Naruto returned to his office and immediately saw Jiraiya and Kakashi.
"You sensed it too?"
"So much commotion—forget us, any random jonin could have noticed something was wrong. Naruto, what exactly happened?"
"A world-ending crisis."
Naruto grimaced as he recounted what had happened at Mount Myoboku. Jiraiya and Kakashi both fell into deep thought after hearing him out.
"Naruto, this isn't something Konoha should get involved in." Kakashi looked troubled. "I'm sorry to the toads of Mount Myoboku, but the world is very different now. Even if we stop him, it'll only bring endless trouble to Konoha afterward."
"I know, but letting this continue will only make things worse. Besides, Konoha has already sent two thousand shinobi. We can't just abandon them."
"Then it's time to use some power that isn't exactly humane."
Just as Jiraiya finished speaking, a knock sounded from outside the door.
"Come in."
The door opened. Sasuke entered first, followed by Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi.
"Naruto, it seems I arrived at just the right time."
Naruto let out a breath of relief and said with a smile, "That's right. Sasuke, will this cause you any trouble?"
"There'll naturally be trouble, but compared to a world-ending crisis, it's not worth mentioning."
At that moment, Jiraiya looked at Orochimaru. "Orochimaru, you've surprised me."
"You think I shouldn't have shown up?" Orochimaru let out a strange chuckle. "Jiraiya, you still haven't changed. I naturally have my own reasons for acting, but that has nothing to do with you or Konoha."
Sasuke cast him a cold glance, impatience faintly showing on his face. "Orochimaru, if you turn on us in the middle of this, I won't be merciful."
"From what I know of Yoshijo, unless he's beaten badly enough, he'll never compromise. So rest assured, I won't hold you back."