And while Orochimaru, Menma, and Sunagakure continued their covert communication—each faction shaping its own agenda—the Hidden Leaf Village was far from oblivious.
Even without solid proof, Orochimaru's unexpected return after years in the shadows was enough to ignite suspicion within Konoha.
This man, once celebrated as a prodigy shaping the future of the village, would never return simply to wander freely. Even considering Sasuke as a motive, Hiruzen Sarutobi knew his former beloved student always moved with a deeper, darker purpose.
Thus, the moment the second round of the Chūnin Exams concluded, Konoha shifted into silent lockdown. Outwardly calm, but internally coiled like a tightened bowstring. Following Hiruzen's orders, both the regular military police forces and the ANBU directly under the Hokage began rotating in continuous 24-hour patrol shifts.
No suspicious activity was allowed to slip by.
And yet, for all their vigilance, Orochimaru had vanished since that day—appearing to care only about Sasuke.
But Hiruzen Sarutobi dared not relax.
He knew Orochimaru's strength better than anyone alive. Years ago, when Hiruzen was still barely near his prime, he had barely managed to corner his student—and even then, failed to finish him. Now, at sixty-nine, long past a shinobi's physical peak, Hiruzen understood that even attempting to stop Orochimaru again might require the forbidden technique he had sworn not to use lightly.
Time had stolen what even talent could not replenish.
And so, he chose the most cautious path.
He quietly ordered ANBU to summon another former student—
Jiraiya, the Toad Sage, hero of the Hidden Leaf.
The moment Jiraiya received the coded emergency message from his master, he left his travels and made his way back to Konoha without hesitation.
Konoha — Hokage Building
Hiruzen Sarutobi paused his paperwork as his slightly clouded eyes drifted toward the tall windows. He smiled faintly.
"You made quick time… Seems you didn't wander too much on your way back, Jiraiya."
As his voice faded—
A large figure stepped into the room.
Long white spiked hair.
Red markings under his eyes.
The familiar "油" (oil) forehead protector.
It was Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin.
"Haha, well, you did call me back personally, old man," Jiraiya said, approaching his teacher with a half-smile.
Hiruzen studied him carefully. "You still care about Orochimaru."
Jiraiya's expression stiffened—only for a moment—before hardening into seriousness.
"Old man… are you sure he's really back?"
"There's no doubt," Hiruzen replied calmly. "You and Anko both confirmed it. Naruto's team also encountered Orochimaru in Training Ground 44. If nothing has changed, his aim is Sasuke."
It was the truth Hiruzen didn't want to accept.
Once, he had envisioned Orochimaru as the next Hokage.
Once, he believed no one could surpass the brilliance of that genius child.
Once, he cherished Orochimaru as the student he loved most.
That was why he couldn't kill him—not then, not even when confronting him directly.
He had told himself, year after year, that as long as Orochimaru stayed away, the past did not need to be faced.
ANBU's lack of aggressive pursuit was no coincidence.
But now, his greatest regret had returned.
And he came with a purpose.
As Hokage, Hiruzen could no longer look away.
"No matter how much I value him… Konoha's peace comes first," Hiruzen whispered to himself.
Jiraiya exhaled deeply. "I understand. I'll handle Orochimaru—"
"No," Hiruzen interrupted firmly. "If anything happens, Jiraiya… the village will need you to protect it."
Jiraiya stared at him, stunned.
"Old man… you can't be thinking—"
"I must correct the mistake I made long ago," Hiruzen replied with a tired but resolute smile. "Don't worry. I still have strength left. I can still wield the Enma staff."
Jiraiya's jaw tightened.
That "mistake" from years ago…
It haunted them both.
And now it was time to face it.
"I'll stay close to the village," Jiraiya said quietly. "If you learn anything, contact me immediately. Just don't push yourself too hard."
And with that—
Fwoosh.
Jiraiya leapt through the window and vanished into the night.
Hiruzen watched the space where his student disappeared and exhaled deeply, relighting his pipe.
"Don't push myself…? You should know better than anyone, Jiraiya… But when the time comes, I hope you'll shoulder the duty that belongs to you."
He took a long breath, memories clouding his mind—ending once again on the moment Orochimaru walked away from the village forever.
"This time… I won't hesitate."
Behind the scenes, political tensions tightened as the three forces—Oto, Suna, and Orochimaru—prepared for collision.
Publicly, however, Konoha appeared lively and untouched.
Nobles, officials, and merchants flooded into the village.
The streets overflowed with excitement for the Chūnin Exams.
Shops expanded, inns filled, and the people celebrated, unaware of the coming storm.
In the shadows, danger crept ever closer.
But to the civilians of the Hidden Leaf—
This was the most festive, prosperous period they had seen in years.