Jiraiya and the other two exchanged glances.
A few looks were enough for them to understand one another.
Tsunade shook her head first, remaining silent to show she was not interested.
A dark gleam flashed in Orochimaru's eyes as he looked at Chu Aotian.
Meanwhile, Jiraiya sank into thought as he watched Konan and the other two huddled together.
"Since this is Lord Madara's wish, I'll take these three brats as my students."
After a long while, Jiraiya was the first to speak.
"This child can come with me from now on."
Orochimaru's lips curled upward, excitement in his eyes as he pointed at Chu Aotian and spoke.
Madara glanced at Tsunade again, asking for her opinion.
"My abilities are rather specialized. It would be difficult for me to teach them, so leave them to Jiraiya and Orochimaru."
Tsunade spoke.
Madara nodded without saying anything more.
As far as he could tell, these children were not particularly gifted.
He did not understand why the Rinnegan he had given Izuna was now in that child's possession.
However, the Heavenly Emperor had previously instructed him not to interfere in Izuna's affairs.
So he suppressed the urge to reclaim the Rinnegan.
Since Izuna had given the Rinnegan to this child, he must have had his reasons.
Having the Sannin take these children as students was also the Heavenly Emperor's instruction, of course.
To put it plainly... he was just running errands...
"Orochimaru, make sure you train that child properly. That being also instructed this."
Finally, Madara gave Orochimaru a meaningful look.
"Of course, Lord First Hokage."
Orochimaru licked his lips excitedly and nodded knowingly, looking as though he understood perfectly.
Chu Aotian's mind finally began to clear, little by little.
Only then did he see Orochimaru standing before him, watching him with an