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"It's very important—it concerns the entire shinobi world. That's why I must leave. This mission will take a long time, and for a while, I won't be able to stay by your side. Take care of yourself, understand, Naruto?"
"But…"
Just moments ago, Naruto had been grumbling with annoyance, but now he rushed forward and hugged Jiraiya tightly. He couldn't bear to see Jiraiya leave, especially knowing that this mission would keep him away for so long, with little chance of returning.
Patting Naruto's head, Jiraiya laughed heartily.
"Silly kid, I'll come back to see you as soon as I can. You can always visit your Grandma Tsunade at the Hokage's office—she'll know how I'm doing. Or you could go see Kazuki."
Are you kidding me?
Naruto, who had been on the verge of tears, immediately let go of Jiraiya's hand.
"No way! I don't ever want to see that guy again!!!"
The mere thought of the punishments he'd endured and the endless stacks of test papers made Naruto want to scream. Avoiding Kazuki was already a full-time job—why would he willingly seek him out?
Damn it! What kind of person punishes kids by making them do homework? Doesn't he know how exhausting that is? And sending over so many test papers—is he trying to kill me?!
"Hahaha…"
Jiraiya burst into laughter. Clearly, Kazuki had left quite an impression on Naruto.
"So after I leave, make sure you behave at school. No mischief or pranks, understand? Otherwise, if Kazuki catches you, the consequences…"
"..."
A shiver ran down Naruto's spine as he imagined Kazuki's smiling face, pressing him down onto a desk and shoving a pen into his hand.
Too terrifying. Kazuki is worse than a demon.
The collaboration between the two villages was quickly settled. Jiraiya would serve as Konoha's representative, while Kumogakure had yet to announce who they would send for the investigation.
Once preparations were complete, Jiraiya set off with a squad of ANBU, embarking on his mission to track down the Akatsuki.
Meanwhile, after wrapping up his own tasks, Kazuki also prepared to leave the village—this time, to hunt down Orochimaru.
"You can actually find Orochimaru?"
Tsunade was skeptical. Among the Sannin, Orochimaru was undoubtedly the best at hiding. If he didn't want to be found, even Jiraiya wouldn't be able to locate him.
Back when Orochimaru defected, Jiraiya had spent years searching for him—only to never even catch a glimpse.
"Is it really that hard?"
"..."
Good thing Jiraiya isn't here to hear this. Otherwise, he'd be spitting blood.
Not hard? If it's not hard, then what was Jiraiya doing all those years—just wandering around collecting material for his novels?
"In the past, it would've been difficult. But ever since he came to the village and encountered me, the difficulty level dropped significantly. It might take some effort, but I will find him."
If Kazuki weren't known for keeping his word, Tsunade might've thought he was bragging.
"I've finished all the paperwork in my office. If you need anything, just send Shizune to fetch it. If there's nothing else, I'll head back and prepare."
Kazuki had come to the Hokage's office partly to bid Tsunade farewell.
Even with special methods, obtaining a suitable eye would take time. Kazuki didn't want Kakashi thinking he'd been lied to, so it was best to settle this matter sooner rather than later.
As Kazuki turned to leave, Tsunade hesitated.
"Kazuki… about Orochimaru…"
"Hm?"
Kazuki paused, glancing back at her.
"…Never mind. Just go. Come back soon."
Suppressing her thoughts, Tsunade shook her head.
"You were wondering if Orochimaru could be persuaded to return to the village, weren't you?"
Though Tsunade hadn't voiced it outright, Kazuki could guess her dilemma. When it came to Orochimaru, only one thing could make her hesitate—whether he could be brought back.
Despite all the despicable things Orochimaru had done, he had also contributed greatly to the village. His strength and abilities were undeniable. If he returned, Konoha's power would undoubtedly grow.
As for the villagers' opinions…
Please. If Tsunade approves and issues a statement, most people would accept Orochimaru's return without protest.
Just look at the original story—Orochimaru not only came back but even skirted the edge of becoming Orochimaru-sama, and barely anyone objected.
"Yes."
Tsunade couldn't quite describe her feelings. Her stance on Orochimaru was conflicted—part of her wanted to strangle him, while another part hoped he might still turn back.
What? He's a missing-nin?
So what? That's just paperwork.
For ordinary missing-nin, redemption was impossible. But for someone like Orochimaru? The village would make an exception.
"I'll try. No guarantees, but it's worth a shot."
Kazuki saw right through Tsunade's thoughts, though he didn't promise success outright—even though he was absolutely certain he could bring Orochimaru back.
But saying so in advance would ruin the fun.
"You're right. There's no way to be sure. Just give it a try—no need for high expectations."
If Orochimaru were so easy to persuade, he wouldn't have defected in the first place.
Though Tsunade suspected he'd been forced to take the blame for Danzō.
Of course, that was her perspective.
Kazuki's take?
Unless Orochimaru has a death wish, he'll come back.
Compared to humiliation, Orochimaru feared death far more. A man with such a glaring weakness was easy to control.
If this were Jiraiya, Kazuki wouldn't have the same leverage. But Orochimaru?
Piece of cake.
Especially after the suffering he'd endured, Kazuki was confident Orochimaru would make the rational choice—not gamble with his life.
"Understood. Wait for my news."
Since Tsunade was open to the idea, Kazuki might as well attempt persuasion.
Who knows? Maybe force won't even be necessary.
After packing at home, Kazuki left the village alone, traveling light.
Instead of wandering aimlessly, he headed straight for the perpetually troubled Land of Rivers.
After the cult's eradication, this unfortunate country had plunged into civil war.
The already unstable power structure had completely shattered.
Ironically, the very people who'd hired Konoha to eliminate the cult had inadvertently thrown their nation into deeper turmoil.
Before, the factions had been locked in a tense balance—none strong enough to dominate.
But once one side collapsed, the entire structure followed.
Not that Kazuki cared.
He was here for Orochimaru, not to fix the Land of Rivers' political mess.
Deep beneath the country's surface, hidden in a secret underground base, Orochimaru was busy conducting experiments.
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