The Sunset Was Especially Gentle

Orochimaru first took two vegetable baskets from the shore. They had specifically brought them to hold fruits and vegetables.

He tossed one to the others for gathering crabs, while he held the other and began feeling around for Field Snails.

It had to be said that this place was truly blessed with clear waters and green mountains. These wild Field Snails were all quite large. People in this world probably did not know they were edible, since he had never seen them sold in the market.

Before long, Orochimaru had filled an entire basket.

Seeing him carrying a basket full of Field Snails, the others curiously gathered around.

"Uncle Snake, what are these? Can you eat them?"

Shizune was the most curious and asked first, while the others looked at him with the same questioning gaze.

"Hehe, they're called Field Snails. The meat inside is edible, and they make a fine snack with drinks. Your Sister Tsunade should like them."

As he spoke, Orochimaru turned his gaze toward Tsunade. Only when admiring Tsunade up close in her bikini did he realize just how incredible her figure was.

With her proud twin peaks, Orochimaru knew she was a woman he could not grasp with one hand. Though nearing thirty had not changed her appearance much, it had given her a faint air of mature elegance. Every gesture she made was brimming with charm and temptation.

"Talk all you want, but if your eyes keep wandering, I'll gouge them out for you."

Faced with Tsunade's murderous glare, Orochimaru smiled awkwardly. This woman really refused to suffer even the slightest loss.

After gathering more than ten jin of Field Snails, Orochimaru saw that it was still early and was in no rush to prepare them. He simply soaked them in salt water first, letting them spit out some of the mud and sand.

More than ten jin of Field Snails might sound like a lot, but once the shells and water were accounted for, more than half was gone. Once stir-fried, there would probably only be around two jin per person, and even less actual snail meat.

Shizune also brought over a basket of crabs. After pouring them out nearby, she took the empty basket and ran back.

"These aren't river crabs. These are mitten crabs!"

Looking at the palm-sized river crabs, Orochimaru marveled at the wonders of this world. They too had more shell than meat, and they would not die right away on land. If only there were lobsters as well, it would be perfect.

"Hey, Orochimaru! Come take some pictures."

Just as Orochimaru was thinking about a seafood feast, Jiraiya's voice rang out from beside the pool.

After securing the crabs, Orochimaru walked straight over to the group. Before he could ask anything, he saw that Jiraiya had somehow produced a camera.

"Today is such a rare, wonderful day. It'd be a shame not to take a few photos as keepsakes. Good thing I always carry a camera with me!"

As he spoke, he waved the device in his hand. Orochimaru knew Jiraiya liked traveling around in search of inspiration for his novels, but he had not expected him to enjoy photography as well.

It reminded him of the phones and digital cameras that had been essential for traveling in his previous life.

"Are we really taking pictures like this?"

Kushina seemed a little embarrassed at the mention of photos. After all, they were all still wearing Swimsuits.

"It's just a photo, not something going in the newspaper. Think of it as a keepsake!"

Tsunade was still wearing a Swimsuit, so Jiraiya naturally would not let this opportunity pass. He overrode everyone's opinions and made the decision for them.

"I'll go first, I'll go first!"

Shizune eagerly stepped forward. She had never had her picture taken before in her life.

Seeing how enthusiastic Shizune was, Tsunade acted generous and did not step forward to object.

"Come on, Shizune, take one with Tsunade first. Move a little closer, that's it!"

Jiraiya was quite good at finding angles. The two had the waterfall behind them, with a deep pool of emerald-green water at their backs. As the shutter clicked, they changed poses and angles, taking several more pictures.

After that, they took turns: Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Shizune; Tsunade and Orochimaru; Shizune and Orochimaru; Jiraiya and Tsunade; Kushina and Minato...

At first, everyone was still somewhat reserved, feeling a little embarrassed in their Swimsuits. But after using up one roll of film, they became increasingly relaxed and uninhibited.

"Hey, Anbu over there, come here for a moment."

Jiraiya called an Anbu ninja over.

"Take a group photo for us."

Jiraiya pressed down on Minato and Kushina's heads. Minato was still scratching his head with a foolish grin, while Kushina shyly held up a peace sign.

Shizune stood between Tsunade and Orochimaru, holding two large crabs in her hands and smiling happily as well.

The sunset was especially gentle, and the world was steeped in romance.

That evening, they lit a campfire.

A simple little table built from wood was covered with all kinds of dishes: steamed mitten crabs, stir-fried Field Snails, and even more raw ingredients—chicken, fish, shiitake mushrooms, wild vegetables, and more.

Orochimaru made one side of the pot into a Field Snail stew, while the other became a wild chicken Hotpot.

Minato had naturally been sent to catch the wild chicken that afternoon. Beside it was a ten-jin grilled fish, the very one Jiraiya had caught later.

This lavish outdoor dinner made everyone feel that the trip had been more than worthwhile.

Seeing Orochimaru's cooking skills, Kushina grew even more envious. At the same time, she was a little jealous of Tsunade and Shizune for living with Orochimaru.

After playing around all afternoon, they were hungry. And faced with the rich aromas of all the food, little foodie Shizune had long since lost her resistance and secretly eaten several pieces of chicken.

"Mmm! These Field Snails are really good. Looks like I'll have to send Minato to gather them more often."

Seeing what Orochimaru was doing, Jiraiya copied him and began sucking the snail meat out. The flavor earned his fervent praise as well.

That afternoon, Orochimaru had told him to use a kunai to cut off the tails of the Field Snails, making it easier to suck out the meat inside.

For the Legendary Three Ninjas, dealing with a few Field Snails was child's play.

Hearing Jiraiya's words, the others also began tasting them. It was their first time trying such a novel food.

"Ah, that's my Brother Snake!"

Jiraiya's greasy hand slapped Minato on the shoulder, nearly making Minato swallow the entire Field Snail.

"Cough, cough... Teacher, are you still holding a grudge over the diving contest this afternoon? And he's your Brother Snake. I have to call him Uncle Snake!"

By the end of the meal, everyone's mouths were slick with oil, and they found it even more satisfying than lunch.

"What do you think, Tsunade? Is the flavor all right?"

Orochimaru set down an empty snail shell and looked at Tsunade, who had already become skilled at sucking out the snail meat. Women really did seem to have a talent for this. With great interest, he teased her.

"It's all right, just a little spicy."

As she spoke, she raised her head and downed a gulp of wine. Clearly, she could not handle spicy food but loved it anyway.

"If you like it, I'll make it often from now on!"

Hearing Orochimaru's somewhat sentimental words, Tsunade rolled her eyes at him lightly. Yet in Orochimaru's eyes, that look was utterly alluring.

"Hey, hey, hey, Orochimaru, I like it too. Can you make it for me often as well?"

Seeing Orochimaru making moves on Tsunade, Jiraiya immediately could not stand it and began grumbling.

"Have your precious disciple cook for you. Calling me Brother Snake won't help!"

Orochimaru had not forgotten how Jiraiya had flaunted his disciple in front of him during the day, and he shot right back.

"Fine, fine, fine, you're so noble, so amazing! I wonder who just said, 'Ah, Tsunade, if you like it, Brother Snake will make it for you every day!'"

Jiraiya regretted the sarcastic remark as soon as he said it. He had only been running his mouth and forgotten that Tsunade was right there.

The next moment, Tsunade and Orochimaru moved at the same time. In the silent wilderness forest, inhuman screams rang out...