Chapter 70: Return

Konoha

The Village had regained much of its luster and shine that it had before the 1st Great Ninja War.

Many people stood with smiles on their faces as they talked about the news of the Chunin Exams being held.

From the large betting pools that would result in large amounts of money in the casino's, the many nobles and Daimyo's who seemed to be visiting, giving them a large boost in profits, to the merchants who would be visiting, letting them gain a large amount of new products, the civilians of the village were celebrating the massive event.

However, unlike many of the civilains who were viewing the Exams as if the were simply a free ticket to making more money, the ninja in the village were extremely tense and on guard as they patrolled the village and jumped from rooftop to rooftop.

They understood the true nature of the Chunin Exams much more than the civilians did. They knew that the exams were a stand in for actual war, and that most of the genin competing would be targeted throughout it, especially with three other villages participating.

And while they weren't actively preparing for war, they did strengthen their defenses to a level that even if the other 4 Great Nations invaded at once, they would be unable to penetrate their defenses.

The genin who would be competing in the Exams were all finishing the training that they had been doing for the past 2 weeks, with most of them either polishing their skills with their jonin sensei's or learning new skills from their families to better help them in the exams.

And inside of the Senju Clan Compound, 6 people stood inside the backyard of the main house as they awaited for two people to be summoned from the places they were sent.

Mito began weaving hand signs as she spoke "The Return Summoning Jutsu will bring them both back here, similar to how they were summoned."

"However, if anything happened to them, I won't be able to successfully bring them back."

Everyone watched with bated breaths as Mito slammed her hands into the ground, finishing the Jutsu and making to clouds of smoke appear.

~

Mount Myboku

Inside of the great hall, Jiraiya stood in front of the Great Toad Sage, Ma, Pa, and Gamabunta as they conversated.

"It seems your time in our lands have come to an end for now. Feel free to summon us if you feel that you need help." Pa said to Jiraiya.

"But make sure you visit so you can get more of my good cooking!!" Ma added while Jiraiya paled before frantically nodding his head.

He then spoke "Thank you all for coming to see me off. I'll make sure I return to finish my training!!" Jiraiya said.

Just as he finished speaking, a cloud of smoke flew up and he vanished with it.

All the Toads except the Great Toad Sage left, leaving him to stare at the place Jiraiya originally was.

"I wonder how they will change the world. My dreams have begun becoming hazy as of late." the Great Toad Sage said as he closed his eyes to once again perceive the future.

~

Ryuchi Cave

Orochimaru stared at the White Snake Sage and the three leaders of Ryuchi Cave as they all eyed him with narrow eyes in silence.

The one to break the silence was the White Snake Sage as she hissed "Is it time for you to leave already?"

"Sadly, it is. I assure you I will return to finish my training later, as well as summon the others for aid in battle." Orochimaru answered with a blank face.

"Very well then, I believe it is time for you to leave." The White Snake Sage said, with Orochimaru vanishing in a cloud of smoke as she finished.

"Do you think he will be a good summoner?" Ichikishimahime asked.

The White Snake Sage gave her a small glance, sending shivers up her spine before she responded "I trust my judgment. I can tell that he will become a figure that can shape the world in the future."

The three of them nodded in understanding as the White Snake Sage took another sip from her pipe before drifting into her own world.

~

Back in Konoha, Jiraiya and Orochimaru both appeared in front of the six, causing them to be bundled into a hug by everyone there.

"I'm glad you two arrived, if not, I would have had to take the exams alone." Tsunade said with a smile.

"Well since we're back, let's go get some barbeque!!" Jiraiya said enthusiastically, with him really wanting to eat something other than flies.

Everyone smiled in agreement as they all went out to eat.