The next day, Tsunade still left with Shizune.
Before leaving, Orochimaru gave him two sets of clothes, one blue and one green.
They were all based on the kind of clothes worn by ancient female knights-errant in his past life, as seen in Orochimaru's memories of his previous life.
It's a pity that Orochimaru is no longer around, and we don't know what Tsunade, the Tsunade, looked like. She must have been the most dazzling sight.
Aside from Orochimaru and Jiraiya, even the Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, didn't personally notify them; he only informed them through Jiraiya.
Twelve years of companionship, only to be met with a farewell kiss from Tsunade, which can be considered a response to Orochimaru. I wonder if it was worth it.
If the First Hokage and Second Hokage knew that he had been eyeing her granddaughter for over a decade, they would definitely have used the Flying Thunder God Technique to kill her with the Summoning: Wood Golem!
What Orochimaru didn't know was that as she left, Tsunade hummed the song "Green Silk" that Orochimaru had sung before.
"I remain, living a life of drunken stupor, laughing at the ever-changing world. She sighs, lamenting the endless pain of longing, through countless years... Do you not see, I dance gracefully..."
This song is truly fitting for Tsunade to sing; she left with the jar of sake given to her by Orochimaru, looking quite dashing.
If Orochimaru heard this, he would definitely hear that line playing along with the background music:
"I told you, I only need to make a slight move to know the limit of this segment. Like I said, back then I had my hands in my pockets and didn't know who my opponent was!"
The music and revelry are gone, old friends have dispersed, and the joyous reunion of ten miles is nowhere to be found again!
With a hint of reluctance, Shizune quietly left Konoha, waving goodbye without taking a single cloud with her.
Orochimaru also moved back to his own home from Tsunade's mansion, since it was never really his territory.
As soon as he returned home, Orochimaru built a biological laboratory in the basement of his house.
His family wasn't as large as Tsunade's family; his home, less than 200 square meters, was already much larger than that of an ordinary ninja.
After working with Anko for several days, Orochimaru finally built his own laboratory in the basement of his house.
The land above ground belongs to the public, while the land underground belongs to individuals. Orochimaru can make it as big as he wants, without paying any attention to laws and regulations.
After Orochimaru finished setting up his laboratory, it was evening that day.
Orochimaru had just returned to his hut when an uninvited guest came to block the door.
"Hey, isn't this the famous writer? What brings you to my deserted place!"
A young man with white hair was sitting at Orochimaru's door, picking his nose idly with one hand.
Judging from the strange patterns formed by a small pile of pebbles at his feet, he had been waiting here for some time.
"Orochimaru, you bastard, you're finally back!"
Jiraiya patted his butt and stood up, his expression already showing some impatience.
Orochimaru smiled at his impolite tone, stepped forward, and patted him on the shoulder.
"What? You wanted to see me?"
"It's nothing! I just wanted to have a drink with you!"
Jiraiya followed Orochimaru into the house, and just as they entered, Anko came over carrying several bags of groceries.
It seems they timed it perfectly. Orochimaru is already used to it, but Jiraiya's gaze is filled with envy.
"Anko, do you think your teacher made you do this?"
As he spoke, Jiraiya bent down and rubbed Anko's little head. Why weren't his disciples so well-behaved when they were young? They were all rebellious disciples!
"No, no, I bought it myself. I came here to freeload because the teacher is such a good cook!"
Anko quickly explained, her hurried and flustered appearance looking quite adorable.
Jiraiya knew that Anko was Orochimaru's new disciple and had seen her a few times in the village, so the two were not too formal with each other.
Seeing how protective Orochimaru of Anko, Jiraiya pursed his lips, feeling even more uncomfortable.
With Anko helping out, Orochimaru quickly cooked several side dishes: steamed sea bass, Anko, stir-fried green beans with meat, cabbage, and a plate of dried small fish.
A scientist who can't cook is not a qualified scientist.
As for Jiraiya, he was already drinking alone in the living room.
"Hey! This jar of wine is for you."
Orochimaru somehow got hold of a jar of sake that was exactly the same as the one he had given to Tsunade a few days ago.
Anko thoughtfully poured Orochimaru and Jiraiya full glasses of wine, while she poured herself a glass of juice.
"Wow! Good wine. I didn't expect someone who doesn't drink often to have such a secret weapon."
Jiraiya downed a cup in one gulp and praised it as well, clearly indicating that it was a rare and excellent drink for him.
He knew that Orochimaru had also sent Tsunade a jar of sake. Fortunately, he hadn't prioritized romance over friendship and still remembered his comrade.
But if he didn't go to their door, would it just be as if nothing had happened? Thinking about this, Jiraiya became more and more angry.
"Hey, Orochimaru, that's not fair! Didn't Tsunade agree to your demands? You have to give me an explanation today!"
He looked at Orochimaru with a malicious expression. He was also interested in Tsunade, but he never expected that the treacherous Orochimaru would beat him to it.
"Who the hell am I supposed to explain myself to now that I've come this far?"
Orochimaru really wanted to slap Jiraiya in the face, seeing Jiraiya irritating expression. He was being treated to good food and wine, yet Orochimaru still wanted to give him an explanation.
Orochimaru didn't answer the question; he simply shook his head and clinked glasses with Jiraiya.
Realizing Orochimaru didn't want to discuss the topic, Jiraiya had no choice but to give up.
However, he figured Orochimaru couldn't possibly win Tsunade's heart so easily. From childhood to adulthood, the two of them had been spying on women's bathhouses and playing the hero saving the damsel in distress in front of Tsunade. Every single time, it was Orochimaru who pulled Orochimaru along.
Even if Orochimaru has reached puberty and his mind has become clearer over the years, it's impossible for him to progress that quickly. Lord Jiraiya still has a chance!
With that thought in mind, Jiraiya stopped worrying. His original purpose for coming here was to question Orochimaru.
Thinking about how Orochimaru had failed after more than ten years of effort, I felt relieved. Besides, he was being so considerate now, serving me good food and wine. I figured I should just give him face.
"Tch... look at your pathetic self!"
Orochimaru knew without even thinking what he was talking about, and gave him an annoyed look.
"Hehe! I'm pretty ambitious. Hey! Let me tell you, Minato might become the next Hokage! Doesn't that bother you?"
As he spoke, Jiraiya looked at Orochimaru with a sly grin. He had come here to further investigate Orochimaru's thoughts.
It would be bad if Orochimaru harbored any resentment towards Minato because of this incident; as a teacher, he had to strike a balance between his disciple and his close friend.
"Fine, I'll take it. I'm not interested anyway. But you, your disciple's become Hokage, what are your plans now?"
Jiraiya watched Orochimaru speak casually, staring intently into his eyes. Realizing he wasn't lying, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
"Are you really not interested?"
Jiraiya asked again, only to be met with Orochimaru's Byakugan.
"Me? I'll just focus on writing, occasionally venturing out of the village, and in a few years I'd like to travel around!"
That's very much like Jiraiya's style. No wonder he won't be seen in next year's Nine-Tails' Attack; he's probably thinking about his retirement.
Jiraiya could be proud of having trained a Hokage disciple.