Akatsuki Holds a Meeting (Request for Subscriptions)

Amegakure.

Beneath the Central Steel Tower.

Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Takigawa Hyuga faced off, the tension thick between them.

"Orochimaru, you can't escape. Come back to the village with me!"

Jiraiya stared intently at Orochimaru, fists clenched as he struggled to keep his complicated feelings in check.

Six or seven years had passed since Orochimaru defected from the village. Jiraiya had traveled far and wide, endured countless hardships, and soaked in hot springs across the land. At long last, he had found Orochimaru!

Today, he was taking Orochimaru back to Konoha no matter what!

"Jiraiya, after all these years, you're still as arrogant as ever."

Orochimaru let out a low chuckle. "Do you really think you can stop me?"

Jiraiya's heart sank.

Orochimaru's methods were bizarre, and he had countless tricks up his sleeve. He was already extremely difficult to deal with, and to make matters worse, Jiraiya had only brought a Shadow Clone!

As for his real body—well, at this very moment, it was either soaking in some Hot Spring Pool or crouching beside one, gathering material. Even if he dispelled the clone now, Jiraiya couldn't get here in time.

There was no choice. He'd just have to give it his all!

Jiraiya was a man of action. Once he'd made up his mind, he immediately charged at Orochimaru.

"Hmph."

Orochimaru snorted and rushed forward, his lithe body twisting as he grappled with Jiraiya.

They had known each other for decades and were familiar with each other's techniques, but since they hadn't met in years, both instinctively chose to test the waters with Taijutsu.

Takigawa Hyuga stood off to the side in oversized sunglasses, watching as casually as if nothing were happening. "Lord Jiraiya, why are you here? Where are our leader, Pain, and Konan?"

Jiraiya shot Takigawa Hyuga a