Chapter 95: The Executioners

Yuto draped the cloak over his shoulders, tightened the ninja tool pouch at his waist, and unrolled the sealing scroll to fasten it to his wrist.

"Turn around and look at me," Tsunade suddenly spoke, causing Yuto to turn and frown. "Your collar is flipped..."

Yuto lowered his head slightly, watching his sensei fuss with his collar absentmindedly—he was now taller than Tsunade.

The branch family boy understood her feelings well. Many people, when their thoughts were in turmoil, would instinctively keep themselves busy to avoid idle thoughts.

"Sensei," Yuto said, staring at Tsunade's pale cheek. "It might sound strange, but I think you need to be stronger."

Tsunade remained silent, not responding.

She had grown up with Orochimaru, and after their ninjutsu matured, they fought on battlefields together for years, earning their fame through blood and bonds. In Tsunade's mind, if there was a "most trusted comrade" list, Orochimaru would undoubtedly hold a spot.

However, the former friend betrayed the village, dug up her grandfather's corpse, and shamed the Will of Fire.

Now, as a member of the execution squad, she had to capture or even kill Orochimaru, sacrificing him for their cause!

Former comrades, now enemies—the fate of shinobi was always unpredictable.

"Tsunade-sensei," Yuto spoke again, his tone becoming soft but serious. "Pull yourself together. You know how dangerous it is to go to battle with an unstable mind... especially considering your hemophobia."

"Everyone gets confused sometimes, and kid, you need to learn to take care of women," Tsunade patted the boy's collar and continued. "As Orochimaru's comrade and the First Hokage's granddaughter, I have to go."

"But... Sensei, your hemophobia—are you sure it's okay?"

"When I made a name for myself in the shinobi world, you couldn't even refine chakra, you little brat," Tsunade ruffled Yuto's hair and chuckled. "I'm not that fragile. Orochimaru must have known this day would come when he did such vile things."

As they spoke, they walked out of the house, heading towards the village entrance.

Outside the gate, a dozen people were already waiting.

Despite the hasty operation, Hiruzen Sarutobi had still assembled a sufficiently powerful squad, mostly comprised of support and reconnaissance members since he himself was present.

Yuto nodded slightly to the Anbu with the monkey face mask, acknowledging him.

The atmosphere was heavy; everyone knew what they were about to do.

They were going to capture the front-line commander under the Hokage's leadership!

Would Orochimaru surrender peacefully? No one held an optimistic view; a fierce battle was inevitable. Although it was called a capture mission, it was more of an execution.

Everyone felt the pressure, not because they feared failing to capture Orochimaru. With the Hokage and Tsunade present, failure was not an option.

The key concern was what would happen after they removed the unit commander.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, also cloaked, had flame-patterned edges on his garment—a special design for the Hokage.

Sensing the squad's oppressive mood, Hiruzen took a puff from his pipe without speaking.

For the sake of the village, he had to take down Orochimaru, either imprisoning him for life or killing him on the spot. Given his understanding of his disciple, the first outcome was nearly impossible.

The Three Legendary Sannin were his pride. For Hiruzen, the will passed down from master to disciple was more significant than blood ties. Personally dealing with a beloved disciple he had watched grow was a bitter task, even making his tobacco taste bland.

But he knew he had to do it.

With a resolute stance, he would respond to this betrayal, declaring to the world that the Will of Fire was not wrong—Orochimaru was.

Only by acting this way would Konoha remain united and focused on the war.

In times of chaos, harsh measures were necessary—a lesson every competent leader understood.

As for the future... it would unfold step by step. First, they had to quell the turmoil before addressing anything else.

Hiruzen put away his pipe and quietly said, "Let's go," leading the group towards the Land of Hot Water.

A few hours earlier, Hiruzen had ordered Jiraiya to return from the Land of Rain. During this time, Jiraiya would manage Konoha's affairs.

Hiruzen hadn't disclosed the exact reason to Jiraiya. The distance from Konoha to the Land of Rain and the Land of Hot Water was about the same. By the time the execution squad reached their destination, Jiraiya would have just arrived in Konoha, making it impossible for him to catch up.

Through his actions, Hiruzen demonstrated to everyone that he was still a vigorous leader, with a capable lineage of disciples.

The execution squad consisted of top-tier shinobi, with even the weakest being a newly promoted Jonin. The path from the Land of Fire to the Land of Hot Water was well-maintained by the front-line troops, so they faced no obstacles.

Upon entering the Land of Hot Water, the squad slowed down—a mutual understanding among experienced shinobi to conserve chakra and stamina for the upcoming battle.

Thirty kilometers from Konoha's camp, the squad halted. The team, mostly Anbu, operated methodically; some took up guard positions, while others disappeared, likely scouting for information.

Predictably, they encountered Konoha's reconnaissance personnel.

After revealing his identity, Hiruzen inquired about Orochimaru's recent activities. He didn't dismiss the scouts but temporarily incorporated them into the squad, considering the possibility of combat personnel being swayed by Orochimaru.

Throughout the journey, Yuto was puzzled.

—Wasn't the Third Hokage worried that Orochimaru would flee if he got wind of this?

But seeing Hiruzen's demeanor, Yuto refrained from asking. Besides, he was exhausted from using his masked mode a few hours ago and the long trek, so he didn't feel like talking much.

After nearly an hour's rest, Hiruzen suddenly spoke, "Yuto-kun, you've been on the Land of Hot Water battlefield for a long time. Where would Orochimaru usually be around this time?"

"Lord Hokage, at this time, he should be in Konoha's camp."

"What would he most likely be doing?"

"Reviewing documents, studying maps and formations, teaching subordinates ninjutsu, meeting heads of various ninja clans here, or even preparing to assassinate enemy experts..."

"In other words, doing what a good commander should do, right?"

"..." Yuto didn't respond, finding the question hard to answer. He simply bowed and went to Tsunade.

Hiruzen remained silent for a long time, showing no expression. He just took out his pipe again, smoking with his back to his subordinates.

After another short rest, the execution squad set off again, this time stopping five kilometers from Konoha's camp.

Hiruzen handed an order to an Anbu member, "Tell Orochimaru to come and see me."

(End of Chapter)