Chapter 351: The Three Legendary Sannin Reunite

Chapter 351: The Three Legendary Sannin Reunite

The next morning, Kakashi arrived at the Hokage Building as usual and happened to see Shisui yawning non-stop. Frowning, he asked with concern, "Shisui, your eyes are so swollen. When did you go to sleep last night?"

Shisui rubbed his eyes, yawned again, and lazily replied, "Good morning, Kakashi-senpai. I was busy dealing with some things last night and didn't get to sleep until after 1 a.m."

"It's best to rest early. Just looking at you is making me feel sleepy too."

Kakashi stretched lazily as he spoke, as if Shisui's drowsiness was contagious. "Various nations will be sending envoys soon. We can't afford any mistakes."

"I understand."

Shisui nodded.

In the distance, a figure watched them enter the Hokage Building before leaving with satisfaction.

"My lord, there's nothing unusual with Shisui."

...

Inside the Hokage Building, upon hearing Shikaku's words, Kakashi and Shisui exchanged glances.

"Lord Shikaku, you're saying that Orochimaru will be returning to Konoha with the Snow Country delegation?"

What was Orochimaru's connection to the Snow Country? Why was he being given special treatment?

After all, the other Akatsuki members were still either imprisoned or doing labor at construction sites.

"That's right. Lady Tsunade will also be returning from the capital of the Land of Fire to discuss matters with him."

Shikaku rubbed his temples. "You both know his reputation. I'll have to trouble you two to keep an eye on him when the time comes."

"Yes!" *2

Although puzzled, they knew this wasn't something they were meant to question. Kakashi and Shisui accepted the order and left.

Once the room was empty, Shikaku let out a helpless sigh and gazed resentfully toward a certain part of the village.

Heh, that person has already arrived today but hasn't stepped into the Hokage Building just to avoid work.

"Shikaku, those who are capable should do more. Some documents from the Land of Fire will also be handed over to you for processing."

Capable people should do more? Is that what a Hokage's advisor is supposed to be used for?

After processing 97 documents early in the morning, Shikaku clutched his chest in pain.

Something like Orochimaru returning to Konoha should have been handled personally by Tsunade. But now, he had to do it himself... Truly irresponsible.

Where had the Tsunade of the past gone—the one who killed the feudal lord in anger and worked diligently?

At the very least... at the very least... could she have found him a partner to help?

Just then, someone knocked on his office door again.

"Lord Shikaku, the Lightning Country delegation has arrived and wishes to discuss matters with you."

"Lord Shikaku, the Market Research Department has detected a rise in the price of explosive tags. It appears someone is secretly stockpiling them in preparation for war."

"Lord Shikaku, several casinos from the Fire Country's capital have sent people to collect debts. They're crowding at the entrance, looking for Lady Tsunade."

"Lord Shikaku, a ninja has spotted someone resembling Orochimaru in the village's commercial district. How should we handle this?"

Looking at the growing pile of documents on his desk, Shikaku felt his soul leaving his body.

I want to retire. I want to retire!

Whoever wants this job can take it… No, this is Lady Tsunade's job. She should be the one doing it!

...

"Achoo!"

Tsunade rubbed her nose and frowned slightly, muttering to herself, "Is someone talking bad about me behind my back?"

Across from her, Jiraiya was drinking, already tipsy. He chuckled upon hearing her words.

"I'd bet it's Shikaku. You dumped all your work on him the moment you returned."

Tsunade was momentarily stunned before letting out a helpless laugh. "Maybe. There has been a lot to handle recently. He's probably at his limit."

Jiraiya put down his cup, let out a small burp, and drawled, "Shikaku is the pillar holding up Konoha. If you keep overworking him, he might actually quit."

Tsunade pouted, unconvinced. "It's because I trust his abilities. Besides, I didn't come back just to slack off—I'm here to take care of important matters."

"Oh? So talking to me is considered an important matter for the Fire Country's Daimyo? I'm honored."

A silky, sinister voice rang out. Tsunade and Jiraiya looked up to see Orochimaru entering the tavern, walking straight toward them.

Tsunade raised an eyebrow and glanced around at the people now looking their way at the mention of the word "Daimyo." She got up and headed deeper into the tavern. "Let's talk in a private room."

Orochimaru smiled faintly and followed her without hesitation.

Jiraiya's expression grew complicated. The alcohol seemed to fade from his face as he got up and followed them.

Tsunade had long known that Orochimaru would be returning to Konoha. In fact, he was coming back because she had invited him.

Tomorrow's official meeting was just a cover. That kind of formal setting wasn't suited for discussing controversial matters. A private meeting between the three of them was the real opportunity.

Led by a server, the three legendary Sannin entered a secluded private room inside the tavern.

The door shut gently behind them, sealing off the outside world.

Orochimaru took a seat and spoke first. "I didn't expect you to reach out to me. You shouldn't have known about my connection to Fuji."

Tsunade replied calmly, "I used Edo Tensei to investigate your ties with Hyuga Fuji. Besides, I have someone who has interacted with both of you."

Orochimaru was momentarily stunned before he chuckled. "I see… It must be Dan, right? He didn't follow Fuji back then?"

"After what happened, do you think Dan would have been comfortable watching me take the Daimyo's seat?"

"Fair point."

Jiraiya: "…"

What are you two talking about? Why do I have no idea what's going on?

From what he was hearing, Dan Kato had also been revived by Hyuga Fuji. When did that happen?

And Tsunade actually used Edo Tensei?

Jiraiya shot her a complicated look.

Tsunade ignored his gaze and focused on Orochimaru. "Given your relationship with him, I know he wouldn't restrict your freedom. So I'll be direct—come back, Orochimaru."

"...I've come to Konoha as part of the Snow Country delegation. Do you understand what you're asking?"

"Of course."

Tsunade met his gaze without hesitation. "I will vouch for you as both the Hokage and the Daimyo—I'll revoke all your crimes!"

Orochimaru's breath hitched. Even for him, such an offer stirred complicated emotions.

His voice remained as smooth as ever, but there was an almost imperceptible tremor. "Revoking all my crimes… and with both the Hokage and Daimyo's authority. That's no small promise."

Tsunade stared into his eyes and spoke firmly. "I know. But I also know that the current situation leaves no room for hesitation. The threat of Akatsuki and that boy is growing, and your abilities are crucial to us."

Orochimaru frowned. "You're still clinging to the hope of victory? From what I know, the last battle cost all nations a third of their forces. I doubt you'd blame the entire failure on Akatsuki and overlook the power gap."

Jiraiya couldn't help but interject. "Hey, can't you have a little more faith in your own village?"

Orochimaru shrugged. "I don't see any chance of winning. The gap in top-tier combat strength is too large."

Hyuga Fuji alone was enough to suppress all the nations.

If not for the Snow Country needing time to consolidate its occupied territories and stabilize the population, the war would have already been lost.

Hearing this, Jiraiya wanted to argue, but Tsunade waved her hand to stop him. She simply chuckled.

"Before considering victory, one must first consider defeat. I'm asking you back for post-defeat preparations. Don't tell me you think your presence alone can tip the scales?"

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes and fell silent.

(End of Chapter)