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Jiraiya watched every change in Orochimaru's expression.
He was genuinely curious now — what exactly had Hiruzen written in that letter?
But since the scroll was sealed with a self-destruct jutsu that would activate upon opening, and because he trusted his teacher, Jiraiya never even considered peeking.
"Heh heh… hahaha… AHAHAHAHA—!"
Orochimaru, after reading the scroll, first chuckled lowly — and then burst out into crazed laughter.
He laughed so hard he had tears in his eyes. The reaction stunned not just Jiraiya, but also Kabuto, who had remained quiet all this time.
"Drive White Fang to suicide, watch the Fourth Hokage die, massacre the Uchiha clan… and now, when there's no one left to use, you come crawling back to me?"
After finishing his laugh, Orochimaru wiped away the nonexistent tears at the corners of his eyes.
The scroll dropped to the ground and with a *puff*, vanished into smoke.
"Orochimaru…"
Jiraiya frowned. Some of what Orochimaru said sounded like conspiracy theories — at least a few things couldn't be pinned on Hiruzen.
"If this had been ten years ago, maybe I would've been moved."
But not now.
He had already defected from Konoha, founded the Hidden Sound Village in the Land of Rice Fields, and experimented on countless subjects for ten years. Orochimaru's heart had long since turned to stone.
The scroll said things like, "I plan to strike at Sunagakure… If you return, all will be forgiven, and I'll help clear your name."
Orochimaru had felt a fleeting temptation.
But it passed quickly.
Belated sentiment is worth less than dirt — and this wasn't even sentiment. It was just manipulation.
Still… why would the old man suddenly target the Sand?
That was what had truly shocked Orochimaru when he read the letter.
He had just assassinated the Fourth Kazekage — the body wasn't even buried yet — so how could Hiruzen, sitting in his Hokage office, just *happen* to know the timing was ripe to strike?
No… it must be coincidence.
The old man had no worthy successor and now wanted to swallow Sunagakure whole. That's why he came looking for me.
Orochimaru's mind raced through countless possibilities — but none of them included actually accepting Hiruzen's "kind offer."
"Same answer as before: tell the old man to wash his neck and wait for me in Konoha."
Orochimaru glanced at Kabuto, who immediately began preparing an escape jutsu.
"Orochimaru, this might be your last chance. Can't you just…"
Can't you return to the village, for old times' sake?
Jiraiya stretched out a hand, unwilling to give up — but only grabbed air.
Orochimaru was already gone, vanished in a swirl of wind.
——
——
"Oh? He turned it down?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood with his hands behind his back, staring out the window at a towering tree, watching dry leaves dance in the wind.
"Yeah…"
Jiraiya looked a little downcast.
He had hoped… just maybe, the legendary Sannin could reunite in Konoha once more.
If Orochimaru had agreed to return, he would've immediately gone to find Tsunade.
But unfortunately, Orochimaru still couldn't be brought back.
"It's fine. Tell me — how did he react?"
"He…"
"I see."
After listening to Jiraiya's account, Hiruzen's eyes flashed with brilliance.
"Lord Hokage, urgent intel!"
Suddenly, an aide shouted from outside the office.
A carrier pigeon had arrived with a secret letter, which was quickly handed to Hiruzen.
> "Partial remains of the Fourth Kazekage have been found."
Upon reading it, if not for Jiraiya's presence, Hiruzen might've let out a triumphant *"Yes!"* right then and there.
It all lined up — *exactly*.
Orochimaru's reaction, the body of the Fourth Kazekage — they all confirmed the "future" written in that notebook.
There was no time to waste. Preparations for the "Chunin Exams" had to begin immediately.
Suppressing his excitement, Hiruzen casually disintegrated the message using a Wind Release jutsu.
"Jiraiya, how long has it been since Konoha rebuilt its ninja army?"
"…Sensei, what exactly are you planning?"
Orochimaru… and now an army?
Even someone as laid-back as Jiraiya could tell something was off.
And what was written in that letter?
"Don't worry. Konoha isn't going to invade anyone. It's just a precaution."
Only if Jiraiya oversaw the rebuilding effort could Hiruzen feel at ease.
"You'd better be telling the truth."
Jiraiya couldn't help recalling Orochimaru's accusations. He had dismissed them as nonsense, but now… he wasn't so sure.
Over the years, Jiraiya himself had developed many doubts about Hiruzen.
Still, for the sake of Konoha, he would follow the orders.
"…If war really is inevitable, we should bring Tsunade back too."
Jiraiya thought for a moment and offered the suggestion.
"I'll consider it. For now, go make preparations."
Just hearing Tsunade's name gave Hiruzen a headache.
One after another, these once-adorable students had all grown up — and now even Jiraiya dared to talk back.
*Sigh…*
But for Konoha's sake… to fulfill Tobirama's dying wish… Hiruzen could endure anything.
——
——
"Shadow!"
Team 8 had just strolled out of the Hokage's building when they ran into Team 10, led by Asuma Sarutobi.
Immediately, Uchiha Ying was wrapped in a soft, sweet-smelling embrace.
"It's been days! Did you miss me?"
Of course, the clingy girl was none other than Yamanaka Ino, who had grown *just a little bit* during this time apart.
"Didn't we just see each other at the flower shop yesterday?"
Yesterday was the Uchiha clan's memorial day — Ying had helped Sasuke buy flowers.
"That doesn't count! My mom was there!"
Ino's parents still didn't want her associating with the Uchiha.
But now, hugging Ying's arm like it was a habit, Ino buried her golden hair into his chest and greedily inhaled his warmth.
The missions in the village were so dull — and she hadn't seen Ying in forever. She had been dying inside!
"Ahem. Young lady, we're heading out on a mission. Please let go of my student. You can chat later when there's time."
Kurenai Yuhi, a bit surprised by the sudden blonde clinging to Uchiha Ying, looked over at her own student — Hinata — who had remained silent the whole time.
What was going on here?
Wasn't he supposed to be with Hinata?
Now this blonde's showing up, all touchy-feely like t
hey're lovers?
This wouldn't do…
As a loyal supporter of pure romance, Kurenai made a mental note: *This naughty little disciple of mine needs a serious interrogation later.*
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