"Yes, Fifth Hokage." Orochimaru admitted it with utter candor.
Kitahara Kaede's expression darkened.
Orochimaru did not seem like someone who would betray him.
After all, he had entrusted Orochimaru with many tasks.
And Orochimaru had completed every one of them flawlessly.
He had even put exceptional care into them.
If Orochimaru was the traitor—
Kitahara Kaede simply could not believe it.
But Kitahara Kaede quickly began to reflect.
What if Orochimaru had only ever done it for the Hidden Leaf Village?
If Orochimaru cared only about the Hidden Leaf Village—
Then Kitahara Kaede, as the protector of the ninja world,
Losing his strength was equivalent to losing the means to protect the Hidden Leaf Village.
In other words, Orochimaru had merely done what he believed he should do.
After imagining a whole series of possibilities, Kitahara Kaede looked at Orochimaru.
"Let me hear your explanation."
Kitahara Kaede's words were equally simple.
He only wanted Orochimaru's explanation.
Orochimaru maintained his smile throughout.
"I have no need to explain myself. I have always believed in you."
Kitahara Kaede did not pursue the matter further. He could continue observing Orochimaru's situation.
So, he asked about the other person.
"Then who is the other person?"
Orochimaru said calmly, "I don't think the Fifth Hokage will believe me."
"Of course I believe you. And I'll verify it myself."
Kitahara Kaede said calmly.
In truth, when Kitahara Kaede entered the village—
He had already locked onto the two auras confronting each other.
Now that Orochimaru had come forward himself—
Only one person remained.
Orochimaru chose to believe Kitahara Kaede and revealed the other person's name.
"It's Jiraiya!"
Jiraiya!?
Although Kitahara Kaede's expression did not change—
When he heard Jiraiya's name—
His heart still twitched.
"No!"
Kitahara Kaede swiftly said with absolute certainty.
Orochimaru said helplessly, "I