Lin Qing had spent seven days killing Orochimaru.
It had taken five days to return to Konoha.
But in the mere twelve days since Lin Qing had last seen Jiraiya, the man before him had become almost unrecognizable.
Jiraiya looked awful.
His hair was matted, his eyes bloodshot. For twelve days, he had remained intensely focused without sleep or rest, while keeping the Purified Water sphere running...
It had nearly run the legendary Sannin completely dry.
"Seeing you back puts my mind at ease."
Jiraiya grinned.
"Thanks for all your effort."
Lin Qing gently patted Jiraiya on the shoulder. The last trace of resentment vanished, and he used Whitesnake to remove the "command" he had planted in Jiraiya's mind.
The command could only make Jiraiya stay by Sasuke's side. It couldn't make him care for Sasuke so wholeheartedly.
Kakashi nodded slightly to Jiraiya, and the four of them walked out.
Only Lin Qing, Jiraiya, Konan, and the unconscious Sasuke remained in the room.
Jiraiya sighed softly.
More than physical exhaustion, the guilt weighing on him tormented him. Fortunately, it had all been worth it. He formed Hand Seals, and the Purified Water sphere slowly dispersed, revealing Sasuke at its core.
Sasuke had grown much thinner. His cheeks were sunken, his ribs stood out, and he looked like a famine victim. His life force was barely perceptible.
If they had waited a few more days, Sasuke might really have died.
Lin Qing wasted no more time. He placed the Orochimaru disc against his chest, then naturally gathered Ripple power at his fingertips and gently touched Sasuke's forehead. Using the method for manipulating the Cursed Seal, he worked in reverse, drawing out every trace of the invading power.
One black Tomoe after another flowed along Sasuke's meridians, then emerged from the center