The Sannin had gathered. This was the first time such a scene had occurred since the Second Shinobi World War.
All three had changed to some extent since their last meeting. Orochimaru was in the worst shape: both his hands were sealed, his soul had weakened, and the young body he had taken over was on the verge of collapse.
"Sit." Anyo pointed to an empty seat he had deliberately left for him.
Orochimaru stood on no ceremony and sat right down. Looking at the familiar faces, he said, "Aren't there a few too many people here? Have those who aren't involved leave first."
Anyo readily obliged. "Shizune, take the two youngsters outside."
"All right, Uncle."
After so many years apart, Shizune had grown into a young woman. But looking at Anyo's face, which had not aged and instead looked even younger, she found calling him Uncle extremely awkward.
Kikyo had no objections and was about to leave with Shizune, but Naruto said discontentedly, "Why do we have to leave?"
Anyo calmly took out an illustrated book and handed it to Naruto. "Here, this is my latest Ōbu Ultraman comic. It's all material that hasn't gone on sale yet. You can have an early look."
"Really?" Naruto's eyes lit up, and he accepted it with delight.
Once the three young people had left, the atmosphere at the table changed. All four had different thoughts, each exceedingly complicated.
In the end, Jiraiya spoke first to break the deadlock. Ignoring Orochimaru, who had just arrived, he addressed Anyo instead. "I remember inviting you before I left, and I made it clear that I was coming to see Tsunade. You were unmoved then. Why did you suddenly change your mind?"
At those words, Tsunade, who had been silently drinking, stiffened and stopped.
"I..."