"Orochimaru, the border conflicts with the Land of Wind and the Land of Earth have been getting more frequent lately. The old man says war is right around the corner."
On a street outside Konoha Hospital, the white-haired, needle-haired Jiraiya walked side by side with the black-haired, straight-haired Orochimaru.
"Mm."
Orochimaru responded with a nasal hum.
"The old man has to hold down Konoha, so this time he wants the three of us to head to the front lines," Jiraiya added.
"Mm."
Orochimaru nodded coolly.
Jiraiya continued, "He wants us to earn military merit and make names for ourselves in the ninja world, so we can naturally secure commander positions."
"Mm."
Orochimaru nodded again.
Jiraiya's head throbbed. "Can't you say one more word?!"
"Mm, mm." Orochimaru nodded.
Jiraiya: "..."
"Why do ninjas always have to risk their lives? In this war, who knows how many people will die, how many families will be torn apart."
He sighed helplessly. "We became orphans during the First War. I just hope fewer children end up in orphanages this time."
Orochimaru remained silent for a long time before saying hoarsely, "This is war. This is what ninjas are. This is the fragility of life."
"Compared to peace, making a name for ourselves on the battlefield means nothing," Jiraiya said.
By then, the two had reached the entrance of Konoha Hospital.
"Come to think of it, who knows what Tsunade has been doing this past year. She hasn't gone on missions with us in a long time," Jiraiya suddenly said.
Orochimaru resumed his cool demeanor. "Mm... mm?"
The strange upward lilt in his voice caught Jiraiya's attention. "What is it?"
"Look over there."
Orochimaru tugged Jiraiya into the shadows, then pointed ahead.
Jiraiya looked over curiously. He froze at first, then his eyes widened into