Chapter 173: Reunion of Old Friends

"Enough kidding around."

Kawaki teased two people to ease the atmosphere.

Kushina's stomach growled first.

"Haha, you're starving, aren't you?"

"Let's eat."

Tsunade gave Nawaki a look, and he obediently took Misaki to the dining room.

At this point, they didn't even think about the barbecue. After the tense moment passed, they realized they were hungry.

"Orochimaru-kun, you're finally back."

Kawaki stepped forward and gave Orochimaru a big hug, patting him hard on the back.

Orochimaru was initially uncomfortable and a bit startled.

It was the second time he'd been hugged today.

Then he reacted and patted Kawaki on the back without saying a word.

"Aren't you two guys being a bit too mushy?"

Tsunade said teasingly with a smile in her eyes.

"Haha, I'm just so happy."

Kawaki let go of Orochimaru. He was genuinely happy.

It had been a long time since they last met. As for Jiraiya, Kawaki didn't really care.

He guessed that guy would go out to find the Child of Destiny again after his training. He was just born to worry.

It was a pity that Naruto hadn't been born yet, and his parents weren't even adults.

He was doomed to make many fruitless trips and could only pass the time by gathering information.

"Did you master the Sage Art?"

Kawaki asked Orochimaru casually.

"Yeah, I've made some progress."

Orochimaru was being modest. He had already mastered the Sage Art from the Ryūchi Cave.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have left his seclusion.

"I haven't congratulated you on leading Konoha to victory in the war yet."

Orochimaru had also heard the news of Konoha's victory.

"It's not really a victory. We just obtained some funds and an Acting Kazekage in return."

When it came to this, Tsunade wasn't very interested. In her opinion, it wasn't really something worthy of praise.

"Let's not talk about this. Let's go have a drink."

Kawaki pulled Orochimaru towards the dining room, acting as if this was his own home.

Minato and Kushina also followed the three of them to the dining room. This matter didn't disturb Mito, who had already finished eating and gone back to rest.

Now Tsunade sat down at the head of the table, the undisputed host.

Kawaki and Orochimaru sat on either side of Tsunade.

Nawaki sat next to Orochimaru, and Minato sat next to Kawaki.

They were all following their teacher's lead.

"Aren't you going to introduce them to the teacher?"

Orochimaru had been curious about Nawaki and Misaki for a while.

He finally spoke up.

Seeing the smiling look from the teacher directed at him, Nawaki scratched his head and then slowly began to speak.

"Her name is Misaki Uzumaki."

"She's..."

Nawaki told his heroic story again, even gesturing when he mentioned kicking the Grass ninja.

That sudden mission seemed rather insignificant in his story.

"Not bad, kid."

Orochimaru praised Nawaki and then looked at Misaki.

"This is my teacher, Orochimaru, the one I told you about."

Nawaki took the initiative to introduce Misaki to Orochimaru.

Misaki was a bit scared of Orochimaru's snake-like eyes. This man looked so sinister.

For a moment, she didn't know how to address him.

"Just call me teacher like Nawaki does."

Orochimaru noticed her embarrassment and showed what he regarded as his kindest smile.

"Hello, teacher."

Misaki called out obediently, and the smile on Orochimaru's face grew wider.

He really was very kind to Nawaki, and Kawaki could clearly see that.

"I don't have a proper gift today. Come to my place some other day."

Orochimaru wasn't just making polite talk. He hadn't brought anything when he went for training.

"Sure, I'll bring Misaki tomorrow."

Nawaki readily agreed with a smile.

Misaki shyly tapped Nawaki.

"It's okay. The teacher is very nice to me."

Nawaki explained, and Misaki gave him a sidelong glance.

"Haha～"

Everyone could clearly see their little interaction, which made Misaki even more embarrassed.

"Let's eat."

By now, the servants had brought the food to the table, and Tsunade started inviting everyone to eat.

The hungry kids started gobbling up the food after the elders took their first bites.

Kushina was eating with great gusto, as she needed energy after being startled.

"Eat slowly."

Minato kindly wiped the residue from Kushina's mouth.

"Tsk tsk～"

Nawaki clicked his tongue and pouted at Misaki.

Misaki was gentle - natured. She endured her shyness and wiped Nawaki's mouth in full view of everyone.

Nawaki then jutted his chin at Minato like a triumphant general.

"Nawaki."

This move got him a warning from Tsunade.

Showing off your love in front of elders? Think you're so great? Don't you know your teacher is still single?

Nawaki then stopped showing off under the amused gazes of Minato and Kushina.

"Is that Acting Kazekage you mentioned having a Kekkei Genkai?"

Orochimaru ignored the kids' antics and had a drink with Kawaki, then changed the topic.

"Yes, Scorch Release[b]Scorch Release[/b]."

"In close - range attacks, it can instantly evaporate the water in the enemy's body."

Kawaki explained. As a matter of fact, he really couldn't recall which attributes it was composed of.

"She's quite pretty."

Tsunade suddenly made a sarcastic remark, which made Kawaki quickly shut up.

Orochimaru really brought up the most inappropriate topic.

"It sounds quite interesting."

"Is she being held in the Anbu prison?"

Orochimaru really got interested and continued to ask.

Kawaki didn't answer. It would be better for Tsunade to reply. That way, he could avoid getting into trouble.

"Yes, she's still in custody."

"The teacher probably hasn't decided what to do with her yet."

