Orochimaru stepped out of the hospital room, which smelled of disinfectant and held a certain subtle atmosphere, and gently closed the door behind him.
Just then, at the other end of the corridor, two exceptionally striking figures approached side by side.
One of them was Konohagakure's Seventh Hokage.
He wore a white Hokage Robe over orange clothes, a warm, composed smile on his face as he spoke to the person beside him.
The other was a blond boy who bore a strong resemblance to the Seventh in his younger days.
He wore a white tracksuit jacket over a black short-sleeved shirt. His hands were in his pockets, his stride unhurried, and his gaze calmly swept his surroundings.
The sight of these two Narutos walking side by side was nothing short of spectacular.
Patients, family members, and medical staff passing through the corridor all turned to look, whispering among themselves and casting curious, astonished, and even somewhat awed glances their way.
Quite a few even stopped to steal a closer look.
"Orochimaru!"
The Seventh spotted Orochimaru standing outside the hospital room from afar. His eyes lit up, his smile grew warmer, and he quickened his pace to reach him.
"How is Teacher Jiraiya doing today? Has he improved?"
The Seventh asked with concern, his voice full of worry and hope for his beloved mentor.
Ever since his counterpart from another world had brought the dying Teacher Jiraiya back from the past, the Seventh had made time to visit every day.
"He's awake."
Orochimaru's reply was brief. There was little emotion in his voice, but anyone who knew him could tell that he seemed to be in a good mood.
As he spoke, Orochimaru took the folded application form that Jiraiya and Tsunade had just signed from his lab coat pocket and