After the blood was drawn, Djinn handed Naruto back to Jiraiya and logged out of Orochimaru's body.
Once he left Orochimaru's arms, Naruto kept wriggling and fussing—though, to Jiraiya's surprise, there was a hint of reluctance in his movements.
That stung.
Jiraiya had been the one feeding him, changing his diapers, rocking him to sleep. He'd suffered through spit-up and midnight crying. And yet, Orochimaru got just a few minutes with the kid and somehow ranked higher in Naruto's heart?
"Unbelievable..." Jiraiya grumbled under his breath, face sour.
Orochimaru gave him a few smug, knowing smiles. He didn't say a word, but the expression alone was infuriating. That insufferable grin was practically glowing in Jiraiya's eyes.
"..."
Taking a long sip of tea, Orochimaru reined in his amusement and changed the subject.
"So... it's been a while. How's your Sage training going? Can you enter Sage Mode on your own yet?"
Jiraiya sighed, leaning back. "Not quite. I'm close, but still not there."
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Tsk. Seems like you've wasted quite a bit of time on this little one."
That hit a nerve.
Sure, it was true—he had been distracted by Naruto—but hearing it put so bluntly made Jiraiya bristle. From a logical standpoint, yes, it was a time sink. But from an emotional one? Calling it a waste was crossing a line.
Before he could retort, Orochimaru closed his eyes. A faint shift passed over him—purple markings bloomed under his eyes, and his aura grew heavier, wilder.
Jiraiya sat up straight, stunned. "Wait—Sage Mode? You actually mastered it?!"
He hadn't expected this. When Orochimaru came back from Ryūchi Cave, he'd barely spoken a word about senjutsu. Jiraiya assumed he'd failed again. But no—he had succeeded, and even pulled ahead of him.
Part of Jiraiya was genuinely happy for him. The other part? Deeply, profoundly annoyed.
Between Naruto bonding with him and now this...
Is this bastard here just to mess with me?
"..."
Orochimaru, catching the expression on Jiraiya's face, grinned wider—those sharp fangs gleaming in amusement.
Yes. He had definitely done this on purpose.
Watching Jiraiya get so caught up in babysitting that he neglected his training had sparked a mischievous urge in Orochimaru. Poking at that gap, stoking a little jealousy... it was entertaining.
But that wasn't the only reason he'd come.
"I'll be leaving the village soon," he said, setting the teacup down.
Jiraiya's brows furrowed. "What for?"
"I plan to bring Tsunade back."
Jiraiya paused, then frowned deeper. "Now?"
Before even questioning why Orochimaru was looking for Tsunade—or whether she'd even agree to return—Jiraiya was already thinking about the political consequences. Orochimaru's absence would create a power vacuum, especially with tensions rising between Konoha and Kumogakure.
"You do realize the village is pressuring kumogakure right now. You could be called on at any moment. The old man's not going to approve this."
Orochimaru nodded. "I know."
This time, things were different. He couldn't just slip away like before. Not without risking serious consequences.
Leaving now—during a period of rising conflict—could be seen as abandoning the village. And that wasn't just political; it was ideological. In times of war, the lines between ally and traitor became much clearer.
Inside the village, Orochimaru could get away with anything: disrespecting Danzō, publicly undermining the Hokage's advisors. It was all written off as internal power games.
But outside? During wartime?
If you didn't prioritize the village… if you didn't act for the good of your fellow shinobi…
You weren't just an outcast.
You weren't one of them.
Not compatriots? Then what's the point of the title "Konoha's Legendary Sannin"? Without loyalty to the village, it's just a fancy label for three powerful ninja.
The villagers think in practical terms. If a ninja doesn't protect them, no matter how strong they are, they're nothing but an outsider.
Even betraying the village takes skill.
Take Danzo, for example. Over the years, he's done plenty of shady things—some downright despicable—but he always kept up appearances. He was the one who said, "A hero is not someone who stands in the light."
So, even though many despise Danzo and wish to see him fall, they can't openly oppose him.
Contrast that with the case of Hatake Sakumo. For the sake of personal emotion, he disregarded the interests of the village. That's what led to the villagers rejecting him.
Sure, some may have used the chance to stir trouble, but at its core, it was about fear and unease.
The villagers aren't stupid. In a world of shinobi, civilians know they have no way to restrain a ninja—especially not one as powerful as Sakumo.
But a village isn't made up of individuals alone. It's a collective. And from that perspective, Sakumo's actions looked dangerous.
Today, you betray the village for personal reasons—what about tomorrow?
Yes, he saved a comrade, showing compassion. But he violated the village's will, and in return, he faced harsh backlash.
Learning from the past, Orochimaru had no intention of making the same mistake.
The longer he worked with the Djinn, the more he understood the true meaning of the word "leek"—the masses to be cultivated, managed, and harvested. His influence in Konoha was valuable beyond measure. Why give that up?
Even if it was only for appearances, keeping up the act was still necessary.
"Of course I know what the old man thinks," Orochimaru said with a smile, twirling the teacup in his hand. "That's exactly why I need you to help persuade him."
"You want me to convince the old man?" Jiraiya raised a brow. "Then give me one good reason to even consider it."
"I'll keep it simple." Orochimaru licked his lips. "Even if things escalate between Iwagakure and Kumogakure, the Hokage's not one to jump into conflict. He'll let them burn each other out. He doesn't want a war between Konoha and Kumogakure."
"So even if I were needed on the frontlines, it'd only be for show. The truth is, there are plenty of other options."
Jiraiya nodded. That was true—but still not enough.
Sure, there were alternatives. But Orochimaru was by far the best among them.
In a shinobi war, no one cast a longer shadow than Orochimaru. His presence alone could shift the battlefield. He was a deterrent unlike any other.
"But let's not forget," Orochimaru continued, eyes gleaming, "this entire situation started because the Fourth Raikage was severely injured."
"And aside from me… there's only one other person in the entire shinobi world who can heal him."
He leaned in slightly, voice low and amused. "Care to guess who Kumogakure might turn to?"
Jiraiya's expression froze, hand pausing mid-motion as he cradled Naruto.
A long silence followed. Then he said quietly, "Tsunade wouldn't do it. She understands the consequences. And Kumogakure may not dare to ask."
"You're wrong," Orochimaru said with a toothy grin. "You haven't fought that Raikage. You don't understand the lengths he'll go for his village. He's not afraid of risk."
"And as for Tsunade…" His smile deepened.
"She may not fear death for herself—but she fears losing the people she loves. Her niece, Shizune Kato… is her weakness."
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