Konoha.
Orochimaru had been back for several days.
He was currently in the laboratory, organizing the existing equipment and checking which items needed to be repurchased.
After all, many of his things were still over in the Hidden Sound Village. Even with Storage Scrolls, moving them was inconvenient, so he planned to buy new ones.
Although Orochimaru had money, once the Third Hokage learned what he needed, he fulfilled every request, saving Orochimaru a considerable sum.
After finishing an experiment that day, Orochimaru went to find Jiraiya.
Jiraiya was talking with the Third Hokage in his office.
"I'm telling you, old man, if there's nothing else, I want to continue my travels. My books haven't been updated in ages."
Jiraiya lounged carelessly against his chair.
Since Orochimaru had returned to the village a few days ago, the old man had been getting along fairly well with him.
More accurately, Orochimaru did not pay much attention to the Third Hokage, but neither did he cause any trouble.
He simply kept himself busy in his own laboratory.
Jiraiya had stayed in Konoha for a while. Because of what Shamu had done before, the Hyuga Clan kept a close eye on Jiraiya whenever he went out.
Security had been especially tightened around the bathhouses.
As a result, Jiraiya could only go to the red-light district by himself for some sake and relaxation.
But he felt that the women there were all common and unremarkable, the sort anyone could see whenever they wanted. They could not inspire him at all.
The Third Hokage was furious. "At a time like this, you want to leave?"
Jiraiya said indifferently, "Didn't Shisui and Itachi already leave the village? Tsunade and Orochimaru are still here. What are you afraid of?"
The Third Hokage sighed. He did not know