Seeing Orochimaru momentarily lost in thought, Jiraiya chuckled, rubbing his sore arms.
"Don't think I haven't been keeping tabs on what's been happening in the ninja world lately. Word has it you took care of the Third Kazekage. That news has spread far and wide."
He paused, looking at Orochimaru with a mischievous smile. "So, with all that handled, there's probably not much going on in the village right now. But you're here without her? Don't tell me this has to do with your past with Tsunade—"
"Stop it, Jiraiya," Orochimaru interrupted, waving his hand helplessly, cutting him off mid-sentence.
Jiraiya frowned, immediately sensing something was off. "What happened?" he asked, his tone turning more serious.
Orochimaru didn't answer right away. His golden eyes flicked over the people standing nearby, landing finally on Kana.
"Chana, her name is Nono. Take her and show her around the village so she can familiarize herself with the place," Orochimaru instructed.
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru," Chana responded immediately, catching the subtle signal. She understood that Orochimaru wanted some privacy with Jiraiya. Bowing respectfully, she led Nono and the three children—Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan away.
Once everyone had left, Orochimaru and Jiraiya found a quiet spot to sit and talk.
Ten minutes later, Jiraiya let out a deep sigh, his expression turning thoughtful as he processed everything Orochimaru had just told him. "I get it now… So, it ended in conflict?"
Sitting on a large rock at the outskirts of the Sound Village, Jiraiya crossed his arms. "But seriously, why are you avoiding the issue? You're not getting any younger, you know. It's about time you settled down."
"Maybe… I'm just not ready," Orochimaru replied flatly.
"Not ready?" Jiraiya repeated, looking genuinely surprised. Then he burst into laughter. "You're always so decisive about everything else, yet when it comes to something like this…" He shook his head, his amusement evident.
"Fine, fine. It's your life, and I won't meddle," Jiraiya said, waving it off. "So, what's the plan now? What's your next move?"
"I'll focus on finishing what I came here for first. Once that's done, I'll head back and sort everything out," Orochimaru replied, his tone calm but resolute.
"What brought you here, anyway?" Jiraiya asked, raising an eyebrow. "Does it have to do with that woman in glasses from earlier?"
Orochimaru gave a small nod, confirming it without elaborating further.
Jiraiya wanted to probe more, but Orochimaru's demeanor made it clear that the conversation was over. After a few failed attempts to press the issue, Jiraiya gave up.
—
The next day, in the Sound Village office, Orochimaru sat at his desk, looking calm and composed.
Nono, however, stood before him, visibly shaken. She was usually known for her composure, her ability to remain unreadable even in the most intense situations a quality that had made her an exceptional spy. But since arriving here, she had been met with one shock after another, and it was becoming harder for her to keep her emotions in check.
"Lord Orochimaru… Are those guards really… clones?" she finally asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.
"Clones? Oh my… Is there truly such technology in this world?"
"Of course," Orochimaru replied, his tone even and unbothered. "If a place wants peace, it needs a significant number of capable individuals to maintain order. I alone don't have the time or resources to recruit and train so many people from scratch."
"This… is unbelievable," Nono muttered, still trying to process what she had seen.
"There's nothing unbelievable about it," Orochimaru said calmly. "Once technology reaches a certain point, things that seem impossible become achievable." He leaned forward slightly, fixing her with a steady gaze. "Now, Nono, have you made your decision?"
Nono fell silent, deep in thought. The conditions Orochimaru had presented were undeniably tempting.
All he asked was for her to oversee one of his experimental bases. In return, she would gain access to his advanced technology, and the safety and sustenance of her orphanage would be guaranteed.
If she agreed, she could take in more orphans without fear of food shortages or threats. It was an ideal arrangement, one that aligned perfectly with her goals.
Finally, Nono exhaled softly, having made up her mind. "Lord Orochimaru, I have two final questions before I give my answer."
"Go ahead," Orochimaru said.
"First… Why did you choose me?"
Orochimaru's expression remained unchanged as he explained, "I've been observing you for some time. Among everyone I've been watching, you're the only one who meets my requirements. You not only possess medical expertise, but you've also left the village."
"Left the village?" Nonoyu blinked, confused for a moment, before understanding dawned on her. "I see…"
It made sense. If Orochimaru's work were discovered by the village, it would undoubtedly be shut down. To avoid that risk, he couldn't rely on Konoha's shinobi.
After a moment of contemplation, Nonoyu took a deep breath and asked her second question. "And the last thing… What is your true goal in doing all of this?"
Everyone has a purpose behind their actions, and Nonoyu knew Orochimaru was no exception.
For him to invest so much time, effort, and resources, there had to be something driving him, something big.
Hearing her question, a faint smile played on Orochimaru's lips. "If I told you I wanted to use science and technology to change the world, would you believe me?"
"Science and technology… to change the world?" Nono repeated, stunned.
—
Meanwhile, in Konoha Village, inside the Hokage's office.
Hiruzen watched Tsunade closely. She was dressed casually but seemed unusually distracted, her mood heavy with unease.
"Tsunade, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice gentle yet curious.
"Nothing," she replied quickly, avoiding his gaze. "I just… I just want to go out and clear my head for a while."
"Clear your head?" Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Did you and Orochimaru have a fight?"
"N-no, it's not that," Tsunade stammered, though her expression betrayed her.
"Ha!" Hiruzen chuckled softly, exhaling a puff of smoke from his pipe. "There's no need to explain. I think I understand."
He leaned back in his chair, his gaze thoughtful. "You're planning to go find him, aren't you?"
"Who said I'm looking for him?!" Tsunade shot back, though her protest sounded half-hearted.
"Alright, alright, there's no need to deny it," Hiruzen said with a small smile. "Just be careful, and don't stay away for too long."
Tsunade hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Thank you, Sensei."
Hiruzen watched her leave, noticing the determination in her stride. She had clearly made up her mind.
Her luggage had already been packed, and it was obvious she'd been planning this for some time. After giving a few instructions to Nawaki and Kushina, Tsunade made her way toward the village gates.
She moved quickly, her mind focused on her destination. So focused, in fact, that she didn't even notice when a white-haired young man greeted her in passing.
Once outside the village, Tsunade paused briefly to get her bearings before setting off toward the Land of Sound.
"Orochimaru, you bastard… You'd better be ready for me," she muttered under her breath, quickening her pace.