"Jiraiya, can I enter Mount Myoboku?"
Mingye's question left Jiraiya baffled. In his mind, Mount Myoboku was anything but a nice place—the food was bad, the sleeping conditions were bad, and there was that fierce old mother toad who often suppressed him with force.
"What do you want to go there for?"
Mingye smiled and explained.
"What you said has made me curious too!"
Jiraiya thought it over, then shook his head and answered Mingye with slight embarrassment.
"There's nothing I can do! It seems only those who inherit its legacy can enter. I only got in by sheer luck. Sorry, Brother Wu! I really can't help you with this."
A flicker of disappointment passed through Mingye's eyes, but he still smiled amiably, showing that he did not mind.
"Then forget it. I was only asking casually! It's no big deal."
"Haha! Then I'll be off! I still need to apply for permission to leave the village!"
"Mm! Stay safe and be careful on the road!"
"I know! Goodbye, Brother Wu!"
After saying his farewells, Jiraiya waved dashingfully, leaped up, and quickly headed for the Hokage Building. Mingye watched him leave and muttered to himself.
"Old toad, you'd better not get in my way."
In the study of Mingye's home, Orochimaru rapidly flipped through all of Mingye's notes. Following Danzō's instructions, he translated portions of them before copying down all the information. Then, hearing the door, Orochimaru swiftly vanished from the spot.
"Big Brother! Sensei, why did you come together?"
"Wasn't it because I had nothing to do at noon? I happened to have something to discuss with Wu. Have you eaten? There are some small dishes here—have a little drink with us!"
Facing Orochimaru's bow and greeting, Sarutobi Hiruzen invited him warmly. Orochimaru shook his head slightly and pointed