In front of Konoha's gate, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade—each carrying backpacks—were waiting for the captain of their mission.
Sarutobi Hiruzen used a Transformation Jutsu to appear as a younger version of himself. He held a book with a golden cover and a plum blossom on it and approached the three of them.
"Sarutobi-sensei, you..."
Orochimaru recognized the book in Sarutobi Hiruzen's hand at a glance. It was a newly reprinted book. The publisher had already encouraged her to begin writing the next volume, showing just how popular it was.
She wasn't the least bit surprised that Sarutobi Hiruzen was reading it. He was in his prime, and being an introverted and slightly voyeuristic person, it was normal for him to enjoy this kind of book—not suitable for those under eighteen.
"Are you Sarutobi-sensei's son?"
Jiraiya guessed, squinting at Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Bang—!
"Idiot! Can't you tell it's Sarutobi-sensei?"
Tsunade punched Jiraiya on the head, not believing he failed to recognize their teacher.
"I was just joking, just joking!"
Jiraiya covered his head, regretting his attempt at being clever.
"Listen up. This is your first C-rank mission. While we're on the mission, you're to call me Captain Sarutobi. Understood?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen held the book in one hand, wearing an odd expression. He couldn't help glancing at the pages, as if something inside was calling him back, tempting him to keep reading.
"Shrimp oil! Tsunade, Orochimaru—let me show you the results of my training!"
Jiraiya declared with confidence and enthusiasm, determined to redeem himself after his embarrassing performance last time. He was sure that this time, he'd impress both his teammates and Sensei.
"The result of your training? Gonna summon a frog to swim in the sea again?"
Tsunade eyed him skeptically. Last time he said the same thing and ended up summoning a tiny tailed frog.
"Just wait, Tsunade! The results of my training will shock you!"
Jiraiya wore a confident grin.
"Captain Sarutobi, what about your office work?"
Orochimaru asked, recalling that the Hokage's responsibilities were intense—many documents awaited approval, and reports flowed in constantly.
"Don't worry, it's under control."
Thinking of Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, whom he had left in charge at the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled without a care. He wasn't worried about coming back to a mountain of paperwork.
Wasn't the purpose of Hokage assistants to assist the Hokage?
He was also setting an example by personally leading a mission and showing it was viable for a senior ninja to guide three newly graduated students.
As for Danzo Shimura...
Sarutobi Hiruzen realized that ever since Danzo created the ANBU training unit "Root" under the guise of developing ANBU, there were things happening that even he, as Hokage, didn't fully know.
Danzo had tried to recruit elite talents from the main clans into Root, but Hiruzen had denied that proposal—though he knew well Danzo hadn't given up on the idea.
If only I could be like the Second Hokage...
Hiruzen thought of the Second Hokage's ruthless decisiveness, but he wasn't Tobirama. He couldn't act that way. Nor could he confront Danzo Shimura, who was, at the very least, genuinely loyal to Konoha. Even if he wanted to question what Danzo was hiding, he would need to think carefully.
You handed the workload off to someone else, didn't you?
There was a glint of understanding in Orochimaru's eyes. Judging by Sarutobi Hiruzen's relaxed face, this wasn't the first time.
"Alright, let's move out!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen led the three students out of Konoha's gate, heading toward the Land of Tea, located south of the Land of Fire.
The four traveled at a steady pace, and by nightfall, they had reached the border of the Fire Nation, where they stopped to rest near a water source.
"Lightning Release: Ground Current!"
Orochimaru formed hand signs and pressed her hands—glowing with lightning—against the river's surface. Flowing water was the perfect conductor. In an instant, dazzling sparks lit up the river. Fish thrashed and floated up, steam rising from their bodies.
Orochimaru mastered that lightning jutsu from the scroll so quickly? That's definitely Orochimaru!
Sarutobi Hiruzen was impressed once again, though no longer surprised—Orochimaru had already exceeded his expectations many times over.
