A few days later.
In the forest outside Konoha.
A tall figure was quietly approaching.
Wild white hair, a red outer robe, wooden sandals.
Jiraiya.
The Toad Sage, one of the Sannin.
He had traveled through wind and dust, his expression grave.
Just a few days earlier.
He had heard news on the black market intelligence network that made him question his life.
Orochimaru had returned to Konoha?
And become a hero of Konoha?
The head of the Scientific Research Department?
"The intelligence broker must have drunk too much and started spouting nonsense."
The moment he entered the village.
Jiraiya sensed that something was wrong.
It was too prosperous!
The streets had doubled in width, and brand-new shops lined both sides.
What was going on?
He had returned to see Naruto last year.
Konoha had not been like this back then.
"Boss, the village has changed quite a bit."
Jiraiya walked up to a roadside stall and ordered a bowl of dango.
"You can say that again!"
"Ever since the Fifth Hokage took office, life has been looking better by the day!"
The owner grinned as he handed over the dango.
"I heard... Orochimaru returned to the village?"
Suppressing the doubts in his heart, Jiraiya lowered his voice and tested the waters.
The moment the owner heard that, his expression changed.
Jiraiya's heart tightened. Just as I thought. The villagers are still afraid of Orochimaru.
To his surprise, the owner slapped his thigh, his face full of admiration.
"Lord Orochimaru is a great contributor to Konoha!"
"He was framed by that old bastard Danzo back then. He really suffered injustice."
"Now the Fifth Hokage is wise enough to put Lord Orochimaru in charge of the Scientific Research Department. I hear he's developed plenty of good things that benefit ninja!"
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