As the leader of Amegakure, the first village to form an allied subordinate relationship with Konoha, Sansho Uo Hanzo would naturally not miss this joint Chunin selection examination initiated by Konoha.
Even setting aside the subordinate alliance treaty signed between Ame and Konoha in the past, given Orochimaru's current strength, Hanzo would not dare to defy Konoha's will.
Even though he understood that Konoha's actions were sinister, he could only feign ignorance and continue to maintain the superficial alliance between the two countries.
Therefore, after receiving Orochimaru's instructions, Hanzo dispatched Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan, who had become Genin of Amegakure, to Konoha along with the Konoha ninja who were "cooperating in defense."
The ninja leading them were naturally Jiraiya and his wife, Nadeshiko Mao.
Since they were all family, accommodation was easy to arrange, and they stayed in Nadeshiko Village outside Konoha.
As for Hanzo, the current leader of Amegakure, he resided in the temporary reception area specially designated for the various ninja villages within Konoha.
...
Outside Konohagakure, in Nadeshiko Village, a courtyard in the center that was somewhat larger than other residences.
Zetsu, wearing a conspicuous Kusagakure forehead protector, sat nonchalantly in Jiraiya's living room, showing no awareness of being unwelcome by his hosts.
Also present were Jiraiya and Nadeshiko Mao, the owners of the house.
Of course, there were also Jiraiya's three disciples: Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan.
"Hey, hey!"
"We've been together for so long, why are you all still looking at me like that?"
"Honestly, besides occasionally asking about your human physiology, I don't think there's anything too annoying about me, right?"
The speaker was the white half of Zetsu's body.
His body, encased in a pitcher plant-like exoskeleton, was already somewhat bizarre in appearance, and from the head down, Zetsu's body was eerily divided into perfectly symmetrical black and white halves.
The white half of his body, with a slightly exaggerated expression on its face, was gesturing animatedly, expressing his innocence.
The black half of his body, on the other hand, watched Nagato, who was sitting next to Jiraiya, with gloomy amber eyes.
"Jiraiya, Nagato!"
"You should have learned about my identity from Orochimaru."
"Since that is the case, I hope you can understand..."
Black Zetsu, unlike his cautious demeanor in front of Orochimaru, spoke in a low voice.
"Under the grand premise of achieving the Moon Eye Plan, Orochimaru and I are partners standing on the same ground."
"If you and Nagato continue to treat me with such hostility, and it affects the progress of the Moon Eye Plan..."
"Heh heh!"
"If Orochimaru gets angry, the consequences are likely beyond your capacity to bear."
Truth be told, Jiraiya didn't feel much empathy for Zetsu's words.
He believed that Orochimaru wouldn't get angry at him because of an outsider.
Zetsu's words were primarily directed at Nagato.
After all, Orochimaru had already explained the reasons behind the Moon Eye Plan in front of them.
And when Zetsu appeared among them as a remnant ninja of Kusagakure, under the joint questioning of Nagato and Jiraiya, he had admitted that he was the culprit responsible for the ruin of Nagato's family.
The murderer of his parents suddenly appearing before him was undoubtedly a great shock to Nagato, who had always yearned for power to avenge himself against Uchiha Madara and Black Zetsu.
Nagato's shoulders trembled slightly, and he lowered his head, remaining silent.
He was afraid...
He was afraid that if he looked up and met Zetsu's detestable face, he wouldn't be able to control the hatred churning within him.
"Black Zetsu!"
"You seem to have forgotten your place!"
A cold voice suddenly echoed through the courtyard. Black Zetsu, who was gleefully enjoying Nagato's distressed state, was startled and almost fled underground using Yin-Yang Release.
"Oro... Orochimaru..."
"Uchiha Madara..."
Orochimaru appeared with Uchiha Madara, immediately drawing everyone's attention.
"Orochimaru?"
Jiraiya's expression brightened. Orochimaru's sudden arrival instantly lifted the heavy burden that had been weighing on him, and he let out a great sigh of relief.
He quickly stepped forward to Orochimaru and gave his old friend a big hug, patting his back forcefully, his smile irrepressible.
"You fellow, you've changed so much recently!"
"It feels like..."
Jiraiya released Orochimaru, pulled him closer to examine him, and stroked his chin with a thoughtful expression.
"It feels like you're almost as handsome as Lord Jiraiya now!"
Orochimaru rolled his eyes speechlessly and casually pushed him aside.
"You're still the same as ever, not changed at all..."
"We can catch up later, my main purpose for coming this time is not you."
Jiraiya knew what was important. The arrival of Orochimaru was merely an excuse for him to ease the tension.
As Orochimaru's good friend, he naturally didn't want to hinder Orochimaru's plans because of Nagato's affairs; but at the same time, he was Nagato's teacher, and seeing his disciple's enemy standing before him, he couldn't act to avenge his disciple.
Caught in the middle, Jiraiya, who had always been free-spirited, had been having a very difficult time lately.
Fortunately, Orochimaru had finally arrived.
He truly couldn't manage how the remaining matters would be handled.
As for the man who followed Orochimaru, Jiraiya was drawn to the even more unrestrained aura he exuded and couldn't help but look at him a few more times.
Uchiha Madara's gaze was also attracted by the rich natural energy emanating from Jiraiya. Seeing Jiraiya looking at him, he surprisingly nodded slightly.
Jiraiya scratched his head and retreated to the side with a foolish grin.
"Mao, take Konan and Yahiko to tour Konoha and return for dinner."
Orochimaru instructed Nadeshiko Mao, who was busy preparing tea, and then he and Uchiha Madara sat down on a bench in the courtyard.
"This..."
"Yes!"
"Konan, Yahiko, come with Auntie to buy some food in the village,"
...
"Uchiha..."
"Madara!"
Nagato ignored Orochimaru standing in front of him, his Rinnegan eyes fixed on the black-haired man in red armor behind him, and squeezed a name from his throat.
"It is I!"
Looking at Nagato glaring at him with his Rinnegan, Madara frowned, suppressed his displeasure, and let out a soft hum.
"Why me?"
"My parents... the Rinnegan..."
"There are so many people in the ninja world, why did you choose me?"
"Why did you make me endure all this? Why did you make me a pawn in your and Black Zetsu's Moon Eye Plan?"
"My parents, everything I had, was destroyed by your ambition!"
"Why?"