38 Departure

"I forgot to ask earlier. What about Naruto? How is he doing?" Zeus asked, setting himself against the wall near Jiraiya. Sitting a few feet next to each other, they now rested from the aftermath of their previous battle.

"Naruto? You mean Minato's kid?" Jiraiya grabbed onto his chin, having a confused expression on his face before coming to a certain realization. "Sorry, I forgot that you were the one who raised him. I believe he is doing alright. Hiruzen wanted to put him into an orphanage since his wife was unable to take care of the child due to her health issues. However, Asuma was kind enough to take over the role of a father."

"Asuma did?" Zeus raised an eyebrow, honestly stunned.

"Indeed," Jiraiya answered, putting on a smile. "His reasons behind doing so were heavily influenced by your disappearance. He felt that it would be disrespectful to you leaving Naruto without a family, for it was your wish for him to grow up with love."

"Still, that's quite surprising," Zeus mumbled, putting his hands against the back of his head as he stared at the sky. "As far as I remember, we have never been close. Maybe it was my death that prompted him to act this way. Though, does that mean that dead people receive more recognition than whilst being alive?"

Jiraiya stayed silent for a long time, contemplating Zeus's words, as if remembering something from his own past. "Perhaps you say the truth... humans tend to realize how much they care for someone only after their demise."

Zeus didn't say anything else, instead enjoying the passing wind falling onto his face and the shining of the sun. He missed nature, especially the storms and tornados that pumped like the blood in his veins. He missed the sky, for it was his greatest friend and comrade.

"Zeus, are you sure you are going to go after Orochimaru?" Jiraiya repeated his question again. "I know that you are powerful already, but is it worth it? What if you were to get unlucky and got trapped? Life can go an unpredictable course sometimes."

"It's not a matter of revenge, but rather of respect for myself. So, yeah, I am sure." Zeus answered automatically, not even considering another option. He was a former god and he always had his vengeance, whether it was to be bestowed on his own child.

Jiraiya was silent for a long time before he sighed. "To tell you the truth, Orochimaru has been one of my best friends. I thought that I could change him for the better, even after discovering all his atrocious acts, but over the years, I have understood that it was just a puny dream of mine. Orochimaru has become a monster and he deserves death."

"It is what it is," Zeus said. "People can only change after realizing their own mistakes. External people can be of help, but they can't completely change another person's mindset."

"That's true as well." Jiraiya smiled pitifully, standing up from the ground. "So, when are you going to depart?"

"Soon. Maybe even as soon as tomorrow. I have learned everything I could here, there's no point for me to stay here anymore." Zeus shrugged, also slowly raising back to his feet. "Though, I need to do one last thing before leaving."

Jiraiya made eye contact with Zeus, internally thinking about something. "I guess you will start searching for Orochimaru as soon as you leave, right?" Seeing Zeus nod in response, Jiraiya continued. "I have been searching for Orochimaru myself...I have heard of him frequently visiting the Sand Village, so you may want to check that place first. Though, I am not too sure whether this information is believable."

Zeus furrowed his eyebrows, not expecting Jiraiya to help him in any way. Though, if that information was truthful, he now at least had a hunch about where to start looking for Orochimaru. "Thanks, man."

Jiraiya smiled in response, extending his hands outwards, which Zeus shook with pleasure. He liked the man. However, a smirk suddenly formed on Zeus's face, as he took out a book from his pocket. "You dropped this when we were fighting. Judging by the cover, I think it might be very valuable to you."

Jiraiya's cheek reddened slightly and he coughed a few times, promptly grabbing the book from Zeus's hands. Stuffing it into his inner pocket, Jiraiya swiftly turned around, waving his hand. "Take care, Zeus. Visit Konoha as soon as possible, or Hiruzen might actually get depressed."

"We will see where life brings me." Zeus also started walking away, activating Overlock and rushing towards Gamamaru's palace. When he arrived there, Zeus saw Fukasaku standing in front of the entrance, seemingly waiting for the youth. Besides Fukasaku, there was also Gamaton, who was looking back and forth between both figures with a confused expression.

"Let's do it, Fukasaku." Zeus said, prompting Gamaton to step forward and join the conversation.

"Just what the hell is happening? Fukasaku dragged me here, saying that something important is going to happen."

"Gamaton." Fukasaku started talking, a little smile painting his expression. "We, together with Zeus and other toads, have come up with an idea how you could experience the outside world more, whilst still remaining protected."

"Long story short, I am going to form a summoning contract with you." Zeus interrupted Fukasaku, drawing Gamaton's curious gaze. "This way, you will never be captured again because you will be protected by me whether I call for you."

"Really? Are you willing to go to such lengths for me? Don't you know that a summoning contract is eternal?" Gamaton asked, his voice carrying a hint of respect. Some tears were clearly wishing to come out of Gamaton's eyes.

"I know, you little bastard." Zeus flicked Gamaton's forehead, forcing him to grab onto his head. "Don't make me change my mind by crying right now."

Hearing such words, Gamaton immediately calmed down, his expression becoming serious. Zeus sighed, glancing at the sky. It had been an interesting time spent here, but it was time to change the environment and catch an annoying snake. After signing the contract, Zeus has decided to finally depart onwards with his journey.

***

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