Searching for Jiraiya

As one of the legendary Sannin, Orochimaru's breadth of mind naturally needed no questioning. Relying on his excellent self-control, he forcibly suppressed the violent thoughts in his heart, then looked calmly at Houka.

"Houka-kun, why not hear my plan first?"

"I'm all ears!" Houka said, pricking up his ears.

Orochimaru immediately laid out the specific details of the Konoha Crush Plan one by one.

Houka narrowed his eyes and listened carefully.

Kill the Fourth Kazekage, disguise himself as the Kazekage, infiltrate Konoha...

Compared to the original story, the Konoha Crush Plan now had one additional variable.

That variable was Houka himself, as well as Hatake Sakumo, the White Fang of Konoha, who had survived because of him.

"In other words, you want me to help you hold off the White Fang of Konoha, right?" Houka said noncommittally.

"Such a small matter shouldn't be difficult for you, should it, Houka-kun?" Orochimaru said with a smile.

Houka showed a trace of modesty. "Barely. I suppose it's not much of a challenge."

Understandingly, Orochimaru said, "I know you still have feelings for Konoha, so I won't ask you to do too much. As for me, I merely want my teacher to depart honorably in battle!"

As he spoke, complex emotions slowly seeped into Orochimaru's cold golden slit pupils—gratitude, anger, disdain, and even resentment at Hiruzen Sarutobi for failing to live up to expectations!

Houka could not understand Orochimaru's complicated feelings and thoughts toward Hiruzen Sarutobi.

But that did not stop Houka from playing both sides.

Houka also felt that Hiruzen Sarutobi had failed to live up to expectations, though that phrase was usually used for one's own son.

But no matter how much he had failed to live up to expectations, Houka could not just kill him outright.

However, because of Minato Namikaze,