The Sannin Against a God

"Is this heaven? Why do I feel so warm?"

Jiraiya felt warmth spreading through his body. He looked up and saw the person he had longed to see day and night.

Tsunade.

"I never thought I'd see you in heaven, Tsunade. Give me a hug!"

Jiraiya sprang up to embrace her, but...

Smack!

Jiraiya clutched his burning cheek. It hurt. This was no dream.

"Behave yourself. Do you want a few more broken ribs?"

No doubt about it. That temper—it's definitely Tsunade! Her tone confirmed it for Jiraiya.

"What did you say?"

Tsunade was beginning to think saving Jiraiya had been a mistake. He wasn't worth the trouble.

"Talk less, Jiraiya. Haven't you had enough of Tsunade hitting you? Keep this up, and even I won't be able to save you!"

A black-haired man stood beside them.

"O-Orochimaru! You came to save me!" Jiraiya lay on the ground, staring at him in disbelief. It felt like a dream had come true.

Orochimaru waved him off. "I'm only interested in that pair of Rinnegan. Saving you was incidental."

"I knew the bond between us Sannin was still there!"

Jiraiya was moved nearly to tears by his own words.

Orochimaru had no time for him. He looked toward the six figures standing on the high platform.

"Pain. It's been a while. This time, your eyes are mine!"

Orochimaru made no attempt to hide his desire as he stared at Pain's eyes. Apart from Uchiha Yoru, those eyes interested him more than anything else in the world.

The last time they had met, the gap in their strength had been too great. He had wanted the eyes, but he hadn't been able to take them.

This time, though, he had help.

"Those who blaspheme against God and betray the organization shall be granted