An unforeseen encounter.
Sasuke truly hadn't expected to meet Naruto and Jiraiya here, especially the latter. The current Sasuke was no longer the ninja world novice he was before. A few months, though seemingly short, were enough for Sasuke to learn ample basic knowledge of the ninja world. Sasuke was well aware of Jiraiya, an existence who had awed the ninja world twenty or thirty years ago.
This was an existence the current him couldn't contend with.
For a moment, the thought of retreating surged in Sasuke's heart.
Though proud, he was no longer overly reckless.
Sasuke already had a relatively clear understanding of what choice to make and when.
"Sasuke!"
Unlike Sasuke, whose reaction to seeing Naruto and Jiraiya stemmed mostly from wariness of Jiraiya... Naruto's heart palpitations upon seeing Sasuke again after half a year were self-evident. Whether Menma or Sasuke, in Naruto's eyes, they were his most important comrades, his closest comrades-in-arms, and even brothers.
Naruto was still that Naruto. Perhaps he might be down for a moment due to a blow, but he could always adjust himself back.
Just like the sentence he said himself.
Even if he had to break Menma and Sasuke's arms and legs, he would bring them back to the Leaf.
Now actually seeing Sasuke, the excitement in Naruto's heart was imaginable.
Is this Orochimaru's curse mark? It really is full of evil and ominous aura.
Jiraiya stood on Gamabunta's head, looking at Sasuke in that demon-like form, frowning slightly and thinking secretly.
Although not as intense and strong as Naruto's feelings, Jiraiya also had an extraordinary obsession in his heart for Orochimaru, his former close friend. Once, Jiraiya also hoped to persuade Orochimaru to return to the village, but with the passage of time, Jiraiya gradually gave up this extravagant hope.
Especially after Orochimaru went further and further down that path he deemed wrong, Jiraiya completely lost similar thoughts, leaving only reminiscences of the past.
"Jiraiya-sama."
Ryoma, who had just faced the threat of death, couldn't help but exhale a long breath of turbid air after escaping.
Seeing that Gamabunta showed no signs of aversion, Ryoma leaped directly onto Gamabunta's head. With obvious heavy injuries, he bowed slightly to Jiraiya and greeted him.
He was indeed a Root member, but also a Leaf ninja.
Jiraiya's status in the Hidden Leaf Village was still very special. Excluding only Tsunade, Danzo, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane, any other Leaf ninja had to bow and greet Jiraiya upon seeing him, not to mention Jiraiya had just saved his life.
"Mhm, so it's Ryoma. Retreat to the side and rest. Leave this to me to handle."
As a Root elite, and more or less a ninja of the same era as Jiraiya, Jiraiya naturally recognized Ryoma Aburame.
Even without prior intelligence, this chakra aura and voice were unmistakable to Jiraiya.
"Yes, Jiraiya-sama."
After responding, Ryoma retreated.
"By the way, I have something to ask you later. Of course, it won't involve that old guy."
Jiraiya added in a faint tone.
Making Ryoma pause slightly. After taking a deep breath, he replied in a very steady voice: "Yes, I understand."
Immediately after.
He flashed back to tend to his wounds.
After Ryoma left, Naruto couldn't wait to walk to the frontmost position, shouting loudly at Sasuke opposite: "Sasuke!!!"
He didn't say anything more, but everything was understood without words.
Sasuke's heartstrings still wavered slightly.
Although the addition of Menma in this life made the plot less similar, some things seemed completely unchanged.
Even missing some key plot events.
The relationship between Naruto and Sasuke remained so special.
Just like Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha.
Inheriting the chakras of Asura and Indra for a thousand years—this was the fateful bond between brothers!!
"Haven't seen you for half a year, and you're still the same, Naruto. You are truly inferior to Menma—naive, ignorant, and foolish. I really doubt if you are biological brothers."
Sasuke had a flat expression, and a hint of mockery flowed faintly in his pupils, so obvious and rich.
And most importantly, that tone didn't sound like a joke at all.
And that calm and breezy expression.
Made Naruto's heart twitch involuntarily.
"Sasuke Uchiha, it's not too late to turn back now. You haven't caused any threat or destruction. Don't continue to be obstinate. I can promise you, as long as you turn back, everything can be treated as if it never happened!"
Jiraiya looked at Sasuke calmly and said.
This really wasn't Jiraiya boasting. His status was indeed placed there. Plus, the current Hokage was Tsunade. While village affairs were still checked and balanced by those three old guys, on major issues of right and wrong, Tsunade truly had the ability and power to decide with one word; it just depended on whether Tsunade was willing to do so.
But as long as Jiraiya and Naruto were there.
Whether Sasuke or Menma.
Their problems really weren't big problems.
Such was the so-called privilege.
"Heh, go back? That's really..."
Sasuke sneered, about to say something.
"Truly laughable words. Are all people from the Leaf like this? Or is this a school of thought you brought out? Jiraiya-san!"
Suddenly, a clear voice rang out from the northeast corner.
A blood-red figure flashed in accordingly.
Instantly attracting the attention of everyone present.
"Menma!?"
"Menma!"
Seeing this figure also flashing to stand on Manda's head.
Naruto and Sasuke revealed completely different expressions, and Jiraiya's eyes narrowed slightly in that moment.
"Brat!? Who are you!? You dare stand on my head!? Ah!?"
Below, Manda raged instantly.
He was already provoked by that stinking toad opposite him, and now someone stepped on his head without his permission.
In Manda's view, this was an unforgivable act!
Lord Manda expressed that he must let this guy know his terror!
He was about to twist his massive body violently.