After finishing official business, Sasori hesitated as he glanced at Yugao. He seemed to want to say something but held back.
Anya lightly chuckled. "Just spit it out."
"Big Brother Kurotsuchi, I'm leaving. What about you?"
As soon as these words were spoken, Yugao immediately fixed her gaze on Anya, staring intently. From her expression, it was clear that she truly intended to leave together with him.
Anya remained silent for a moment, hesitating. According to the original storyline, Tsunade would soon return. Should he meet her or, like Kurenai, choose to meet her later?
Sasori continued, "Your body hasn't fully recovered yet. Without me around to protect you, I can't feel at ease."
"I can do it," Yugao volunteered.
Sasori shook his head. "I know you're trained by Big Brother Kurotsuchi, so your fighting style must be offensive-oriented. It's not suitable for guarding someone."
"What about me?" Mabui appeared at the door—none of them noticed when she got there.
A look of disdain flickered across Sasori's eyes as he obviously looked down on Mabui. He replied indifferently, "You need to come back to the village with me."
"I won't." Rarely being stubborn, Mabui clearly understood what Sasori intended—to take her back and use her as a tool to avoid dealing with those tedious internal affairs.
Anya finally spoke up. "Mabui, are you really going to go back with Sasori? A major war just occurred here, and all countries will send undercover agents to investigate the Konoha. Although many years have passed, your identity..."
At this point, Mabui suddenly recalled she was supposed to be missing; how long had it been? Long enough that she almost forgot she was actually a ninja from Kumogakure.
"Hmph, at least I didn't agree to let you take me back to Kumogakure years ago. Wherever you go, war follows," Mabui muttered angrily before storming off without looking back.
Anya made his decision. "Once your negotiations with Konoha are over, I'll head to Sunagakure along with Guy's squad."
"Fine." Sasori, having witnessed Guy's strength before, saw no problem. Since becoming the Fifth Kazekage and leaving behind his former freedom, he still had some maneuvering space because his true identity had not yet been exposed.
After this great battle, Orochimaru's reputation has already echoed throughout the Ninja World. Having slain two Kages from among the Five Great Countries, he had established his own ninja village. Rumors even circulated that he played a role in the conflict at the Deadly Poison Valley (Dushegu). Suddenly, mention of Orochimaru caused fear throughout the entire Ninja World.
Despite his apparent glory, Orochimaru did not feel very well after returning to his base. His soul had been repeatedly tugged by the Shinigami, his arms sealed, and this newly-acquired young body had already started showing signs of deterioration. It wouldn't be long before he needed another body transfer—and that wasn't even the most deadly consequence.
Thinking of the name Hiruzen Sarutobi stirred deep hatred within Orochimaru. I guess it's no surprise my Master can be ruthless when he wants to be.
After examining Orochimaru's arms, Kabuto Yakushi helplessly shook his head. "There's nothing I can do. There's only one person in the whole Ninja World who can possibly heal this injury."
Orochimaru's eyes glinted as a familiar name surfaced in his mind. Then, a sinister smile curled his lips. "Find her."
"Yes."
Yugao was still a member of the ANBU and couldn't stay with Anya for long. She had to take care of post-battle matters in the village, so after a short stay, she left. Before leaving, however, her words seemed to imply that she intended to quit the ANBU and follow him to Sunagakure.
Anya gave it a moment's thought and figured, why not let her have her way?
With no one to disturb him anymore, Anya began working on a new book, recalling past events while adding his own ideas, crafting a story set on the moon.
Before he realized it, an entire day had passed. Raindrops drifted from the sky. Even without stepping outside, he could still sense the heavy atmosphere lingering over the village. In this battle, few Leaf ninja had died, though many village structures were destroyed, smoke rising everywhere. More importantly, a Kage—Hokage—had perished.
With The Third now buried, all villagers who hadn't gone on missions would certainly attend the mourning ceremony.
At that moment, the door pushed open, and Minato, wearing his ANBU mask, staggered in tiredly and collapsed heavily onto the floor.
Anya frowned slightly and sent his soul into the puppet. As soon as he entered, he discovered that Minato's spirit was extremely weak—clearly overused. He snapped angrily, "This puppet only has the strength of an elite jonin. How long have you been fighting? I told you beforehand this battle wouldn't affect Konoha."
Having said that, Anya used the Spirit Transformation Technique, channeling part of his spiritual energy into Minato's body. Soon, Minato's previously weakened soul regained its vitality and looked lifelike once more.
"Thank you," Minato murmured sadly. "I didn't expect Lord Third to die in this battle."
After finishing the treatment, Anya's complexion had turned somewhat pale. Calmly, he replied, "His death will be like firelight lighting up the village, inspiring new life to bloom like fresh buds on a tree. The Will of Fire—the unyielding spirit passed from one generation to the next—never fades. It was something he always said. Now, having sacrificed himself, he has died a worthy death. You should feel proud."
Minato was taken aback by Anya's words, unsure how to reply.
Anya wasn't done with him yet and continued, "Sasori has already left. Your puppet here currently can't replenish chakra, so at most, it can only perform at a chunin-level taijutsu right now. I advise you not to push yourself or else your soul damage will be irreversible."
"It was my mistake," came a solemn voice from beyond the door.
Anya already knew he was there and casually said, "Come in."
Jiraiya strode inside. Upon seeing Anya's current appearance, he first looked startled, then quickly understood. "No wonder Minato said you've changed a lot recently. You really did surpass what I expected from you. Can your eyes return to normal?"
"Yes, just a matter of time. Shouldn't today be your master's funeral? Aren't you going?" Anya countered.
Jiraiya let out a bittersweet smile and said, "The old man lived his whole life for Konoha. There'll be plenty there to send him off; no need to count me among them. The living must always do something meaningful."
Anya cut straight to the point. "So, what are you here for?"
Jiraiya's expression darkened, asking seriously, "Orochimaru's invasion this time—what role did you play? Don't bother denying it. You two started collaborating a long time ago, right?"
Anya smirked slightly and asked, "What's wrong? Are you still holding a grudge about that trip to the Poison Valley back then?"
"Knew it! Told ya so!" Jiraiya exclaimed with an exaggerated look of outrage. "I almost got trapped in there for good!"
Minato, who overheard their conversation, was stunned. Obviously, he hadn't expected them to share such a past.
Anya remained calm and cut in bluntly, "Cut the crap. Tell me why you're really here. You're the guy who's got reverse-summoning jutsu down pat. In this world, if you don't wanna die, who the hell can even touch you?"
Jiraiya sobered up and locked eyes with Anya, his tone suddenly dead serious. "Do you...want to become a hokage?"
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