"The contract is complete."
Slug's voice rang out. "Summon me whenever you need me."
They turned to Mito, their feelers swaying. "Lady Mito, I'll be going back now."
Mito nodded. "All right. Thank you for your trouble."
With a bang, white smoke burst forth again.
When the smoke dispersed, the ground was empty, with only a faint water trail left behind.
The room fell silent.
Tsunade was still staring blankly at her palm.
Mito gently patted her shoulder.
"How does it feel?"
Tsunade raised her head. Her expression was complicated, but excitement outweighed everything else.
"Grandma... I think I really connected with them."
Mito smiled, her expression full of relief.
"That's good.
Treat them well from now on. They'll become your best companion."
Tsunade nodded vigorously, and at last, a smile lifted the corners of her mouth.
Outside the window, moonlight spilled into the courtyard, and the wind chimes continued to tinkle softly.
That night, Tsunade slept exceptionally well.
Elsewhere, after parting with Jiraiya and Tsunade outside the barbecue restaurant, Orochimaru did not head straight home.
The night was already deep, and the bustle of the shopping street had gradually faded. Only a handful of shops still had their lights on.
He crossed the main street, turned into a quiet alley, and finally stopped in front of a two-story building.
Konoha Library.
The lanterns by the entrance were still lit, casting dim yellow halos across the steps.
Orochimaru pushed open the door and entered. The library was spacious and quiet, with only a few reading lamps still on and several students scattered about, still studying diligently.
He headed straight for the ancient texts section in the back.
It housed all manner of documents collected since Konoha's founding—ninjutsu theory, regional records from various countries, clan secrets, and copies of ancient texts