Hokage Residence.
Orochimaru rarely returned here. He spent most of his time at the research institute.
Anko brought him meals every day, though even without her, he could simply inject himself with a dose of nutrient solution.
He had returned today because there was a guest at home.
For someone who hardly ever received visitors to make a special trip back, this person was clearly unusual.
Tsunade stood in the living room, looking over the furnishings.
"You don't live here anymore?" she asked.
"I stay here occasionally."
Orochimaru walked to the table, took out two teacups, and poured tea into each.
"What brought you back so suddenly?"
"Am I not allowed to come back?"
Tsunade sat down casually and countered with a question.
Orochimaru said, "It seems something has happened."
Tsunade did not respond. She merely raised her teacup and took a sip.
While traveling, she had suddenly run into Jiraiya, who had come looking for her. He then showed her a secret letter.
Orochimaru had defected from the village.
Tsunade found it utterly absurd, so after returning to the village, she came directly to find Orochimaru.
Orochimaru added, "Why didn't you go find Minato with Jiraiya?"
Tsunade gave a scornful laugh. "You got the news quickly enough."
But after saying that, she suddenly fell silent. She briefly sorted through the matter in her mind, her brow gradually furrowing.
She asked, "Did something happen between you and Minato?"
Holding his teacup in one hand, Orochimaru looked out the window with his usual calm expression.
"Who knows?"
Tsunade stood there in deep thought.
Orochimaru said, "Tsunade, if one day Jiraiya stood against me, what would you do?"
Tsunade's frown deepened. "Why?"
Orochimaru smiled faintly. "You should ask him that."
Tsunade grew impatient. "Orochimaru, stop speaking in riddles. What exactly happened between