"What's going on? It's as if the entire world has turned against him…"
It felt like a bloodline-level suppression.
He'll be killed! He'll definitely be killed! He will die!
Orochimaru's instincts screamed danger—
and the source of that danger was Aoyama Ryuyun, who was smiling calmly at him.
"Liu Yun?"
Tsunade looked at him in confusion.
The Haoshoku Haki instantly receded.
Orochimaru felt his entire body loosen.
On the surface, nothing seemed to have happened—but cold sweat had already soaked through his back.
"Phew…"
So dangerous… It felt like he could've died at any moment!
Aoyama Ryuyun, however, acted as if nothing was amiss.
He smiled lightly and looked at Tsunade.
"What's wrong?"
"Uh… What was that just now between you and Orochimaru?"
Tsunade frowned. "You two were talking fine a second ago."
"Nothing," Ryuyun said casually. "Orochimaru and I just… hit it off."
Saying that, he turned toward Orochimaru, smiling.
"Wouldn't you agree, Orochimaru?"
"…"
This is danger. This must be danger!
Who was he? He was Orochimaru—one of Konoha's Sannin, a prodigy personally praised by the Third Hokage himself!
And yet this man dared to threaten him so openly?
"Yes… that's right, Tsunade." Orochimaru forced a laugh, his voice slightly strained. "Ryuyun-kun and I truly hit it off."
Where there's life, there's hope.
That principle was etched into Orochimaru's very bones.
But still—what is this man?
To make his body tremble with just his presence…
The rumors weren't false at all.
This man had really defeated the One-Tail Shukaku head-on…
and even cut through a Tailed Beast Ball with his sword.
"Uh…"
Tsunade's brow furrowed. "You two hit it off? Are you kidding me?"
"What's wrong with you, Orochimaru!"
Jiraiya, who had been silent until now, suddenly pulled Orochimaru aside and whispered fiercely.
"Hm?" Orochimaru blinked, still dazed.
"Can't you tell? That Liu Yun guy is with Tsunade!"
"So?" Orochimaru asked flatly.
"So you have to help me win her back! We're brothers, aren't we?!"
"…"
Orochimaru stared at Jiraiya for a long while.
When Jiraiya started to fidget, Orochimaru finally sighed.
"Give up."
"Huh?"
"Give up, Jiraiya. You're not worthy of Tsunade."
"…"
Jiraiya fell silent for a long moment, then glared.
"Bastard! You wanna fight?!"
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed, calm as ever.
"Can you beat me?"
"…!"
Jiraiya's fists trembled. "Agh! Damn it! Why are my friends like this?!"
Was his love destined to end without resolution?
Tsunade watched him quietly, disgust flickering in her eyes.
"Are you done yet? If not—get lost!"
"Waaah! Tsunade, I'm heartbroken!"
"Huh?"
Her brow twitched. "You looking for a beating?"
Having known him for years, Tsunade already understood Jiraiya's antics too well.
Without a shred of pity, she raised her fist, chakra crackling faintly around it.
"If you dare disgust this old woman again, I'll kill you. Got it?"
"…!"
So scary! This Tsunade!
Jiraiya immediately straightened up and nodded like a chastised child.
"Hmph!"
Snorting coldly, Tsunade turned away.
She'd had enough of this fool and would rather head home with Ryuyun.
"Uh, wait!" Jiraiya blurted out, quickly composing himself as Tsunade turned.
"Since you just came back from the front lines—and we're all here—why don't we go for a drink?"
In truth, when Jiraiya first heard Tsunade had returned—and that she was with Aoyama Ryuyun—his heart had shattered.
But deep down, he wasn't a petty man.
He genuinely wanted her happiness, even if it wasn't with him.
"Uh?"
Tsunade looked at Aoyama Ryuyun instinctively.
"Well, well, well," Jiraiya said, forcing a grin. "Why don't you come too? You're Tsunade's boyfriend now, after all!"
Aoyama Ryuyun met Tsunade's gaze.
He wasn't interested in such gatherings—but if she wanted to go, he wouldn't stop her.
"I'll pass. You Sannin should reunite properly."
"Then I'll al—" Tsunade started, but Ryuyun raised a hand to stop her.
"Perfect. I need to go back, tidy up, and check on things at home. You three enjoy your reunion."
"Alright then." Tsunade smiled faintly.
As Aoyama Ryuyun turned and walked away, his golden hair caught the sunlight—
a flash of brilliance that even Jiraiya couldn't help but notice.
"Damn it," Jiraiya muttered under his breath, "how is it that every cool guy gets the girl?"
Orochimaru said nothing.
He only glanced once more in the direction Ryuyun had left—
and for the first time in years, he felt fear.
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