Chapter 102 Necessary Preparations (Fifth Update)

And that was when Orochimaru, Menma, and Sunagakure were communicating with each other, each preparing their own plans.

The Konoha Hidden Village side was not completely unaware.

Not to mention much, just Orochimaru's return after so many years is enough to make Konoha wary.

This man who was once the pride of Konoha Hidden Village, no one would think that he came back just to hang out. Even if there is Sasuke's factor, from the perspective of Sarutobi Hiruzen, his former love The disciple must also have a bigger conspiracy.

Therefore, almost at the moment when the second round of the Chuunin Examination ended, the entire Hidden Leaf Village became loose on the outside and tight on the inside. Under the order of Sarutobi Hiruzen, not only the general garrison troops, Even the ANBU directly under the Hokage were on full alert, conducting 24-hour shifts of patrolling and exploration.

Don't let go of any suspicious clues.

However, it seemed that Orochimaru really just came back for Sasuke, and he disappeared completely after that day.

But Sarutobi Hiruzen still didn't dare to relax at all.

Sarutobi Hiruzen knows best how strong his disciple is, but he is no longer what he was back then. Many years ago, he was still barely at his peak and capable of killing Orochimaru, but now he may only be able to kill him. It was a gamble based on that taboo technique.

This is a natural decline that cannot be reversed by human power.

do not forget.

Sarutobi Hiruzen is now 69 years old.

The ninja's final peak period has long passed.

He had to take the most cautious and safe approach. Based on this, Sarutobi Hiruzen directly sent ANBU to recall another of his disciples.

It was the famous Konoha hero—Jiraiya.

And this one of the former Konoha Sannin also rushed back towards the location of his ninja village the moment he received the news from his teacher.

Konoha Hidden Village, Hokage Building.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, who was immersed in handling government affairs, suddenly paused and put down the signature pen in his hand. His slightly cloudy pupils looked at the floor-to-ceiling windows beside him and said with a faint smile: "I'll be back so soon. Okay, it seems you didn't delay on the road this time, Jiraiya."

Falling words.

Then a burly figure emerged.

The waist-length white hair, the red marks under the eyes, and the bright "oil" word protector on the forehead.

This figure is none other than Jiraiya, one of Sarutobi Hiruzen's direct disciples.

"Haha, isn't this your own request, old man?"

Jiraiya straightened up, came directly in front of Sarutobi Hiruzen, and said softly.

"As expected, you still care about Orochimaru."

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Jiraiya intently, and the words he spoke also made Jiraiya's face freeze.

The next second.

Jiraiya quickly adjusted and asked with a solemn look: "Old man, are you really sure that Orochimaru is back?"

"You don't need to doubt this. Jiraiya and Anko have already confirmed it. Naruto's team also encountered Orochimaru at the 44th training ground during the exam. If it’s unexpected, it should be coming towards Sasuke.”

Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head slightly and said.

In fact, Sarutobi Hiruzen himself hoped that this was false news. For Orochimaru, a disciple, there is no doubt that Sarutobi Hiruzen had great expectations back then. If the Fourth Hokage had to choose a person, If you want to inherit.

Sarutobi Hiruzen definitely hopes to be Orochimaru.

This was a special feeling that made Sarutobi Hiruzen finally relent and let Orochimaru go during that confrontation. He was unwilling to kill his former most proud disciple.

All along, Sarutobi Hiruzen has been hypnotizing and deceiving himself in this regard. As long as Orochimaru does not reappear in front of him, Sarutobi Hiruzen will pretend that such a thing has never happened. Over the years, The best proof is that the Anbu did not search and hunt down Orochimaru seriously at all.

But now his most proud disciple is back.

And he obviously came back with a conspiracy.

This forced Hiruzen Sarutobi to face it.

No matter how much he values ​​this disciple, in Sarutobi Hiruzen's heart, Konoha's justice still occupies the top priority.

"Then I understand, I'll leave it to Orochimaru..."

Jiraiya took a deep breath and was about to say something.

"No, Jiraiya, if something unexpected happens, the rest of the village will be left to you to protect."

Sarutobi Hiruzen, who was on top of the throne, shook his head and said.

"Old man, you..."

This clear and unambiguous meaning of the words could not be more clear.

Jiraiya's expression was startled.

"After all, I still need to make up for my past mistakes. Don't worry, I'm not too old to hold up the Ruyi Stick yet."

Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a slight smile.

"I understand. You don't have to worry about other places. With me here, nothing will be a problem."

After Jiraiya took a deep look at his teacher, he nodded slowly and said.

That ‘mistake’ from many years ago

This is not only a pain that Sarutobi Hiruzen doesn't want to remember, but also for Jiraiya.

And this mistake must eventually be corrected.

Although it was many years late.

"I will stay near the village for the next period of time. If you have any information, you can call me first. Old man, don't force yourself too much."

Jiraiya stepped to the window and said this last sentence.

"Swoosh."

Jiraiya jumped.

He jumped down directly and disappeared into the thick night.

"Don't force yourself? This sentence should be said to you, but I still hope that you can shoulder the real responsibility that belongs to you when the time is necessary."

Sarutobi Hiruzen relit his pipe, took a deep breath, and slowly puffed out the smoke while his brain was filled with many memories of the past.

Then he finally stopped at the scene of his favorite disciple's final defection many years ago.

'This time, I will never hesitate again. . . ’

The various forces wrestled in private before the final collision, but after all, Konoha was still on the defensive in public, and the initiative was temporarily held by the forces of the two major ninja villages of Otoko and Suna, led by Orochimaru.

And it was under this huge and dangerous situation that slowly emerged in the shadow.

Konohagakure also ushered in the most lively period in recent years.

Politicians and nobles flocked from various countries, and some businessmen who heard the news made Konohagakure more prosperous and noisy.

The people of Konoha, who had no idea that the danger was approaching, fully enjoyed the atmosphere of the celebration during this period.