Still, that made sense.
Such a high-tech talent had not only failed to receive proper recognition, but had instead been constantly sidelined. How could proud Orochimaru endure that?
Orochimaru merely smiled without speaking, then left.
But before leaving, he intended to do something earth-shattering...
Sarutobi Hiruzen's residence.
Inside.
Besides him, Jiraiya was there as well.
Sarutobi Hiruzen took a hard puff from his pipe, then exhaled the smoke. "After all these years, you finally decided to come back. Thank you for your contribution during the war."
If Jiraiya, who possessed Sage Mode, had not joined the battlefield,
then even if Sarutobi Hiruzen had personally stepped in,
it would have been hard to say who would win the war against Cloud Village.
Jiraiya looked out the window. "Teacher Sarutobi, Orochimaru contributed greatly this time as well. I merely cooperated with everyone."
Upon hearing Orochimaru's name, Sarutobi Hiruzen only felt that over the years, Orochimaru had become increasingly elusive and was no longer truly of one mind with him.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze turned somewhat unfocused as he spoke.
"Jiraiya, stay in Konoha. Lead Root. In a few more years, when I step down, I will recommend you as the Fifth Hokage!"
Jiraiya smiled and waved his hand. "Teacher Sarutobi, I enjoy traveling the world, recording the beautiful moments of human life and writing them into my books. Besides, my abilities are limited. I do not have what it takes to lead Root."
"As for becoming Hokage? Forget it. I was never cut out to be a leader!"
Jiraiya refused outright.
He still had his own mission.
For example, finding the legendary Child of Prophecy.
Sarutobi Hiruzen continued persuading him. "I can have Shikaku of the Nara clan assist you. With your abilities, you are fully qualified to become the Fifth Hokage!"