Chapter 111: The Sannin Reunite

Jiraiya had found Tsunade. It hadn't been difficult.

Or rather, for a top-tier shinobi like Jiraiya, locating her was easy. But convincing Tsunade to return with him was a different story.

For starters, when he found her, she was at a casino, not winning big but losing terribly.

Tsunade's reaction to the Third Hokage's death was cold. She had been disappointed with the village for a long time.

She held little affection for the Third. For Jiraiya, the biggest issue was that he didn't have enough money to cover her debts.

Shizune fully supported the idea of Tsunade returning to become Hokage, but unfortunately, her words had no sway over Tsunade.

After Tsunade had gambled away Jiraiya's wallet as well, she was content to settle into a bar and start drinking.

Jiraiya sat down across from her again.

"What, you still haven't given up? Forget it, I'm not going back with you."

"Really? I just want to tell you a few truths. Tsunade, Aoba Kamikawa is a very dangerous person. If he gains control of Konoha, who knows what might happen. He could even start the Fourth Great Ninja War."

"Then let him. From what you're saying, he sounds formidable. Maybe he could unite the shinobi world."

"Tsunade, don't you get it? If a war starts, countless innocent people will die. Our goal should be to preserve peace, not start conflicts."

"Heh, Jiraiya, you're such an idiot. You still don't understand why Aoba Kamikawa wants me to become Hokage. He didn't hesitate to provoke you into taking on this task, but you have no idea what his real objective is."

It was similar to the original story, where little was shown of Karin and Sakura's talents. Tsunade's political acumen wasn't showcased much either.

But the truth was, Tsunade, who had seen through Konoha's nature and left, had far greater political insight than Jiraiya.

Jiraiya, burdened for most of his life by a prophecy from a toad, was no match for Tsunade in this respect.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that Konoha is currently in shambles. Whoever becomes Hokage now will have to face a mountain of problems.

And by the time this Hokage has cleaned up all the mess, Aoba will be able to step in and inherit a stable Konoha. In simpler terms, he wants me back to deal with the chaos.

And you're trying to convince me with logic? No wonder you're no match for Aoba Kamikawa, you idiot."

"…," Jiraiya fell silent, realizing he had indeed been foolish. But the frustrating part was that, even after understanding Aoba's true motive, he still wanted Tsunade to return.

It wasn't just for Konoha; there was a part of him that wanted her to return for personal reasons. Aoba's plan was straightforward and almost transparent. Whether Jiraiya saw through it or not, he would still have to go through with it.

"Tsunade…" Just as he was about to say something, Jiraiya turned to look at the door. At the same time, Tsunade turned her head in the same direction.

Standing in the doorway were two figures: Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi.

Jiraiya instinctively braced himself, but Tsunade made no move to attack. Instead, she poured a cup of sake and pushed it toward Orochimaru.

Tsunade's feelings toward Orochimaru were complicated. In theory, she should hate him for killing the Third, but in reality, she felt no desire to avenge the Third.

"Let's have a drink. It's been a long time since the three of us sat together."

"Tsunade, you…" Jiraiya looked at her in disbelief.

"He killed our teacher. How can you…"

"Really? Have you ever counted how many times we've saved each other in our careers as shinobi?"

Ignoring Jiraiya's murderous glare, Orochimaru took a seat beside Tsunade, though he didn't touch the sake.

Tsunade, ever perceptive, glanced at his hands.

"You're injured? The old man had some skill, after all."

"It's a technique called Reaper Death Seal. I've never encountered it before, and no matter what I try, I can't heal my hands. Tsunade, if anyone in this world can heal me, it's you."

Orochimaru was a top researcher in all things strange and obscure. But when it came to medical ninjutsu, he had to admit Tsunade was unmatched.

"Reaper Death Seal? Forget it. There's no way to heal that. It's beyond the realm of medical ninjutsu."

With that single sentence, Tsunade crushed Orochimaru's hopes, causing his body to tremble as he struggled to control his emotions.

"Why? Not even you? Your knowledge of sealing techniques and medical ninjutsu is unparalleled. Even you can't do it?"

"Heh, you know, Orochimaru, there used to be someone who could save you. But that person doesn't exist anymore."

Orochimaru pondered for a moment, then replied.

"The Uzumaki clan?"

"That's right, the Uzumaki clan. The Reaper Death Seal is one of their greatest sealing achievements. While we understand how to use it, we don't fully understand the principles behind it.

So, while some people in Konoha can use it, no one can decipher it, let alone undo it. The old man put his life into that jutsu. If it were easily undone, it wouldn't be one of Konoha's highest-level forbidden techniques."

Orochimaru's face darkened. He hadn't expected that even Tsunade was powerless.

He didn't think Tsunade was lying; he knew her well. She might not like him, but she wouldn't lie about her expertise.

"What a pity."

Orochimaru stood to leave, but Jiraiya blocked his path. Tsunade's inaction didn't mean Jiraiya would forgive Orochimaru.

"Stop."

Orochimaru faced Jiraiya's angry glare, a mocking smile returning to his face.

"Jiraiya, are you going to kill me to avenge the old man?"

"Orochimaru, you betrayed the village, killed your own teacher; your crimes are unforgivable. Come back to Konoha now and face justice."

Jiraiya's gaze was fierce, as if he were prepared to fight if necessary. Orochimaru, however, had no intention of fighting.

Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't fear Jiraiya. But now, with his hands injured and unable to perform jutsu, even though Kabuto could stand in for him, they weren't nearly as effective together as Orochimaru had been on his own.

If it came to a fight, getting away from Jiraiya would be a challenge.

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Currently on Chapter 152: An Uproar Across the Nations