"Lady Tsunade, are you alright?"
Seeing Shizune run over to check on her with concern, Tsunade finally snapped back to reality. How could the person who just helped her possibly be Senju Tobirama? It was clearly that kid who kept winning all her money.
The reason she mistook the identity was not just because the hair color and clothing were somewhat similar, but more because her hemophobia had clouded her mind.
Wait, no. She seemed to have subconsciously called out "Second Grandpa" just now. That kid couldn't have heard it, right? Recalling what she had said earlier, Tsunade's face could not help but flush slightly.
"She probably didn't hear it." After secretly glancing at Furina's expressionless side profile, Tsunade breathed a sigh of relief in her heart. It looked like she either hadn't heard or had heard but didn't understand the meaning. Good, good. She almost ruined her lifelong reputation.
"Jiraiya, you're here too. I didn't expect we'd reunite in this kind of way."
Ignoring Shizune who was whispering nearby, Orochimaru gazed at the fully vigilant Jiraiya with a calm tone, sounding as if it were simply old friends catching up.
"Orochimaru, with me here today, no matter what you plan to do, you won't succeed. I advise you to leave quickly. Otherwise, I won't hold back."
"Whether I leave or not isn't up to me. It's up to Tsunade. As long as she's willing to heal my arms, I'll leave immediately."
Facing Jiraiya's threat, Orochimaru remained calm in tone, as if he were merely discussing something ordinary. But to Jiraiya's ears, it sounded completely different.
Orochimaru's arms were crippled by the teacher during that incident, and now he was asking Tsunade to heal them. Wasn't this just dancing on the grave?
"Lord Orochimaru, what do we do next? Should we retreat?"
While Orochimaru and Jiraiya were exchanging barbs, Kabuto also leaned close to Orochimaru's ear and quietly suggested. This was not because he was cowardly, but because the difference in combat power right now was quite large.
Without the use of his arms, Orochimaru could only bring out less than half his usual strength. Dealing with Jiraiya, another one of the Sannin, was already extremely difficult.
Moreover, in the brief clash just now with Furina, he had felt tremendous pressure. Clearly, she was much stronger than during the Chunin Exams.
Add to that Naruto, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, on the side, plus Shizune and Tsunade who could recover at any moment. If things really went badly, the two of them would truly be in danger.
As for Karin? When dealing with someone as dangerous as Orochimaru, Jiraiya naturally would not bring her along, so he had her stay at the lodging first. With the toad Naruto had summoned for her, there was no need to worry about accidents.
"No need to rush, Kabuto. Let's observe first. Jiraiya's condition seems off. There might still be an opportunity."
From Orochimaru's understanding of Jiraiya, even after injuring Tsunade this badly, the fact that Jiraiya still had not made a move meant something was wrong. And Jiraiya trying to threaten him into leaving only confirmed his guess.
It was probably because Tsunade did not want him getting involved, so she had drugged him or something.
Orochimaru understood his two former teammates extremely well and easily pieced together most of the truth.
"Understood, Lord Orochimaru." Since Orochimaru was not in a hurry to retreat, Kabuto naturally would not say more. He then turned his gaze toward the group opposite, pondering how to make his next move.
"Senior Kabuto, why are you standing with Orochimaru, the one who killed Grandpa Hokage?"
"?" While observing, Kabuto had not expected Naruto to ask such a question. Wasn't it obvious? Because he was Orochimaru's spy. This kid was being way too naive.
"That's because I've been deceiving you all along. Even now, you're the only one who hasn't figured it out. But it doesn't concern you anymore. The upcoming battle isn't something a weakling like you can participate in."
"Damn it!"
Kabuto's blatant taunt completely shattered the image Naruto had of him before. This guy... he would definitely defeat him personally and prove it to him.
"Furina, you go help Granny Tsunade with treatment first. This guy is mine now. I'll definitely beat him."
"Oh?"
Naruto's voice was not quiet, and Kabuto on the opposite side also heard his idea of a one-on-one fight.
After confirming he had not misheard, a hint of amusement flashed in Kabuto's eyes. He had already prepared himself for being ganged up on. The others were no issue, but the pressure Furina gave him was far too great.
If they could really take it one by one, he would naturally welcome it. Kabuto then looked toward Furina just like Naruto, waiting for her answer.
Under Kabuto's gaze, he saw Furina mouth something toward him without sound, but Kabuto could read lips. She meant "provocation tactic."
"Troublesome." After reading Furina's meaning, the amusement in Kabuto's eyes vanished instantly. Besides Jiraiya, he would have to handle all these people himself.
"If that's what you think, then he's yours. But if you really can't handle it, I'll still step in."
"Got it. Leave it to me. Just focus on healing Granny Tsunade with peace of mind."
"Although I really wanted to continue the unfinished fight from the Chunin Exams with Senior Kabuto, since Naruto is requesting this, I'll just have to be a spectator."
"Hehe~" Seeing Kabuto's obvious surprise, the corner of Furina's mouth curved slightly. If someone was willing to take over for her, that was naturally perfect. She just needed to cover the rear.
"Furina, don't be careless. That guy called Kabuto is very strong. He's no less than Kakashi. You should still..."
Jiraiya, who was locked in combat with Orochimaru, saw that Furina had really agreed to Naruto's solo request and quickly tried to advise her. She was usually so steady, so why was she so unreliable now?
But before he could finish speaking, Orochimaru's head suddenly extended and slammed into him, knocking him flying. The rest of his words were forced back down.
"Furina naturally has her own ideas. Don't worry about it so much. Take care of yourself first."
After knocking Jiraiya away, Orochimaru retracted his head with a face full of disdain. Clearly, he did not like what Jiraiya had just said.
This was not simply because he thought it would ruin his plans, but because he understood why Furina made that choice. If it were him, he would do the same. A genius, no matter how humble they appeared, would still have their own pride. Accommodating a companion while controlling the situation.