"My father demonstrates gambling addiction, my mother experiences severe illness, my husband has disappeared… How should I proceed with my existence now? It's excessively overwhelming… sob sob~"
In a tavern in the Land of Hot Water, Kitagawa Minamoto sat with expressionless eyes, listening to a waitress express profound sorrow while Jiraiya occupied adjacent seating.
They had been investigating Orochimaru's whereabouts in the Land of Hot Water for several days.
The intelligence provided by Danzō Shimura demonstrated vagueness at best, offering merely general search parameters.
Fortunately, Jiraiya demonstrated relative professionalism. However, his information-gathering methodology left Minamoto utterly speechless.
"Don't express sorrow, don't express sorrow, I…"
Observing the attractive waitress in tearful state, Jiraiya instinctively attempted comfort provision.
But then he suddenly experienced immobility, his facial expression displaying shock.
"Wait, you possess marital status?"
"Y-yes…"
The waitress, displaying ocular redness and swelling, experienced confusion regarding Jiraiya's reaction.
"My husband disappeared approximately one month ago. I experienced necessity to secure employment at this establishment to maintain financial stability…"
"I… I comprehend. You've experienced significant hardship."
Jiraiya massaged his temples, his interest visibly diminishing. This prompted Minamoto's amused reaction from observation position.
After the waitress departed, Minamoto couldn't suppress verbal expression any longer.
"Isn't this situation ideal? A gambling father, an ill mother, a missing husband, and an emotionally damaged woman. Additionally, she maintains marital status—what supplementary benefit!"
"You juvenile delinquent, where did you acquire such knowledge?"
Jiraiya elevated an eyebrow, displaying both intrigue and exasperation while observing Minamoto.
"Did you experience memory lapse regarding the three ninja prohibitions?"
"I acquired knowledge from you. Besides, you don't appear to implement adherence either."
Minamoto indicated Jiraiya directly.
"And during recent days, you've either occupied brothels or hot springs, leaving me in solitary state at the inn. Don't you consider that excessive?"
"Hey, hey, don't implement defamation!"
Jiraiya immediately implemented defensive hand gestures, his neck demonstrating rigidity as he protested.
"I'm gathering research material! It all constitutes investigative components, don't you comprehend?"
"Certainly, certainly. I didn't express additional commentary."
Minamoto implemented affirmative cranial gesture, his expression communicating, Don't worry, I won't disclose your activities. This only prompted Jiraiya's frustrated laughter.
"Disregard it. I won't waste respiratory effort arguing with juvenile like you. But I believe we're approaching Orochimaru's proximity."
"That missing husband of hers—was it Orochimaru's action?"
"Most probable, affirmative."
Jiraiya's expression acquired seriousness as he extracted a notebook and examined it.
"Several individuals have disappeared around this town recently. Additionally, reports indicate strangers frequently arrive here to purchase substantial food and water quantities. So…"
"Numerous people, numerous complications," Minamoto naturally continued the conversation.
"It appears he indeed occupies nearby location. The primary issue concerns their discovery methodology."
"That's where my investigative abilities demonstrate relevance."
Jiraiya produced proud laughter, examining his notebook as he continued.
"The waitress mentioned her husband disappeared approximately one month ago. And since they purchase supplies regularly, I calculated their schedule approximates monthly intervals.
So, barring unexpected occurrences, we should detect activity soon. I've already positioned small toads throughout the area for surveillance.
Upon detection, I'll implement immediate action. Juvenile, you have substantial learning opportunities from me, heh heh."
Observing Jiraiya's self-satisfied expression, Minamoto could only implement shoulder elevation.
Jiraiya consistently demonstrated such behavior—appearing unreliable superficially, but always approaching tasks with seriousness.
Whether instructing Naruto or gathering Akatsuki intelligence, he undeniably demonstrated dependability.
"Alright, since everything's established, you can explore the streets temporarily. Determine if you encounter interesting individuals."
But as Jiraiya completed his statement, he suddenly achieved standing position, his ocular focus fixed on a passing female outside. His throat produced strange, foolish laughter.
"I need to gather more… information. Let's implement separation now. It's preferable if we don't interfere with each other."
"..."
Minamoto felt he had judged Jiraiya prematurely. This individual was simply an outrageous scoundrel!
But at that moment, Minamoto suddenly detected peculiar energy stirring. It resembled the sensation he'd experienced when meeting Hinata.
Without attracting attention, he slightly rotated his cranium and glimpsed a white-haired boy in the crowd!
"Am I... becoming detection apparatus?"
Minamoto scratched his face, his expression displaying mixture of amusement and disbelief.
"Kimimaro, have Jirōbō and others gathered everything?"
In a forest in the Land of Hot Water, Jūgo observed birds flying overhead and then produced facial expression suggesting pleasure directed at adjacent Kimimaro.
"Additionally, how's your health condition?"
"Don't experience concern."
Kimimaro maintained composure, even with his closest companion.
"I informed you, I'll function as your containment. I'll always accompany you on this path."
"Of course."
Jūgo smiled. Due to his unique condition, he possessed dual personality—calm predominantly, but terrifyingly violent when provoked.
Only because of Kimimaro could he suppress his madness. Kimimaro constituted the reason Jūgo had joined Orochimaru.
Although Orochimaru had researched Jūgo's condition and provided medication to assist control, Jūgo still preferred Kimimaro's company.
Only with Kimimaro could he experience inner tranquility.
"By the way, are those two still implementing pursuit?"
Suddenly, Kimimaro reduced vocal volume and inquired of Jūgo.
Jūgo, with his animal communication ability, possessed highly efficient and discreet reconnaissance and information relay methodology.
While shopping in town, they had detected pursuit. According to animals, one pursuer was a white-haired middle-aged male.
The other was a boy approximating their age. Both undoubtedly constituted ninjas.
"They're still implementing pursuit."
Jūgo discreetly observed a bird in the sky before implementing affirmative cranial gesture.
"Probably just rogue ninjas or bandits seeking quick financial gain. The Land of Hot Water contains numerous such individuals."
The chaos in the Land of Hot Water transcended imagination. It constituted haven for outlaws, and Orochimaru didn't mind if they followed.
After all, free "materials" always received welcome.
"Good."
Kimimaro implemented affirmative cranial gesture. Orochimaru had instructed him to return with "interesting" individuals, which had left him somewhat uncertain.
But now, circumstances simplified. With individuals delivering themselves to their location, it saved substantial effort.
The two continued their journey and soon returned to the underground laboratory, where they found Orochimaru preparing for additional experimentation.
"Returned so promptly?"
Orochimaru casually observed them, his tone indifferent.
"Couldn't locate satisfactory new materials?"
"Orochimaru-sama, we have."
Kimimaro immediately resumed respectful demeanor, implementing slight bow before speaking.
"Two ninjas have been implementing pursuit. We'll address them shortly."
"Hmm. If they've arrived, permit their stay."
Orochimaru implemented affirmative cranial gesture, then inquired casually.
"By the way, do they constitute rogue ninjas, or do they belong to a village?"
"Orochimaru-sama, according to birds, they aren't displaying village headbands."
Kimimaro observed Jūgo, who lowered his cranium and added,
"One of them, the white-haired male, has the kanji for 'oil' on his clothing."
"..."
Hearing this, Orochimaru, who had demonstrated indifference until now, suddenly froze. Annoyance indication briefly crossed his face.
"Something... annoying has arrived."
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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