Hiruzen Gets Lucky: Foreplay with the Future

Jiraiya took in Orochimaru's expression.

He was starting to wonder what exactly Sarutobi Hiruzen had written in the letter to Orochimaru.

But the scroll had been imbued with a technique that would cause it to self-destruct soon after being opened, and coupled with his trust in his teacher, he never entertained the thought of taking a peek beforehand.

"Heh... hahaha..."

After reading the contents of the scroll, Orochimaru was first shocked, then chuckled, and finally burst into unrestrained laughter.

He was laughing so hard that tears even came out. This reaction startled not only Jiraiya, but also Yakushi Kabuto, who had been silent all along.

"Order White Fang to commit suicide, watch the Fourth Hokage die, and then exterminate the Uchiha clan - is that it? Now that you realize you've run out of pawns, you come crawling back to me?"

After laughing, Orochimaru wiped away non-existent tears from the corners of his eyes with his fingers.

The scroll he had discarded turned into a puff of white smoke on the ground with a *poof*.

"Orochimaru..."

Jiraiya felt that most of the things Orochimaru said were conspiracy theories, and at least some of it shouldn't be blamed on Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"If it had been ten years earlier, I might have been moved by him, but I don't need any of this now."

Having defected from Konoha and single-handedly founded Otogakure in the Land of Rice Fields, and having killed experimental subjects for a full decade, Orochimaru's heart had long turned as cold and hard as iron.

Recalling the words on the scroll, such as, 'I plan to deal with Sunagakure... after you return to Konoha, not only will everything be forgiven, but I will also help you clear your name in the Village', Orochimaru was momentarily tempted, but quickly dismissed the idea of returning.

Affection offered so late is worthless – especially when it's not affection at all, just a cynical ploy.

However, why would the Old Man suddenly target Sunagakure Village?

This was also the reason why Orochimaru was so shocked after opening the scroll.

He had only just killed the Fourth Kazekage, and the body wasn't even buried yet. How could Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had been sitting in the Hokage Office in Konoha, know that there was an opportunity to take advantage of Sunagakure?

No, maybe it was just a coincidence.

The old guy can't find a successor and also has the ambition to annex Sunagakure Village, so he came to me.

Orochimaru thought a lot in an instant, but he didn't accept Sarutobi Hiruzen's "good intentions."

"I'll say it again, tell the Old Man to wash his neck and wait for me in Konoha!"

Orochimaru gave Yakushi Kabuto a look, and Kabuto, immediately understanding, quickly began preparing the ninjutsu for a quick escape.

"Orochimaru, this might be your last chance, can't you..."

Can't you agree to return to the Village for the sake of your past friendship?

Jiraiya reached out his hand somewhat unwillingly, but only grasped air.

Orochimaru, standing before him, had already turned into a whirlwind and disappeared.

----

"Oh? He refused?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen stood with his hands behind his back in front of the window, looking at the lush tree outside and the fallen leaves blown by the wind.

"Yes."

Jiraiya was a little dejected.

He originally thought there would be a chance to have another Sannin reunion in Konoha—

If Orochimaru agreed to return to the Village, he would immediately set off to find Tsunade.

But unfortunately, Orochimaru still couldn't be brought back.

"That's okay. Tell me about his reaction at the time."

"He..."

"I see."

After listening to Jiraiya's description, a glint flashed in Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes.

"Hokage-sama, emergency information!"

Suddenly, an urgent voice came from outside the Hokage Office door.

Then, a secret message taken from a carrier pigeon was delivered to him.

'Partial remains of the Fourth Kazekage's body have been found'

After reading the contents of the secret message, if Jiraiya hadn't been in the office, Sarutobi Hiruzen would have wanted to say "good" on the spot in his excitement.

It matched up, it really matched up!

Orochimaru's reaction, the Fourth Kazekage's body, all confirmed the "Future" recorded in that notebook!

He couldn't wait any longer; he had to start arranging the upcoming "Chunin Exams" immediately.

Sarutobi Hiruzen masked his excitement. Then, with a calm gesture, he disintegrated the secret message in his hand using Wind Release.

"Jiraiya, how many years has it been since Konoha's Army was rebuilt?"

"Teacher, what exactly are you going to do?"

First Orochimaru, then the Army?

No matter how carefree Jiraiya was, he now understood that his teacher was acting a little abnormal.

And what exactly was written on that secret message just now?

"Don't worry, it's not that Konoha is going to invade, it's just taking precautions."

Reorganizing the Ninja Army was something that Sarutobi Hiruzen would only feel comfortable letting Jiraiya do.

"I hope so."

Jiraiya couldn't help but recall the words Orochimaru had used to rebuke Sarutobi Hiruzen earlier. Even though he knew Orochimaru was making wild accusations, he couldn't help but feel some dissatisfaction with the Third Hokage.

Over the years, there were many things he was unhappy about with the Third Hokage.

But for the sake of Konoha, he still intended to follow Sarutobi Hiruzen's orders.

"However, if war really can't be avoided, it would be best to call Tsunade back as well."

Jiraiya thought for a while and suggested.

"I will consider it. You go and prepare first."

Sarutobi Hiruzen also had a headache when Tsunade was mentioned.

One after another, they were clearly adorable disciples when they were young, but after growing up, they all...

Now even Jiraiya dared to talk back to him.

Really...

However, for the sake of Konoha's grand plan, and to fulfill Teacher Tobirama's last wish, he, Sarutobi Hiruzen, could endure anything.

----

"Kage!"

Team 8, leisurely strolling out of the Hokage Building, ran into Team 10 led by Sarutobi Asuma.

Then, Uchiha Kage was embraced by a warm and tender body.

"I haven't seen you in so many days, did you miss me?"

The one holding onto Uchiha Kage and refusing to let go was naturally Yamanaka Ino, who had grown up a little during this time.

"Didn't i go to the flower shop yesterday?"

Yesterday was the Uchiha clan's memorial day, and Uchiha Kage helped Sasuke buy flowers.

"That's different, Mama is in the flower shop!"

Yamanaka Ino's parents didn't want their daughter to associate with the Uchiha clan.

Habitually hugging Uchiha Kage's arm, Ino rubbed her blond hair into the boy's chest, inhaling his scent.

The tasks in the Village were boring, and she hadn't been able to see Uchiha Kage, which had made her anxious during this time.

"Little girl, we're going on a mission, please let go of my Disciple first. You can chat next time when you're free?"

Yuhi Kurenai looked in surprise at the Yellow-hair girl who suddenly hugged Uchiha Kage, and then looked at Hinata, who hadn't dared to say a word from beginning to end beside her.

What's going on?

Isn't this kid supposed to be with Hinata?

How did a Yellow-hair pop up, and they look so intimate?

No... as a supporter of pure love, Yuhi Kurenai felt that she had to interrogate this seemingly dishonest male Disciple properly later.