The Fire Daimyō has a fickle and indecisive nature and is easily swayed in his decisions through biases as well as external influences. When situations call for fast, important decisions, he makes his advisers do the whole work: the one who convinces him most is the "winner". He seemingly had a liking for Jiraiya, wanting to choose him as the next Hokage, and was also impressed by Kakashi Hatake's reputation.

(Source: Naruto.wikia)