With that task done, Orochimaru finally made his way to the Hokage's office.
It just so happened that he ran into Jiraiya, who was reeking of alcohol and sporting a few lipstick marks on his neck.
Upon seeing Orochimaru, Jiraiya's eyes lit up as he hurried over.
"Orochimaru, what's wrong with the old man lately? The village is already in chaos, and now he's making things worse!"
"You still don't get how those old geezers think?" Orochimaru sneered.
"...."
Jiraiya paused, forcing a smile. "I just hope this doesn't blow up into something bigger. If it does, it'll affect morale on the front lines. By the way, Tsunade doesn't know about this yet, does she?"
"I just sent her a message."
"What?!"
Jiraiya nearly jumped out of his skin, staring at Orochimaru in disbelief.
"You already told her?!"
The moment Tsunade found out, she'd explode with rage and probably rush back to the village immediately.
Was Orochimaru trying to make things worse?
Jiraiya, close to having a heart attack, could only point at Orochimaru, speechless.
Orochimaru chuckled darkly.
"If there's going to be chaos, why not let it spread? Let everyone see the ugly faces of those in power. Today, it's Xin; tomorrow, it could be you or me."
"That's not going to happen. The old man wouldn't do that!" Jiraiya protested, still holding faith in the Third Hokage. He refused to believe the Hokage would ever turn against him or Orochimaru.
"I used to believe that too," Orochimaru replied quietly. "But after the war in the Land of Rain, I realized people can change."
"....."
Jiraiya had no words.
When the two arrived at the Hokage's office, Jiraiya didn't bother knocking-he threw open the door and stormed inside.
Seeing both Jiraiya and Orochimaru, the Third Hokage knew trouble was brewing.
"Old man, what is going on? Are you trying to drive Xin out of the village? Is that what will finally make you happy?" Jiraiya demanded.
"That's not my intention." The Hokage's face darkened as he tried to defend himself.
"Besides, I wasn't the one who assigned Xin this special mission."
It was your idea, he thought. Now that the situation had blown up, it was time for someone else to take the blame.
The Third Hokage knew he couldn't hide what had happened, but he needed to distance himself from it.
When the Hokage targets his own people, it's a huge deal. When the village elders do it, it's nothing but a minor scandal.
The difference in consequences was clear.
"Even if you didn't assign him, you stood by and let this happen!" Jiraiya's voice rose in anger, while Orochimaru leaned back, crossing his arms, thoroughly enjoying the show.
He found the whole situation rather amusing.
"And what kind of special mission requires Xin to handle it?"