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Orochimaru adjusted to the changes in his body, then looked curiously at Shin.
“How did you heal my injuries, Shin?” Orochimaru had thought his injuries were irreversible. He knew the extent of his damage better than anyone.
“I don’t think I need to explain that to you,” Shin glanced coolly at Orochimaru.
“It was presumptuous of me to ask.” Though disappointed, Orochimaru didn’t press further. Doing so might annoy Shin.
“By the way, Orochimaru, let me give you a free piece of news. You’re probably in for some trouble.” Shin said to Orochimaru with a smile.
“Trouble for me?” Orochimaru paused.
What kind of trouble could he be in?
‘Are the Akatsuki planning to move against me?’ That was the only trouble Orochimaru could think of at the moment.
“Jiraiya is right outside your base.”
Shin didn’t keep him in suspense. He had originally planned to leave, but now, not wanting to miss the show, he decided to stay.
“JIRAIYA?” Orochimaru’s expression darkened.
Honestly, Jiraiya’s recent transformation surprised even him. To think Jiraiya could master Sage Mode—Orochimaru coveted Sage Mode greatly. He had tried to learn it before but failed.
Now, even if Orochimaru wanted to learn it, there was no one to teach him. The White Snake Sage had been eliminated by Shin.
The other great snakes in Ryūchi Cave didn’t know Sage Mode, so they couldn’t teach him. Thus, Kabuto Yakushi in the future would also have no chance to learn Ryūchi Cave’s Sage Mode.
Ryūchi Cave’s Sage Mode was now a lost art.
Soon, a small snake slithered up to Orochimaru. It was one of the scout snakes he had placed outside, now reporting an intrusion.
“Looks like it’s unavoidable.” Orochimaru knew he couldn’t hide any longer. But he wasn’t afraid.
In his previous weakened state, Orochimaru would have definitely thought of fleeing. But now, thanks to Shin, his condition was excellent.
Even in a fight against Jiraiya, Orochimaru didn’t think he had no chance. As for Jiraiya’s Sage Mode… he had to be able to use it first.
Even the strongest power was useless if it couldn’t be deployed. And interrupting the activation of Sage Mode was incredibly easy.
The inability to instantly enter Sage Mode was its biggest weakness. In a battle, who would give you time to prepare?
“I’d quite like to see a battle between you Sannin. Should I call Tsunade over?” Shin mused.
Orochimaru’s mouth twitched. If Tsunade really came, he and Jiraiya together probably wouldn’t be a match for her.
Tsunade had been with Shin for so many years—Orochimaru couldn’t guess her current strength, but it was definitely far superior to his own, and not just by a little.
“Orochimaru, do you want to witness Wood Release? If you do, I can call Tsunade over,” Shin asked Orochimaru with a smile.
“No need. I’ve already witnessed the legendary Wood Release.”
Orochimaru said immediately. He had seen it when he reanimated the First Hokage. So, it was best not to see Tsunade.
He believed that if he saw Tsunade, she would definitely attack him. The reason was simple: He had reanimated her grandfather and grand-uncle.
That was tantamount to desecrating the souls of the dead. It would be strange if Tsunade didn’t beat him to death. Orochimaru didn’t want to test that theory.
The consequence of testing it would likely be actually getting beaten to death.
Orochimaru, who cherished his life, wouldn’t dare play such games. When it came to Tsunade, it was best to avoid her if possible, to try not to meet her at all.
“Jiraiya has already entered. I’ll go deal with him.” Orochimaru gestured to Kimimaro, Kabuto Yakushi, and Sasuke, then went to confront Jiraiya.
If too many Konoha ninja arrived, Orochimaru would have to flee with Sasuke, leaving Kimimaro and Kabuto to cover their retreat.
Yes, Kimimaro, who was utterly loyal to him, and Kabuto, who was quite capable and had helped him greatly, were both less important than Sasuke Uchiha.
Sasuke Uchiha was Orochimaru’s most important vessel. Others could be abandoned, but not Sasuke.
At this moment, Sasuke Uchiha gave Shin a deep look, then followed Orochimaru.
“Interesting. I hope this won’t disappoint me.” Shin felt his boring life was about to get another dose of drama. Now, he just had to see if the show was good.
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“OROCHIMARU!”
Jiraiya, upon entering, hadn’t even finished speaking when he saw Shin casually walking over from behind.
“Shin, why are you here too?” Jiraiya frowned.
Shin being here was troublesome. Who knew what he was doing here? If he helped Orochimaru, it would be really problematic…
“Jiraiya, don’t worry so much. At most, I’ll just watch the show. I won’t interfere—I wouldn’t stoop to bullying the weak.”
Shin waved his hand at Jiraiya, offering some reassurance. But Jiraiya still felt incredibly awkward.
‘Not bullying the weak? Does that mean I’m already considered weak in his eyes?’
Perhaps he was unwilling to admit it, but it was indeed the truth. In Shin’s eyes, they were all weak…
However, since Shin said he wouldn’t interfere, Jiraiya felt a sense of relief.
With Shin’s strength, he probably wouldn’t lie. There was no need to deceive him, nor was there any reason to.
“Jiraiya, to think you could find this place… I underestimated your abilities.” Orochimaru’s eyes held a hint of surprise. He truly was surprised Jiraiya had found him. Orochimaru considered his base extremely well-hidden.
“Why is Sasuke Uchiha with you?” Jiraiya grabbed the somewhat impulsive Naruto beside him and questioned Orochimaru.
Actually, upon seeing the scratched forehead protector on Sasuke Uchiha, Jiraiya’s heart had already sunk.
Just as he had suspected, Sasuke Uchiha had become a missing-nin.
“Sasuke-kun is no longer a ninja of Konoha,” Orochimaru replied coolly.
“WHAT DID YOU SAY, YOU DAMN SNAKE??!” Naruto glared angrily at Orochimaru.
Orochimaru’s cold, sinister gaze fixed on Naruto.
“Naruto, step back.” Jiraiya glanced at Naruto, then said to Guy, “Make sure you protect Naruto later.”
Guy’s face showed a hint of conflict. Under normal circumstances, protecting Naruto was the right thing to do.
But with the Hokage here, wasn’t his duty to protect the Hokage?
“You seem to value this Nine-Tails Jinchūriki brat quite highly.” Orochimaru glanced at Jiraiya, his mind already scheming.
“Orochimaru, perhaps it’s time to settle the grudge between us. This time, I absolutely will not hold back,” Jiraiya took a deep breath, avoiding Orochimaru’s question.
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