Chapter 141: Chapter 141: "Nara Clan Has More Than Just Nara Shikashige"

Chapter 141: Chapter 141: "Nara Clan Has More Than Just Nara Shikashige"



Orochimaru was leaving the camp, but he hadn't quite decided where to go yet. One thing was for sure he wasn't heading back to Konoha anytime soon. As for the higher-ups... well, they could think what they wanted.

He didn't believe the village would label him a rogue ninja just because he didn't return on time. But if they did... well, running off wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

Tsunade frowned slightly but just crossed her arms and watched Orochimaru walk away. She didn't feel like stopping him.

Jiraiya, on the other hand, rushed forward, blocking Orochimaru's path.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Orochimaru, what the hell are you doing? The old man wants us back in Konoha. We need to head to the Land of Rivers to help with the battle."

"I need rest. If you want to go, then go yourself. But if you follow me, I'll kill you."

Orochimaru was never someone easy to persuade, and when it came to Jiraiya's attempts, they were doomed to fail. If Tsunade had tried, maybe there would have been a better chance, but she couldn't be bothered.

The three of them had done so much in the Land of Rain, fighting non-stop and working until they were near exhaustion. Now, they couldn't even take a break? Anyone would be pissed.

Tsunade knew Orochimaru wouldn't go rogue over this. He'd probably just take a little trip, clear his head, and come back when he felt like it.

As for Jiraiya... well, that idiot would run straight back to Konoha and head for the front lines like a dog chasing after its master.

The killing intent radiating from Orochimaru was undeniable, and Jiraiya could only laugh bitterly as he watched him leave.

"Tsunade, are you seriously not going to stop him?"

"I can't even deal with my own problems. You want to try? Just don't get yourself killed," she shrugged.

All three of them were called "legendary," but even at this point, Jiraiya was still a bit behind Orochimaru in terms of strength. There was no chance of winning if it came down to a fight.

If Jiraiya kept pushing, Orochimaru might not kill him outright, but he definitely wouldn't be walking away in one piece.

"Fine. I'll just head back to the village and let the old man deal with this," Jiraiya muttered, rubbing his neck as he recalled the cold, murderous look Orochimaru had given him.

You'd have to be crazy to follow him right now.

Besides, Jiraiya wasn't about to put himself through that kind of torture. Let the Third Hokage handle Orochimaru's rebellion.

"Damn it!" Jiraiya cursed under his breath. "Why do they get to rest while I'm stuck running around?!"

The thought of not having time to gather "material" for his books or work on his novel made his world feel bleak and empty. It was like the universe had forgotten about him.

Orochimaru was gone. Jiraiya was leaving too. Tsunade didn't bother to see them off. She had way too much work to deal with. The camp was overflowing with wounded, and that alone was enough to keep her busy. She had no time to worry about her teammates.

"You think I wanted to do this? The old man wanted me, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru to negotiate with Hanzo. But Orochimaru doesn't want to see Hanzo because of that 'Three Legendary Ninja' title, and Jiraiya doesn't want to go either, so that leaves just me."

"So I suggested you take the jonin exam and come help me out here. The old man actually agreed."

Takuya was speechless.

This woman really knew how to dig a hole for someone.

Not that it mattered much to him. Even before his promotion, the missions and tasks he handled weren't any different from what a jonin did.

Finishing up his meal, Takuya asked, "So, does that mean I'm part of the negotiation team?"

"Team? It's just going to be you, me, and a few members of the Anbu," Tsunade replied. Tsunade had originally wanted to bring Nara Shikashige over from the Land of Rivers to handle the negotiations. But, of course, the Third Hokage had refused.

With Danzo unable to move and the two elders, Koharu and Homura, never willing to dirty their hands, the job fell to the Sannin. But with Orochimaru's refusal and Jiraiya's desire to

rest, the burden ended up on Tsunade's shoulders.

Honestly, this should've been a job for the Nara clan.

Was Shikashige really the only smart one in the entire clan?

It was clear the higher-ups didn't want the Nara clan to rack up too much credit.

"Oh, by the way, I spotted someone interesting in the camp earlier. Let's bring him along."

"Who?"

"Nara Shikaku."

As one of the prominent members of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, Shikaku couldn't just hang out

in the village forever. His family had tossed him into the camp to learn the ropes of

leadership.

Ever since that time when Kushina scared him off, Takuya hadn't seen the guy in a while.

*****

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