgo were also seated at that table, watching with amusement.
Orochimaru sighed softly, stood up, and glided toward the podium. He accepted the microphone from Kakashi, his expression unusually reflective.
He cleared his throat.
"People of Konoha," Orochimaru began calmly, "I stand here today to speak about someone who played a very important role in my life—Jiraiya."
The crowd quieted, listening intently.
"Jiraiya is my senior brother. He is my comrade. And… he is one of the most important people in my life."
Jiraiya, on stage, blinked. Huh? Important? Me?
He had a bad feeling.
Orochimaru continued, "He taught me many things—not only ninjutsu, but also several… questionable habits. Such as peeking at women while they bathe."
A massive choke came from the audience. Several people actually spat out water.
Laughter erupted.
On stage, Jiraiya nearly collapsed. Orochimaru! Stop exposing me!
Tsunade slowly turned toward him, her eyebrow twitching with deadly intent.
Orochimaru pretended not to notice and smirked slightly before continuing.
"When I first met Jiraiya, I was still a child. He was a charming young shinobi—tall, with long white hair and confidence overflowing. As a student of the Third Hokage, he possessed talent, prestige, and foolishness in equal measure."
Jiraiya glanced at Tsunade, then glared at Orochimaru. So now you praise me? After humiliating me?
Orochimaru continued calmly.
"I trained under him. We practiced ninjutsu, taijutsu, and missions together. Over time, we became close friends. But"—he paused—"I also discovered his flaws."
Jiraiya felt his stomach drop.
"He drinks too much," Orochimaru said bluntly. "And when he drinks, he commits acts that could only be described as idiotic. He also cannot control himself around beautiful women, and he still insists peeping is 'research for literature'—because he believes it is artistic."
The crowd roared with laughter again.
Even the resurrected Kage were struggling to stay composed.
Orochimaru let the laughter settle before continuing:
"At that time, I found him unreliable. Too relaxed, too indulgent, too undisciplined. In training and in battle, I often felt his techniques were outdated and needed refinement."
Jiraiya's eyes widened. You little—!
"But," Orochimaru added, "he still came to me for help. For example, he would ask me to create elaborate scenarios where he saved Tsunade heroically, hoping to win her heart. Every single one failed. Eventually, I stopped helping entirely."
More laughter. Jiraiya covered his face.
Orochimaru's tone shifted—quieter, deeper.
"Later, because of my own choices, I walked down a different path. Jiraiya and I became enemies. Again and again. But in the end, Naruto's influence changed me. He made me reconsider everything."
Orochimaru turned toward Tsunade.
"Tsunade, despite Jiraiya's flaws—his lust, his peeping habits, his foolishness—he has loved only you since the day he first saw you. He buried that love deep in his heart. And I believe," Orochimaru said, pausing just a moment, "that he will treat you well for the rest of his life."
Tsunade looked at Orochimaru with a small smile and nodded.
Orochimaru handed the microphone to Kakashi.
Kakashi clapped lightly. "Thank you, Orochimaru-sama! That was… enlightening."
The crowd laughed again.
Kakashi lifted the microphone.
"Now that we've heard from a friend and rival, let's hear from Jiraiya-sensei's disciples. First, let's welcome Fourth Hokage-sama!"
Minato stood, walked up to the stage, and accepted the microphone with a warm smile.
"Hello everyone," he said. "I'm Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage."
A wave of admiration came from the younger ninjas.
"Jiraiya-sensei is an incredible shinobi. He taught me countless techniques and skills. When I first became his disciple, he emphasized fundamentals—tree climbing, water walking, stamina training—because strong basics create strong shinobi."
Minato continued:
"He trained me in weapons—kunai, shuriken—and emphasized strategy, tactics, and intelligence gathering. Jiraiya-sensei believes a shinobi needs both strength and intellect."
Minato smiled.
"It's because of his training that I was able to grow quickly. That is also how I rescued Kushina from Kumogakure and won her heart."
A heavy silence fell over the Kumo table.
Ai, the Fourth Raikage, awkwardly picked up his teacup and drank to avoid eye contact.
Minato chuckled kindly. "Ai, don't be embarrassed. It's old history."
Ai raised his hand and nodded respectfully.
Minato continued.
"Jiraiya-sensei's ninjutsu is incredible—Fire Style, Earth Style, Toad Sage Techniques. I once witnessed him fight, and I was stunned by his power."
Ninjas in the crowd nodded vigorously.
Minato smiled again and said:
"His talent is also extraordinary. When I developed the Rasengan, it took me three years. Jiraiya-sensei watched me demonstrate it once—and reproduced it the next day. I was shocked."
Jiraiya puffed out his chest proudly.
Minato added:
"But that's Jiraiya-sensei. His talent is overwhelming. His heart is kind. And he always pushes his students to surpass him."
Jiraiya's smile softened—genuine pride filling his face.
Minato's words ended with a bow.
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