Tsunade knew exactly where Pakura was, as they had brought her back themselves.

"If the teacher doesn't plan to do anything, I'll ask to take her for research."

As Orochimaru said as he licked his lips, he was starting to be interested in the Kekkei Genkai.

Pakura met his requirements and was a research subject with some strength.

This was even more alluring to Orochimaru.

"Hey, what do you want to research the Kekkei Genkai for?"

"Come and help Tsunade with the experiments. It's very important."

Kawaki was a bit anxious now. He had finally waited for Orochimaru to come back.

Before he could even ask him for help, Orochimaru had already come up with his own research topic.

Then wouldn't all his schemes go to waste?

Wouldn't the plan to fuse Hashirama's cells have to be put off again?

"Haha, no problem."

"I'll research the Kekkei Genkai when I'm free."

Orochimaru, feeling needed, agreed without even asking what the experiment was.

That's the clout Kawaki has.

"That's more like it. I'll take you to see it tomorrow."

"Gonna give you a shock, heh heh."

Kawaki got all giddy at the thought of showing off to Orochimaru, the science nut.

"Well, I'm looking forward to it."

Orochimaru picked up his sake cup and toasted with Kawaki and Tsunade.

"I suspect that something happened to the Tailed Beast in Kumogakure regarding Kushina."

"I'm not going to let this go."

Kawaki dropped a hint about his plan. He remembered that in the original plot, during the Third Great Ninja War, Orochimaru went to Kumogakure alone.

He successfully released the Eight - Tailed Beast.

As a result, Burubi died, and Orochimaru obtained the cells of the Eight - Tailed Beast.

That's why Kabuto later implanted the huge horn of the Eight - Tailed Beast into the reanimated Burubi.

"Oh, I'm a bit interested too."

The mischief - maker couldn't help but get interested. Orochimaru immediately perked up.

Even Tsunade was waiting for Kawaki to continue.

"Will you accompany me then?"

Kawaki didn't plan to take Tsunade, as the aura of the Tailed Beast was too easy to detect.

"Sure."

Orochimaru picked up his cup and clinked it with Kawaki's. The two exchanged a knowing smile, showing great understanding.

"I'll call you when I'm ready."

Both of them were bold and skilled. Going to Kumogakure was no joking matter.

Yet, in their words, it seemed like a trivial thing.

"Then be careful."

Tsunade knew she wasn't cut out for this.

"Just Kumogakure."

Orochimaru was clearly more cocky than those three Cloud Ninjas. It seemed that the Sage Art had significantly enhanced his strength.

"Teacher, you're so awesome."

Nawaki popped off with a quick compliment for Orochimaru. What Orochimaru said really got one's blood pumping.

"You rascal..."

Orochimaru scolded with a smile, being both amused and annoyed by Nawaki's words.

"Ha ha～"

Everyone burst into laughter again.

...

The kids were soon full. At first, they listened to Kawaki and the other two discussing serious matters.

Later, the three started boasting.

Their state got worse and worse.

Tsunade's cheeks were flushed from drinking. She picked up the sake flask and challenged Orochimaru.

Orochimaru wouldn't let her get away with it. People might think he couldn't hold his liquor if he backed down.

The two picked up their flasks and started chugging. Kawaki clapped and cheered them on.

Tsunade was clearly out of it and didn't know friend from foe. Kawaki successfully caught her attention.

She placed a flask of sake right in front of Kawaki.

The three started a drinking contest. The chaotic and noisy scene scared the four kids.

They were afraid that the three might start fighting at any moment.

It was a small matter if the house got damaged, but what if they got hurt?

In the end, the drinking showdown ended with Kawaki, the weakling, being the first to keel over.

Orochimaru was low - key, and his alcohol tolerance was much better than Kawaki's.

Tsunade was the best among the three. She was also the most drunk and rowdy.

Watching the three staggering, the four kids had to carry them out of the dining room.

Nawaki also used the Light and Heavy Rock Jutsu[b]Light and Heavy Rock Jutsu[/b] on Orochimaru to save effort.

Orochimaru, who was already dizzy, felt like he was about to fly up.

He felt light all over, and when he stepped on the land, it was like stepping on cotton.

"Nawaki, why does teacher feel so light?"

Orochimaru had no defense against Nawaki at all. At this time, the alcohol was getting to his head, and he didn't even notice the strange Chakra in his body.

"Feeling light is right. Go to sleep quickly."

Nawaki knew it was useless to explain now. He carried Orochimaru into the guest room, threw him on the bed, and released the Ninjutsu.

"Nawaki."

Orochimaru called out again.

"What's wrong, teacher?"

Nawaki was also helpless. The last time the teacher was like this was at his brother-in-law's house.

A few idiots insisted on arguing whether the wall had moved or not. It made him laugh so hard.

"Let me tell you, the Sage Art[b]Sage Art[/b] of the Ryūchi Cave is really amazing."

"When you're a bit older, teacher will take you there to learn it."

Even in this state, Orochimaru still remembered Nawaki when there was a good thing. He really loved him.

"Okay, teacher."

While being touched, Nawaki covered Orochimaru with a quilt. What kind of people are they!

It's just outrageous!!

They just had to get drunk like this. After all, all three of them are well - known figures.

The other two well - known figures were already hugging each other on the bed.

Kawaki was already snoring, and Tsunade had reached her limit.

She adjusted to a comfortable position, closed her eyes, and fell asleep.

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