"Konoha needs this new sapling!"
Although the words were not spoken loudly, they struck the two men like a thunderbolt.
At that moment, the two felt that Orochimaru's figure seemed to have grown taller. What he said made sense, but they still felt that something was wrong.
Is it really as he said? Or is he doing all this for Konoha?
As if sensing the suspicion in their eyes, Orochimaru chuckled.
"Hehehe... Believe it or not, everything I've done is for myself. Times create heroes, and I've created those times! Now it's up to you to see how you perform!"
These words made their expressions complicated again. They were infamous, but frankly, they didn't lose anything. On the contrary, they could use this to rise to power. The path had been paved for them.
"You don't need to thank me!"
As he spoke, Orochimaru looked at Tsunade, seemingly implying something, and then looked at Jiraiya.
"Of course you can hold a grudge against me! I don't care! In this life, ability is secondary. Some people become the face, some become the substance, it's all about timing!"
Orochimaru looked at the two of them meaningfully, especially Jiraiya, his purpose obvious.
Since Tsunade wanted to become the visible leader of Konoha, Orochimaru hoped that Jiraiya become Konoha's hidden henchman.
Just like the First Hokage and the Second Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo, and later Naruto and Sasuke.
This life is different from the Original Work. Orochimaru has completely destroyed Konoha's reputation and dignity. He may seem weaker than Konoha in the previous life, but only he knows that this is a complete rebirth!
"Jiraiya, what do you think?"
Faced with Orochimaru's piercing gaze, Jiraiya was momentarily speechless and could only avert his eyes. However, he was immediately met with Tsunade's interrogative gaze.
It's as if to say, "If you agree, I'll agree to go back with you and become Hokage."
Yes, it's not like he wants Tsunade to succeed him as the Fifth Hokage while he himself lives a carefree life.
"Don't look at me like that, I... I'll think about it..."
Jiraiya said guiltily, but Tsunade wasn't buying it. If he didn't give her a definite answer, she might not be able to find him when she returned to the village.
"Hmph! Since you put it that way, I'll consider your suggestion!"
Just as he was hesitating, a fragrant aroma suddenly wafted from afar, and it was coming from Naruto's direction.
Upon smelling the aroma, both of their stomachs began to rumble uncontrollably, breaking the tense atmosphere.
"How about... we eat first? It's been so long since the three of us got together!"
Without waiting for Jiraiya, Jiraiya walked over there first.
Hearing this, the two had no choice but to give up and decide to fill their stomachs first.
"Hey! Naruto, it's all done, you can eat it now!"
Shizune brought a skewer of grilled meat to Naruto, but he still seemed angry, especially when he saw Orochimaru's face.
The person in front of him killed his beloved Third Hokage grandfather. How could he possibly eat the food his enemy was cooking? Even if he starved to death, he would rather walk back to town than eat a single thing from Orochimaru!
"It smells so good... I want another one!"
No one can escape the "it's actually good" phenomenon, and even a tiny Jinchuriki is no exception.
Seeing Naruto eating with his mouth full of oil, Shizune thoughtfully wiped the oil off his lips.
"Naruto, you're not going to eat? Show some backbone! You can't become Hokage if your knees are too weak!"
Tsunade couldn't resist taking a jab at the little guy. He dared to question her before, but now she's given him the chance!
Naruto was quite straightforward; he didn't care about the sarcastic remarks. He had heard such things since he was a child and was immune to them.
If it were Uchiha Sasuke sitting here instead, he would probably be arrogant to the end.
But the oblivious Naruto wouldn't think that way. Why not use the things belonging to his enemy? He stole them with his own skills, and he wanted to finish all the food in front of him!
"Jiraiya, is this your newly accepted disciple?"
Orochimaru, who was sitting not far away, also said something, and picked up a pot of wine to drink as he spoke.
As if he had anticipated this scene, he had brought it with him all along. Not only him, but Tsunade and Jiraiya had some.
"Ah...! This wine is good! Hmm!"
Faced with Orochimaru's obvious question, Jiraiya first took a big gulp before nodding.
"I remember your companion Sasuke was pretty good too!"
Orochimaru smiled at Naruto, but Naruto seemed to recall some unpleasant memories and didn't answer him, only snorting coldly and turning his head away.
Orochimaru didn't care about his appearance. Instead, he looked at Tsunade. Tsunade was confused by his gaze and thought, "What does it have to do with me if you praise someone's friend?"
The group chatted and ate, exchanging a few words here and there. Orochimaru mostly kept quiet, listening to them talk.
After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Shizune, emboldened by the alcohol, boldly moved closer to him. She had a low alcohol tolerance and became somewhat tipsy after just a couple of sips.
"Um... Uncle Snake! Um..."
Seeing her acting like a shy, timid girl, Orochimaru habitually reached out his large hand and ruffled her hair.
Shizune didn't flinch; instead, she moved closer and closer. Orochimaru also cooperated by bringing his ear a little closer to see what this little girl wanted to say.
"Um... potion, Lady Tsunade's beauty potion... do you still have any?"
If Orochimaru hadn't had exceptional hearing, he might not have been able to hear her faint, almost inaudible voice.
So that's what it was about. No wonder you were so embarrassed.
Orochimaru laughed at her flushed face, wondering if it was from being drunk or embarrassed. She was only in her early twenties, the prime of her youth, so why was she having such thoughts now?
However, after a little thought, he understood: everyone has a love of beauty. Especially for a girl at the most beautiful age, who wouldn't want to prolong her bloom?
However, the medicine given to Tsunade to enhance her body was mistaken by her as a beauty product to restore her youth, even though Hashirama Cells do have the function of delaying aging.
She probably thought she was using drugs to maintain her appearance in her twenties, which made Orochimaru both amused and exasperated.
Seeing Shizune hugging a pig and whispering something to Orochimaru, Tsunade felt a little helpless.
No matter how fiercely the three of them fought, it wouldn't affect Shizune's relationship with them. If Jiraiya write a book for her, it would probably be something like "My Master is Sannin of the Ninja World".
"Since you want it, I'll give you one! I might not have other Uncle Snake, but you've come to the right person. I am the Medicine God!"
As soon as he finished Shizune, he was overjoyed and was about to celebrate when he suddenly felt a wave of dizziness.
"Shizune!"
Seeing Shizune collapsed on the ground, Tsunade assumed she had drunk too much and tried to help her up, but then a dizzying sensation overwhelmed her.