While Orochimaru, Menma, and the Hidden Sand were secretly colluding and preparing their respective plans, the Hidden Leaf was not entirely oblivious.
If nothing else, Orochimaru's return after so many years was enough to put Konoha on high alert.
No one believed that the former pride of the village had come back just for a casual stroll. Even considering Sasuke as a factor, from Hiruzen Sarutobi's perspective, his former beloved student definitely had bigger schemes in mind.
Therefore, almost immediately after the second round of the Chunin Exams concluded, the entire village adopted a stance of "relaxed on the outside, tight on the inside." Under Hiruzen's orders, not only were the regular defense forces mobilized, but even the Hokage's direct ANBU units were placed on full alert, conducting 24-hour rotational patrols and surveillance.
They weren't letting a single suspicious clue slip through.
However, it seemed Orochimaru really had only returned for Sasuke, as he vanished completely after that day.
But Hiruzen didn't dare relax in the slightest.
He knew better than anyone how strong his student was. But Hiruzen was no longer the man he used to be. years ago, he was still barely in his prime and had the strength to kill Orochimaru. Now, his only option might be to gamble everything on that forbidden technique.
This was the natural decline of age, something no human could reverse.
Don't forget, Hiruzen Sarutobi was already sixty-nine years old. A ninja's peak had long since passed him by.
He had to take the most cautious and secure approach possible. Based on this, Hiruzen directly dispatched ANBU to recall another one of his students.
The legendary "Toad Sage" of Konoha—Jiraiya.
Upon receiving his teacher's message, the former Sannin immediately rushed back toward the village.
---
Konoha, Hokage Tower.
Hiruzen, who had been buried in paperwork, suddenly paused. He set down his pen and looked toward the floor-to-ceiling window with his slightly cloudy eyes. A faint smile touched his lips.
"Back so soon? It seems you didn't dawdle on the road this time, Jiraiya."
As his words fell, a burly figure materialized.
Waist-length white hair, red markings under his eyes, and a forehead protector emblazoned with the kanji for "Oil" (油).
It was none other than Hiruzen's student, Jiraiya.
"Heh, wasn't it you who asked for me, Old Man?" Jiraiya leaped into the room, landing directly in front of Hiruzen.
"So, you really are worried about Orochimaru," Hiruzen said, fixing his gaze on Jiraiya. The directness of the comment made Jiraiya's expression freeze for a moment.
A second later, Jiraiya regained his composure, his face turning solemn. "Old Man, are you sure it's really Orochimaru?"
"There is no need to doubt it, Jiraiya. Anko has confirmed it. Naruto's team also encountered him in Training Ground 44 during the exam. Barring any surprises, he came for Sasuke."
Hiruzen shook his head gently.
Truth be told, Hiruzen wished it were false news. There was no doubt that he had placed immense hope in Orochimaru back in the day. If he had to choose a successor for the Fourth Hokage back then, his first choice would have been Orochimaru.
It was this special affection that had caused Hiruzen to soften his heart during their confrontation years ago, letting Orochimaru go. He simply couldn't bring himself to kill his most brilliant student.
For years, Hiruzen had been somewhat hypnotizing and deceiving himself. As long as Orochimaru didn't reappear in front of him, Hiruzen would pretend it never happened. The fact that the ANBU had never seriously hunted Orochimaru down over the years was proof enough.
But now, his most prized student had returned. And he had clearly returned with a conspiracy.
This forced Hiruzen to face reality.
No matter how much he valued his student, in Hiruzen's heart, the greater good of Konoha always came first.
"I understand. Then leave Orochimaru to m—"
Jiraiya took a deep breath, intending to take on the burden.
"No, Jiraiya. If anything unexpected happens, I leave the protection of the rest of the village to you," Hiruzen interrupted, shaking his head from his seat.
"Old Man, you..."
The implication was unmistakable. Jiraiya was stunned.
"Past mistakes must ultimately be corrected by the one who made them. Don't worry, I'm not too old to swing Enma just yet," Hiruzen said with a light chuckle.
"I understand. You don't have to worry about anything else. With me here, everything will be fine."
Jiraiya gave his teacher a long look before slowly nodding.
That "mistake" from years ago...
It was a painful memory not just for Hiruzen, but for Jiraiya as well. And that mistake finally had to be rectified, even if it was years too late.
"I'll stay near the village for the time being. If there's any news, call me immediately. And Old Man... don't push yourself too hard."
Jiraiya walked to the window. After leaving those final words...
Whoosh.
He leaped out, vanishing into the thick night.
"Don't push myself, huh? That's a line I should be saying to you. However... I still hope that when the necessary moment comes, you can shoulder the responsibility that truly belongs to you."
Hiruzen relit his pipe, taking a deep drag. As he slowly exhaled a cloud of smoke, memories of the past flooded his mind.
They finally settled on that image from years ago—the sight of his brilliant student defecting from the village.
'This time, I won't hesitate...'
---
The various factions were wrestling in the shadows before the final collision. But ultimately, Konoha remained the passive defender in the open, while the initiative lay temporarily with the alliance of Sound and Sand led by Orochimaru.
And under the shadow of this looming, massive danger...
The Hidden Leaf Village welcomed its liveliest period in years.
Dignitaries and nobles from various countries, along with merchants who had caught wind of the event, swarmed into the village, making Konoha bustling and prosperous.
The people of Konoha, completely unaware that danger was approaching, fully enjoyed the festival-like atmosphere.