"Enough! That's plenty of fish."
Sarutobi Hiruzen waved his hand to stop Orochimaru. Any more and they'd be wasting fish.
"Orochimaru! Nicely done!"
Jiraiya ran excitedly to collect the fish. He had been planning to show off his fishing skills, but was now grateful he hadn't volunteered—this would've been another embarrassment.
"Good job, Orochimaru!"
Tsunade smiled and threw an arm around Orochimaru's shoulder while watching Jiraiya pick up the fish."Hey Jiraiya, those fish are going to float away—hurry up!"
"Tsunade! You've got time to sit there and watch—why don't you help?"
Jiraiya, annoyed, saw her just observing while Orochimaru had done the work."I get it if it were Orochimaru, but she's the one who electrocuted the fish—why is Tsunade just standing there?"
"Orochimaru and I are good friends, right?"
Tsunade smiled sweetly at Orochimaru.
"Whatever you say."
Orochimaru turned away, not wanting to get involved in the argument.
Crack—!
The campfire crackled as dry branches burned. Around the fire, skewered fish were roasting on sharp sticks. A tripod made of branches held a metal lunch tin with fish broth bubbling inside.
Oil sizzled on the fish, and Orochimaru sprinkled in some seasoning. To enhance the flavor, she had even made a few cuts with a kunai before roasting them.
The smell was irresistible—Jiraiya and Tsunade couldn't help but swallow hard. Even Sarutobi Hiruzen licked his lips and felt his hunger grow stronger.
I really don't get you ninjas…
Orochimaru noticed the three of them eagerly eyeing the grilled fish. Jiraiya and Tsunade were expected—but Sarutobi Hiruzen? The Hokage? He couldn't even cook properly; his food was nearly inedible.
Even if you're a ninja, shouldn't you at least care about what you eat on missions?
"Alright, it's ready."
As soon as Orochimaru spoke, Jiraiya and Tsunade dove in like starving ghosts, grabbing skewers and eating with gusto.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, maintaining his dignity as captain, waited until they started before taking a skewer himself.
Good thing I planned ahead. I can't imagine how bad this would taste without seasoning…
Orochimaru thought about how flavorless and fishy it would have been without the spices.
"The fish soup is done too."
Orochimaru poured the broth into four portions, just enough for everyone to have a few sips, and pulled out some dry rations from her pack.
Sarutobi Hiruzen took the dry rations Orochimaru handed him and said with admiration,"Orochimaru, you're well prepared!"
"This is my first mission outside the Land of Fire, so I wanted to be extra ready and bring anything that might be useful."
Orochimaru took a bite of the grilled fish, satisfied with the taste and her cooking skills.
"Orochimaru, your cooking is amazing!"
Jiraiya devoured the fish and dry rations, cheeks puffed full, took a sip of soup, and gave Orochimaru a big thumbs up.
"Jiraiya, swallow before you talk!"
Tsunade clenched her fists and glared, clearly wanting to knock him over the head.
Jiraiya, startled, shuffled away quickly.
Tsunade huffed and looked at Orochimaru, who was calmly eating.She should definitely bring her on more missions.
She'd heard plenty of complaints from other ninjas—long missions with bad food and poor sleep made things miserable.
If you've got a teammate who can cook, hold on to them.
Orochimaru had no idea she was being "targeted" by Tsunade for her culinary skills. She was still thinking about whether there was any way to gain access to Konoha's forbidden techniques.
After some thought, she realized that in her current position, that was just a dream. For now, the only thing she could do was improve her own strength.
She wasn't after forbidden techniques for power—she was simply curious, eager to broaden her knowledge.
Forbidden jutsu… or maybe wait until reaching Jonin level.
Or perhaps once she reached Jonin strength, she could flee and destroy Konoha's library that held the forbidden techniques.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, happily munching on grilled fish, sipping soup, and chewing dry rations, had no idea that his particularly pleased student was already planning how to defy the heavens.