Trio No More

"It's really just as I thought. Everything was done by Orochimaru." Jiraiya wasn't too surprised after listening to the reports because he had already figured out the outcome.

However, sometimes, even if he already got some idea about the outcome, he couldn't say it in advance. Instead, he wanted to take advantage of every opportunity to get the biggest benefit for Konoha. This time, it was obvious that he had done it again. Everyone who participated in this battle grasped their shortcomings and experienced a life-and-death situation.

For the rookies, this mission was a great help to their future growth, especially Shikamaru. He always thought that he could rely on his wisdom to survive, but this time he couldn't solve the situation even after exhausting his brain juice.

Instead, Temari came to aid him and looked at him in disdain. Everything went as planned. It deeply stimulated Shikamaru and made him realize the importance of strength. Only when he was strong enough could his wisdom truly be displayed.

"Hokage-sama, I have something to say." Guy brought Rock Lee in. After obtaining Jiraiya's permission, Lee observed the battle between Ryoha and Kimimaro. He also reported the information of Ryoha's third power from Gaara and Temari to the Hokage.

"Is what you said true?" Jiraiya, who was originally very calm, couldn't sit still anymore. Others might not know how powerful Shikotsumyaku was, but as one of the Legendary Sannin, he knew very well. Otherwise, Orochimaru, who was also in the same team, would not have risked going to the Kirigakure alone to take Kimimaro away. Orochimaru knew how powerful Shikotsumyaku was.

"Yes, according to the information I obtained from Temari of the Suna, whose intellect is second to Shikamaru, I think the intel this time is correct."

Lee wasn't too nervous when facing Jiraiya because the Hokage was always on good terms with Konoha's rookies. Since Lee was a diligent one, he would give him tips from time to time. The relationship between the two was good.

"This is really troublesome. He is already difficult to deal with. Although he is only an elite Jonin on the surface, his combat strength is already comparable to that of a Kage-level ninja. Now he even has Shikotsumyaku. What a headache."

Jiraiya was a bit regretful. If he had known earlier, he would have been a bit more ruthless. He would have directly accepted the offer to become the Hokage and put Danzo in place. But now it was too late to say anything. He could only think of a way to make up for it.

"You guys go down first. Let me think here for a bit." Jiraiya frowned. He rubbed his temples and waved to Kakashi and the others in front of him. He quietly looked down at Konoha through the window, but his heart was completely opposite to his appearance. He could not calm down for a long time. It could be said that his heart was in a mess.

In a secret base in Otogakure, Ryoha had already returned with Bulma, Haku, and Byakko. Of course, he also saw Sasuke. Seeing his surprised and twisted appearance, Ryoha ignored him.

"Orochimaru, is Tsunade done yet?" Ryoha asked Orochimaru directly.

"Haha, Ryoha-kun, you seem to be more impatient than me." Orochimaru first smiled and then said: "Tsunade just sent out a Shadow Clone and said that it's about time."

"Is that so?" Ryoha nodded. What Orochimaru said was right. He was a bit anxious because when he came back just now, Haku had told him that it would be difficult for her Bloodline Limit to advance further in this environment. She had to go to snow or ice-covered regions. Only then would Haku be able to achieve the usual results of her training.

That was why Ryoha had asked if the Orochimaru was ready. If he was already better, Ryoha could leave this place. Haku's increase in strength would be of great help to him. Not only would it help him, but Bulma's safety would be ensured.

Ryoha didn't say anything. Orochimaru also didn't say anything. The atmosphere suddenly became a bit stiff. Fortunately, it didn't last for long. Only half an hour or so later, Tsunade came out. Her face was a bit pale. It should be because she had exhausted too much of her Chakra.

She was trying to break the Dead Demon Consuming Seal, after all. Although obtaining the Third's corpse did some help, it was still a powerful seal that could seal even the Kyubi.

Fortunately, Tsunade was also good at Sealing Jutsu. Looking at the seal on her forehead, it was obvious. Thus, she found the entry point to break it. The key was the seal on the Third's body and not the seal on Orochimaru's hands. Thus, breaking it was much easier.

"How is it, Tsunade? Did the Third seal your grandfathers inside the Demon's stomach? Is it different from the Fourth?"

Ryoha asked with concern. After all, people never stopped seeking hope in despair. However, when the outcome was different from what they had hoped, the shock they suffered would be great. Tsunade would be very sad if she didn't find her grandfathers inside the Demon's stomach as the gang had hypothesized.

"Well, at least the old man still has some humanity. Both of my grandfathers are sealed inside his body, since he used it as the vessel for the jutsu. As long as this seal remains unbroken, My grandfathers will not be affected by the Edo Tensei."

Tsunade looked at Orochimaru with a warning look. The meaning was very clear. She was fine with removing the seal from his hands, but if he ever dared to reanimate her beloved grandfathers using a certain Forbidden Jutsu, she won't be so kind to let him away.

Orochimaru did not say anything but nodded to Tsunade very stiffly. "Well, I'll just cut off our friendship as past comrades, just like I did with Jiraiya. From today on, I have nothing to worry about, and I don't need to show mercy to anyone."

As soon as he thought of this, Orochimaru only felt that the last shackles and shackles in his heart were gone. Although his whole heart was empty, it was very ethereal. He knew what he was pursuing and what he wanted the most. Everything that blocked his path, whether it was human or some objects, was an obstacle to him.

He would never reanimate the First and the Second, but from then on, he would cut off all friendship with his former comrades and not show any mercy when facing both Jiraiya and Tsunade. It could be said that Orochimaru's heart was firmer, and at the same time, it became colder.

"From now on, the Legendary Sannin will no longer exist." The leader nodded with satisfaction. Although she felt a little lonely since they had spent so many years together. But a leader is a person who has to remain strong on the outside, despite they might be softer on the inside. Once faced with a serious issue, Tsunade would be a commander kunoichi who would never hesitate.