Jiraiya's Request

"Gentlemen, war is about to begin again."

Unlike the cheerful atmosphere outside the room, the atmosphere inside the Hokage's office was somewhat oppressive. However, those present were all high-ranking officials of Konoha, and more or less knew that war was imminent. But hearing the news from Orochimaru's mouth still caused some tension. They were all survivors of the battlefield; no one understood the cruelty of war better than them.

"Minato."

"Lord Hokage"

Minato stood up and said respectfully.

"This time, you will lead the Konoha team."

Minato was visibly taken aback. He had assumed Orochimaru would give this position to Karot or Shisui, not expecting Orochimaru to give it to him. However, Minato quickly recovered.

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

Orochimaru had also tried to offer Karot this position, but Karot refused. In Karot's words, "Am I supposed to be their babysitter? What's the point of all my hard training? Isn't it so I can do whatever I want?"

Even giving it to Shisui wouldn't work. Shisui's strength is sufficient, but his prestige is still a bit less than Minato's.

"Then let's adjourn the meeting!"

Having finished explaining his duties, Orochimaru didn't keep anyone else. Everyone was assigned their tasks, and Konoha's war machine was finally up and running. Various supplies began to be transported to the front lines.

"We've come back here after all."

Konan arrived in Konoha weary from her journey. This was her only hope—the hope of avenging Nagato. It was this last bit of strength that sustained Konan as she made her way to Konoha.

"Jiraiya- sensei."

Konan's first choice was Jiraiya. If there's anyone in Konoha Konan could trust, it's definitely Jiraiya. Even in the worst-case scenario, Jiraiya would simply send Konan away; he wouldn't kill her. Konan had previously participated in the Tailed Beast capture plan within the Akatsuki Organization.

"Konan."

Jiraiya shocked. She hadn't expected Konan to suddenly appear here, catching Jiraiya completely off guard.

Are you alright?

Jiraiya knew that many ninjas were searching for Konan throughout the Ninja World for bounties. Many were willing to beat a drowning dog, and such a dog was quite valuable.

"Come with me."

Jiraiya seemed to have thought of something and immediately left with Konan, arriving at Konan Senju clan's territory. After all, he was now the Senju's son-in-law!

"You can stay here without worry. It's very safe here."

Jiraiya noticed that Konan looked very haggard, and knew that she hadn't been doing well lately.

"Why"

Jiraiya felt bad seeing his apprentice all alone now. He still vividly remembered the three little devils from back then.

"Thank you, Jiraiya- sensei. You're the only one who will take me in now."

Konan said self-deprecatingly, "After wandering the Ninja World for so long, it's all for nothing."

"I want to see the Hokage of Konoha."

Konan's words were surprising, Jiraiya hadn't expected at all. He had thought Konan had only come to Konoha to hide for a while and would leave once the storm had passed.

"I have crucial intelligence about the Akatsuki Organization to tell him. This is the only thing I can do for Nagato."

Jiraiya wanted to persuade Konan, but as soon as Konan spoke Jiraiya knew it was futile. This had become Konan's obsession after the fight.

"All right."

In the end, Jiraiya couldn't bring himself to refuse her.

"You should rest first. I'll go talk to Orochimaru about this."

Jiraiya left. He didn't know what Orochimaru would do if he found out Konan had come to Konoha. What should he do then?

"I'm sorry, Jiraiya- sensei. I really have no other choice."

"When I avenge Nagato, I will commit suicide to atone for my sins."

Konan knew she had manipulated Jiraiya's feelings. She knew that only if Jiraiya went to Orochimaru would Orochimaru have a chance to see her. If it had been any other ninja, Konan would probably be in the Anbu's prison by now.

"Orochimaru, here's the situation. Do you want to see her?"

Jiraiya arrived at Orochimaru's office immediately and told him about Konan's arrival in Konoha. He also told Orochimaru Konan was currently at his home.

"An interesting girl."

Orochimaru said coldly. He still expressed his appreciation for Konan's choice. "A girl with both courage and wisdom!" he thought. Looking at Jiraiya, who was grinning like a chrysanthemum, Orochimaru couldn't help but sigh at the injustice of the world. Why were all of Jiraiya's disciples so outstanding?

"Then let's meet."

Jiraiya still had to give Orochimaru some face. He didn't have many friends, Jiraiya was one of them. He would just do Jiraiya a favor.

"Okay. I'll go arrange it right away."

After receiving Orochimaru's approval, he immediately arranged for the two to meet. However, Jiraiya returned shortly afterward.

"Orochimaru, promise me you won't kill her, okay?"

Her tone carried a hint of pleading. She understood that Konan and Nagato's actions in coming to Konoha had caused the Konoha great losses.

The most touching thing is when a tough guy sheds tears. Even a high-level player like Orochimaru was defeated.

Even if they don't die, they will pay the price.

"All right."

Jiraiya knew this was the biggest concession Orochimaru could offer.

"Wow, what a touching scene!"

"I never imagined our Orochimaru- senpai had such a kind side!"

After seeing Jiraiya leave, Karot teased Orochimaru.

"A live Human Experimentation would be quite good."

Orochimaru only said she wouldn't die, but he never said she wouldn't have to pay for her crimes. Many ninjas fell victim to Nagato and Konan, and as the Hokage Orochimaru naturally wanted to seek justice for them.

"I can only say, as expected of you, Orochimaru- senpai."

Karot apologized for thinking Orochimaru had become kinder. He knew Orochimaru was still the same Orochimaru, unchanged in the slightest.

"The former Second of Akatsuki Organization, what kind of information do you think she will bring?"

Karot became somewhat interested in information about Konan.

"Unfortunately, our undercover agent joined Akatsuki Organization too recently. They haven't yet accessed the truly core secrets."

"Hasn't the opportunity arrived now?"

The two exchanged a glance, everything understood without a word.

Orochimaru has agreed to see you.

Konan had been waiting for news, but she finally felt relieved. She knew that if she had rashly gone to Orochimaru, she might have been killed before she even got close.

"You rest first, I'll come and get you."

Jiraiya gave his final instructions and then left.