Jaxon actually found Orochimaru rather likable.
Despite his sinister reputation, Orochimaru was a top-tier biotechnologist in the later stages of his life. In this world, there likely wasn't anyone who could rival his knowledge in the field of biotechnology.
"Mr. Orochimaru, what do you think of this world?"
Jaxon walked alongside Orochimaru, his voice calm and measured, as he posed the question.
This wasn't a random inquiry. Jaxon had a hunch that this topic was one Orochimaru might enjoy discussing. After all, from what he knew, Orochimaru had harbored dreams of immortality since childhood. Even if that desire had mellowed over time, it had definitely left a lasting imprint on his heart.
"Haha! Jaxon-kun, you certainly know how to ask the right questions."
Orochimaru looked down at the small figure beside him, who barely reached his thigh, and responded with an indifferent chuckle. "I don't have too many complaints about this world. At the very least, life right now is rather enjoyable."
Jaxon was about to respond when—
"What are you two whispering about back there? Hurry up and catch up already!"
Tsunade's sharp voice rang out from ahead. She had already turned to glare at them, her expression hostile and impatient.
"This woman… if she were just a little more gentle, she'd actually be quite likable," Jaxon muttered under his breath.
But the next moment, his eyes widened.
Whoosh—
In an instant, he sensed danger. Orochimaru, with sharp reflexes, immediately dodged to the side.
Tsunade clenched her fist and hurled a punch straight at Jaxon without hesitation.
Boom!!
A tremendous gust of wind swept past Jaxon's cheek. Behind him, the ground exploded into rubble, a massive crater forming where the impact landed. Cracks spread through the earth like a spiderweb.
That punch… wasn't just strong—it was absolutely terrifying.
Had that blow connected with his body, Jaxon was certain he would've been reduced to dust.
Cold sweat broke out across his forehead. His mouth twitched involuntarily.
Standing face-to-face with Tsunade, with her fist still raised and her eyes burning with fury, Jaxon felt a chill crawl down his spine.
"You little brat," Tsunade growled, narrowing her eyes. "Say one more disrespectful word, and I swear I'll beat you to death."
A suffocating aura of violence radiated from her, washing over Jaxon like a tidal wave.
"Princess Tsunade, what's the meaning of this?"
A tall man suddenly stepped between them. It was Afu, Jaxon's bodyguard, who wore a grim expression as he shielded his young master.
His gaze locked with Tsunade's. Displeasure was evident in his tone. "You dare to raise a hand against my young master? Do you take yourself for more than a mere ninja?"
To Afu, a ninja was nothing more than a tool. Tools weren't meant to bite the hand that used them. Even the suggestion of rebellion was unacceptable.
"Hmph," Tsunade snorted, refusing to dignify his words with a reply. She turned away and began walking ahead again, her steps heavy with irritation.
"Afu, it's fine. No need to make a fuss over this. That's just how she is—rough around the edges with everyone."
Though Jaxon played it off, inwardly, he had been truly startled. The punch had come without warning. Anyone in his position would've reacted with instinctive fear.
"Young master, this is unacceptable," Afu muttered. "We're guests in Konoha, and yet their people treat us like this? I will be reporting this to the clan head immediately."
Jaxon shook his head.
"There's no need. I'm not that bothered."
He stepped forward, brushing past Afu, and the childlike gleam in his eyes faded into something much sharper—like a drawn blade.
Even Tsunade, who had no reason to fear a child, felt an unexpected pressure from that gaze. It wasn't chakra. It wasn't killing intent. It was… presence.
"We're here to visit. What I said earlier was inappropriate. I apologize."
Jaxon bowed slightly.
Tsunade paused for a moment before turning her head with a smirk. "At least you know how to apologize, brat."
She glanced sideways at Orochimaru, who had reemerged from hiding, then swaggered toward the Senju residence's main hall.
"Young master..." Afu started again.
Jaxon waved a hand.
"No need to say more. Why get worked up over such small things?"
He smiled, though a flicker of annoyance still lingered in his eyes. Honestly, he'd been furious a moment ago. After all, anyone would be pissed if their life were suddenly in danger.
But he had two good reasons for apologizing. First, he admitted his earlier remark had been out of line. Second, and more importantly… Tsunade was just a young woman—albeit a powerful and temperamental one.
Besides, he had noticed something strange just now.
His System Replication Progress had ticked up.
Current Progress: 0.006%.
It wasn't much, but it was a clear improvement.
That alone put him in a good mood. With that in mind, there was no reason to hold onto petty grievances.
---
They arrived at the main hall.
As Jaxon stepped in, his gaze was immediately drawn to a woman seated in the center.
She was stunning.
Her bearing was noble and dignified. Her clothing was elegant but modest—no excessive jewelry or bright colors, just a traditional robe that exuded timeless grace.
Her fair face was free of makeup. The purple, diamond-shaped seal on her forehead added a mysterious charm.
Her presence was so refined, it was as if the very air around her was infused with elegance.
Uzumaki Mito.
Jaxon couldn't look away.
As he stared, Tsunade snapped again.
"You little brat! What are you looking at? Keep staring, and I'll gouge your eyeballs out!"
Her angry voice shattered the serene atmosphere.
What kind of guest stared at the host for a full minute without saying a word?
Realizing his blunder, Jaxon quickly lowered his gaze and bowed deeply.
"My deepest apologies. You must be Lady Uzumaki Mito—the former Princess of the Whirlpool Country. I was simply awestruck by your beauty and grace. I beg forgiveness for my rudeness."
Mito raised a brow, clearly surprised.
Even Orochimaru gave a slight chuckle.
Jiraiya, who had just entered behind them, muttered to himself, "Damn, even I couldn't say something that cheesy with a straight face."
He would rather jump off a cliff than spout such over-the-top compliments. How could a kid say them with such ease?
Orochimaru, meanwhile, remained distant, standing near the edge of the hall. Judging from how relaxed he seemed, he was probably familiar with the place.
Mito smiled gently, her voice as soft as a spring breeze.
"You truly have a silver tongue, little one. You've only been in Konoha for two days, yet even someone like me—an old woman who rarely leaves her home—has heard whispers of your name."
Her tone was kind, her eyes bright with curiosity and warmth.
For a moment, Jaxon felt a surprising sense of comfort in her presence.
What a gentle and graceful woman…
No wonder Hashirama Senju had fallen head over heels for her.
Jaxon thought to himself, Senju Hashirama… you lucky dog. You must've used up all your blessings marrying someone like her. Maybe that's why you died early—heaven balanced the scales.
---
The meeting proceeded smoothly from there. Tsunade remained on edge, occasionally glaring at Jaxon, but Mito's presence kept the atmosphere calm.
Jaxon chose his words carefully, showing humility and respect.
As the conversation continued, the adults discussed alliances, missions, and village politics. Jaxon listened attentively, absorbing everything like a sponge.
After all, knowledge was power—and in this world, power was survival.
Even as he sat quietly, Jaxon was planning.
Calculating.
Scheming.
His mission wasn't just to observe. It was to adapt, infiltrate, and eventually—conquer.
Step by step, one careful move at a time.
And now, standing at the heart of the Leaf Village, speaking face-to-face with some of its most powerful figures, Jaxon could feel it.
His system was working.
Øóffer going on for diamond tier
pàtreøn (Gk31)