Chapter 76: The Reunification of the Legendary Sannin

The Land of Rice Fields lay not far from the northern borders of the Land of Fire. Natsuhane, leading a large contingent of the Root organization, headed northward. Upon reaching the Land of Rice Fields, he gathered his team, pulling out a map.

"On this map, there are three locations marked as potential hideouts of Orochimaru. She should be hiding in one of them. You will split into two groups, one heading left, the other right. As for me, I'll head to the middle location," Natsuhane instructed.

The lead member of the Root organization expressed concern, "Natsuhane-sama? Going alone? Isn't that too dangerous? If Orochimaru is indeed at the middle hideout, we might not be able to reach you in time."

"No need to worry. I know my own strength. Orochimaru is formidable, but he won't be able to kill me. Splitting into two groups is for your safety as well. There's strength in numbers. This is my plan. Move quickly, and if you spot Orochimaru, send a signal immediately!"

"Understood!"

With that, the figures disappeared in two directions, moving swiftly. Watching them leave, Natsuhane knew they wouldn't find Orochimaru.

Before departing, Natsuhane had sought out Kabuto in the shadows of Konoha, who revealed Orochimaru's true location—right in the middle hideout. Meeting the mother of his child, Natsuhane had no intention of bringing along a crowd of nuisances.

He then set off alone toward the central hideout, leaving occasional marks along the way for Jiraiya and Tsunade to follow.

Not long after, Jiraiya and Tsunade arrived in the area. Sharp-eyed Jiraiya noticed the markings on the tree trunks.

"It seems Natsuhane went to the middle hideout... Let's move, Tsunade."

"Hmm, Jiraiya, do you know Natsuhane?"

"Me? I saw him a few times when he was younger. I remember those times were at the hot springs. I was conducting research, only to find Natsuhane being pulled into the springs by a group of girls. Ah... I was so envious!"

"So... he's quite popular with the ladies?"

"Of course! But that's what I don't get. I have this rugged physique and handsome face, yet no one seems interested. They all prefer his pretty-boy looks! Maybe it's the hairstyle. One day, I should try parting my hair in the middle."

Jiraiya's jealousy was palpable, and he couldn't help but complain a bit.

"It seems... he really is that person," Tsunade murmured to herself, recalling the handsome young man she saw at the hospital earlier that day. The thought of him made her face flush, her heart inexplicably restless and agitated.

"What did you say? I didn't catch that," Jiraiya asked.

"Nothing..."

"Tsunade, your face is so red. What? Being alone with me makes you shy? Haha, if you have feelings for me, just say so. I like you a lot too!"

"You pervert! Focus on getting there!"

After Tsunade's retort, Jiraiya, with a more serious demeanor, asked, "When we meet Orochimaru, will you be able to kill her?"

"...I'm not sure... But this is the old man's order. While I may be the most disobedient in normal matters, I won't defy our master's commands when it comes to serious issues. What about you?"

Expressing her resolve, Tsunade turned the question back to Jiraiya.

"I can't do it. I have to try to persuade Orochimaru again. I missed my chance before, but this time, I must cherish it. I still believe we can reach a mutual understanding one day. Hopefully, that day is today."

"And Natsuhane? The old man said he must be killed too. Jiraiya, will you kill him?"

"Tsunade, you're acting strange..." Jiraiya glanced at her curiously. "You seem very concerned about Natsuhane."

"No, I'm not... Don't change the subject! Answer my question," Tsunade insisted, her face nearly buried in her chest.

"Hmm... I'll have to see for myself. If Natsuhane is indeed a threat to the village as the old man says, I will act."

"...Understood." Tsunade's response was brief and she said nothing more.

"Are you alright? You seem off today... Not feeling well? Could it be... that time of the month?" Jiraiya asked, concerned.

"Shut up! Stop guessing... Wait, Jiraiya, stop!"

Tsunade felt something off and quickly halted, her gaze fixed on the nearby forest.

Jiraiya felt it too—a familiar, long-lost presence growing closer.

"Hahaha, my dear comrades, long time no see..."

From the forest emerged Orochimaru, her cold smile sending shivers down their spines. She approached Jiraiya and Tsunade with an air of confidence.

"Jiraiya, you've aged quite a bit. So pitiful... Tsunade, you look young, but it's a false youth, mere self-deception..."

Seeing Orochimaru in such attire shocked Jiraiya and Tsunade.

His appearance was more feminine than any woman they knew, possessing an indescribable beauty.

Tsunade demanded angrily, "Orochimaru, did you really perfect the immortality jutsu?"

Jiraiya added coldly, "You are indeed dangerous. Is immortality so important? Life has meaning because it has an end. The only thing that can last forever is our will!"

Orochimaru dismissed their questions. "Jiraiya, you're not going to preach to me again, are you? When will your naivety fade..."

Jiraiya stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. "I won't miss the chance to bring you back this time! Even if I have to use force, I'll take you back. Orochimaru, I've never given up on you..."

"Hahaha..."

Orochimaru shook her head.

"Forget it. Maybe I would have played along before, but not now. This body... I can't join you in your games."

"By the way, I should let you know... I'm pregnant."

PS (Translator): I'm unsure whether to use "she" or "he" for Orochimaru, which feels quite peculiar.