It's not easy for any woman to talk about sleeping with someone, as women are naturally reserved.
Kushina was no exception.
In the beginning, just like Mikoto, her feelings toward Orochimaru were only those of gratitude and respect, nothing resembling romantic affection.
But after meeting the girl named Uzumaki Reige, Kushina had been deeply moved. She fell in love with the girl's warmth and personality and began longing for a future where she could have a daughter like her.
However, if she didn't follow through with Orochimaru, this girl would cease to exist, and her wish to have such a daughter would never come true.
This thought troubled Kushina, and after much contemplation, she made a decision.
She had no other relatives left in Konoha, and the idea of having a family, a daughter was something she now found comforting.
But even with this resolve, she realized she couldn't just give herself to anyone.
Only Orochimaru.
However, she hadn't expected his response to be so… indirect.
He said he would talk to Tsunade? That was ridiculous! Could something like this even be discussed with Tsunade? Would she agree?
Probably not.
Her thoughts began to spiral, and her mind wandered to Uchiha Mikoto. She remembered the subtle gestures of closeness between Mikoto and Tsunade after Orochimaru left the village. Could it be…? No, surely not.
Orochimaru, unaware of the whirlwind of thoughts in Kushina's mind, remained calm and unaffected by the odd look she gave him.
"Kushina, go say your goodbyes. Let's leave this place," he said, breaking the silence.
"Ah… alright!" Kushina replied, snapping out of her thoughts.
The dragon vein in Rōran held little practical value for Orochimaru, and staying any longer would serve no purpose.
When Kushina returned to the palace, she noticed that Kakashi and the other visitors from the future were already gone. This didn't surprise her, so she turned her attention to Queen Sara to bid her farewell.
The Queen, upon hearing that Orochimaru and Kushina were leaving, felt nothing but relief. She even let out a discreet sigh of gratitude.
---
Meanwhile, the war raged on.
Konoha had shifted most of its remaining forces to the Kirigakure defense line, pulling troops away from the Sand, Iwa, and Kumo fronts, leaving only the necessary guards stationed there.
Encounters with enemy infiltration teams, covert operations, and counter-operations became the new focus.
This time, however, the commander of the Kirigakure defense line wasn't one of the clan heads or the brilliant Nara Shikaku. Instead, it was Tsunade—a surprising choice, given that she had never held such a role before.
The clan leaders began to see the writing on the wall.
It was clear that the Third Hokage was preparing to step down, and Tsunade was the prime candidate to succeed him.
Hiruzen's decision to put her in command was strategic, it was a way to build her credibility with Konoha's major families and pave the way for her transition to Hokage.
Tsunade didn't disappoint. Her leadership on the battlefield, whether it was her combat skills or her medical expertise helped Konoha secure critical advantages in the war.
---
In the dense jungle near Konoha's eastern defense line, a clearing was heavily guarded by Anbu operatives.
At the center of the clearing, on a large boulder, sat two figures: Hiruzen dressed in his ceremonial robes, and Jiraiya, wearing his Jonin vest, his white hair glowing faintly under the moonlight.
"Old man, why are you here on the front lines?" Jiraiya asked, resting his hands on his knees. "You came all the way out here to meet me in person? Must be something important."
Hiruzen took a slow puff from his pipe, exhaling deeply. "It's nothing urgent," he said. "I just wanted to ask if you had any objections to my recent decision."
"Objections?" Jiraiya tilted his head, confused for a moment before realization dawned. "Oh, you mean Tsunade, don't you?"
Hiruzen nodded silently.
Jiraiya chuckled. "What's there to object to? Is there anyone better suited for the role than her?"
"You really have no other thoughts about it?" Hiruzen pressed.
"Old man, you're overthinking it," Jiraiya said with a casual wave of his hand. "I've never wanted that position. I prefer traveling, gathering information, and continuing my mission. Staying in Konoha isn't for me."
"I see," Hiruzen said with a sigh, his tone laced with both understanding and resignation.
---
In a remote orphanage, on a dark and quiet night, Orochimaru sat in a guest room, leaning back in a chair as he listened to Nonou's report.
"So, the Battle of Kannabi Bridge is over?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Nono, standing nearby, adjusted her glasses. "Yes, Lord Orochimaru. Tsunade-sama has moved to the eastern defense line to confront the Kirigakure forces. She said she would contact me once the situation stabilizes, and she's been keeping me updated. This information should be accurate."
Orochimaru's lips curled into a faint smile. "She's surprisingly bold, isn't she? Sharing sensitive information so openly with me, a supposed traitor."
He reached into his sleeve and pulled out a small package, handing it to her. "This is for you."
Nono looked down at the package in surprise. "What is it?"
"Just some clothes I picked up during my travels," Orochimaru replied nonchalantly. "Go try them on."
Nonou hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Alright," she said quietly, taking the package and leaving the room.
As the door closed, Orochimaru leaned back and began to think.
"So, the Battle of Kannabi Bridge has concluded," he murmured to himself. "That means… Obito's fate should already be set."
He recalled the adult Kakashi he had seen earlier. Though Kakashi no longer had the Sharingan, the scar on his left eye remained, a testament to the events of the battle.
This meant Obito's story likely hadn't deviated too far from what he remembered.
But Nagato…
Nagato was now considered one of Orochimaru's subordinates. How would Madara, or whoever else, manipulate him?
Thinking about it, Orochimaru's smile widened.
"Well, well… this is getting interesting."
***
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