Seeing the strange looks from Jiraiya and Tsunade, Isamu didn't keep them guessing and explained directly,
"I'm currently working for one of the village's higher-ups. He can guarantee my freedom to leave the village. As for who it is… you'll have to figure that out yourselves. It's not convenient for me to say more. So now you know—I'm not being depressed. I'm just taking a break."
Hearing this, all three of them fell into thought, trying to guess who this "higher-up" could be.
"Tch, yeah right. What kind of higher-up would a criminal ninja like you work for? You probably made it up," Nawaki said dismissively.
Isamu narrowed his eyes slightly.
If you weren't Tsunade's brother, I would've already slapped you.
Seeing his expression, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru immediately realized he was close to losing his temper. Tsunade quickly pulled Nawaki aside.
"You brat, stop talking nonsense! Say one more word and I really will hit you!"
"Big Brother Isamu, since you've got things under control and aren't feeling down, we're relieved. Come on, let's drink!" Jiraiya quickly changed the subject, raising his bowl.
"Big Brother Isamu, I'll toast to you as well. I wish you a bright future," Orochimaru added calmly.
Nawaki stood to the side, unable to understand why everyone seemed so wary of Isamu. He didn't believe this guy would actually dare to do anything inside Konoha.
Seeing Orochimaru raise his bowl, Isamu withdrew his gaze from Nawaki and laughed.
"Haha, Orochimaru, it's rare to hear something like that from you. Come—since we're all here, let's drink!"
The four of them raised their bowls and drank.
After finishing, Jiraiya immediately asked, "Big Brother Isamu, about Mount Myōboku—how do you know so much? I heard from Old Man Sarutobi that you've even been there before."
Isamu tore off a chicken leg and handed it to Tsunade, ignoring Nawaki's indignant stare.
"Oh, that? I was just bluffing Sarutobi. I only saw those things in a dream."
"A dream? What are you two even talking about?" Tsunade asked, confused. Orochimaru also looked puzzled.
"Alright, I'll explain."
"There are three great Sage Regions in this world: Mount Myōboku, Ryūchi Cave, and Shikkotsu Forest."
"Each of these places has a Sage: the Great Toad Sage, the White Snake Sage, and the Katsuyu Sage. If you can find them and gain their recognition, you can learn Sage Arts."
"Sage Arts? What are those?" Tsunade and Orochimaru asked at the same time.
"I didn't expect you to know about that, Big Brother Isamu," Jiraiya said proudly. "I can explain—Sage Arts are techniques even stronger than Ninjutsu."
Both of them still looked confused.
Isamu sighed. "Jiraiya, no one's going to understand it if you explain it like that. Let me do it."
Jiraiya scratched his head awkwardly. He had only just begun learning it himself.
"We all know that ordinary chakra is formed by combining physical energy and spiritual energy."
"By consuming chakra, ninja can perform Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Genjutsu."
"But Sage Mode chakra is different. It's created by absorbing natural energy from the surroundings and balancing it with your own physical and spiritual energy."
"The techniques performed using this power are called Sage Arts. Once mastered, your strength increases dramatically."
"However, Sage Arts are dangerous. If you fail to control the balance, it can be fatal. Whether you can learn it depends heavily on having a proper teacher."
Nawaki, standing nearby, was stunned.
This guy… actually knows things like this?
"I see…" Orochimaru nodded thoughtfully. "So it's about incorporating natural energy to enhance chakra and amplify its power."
"Exactly," Isamu replied. "But finding the Sage Regions and gaining their recognition—that depends entirely on the individual. No one else can help you with that."
"As for the dream… I saw a white-haired man guiding a young boy to bring true peace to the ninja world."
As he spoke, Isamu looked directly at Jiraiya.
" Isamu, are you saying that white-haired man is Jiraiya?" Tsunade asked, stunned.
Orochimaru also turned to look at him with interest.
"Hehe… could it be that I, the great Jiraiya, am actually that amazing?" Jiraiya said shamelessly.
"Heh, you're overthinking it," Isamu said casually. "You just happen to have white hair, and I just happened to have a dream. No one can predict the future."
"I knew it," Orochimaru said flatly. "With that idiot personality, bringing peace to the ninja world? Hard to imagine."
"Orochimaru! What's that supposed to mean? Looking down on me? Just wait—I'll prove you wrong someday!" Jiraiya shouted.
"Then I'll wait until you do," Orochimaru replied indifferently.
"Hahaha! Come on, let's eat and drink!" Watching the two argue, Isamu couldn't help but laugh.
Moments like this—being with friends, free of schemes and deception—were rare.
Before long, the wine and roasted chicken were gone.
Only Nawaki had mostly watched from the side the entire time.
---
At the door—
"Big Brother Isamu, Orochimaru and I are heading off first," Jiraiya said drunkenly, leaning heavily on Orochimaru.
"Alright, take it slow. Orochimaru, make sure he gets home safely."
"No problem," Orochimaru replied, supporting Jiraiya as they left.
"Let's go, Tsunade. I'll walk you home," Isamu said.
"It's fine, I can go by myself," Tsunade replied, blushing slightly. "I didn't drink much."
"It's not safe for you to walk alone at night. I'll come with you."
Without waiting for her response, Isamu took her hand and started walking.
As for Nawaki…
The two of them completely ignored him.
So the pair walked ahead, while Nawaki followed behind as an unwilling third wheel.
After a moment of silence, Tsunade spoke.
"Isamu, do you really not mind the village's decision? If you do, I can ask Grandma Mito to stand up for you."
"I don't mind," Isamu replied calmly. "Though I won't pretend it doesn't feel a bit unpleasant."
"But it's nothing serious. I've experienced something like this before—back when your Second Grandfather was still around."
"I'll be fine after some time."
His tone was indifferent.
Because strength… gave him that confidence.