Chapter 23: Orochimaru

Orochimaru arrived at Mito’s mansion. He was aware of what was happening within the clan, so he wasn’t surprised to see so many people attempting to visit the most powerful and influential woman in the village.

He briefly exchanged words with some people who tried to approach him, but as he had a mission, he didn’t engage in lengthy conversations and simply entered the mansion.

Upon learning that Mito was in a meeting with Tsunade, he inquired about Yujin and found out that he had gone towards the garden behind the mansion.

Orochimaru headed to the location and found Yujin engaged in a lively conversation with Kushina. Again, he felt Yujin’s attention on him for a moment but wasn’t intimidated and approached.

‘He’s already getting close to the next Jinchuuriki? This is suspicious. What does he aim to gain from this?’

In Orochimaru’s mind, Yujin, a stranger, was trying to approach influential people in the village for some reason—whether for money, power, or influence. After all, it was peculiar that he was close friends with Tsunade, came with her to meet Mito, and was now befriending the next Jinchuuriki.

Orochimaru doesn’t believe in coincidences, especially considering the power Yujin possesses, which he estimates to be at the level of a Kage.

“Well, I finally got to meet the famous Yujin.”

Orochimaru approached, gaining the attention of both. Yujin smiled and nodded.

“Hello. I think we’ve met briefly before, haven’t we?”

“No, I would know if we had met. My name is Orochimaru, and I am an old friend of Tsunade.”

Orochimaru confirmed that Yujin already knew about him but was not pleased.

“Oh, Orochimaru. Yes, Tsunade talks a lot about you and Jiraya. Came to pay your respects to the mansion’s owner?”

Yujin maintained his smile the entire time, something that unsettled Orochimaru a bit. For some reason, he could sense a hint of hostility behind that smile, though he couldn’t pinpoint the reason.

“Yes, Mito-sama is one of the most important people in the village. Her passing is truly a pity.”

Kushina lowered her head when Mito appeared on the conversation. Observing this, Yujin placed his hand on the girl’s head, trying to comfort her.

“Yes. Tsunade is busy talking with the lady right now. How about we chat while we wait for Tsunade?”

Orochimaru nodded and sat next to Yujin. He wanted to initiate the conversation but didn’t expect Yujin to take the lead.

“So, what was Tsunade like when she was younger?”

The snake-eyed man seemed surprised by the question, not expecting Yujin to show interest in past stories. Kushina also seemed interested, lifting her head and looking at Orochimaru.

“She hasn’t changed much, to be honest. She has always been an honest person, speaking her mind. One noticeable change was just her optimism that faded over the years. She was much livelier and optimistic when she was younger. Time has worked to make her more bitter.”

Orochimaru vividly remembered the past—it was a good time. Tsunade hadn’t changed much, but she was more lively and playful when she was younger. She had an contagious energy. Unfortunately, time changes people.

“I see ... Understandable. She lost loved ones one after another, and now she’s about to lose her only direct blood relative.”

Kushina was on the verge of tears hearing about Mito, but she held back. She took a deep breath and suppressed her emotions. For some reason, she didn’t want to cry at that moment.

Orochimaru observed their reactions and felt that Yujin genuinely cared about Tsunade, something he didn’t expect.

He came from the Hokage’s office with an opinion of Yujin, thinking he was just taking advantage of the situation to get close to Tsunade, Mito, and Kushina. However, he didn’t anticipate Yujin’s genuine interest and concern.

The two continued talking about Tsunade, and Kushina stood by listening, also interested in the conversation.

The conversation revolved around Tsunade’s past, such as how she always lost bets they made when they were on a team under Hiruzen, and how she was teased by younger ninjas for having almost no breasts, which was a complex she had.

The tables turned when she matured, and her breasts grew explosively. Yujin laughed at hearing this, finding it amusing that Tsunade once worried about her breasts not growing.

Two hours later, Tsunade came out of Mito’s room with Shizune and went to meet Yujin in the garden. Upon reaching the garden, she witnessed a peculiar sight.

Yujin was seated in the middle of a bench in the garden, with Orochimaru on the left and Kushina on the right. Wondering how these three came together, she approached, and Orochimaru stood up with a smile.

“Tsunade, you’ve come.”

“It’s your turn; my grandmother is waiting for you.”

“Then I’ll be going, Yujin. It was a pleasure meeting you and Kushina.”