Departing from the border between the Grass Country and the Earth Country, Orochimaru's speed would allow him to reach the vicinity of Konoha Village in about two days.
However, considering the need to care for Jiraiya, who was injured, Orochimaru and Tsunade deliberately slowed their pace, finally seeing the familiar gates of Konoha on the morning of the third day.
Jiraiya truly lived up to his reputation as a strong individual forged under Tsunade's fists. His previous near-death state had miraculously subsided during their journey. Aside from being unable to move freely on his own, his physical condition had recovered remarkably well.
This once led Orochimaru to suspect that Jiraiya's bloodline was anything but ordinary. Yet, the visions of the future displayed no evidence to support this conjecture.
"This guy..."
"Amazing!"
Recalling how Jiraiya, in Sage Mode, had single-handedly fought off three of Nagato's Preta Paths without any intel on the Six Paths' puppets, and managed to transmit fragmented information back to Konoha at the cost of his life, Orochimaru couldn't help but silently praise him.
"Orochimaru, I truly didn't misjudge you!"
"To carry Lord Jiraiya all the way back to Konoha from the Grass Country in its time of peril, you truly are Lord Jiraiya's lifelong best friend!"
Jiraiya, still lounging on Orochimaru's back, maintained his usual carefree demeanor. The hand wrapped around Orochimaru's neck reached out to his friend's face, giving him a thumbs-up.
Seeing Jiraiya acting so flippantly despite his injuries, Tsunade lightly punched him on the head.
"You idiot, you probably wouldn't even know if Orochimaru sold you!"
"Did you forget? Back in the cave, Orochimaru intended to kill you with his own hands!"
Tsunade's gaze flickered between her two friends' faces, anticipating their reactions.
Orochimaru's eyes remained as still as a tranquil pond, his expression betraying no hint of embarrassment.
Jiraiya, however, was remarkably jovial. He rubbed his head, feigning a pained cry, then thrust his head towards Orochimaru, chuckling.
"That's why I said I didn't misjudge you!"
"I know, even if you don't talk much normally, you're an absolutely reliable partner!"
Orochimaru's eyebrows slightly arched, a faint smile appearing on his face. He nodded noncommittally, thinking to himself:
"A reliable partner?"
"Heh..."
"That also depends on the value of the person who considers me a partner!"
Seeing the smiles on both their faces, Tsunade felt a wave of relief wash over her. She casually patted Jiraiya's back.
"Alright!"
"We know you two have a good relationship!"
"Orochimaru, I'll go register. You take Jiraiya to Konoha Hospital, and we'll meet up with the old man later."
Returning ninja were required to register at the gate, a long-standing rule in Konoha. With their current reputation and strength, the trio were not yet in a position to disregard such regulations.
Orochimaru nodded slightly, watching Tsunade head off to register. After receiving the consent of the guards, he stepped directly through the gates of Konoha, leading Jiraiya towards the hospital.
...
Entering Konoha from the West Gate required traversing almost the entire village to reach the hospital, which was located near the cemetery on the east side.
Following the clear Konoha River eastward, they passed the Ninja Academy and, as expected, saw a group of young students attending class on the training grounds.
His own student, Tsunade's younger brother Nawaki, was participating in practical combat training in the area designated for graduating students. A large crowd of younger children watched, led by their respective teachers.
Orochimaru's lips curved into a subtle arc as he observed a conspicuous boy and girl among the children.
"The future Yellow Flash..."
"And the next Nine-Tails Jinchuriki?"
"This strangely familiar feeling is quite interesting!"
Seeing Orochimaru glance towards the Ninja Academy, Jiraiya chuckled and patted his old friend's shoulder.
"Orochimaru, isn't Nawaki about to graduate?"
"Are you picking out teammates for your disciples in advance?"
Orochimaru paused, his smile widening slightly. He turned his head, looking at Jiraiya with a peculiar gaze, and said meaningfully:
"Jiraiya, I didn't expect your observational skills to be so sharp!"
Jiraiya puffed out his chest proudly, proclaiming grandly:
"Hahahaha!"
"Lord Jiraiya is destined to become a revered ninja admired by all! This level of discernment is mere child's play for me!"
"By the way, have you found any promising talents?"
Orochimaru chuckled lightly, tilting his chin upwards to gesture towards Jiraiya.
"I plan to inform Teacher Sarutobi and Mito-sama, so that Nawaki graduates a year later."
"As for his teammates..."
"I favor that child Kushina, and the little blond-haired fellow beside her."
As Tsunade's teammate and Nawaki's self-proclaimed 'big brother', Jiraiya had naturally met Kushina Uzumaki, who was staying at the Senju compound.
"Nawaki and Kushina have a very good sibling-like relationship, so it's understandable for you to choose her as a disciple."
"However..."
"What's so special about that little blond-haired fellow that warrants your attention?"
Looking at the youngster, who, despite possessing a sunny and handsome appearance (though Jiraiya felt he himself was slightly more so), was clearly dressed in commoner's attire, Jiraiya couldn't help but feel puzzled.
"This..."
"Would you believe me if I said I felt that child could become Hokage in the future?"
Orochimaru smiled mysteriously, having no intention of disturbing the children at the moment. He continued on his way, carrying Jiraiya.
Jiraiya pondered for a moment, then burst into laughter, nodding in agreement.
"That's true!"
"Among the three of us, you are Teacher Sarutobi's favorite."
"The position of the Fourth Hokage is undoubtedly yours!"
"And your disciple..."
"If they truly have talent, becoming the Fifth Hokage to succeed you wouldn't be impossible."
Orochimaru merely smiled in silence, not taking the bait from Jiraiya's comment.
"Everyone believes I will succeed Teacher Sarutobi as the Fourth Hokage..."
"Heh heh..."
Seeing Orochimaru's lack of response, Jiraiya didn't feel awkward. He continued to sway his head, musing:
"But speaking of which."
"Orochimaru, I recall Nawaki's dream was also to become Hokage, wasn't it?"
"And Kushina, I heard from Tsunade that the girl declared on her very first day at the Ninja Academy that she wanted to become Hokage!"
"Tsk tsk!"
"The teacher and disciples, four people from one lineage competing for Hokage!"
"Orochimaru, I still bet on you the most!"
"Hahaha..."
"No, just thinking about it is hilarious!"
Jiraiya teased Orochimaru mercilessly before bursting into loud laughter again, lying on his back.