Defection?

"Jiraiya, stop being so persistent. With that man's strength, if we keep investigating, Tsunade and I might not be able to protect you." Natsu Hyuga glanced at Orochimaru Natsu, who seemed indifferent to the situation, and secretly plotted how to dissuade Jiraiya plan.

"Impossible. We've known each other for so many years, and I know Orochimaru strength better than anyone. It's not that I'm underestimating you, but even though the old man is old, it's impossible for you, Orochimaru, to take him down easily, let alone without alerting the Anbu."

Orochimaru is definitely hiding some crucial information; the person who attacked the old man was definitely someone else.

"That's right, I can't do it with my own strength, but can't I ask for outside help? You should have heard of the Akatsuki that's been making headlines in the Ninja World lately. Their leader possesses the legendary Rinnegan, and Uchiha Obito, who killed the Fourth Hokage, was also in that organization. Do you think I can't take down the old man with their help? Do you really think he's the strongest Hokage of all time?"

Since we can't take the blame ourselves, let's drag the Akatsuki into it. They've already done enough messes, so one or two more won't make a difference.

"What? That organization is involved too? Damn it, Orochimaru, how could you join forces with them? They're being targeted by the entire Ninja World right now!" His friend was really too unwise.

"It's just a collaboration. I provide the money and they provide the labor. What kind of partnership is that? Iwagakure Kumogakure have done similar things in private before. If we're talking about partnerships, it's with Hidden Snow Village. The Land of Land of Snow is far from conflict and intrigue, making it a great place for scientific research."

In the few years since joining Hidden Snow Village, the speed of my scientific research development has far surpassed that of the first few decades of my life. I, Orochimaru, have never fought such a rich battle in my life, not even with the support of Root back then.

"That won't work either. You're a member of Konoha, and both Konoha and Tsunade need you right now. Since the Akatsuki was behind what happened to the old man, we can pin the blame on them. Plus, with Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage, helping you clear your name, your status as missing-nin can be completely removed. Come back with me, Orochimaru."

That's great. Since it wasn't Orochimaru who made the move, there's still a chance for things to turn around.

"Impossible. I've already joined Hidden Snow Village. Are you trying to make me Snow Hidden? Ask her if she'll agree first." Orochimaru said, glancing in Natsu Hyuga's direction.

"Um... Orochimaru is from Konoha..."

"That wasn't the case a few years ago. He's now the head of research at Hidden Snow Village. Jiraiya, you've said your piece, you should go." Seeing Jiraiya trying to reason with her, Natsu Hyuga unleashed her full power, causing Jiraiya's white hair to fly wildly.

"But that's just a misunderstanding. We, Konoha, will revoke his status as missing-nin. As a partner of Konoha, and the leader of Hidden Snow Village, you wouldn't want to lose Konoha as an ally, would you?" Knowing he was no match, Jiraiya began to think of using Konoha to intimidate others.

"Hmph, allies? Who cares? Besides, since you know he's missing-nin, you should understand the attitudes of the villages towards missing-nin. Do you think Orochimaru can escape from me? Are you trying to kill him? I never thought you Jiraiya, were the one hiding the deepest! What did Orochimaru do to offend...? Who? Hmm? Those rats again? Still harboring treacherous intentions? Daring to spy on our Hidden Snow Village!"

Halfway through her sentence, several familiar Chakra reactions suddenly entered Natsu Hyuga's perception range.

"What? We were having a good chat, how did you suddenly become mentally unstable?" Jiraiya was still in shock at Natsu Hyuga's sudden change.

"Idiot, the enemy is coming. Our perception is far inferior to the leader's. Have your combat reactions deteriorated so much from not having carried out missions for so many years?" Interesting. Judging from Xia's tone, it's an old acquaintance this time?

"Huh? There are enemies even in this remote place like Hidden Snow Village? Who's so blind as to dare to plot against Hidden Snow Village?" The strength of the Hidden Snow Village leader in front of me is probably comparable to the First Hokage. Isn't it foolish to cause trouble for her? What kind of idiot would train such a clueless subordinate?

"Heh, the Ninja World is so big, there are bound to be a few oddballs. Get ready for battle, or leave this place. After all, you're not a member of Hidden Snow Village, so they're not targeting you." Licking his tongue, Orochimaru's eyes were filled with excitement. It was time to test out his super armor.

"Hmph, what a joke! Do you think I, Jiraiya, am the kind of person who would desert in the face of battle? Besides, you're right here." So many years have passed, I never thought I'd be fighting alongside Orochimaru again.

As the Pain forces drew closer, Jiraiya and his companion sensed each other's presence.

Swish swish swish~

Pain made his grand entrance in three stages. Having learned from his previous experience, Nagato knew that apart from Space-Time Ninjutsu, no other method of concealment would be effective against this woman's eye power.

Since they're just drawing fire anyway, let Pain's three paths charge in and that's it. We can always rebuild them.

"Hmm? Circle eyes? It's you again? Looks like the lesson from last time wasn't enough? But after that experience, you should understand that you're no match for me, right? Since you dare to come again this time, it means you've made thorough preparations. I'm quite curious, who gave you the courage to face me?"

Although she said that, Natsu Hyuga Kaguya secretly used the puppet controlled by her Yuki Tenseigan have Kaguya Yuki use the Flying Thunder God to go to Konoha to call for reinforcements.

Although these three guys are no match for me, they're not fools. They dared to come and deliver themselves to me knowing my strength, so they must have something to rely on. Just in case, it's best to play it safe and have Gen oversee things.

Even if the other person is truly a fool, coming to deliver food on their own initiative, that doesn't stop me from using that as an excuse to get Gen to come and keep me company. Even that girl from Kirigakure who came later is already pregnant; I have to work hard, otherwise wouldn't all the Snow Hidden family fortune I've painstakingly built up just go to someone else's child?

"Enough with the nonsense. Last time we weren't prepared enough, it was spicy, sweet, and salty~" Hmm? Jiraiya? Never mind, the mission is more important, I can't worry about that now. I hope Jiraiya- sensei won't meddle, otherwise...

Rumble~

A tremendous repulsive force struck!

"Heh~ This trick again, not worth mentioning... Hmm? The repulsive force has increased so much? Looks like you guys haven't been idle lately. But you're still far behind me! Super! Shinra Tensei ~"

As Natsu Hyuga made a gesture, an overwhelming repulsive force covered the entire battlefield. Fortunately, this repulsive force was directed towards the direction outside Hidden Snow Village, otherwise the entire village would have been wiped out.