Jiraiya sat silently for a long time after hearing Kakashi's report about Orochimaru. His sake cup trembled slightly in his hand. Even though he acted carefree, laughed loudly, boasted often, and pretended to be fearless, there were still things that struck his heart deeply—and Orochimaru's betrayal was one of them.
He finally exhaled slowly.
He knew Orochimaru well—probably better than anyone else in the world.
If given enough time, he believed he could find Orochimaru anywhere in the ninja world.
But time was exactly the problem.
He didn't have months or years. If Orochimaru disappeared into the shadows, he might not reappear until he had created another unimaginable disaster.
Jiraiya needed to find him fast. Very fast.
But without direction, without clues, without a plan, searching for Orochimaru would be like…
Fishing for the moon on the ocean's surface.
Impossible and pointless.
Jiraiya picked up his small cup again and took a sip—only to feel irritated because it wasn't strong enough. With a grunt, he tossed the cup aside, grabbed the entire jug, and began drinking straight from it.
Uchiha Souji, who had been watching him quietly, suddenly rushed to grab bottles of sake stacked on the tatami. Like a small servant attending a great lord, he opened one and poured a full glass for Jiraiya.
"Master Jiraiya," Souji said with a bright, confident expression, "you know Orochimaru better than anyone. You'll definitely be able to find him."
Then Souji leaned forward, lowering his voice like he was about to share a secret.
"But I also have some clues. Some guesses. They might help."
Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "You were the last person to see him. So yes… say what you know."
Souji nodded quickly. When he saw Jiraiya drain his glass again, he immediately poured another one, his movements smooth and practiced.
Kakashi's mouth twitched fiercely.
Why am I not getting this VIP treatment?! I'm his teacher! I dragged this brat from Konoha to the Fire Capital… not even a cup poured for me!
Souji cleared his throat dramatically.
"Orochimaru defected because he wants to study immortality."
Jiraiya nodded. That much he had learned from the scroll. The words alone made his heart heavy. Orochimaru's obsession with immortality had crossed all limits.
Souji continued, "If someone wants to study immortality, normal people won't help."
He tapped the table lightly.
"Chakra is the most mysterious thing in the world. If Orochimaru wants results, he needs to experiment on ninja, not civilians."
Jiraiya frowned. Souji's explanation wasn't wrong. Orochimaru always sought results—fast, direct, undeniable results. Experimenting on normal civilians would be a waste of time.
"So he'd target ninja clans with strong bloodlines. He already targeted Uchiha. If he fails to get those, he might target Hyuga, or other bloodline clans. If not in Konoha, then maybe in Kirigakure."
Jiraiya leaned back. Souji's analysis was simple but logical.
In the next room, a pale young man with snake-like eyes smirked as he listened through the thin wall.
It was Orochimaru himself.
He had arrived in the Fire Capital earlier than expected. He planned to ambush Uchiha Souji and Kakashi on their way back to Konoha. But meeting Jiraiya here was something he absolutely didn't expect.
He didn't fear Tsunade—Tsunade would try to punch him once or twice, scold him, and then leave.
But Jiraiya was different.
Jiraiya would follow him endlessly.
Jiraiya would nag endlessly.
Jiraiya would talk about "bonds," "friendship," and "the Will of Fire" until even Orochimaru wanted to stab himself just to escape.
Orochimaru rubbed his forehead in frustration.
"This is troublesome… very troublesome," he muttered. "Why did Jiraiya have to come now…?"
But then he smirked.
"But catching me with just guesses? Souji-kun, you underestimate me."
Meanwhile, Souji continued confidently:
"Senior Orochimaru is a clever and sinister person. He won't stay long in one place. And trying to chase him across the ninja world is too troublesome."
Jiraiya nodded. He still had no idea where Souji was going with this.
Souji suddenly straightened his back and said:
"So we must lure the snake out of its hole!"
Jiraiya's sake cup froze mid-air.
Orochimaru, next door, stiffened as well.
Souji lowered his voice, making it dramatic.
"Senior Jiraiya… have you ever heard of the Rinnegan?"
Jiraiya's eyes widened instantly.
That name carried weight.
That name carried fear and legend.
To mention Rinnegan casually was no small matter. Jiraiya slowly nodded.
Souji reached into his clothes and pulled out a small paper box. It looked completely ordinary.
But Souji held it like it was a sacred object.
He handed it to Jiraiya.
Inside the next room, Orochimaru leaned closer to the wall.
Rinnegan? Is that brat truly insane… or truly brilliant?
Jiraiya shook the box. Something inside rattled.
He frowned.
"Water?"
Souji nodded enthusiastically. He grabbed the box back, opened it carefully…
And revealed—
Two soft, translucent discs floating in liquid.
Each disc had concentric purple rings, five large circles with a black dot in the center.
Jiraiya leaned forward so fast he nearly fell.
"RINNEGAN?!"
For a split second, he genuinely thought Souji had stolen someone's eyes.
Souji cheerfully explained:
"They're color contact lenses! Very realistic! And perfect for what we need."
Jiraiya blinked. Kakashi blinked. Even Orochimaru on the other side of the wall blinked.
Souji held one up proudly.
"This thing can be worn."
He turned toward Kakashi.
Kakashi's face instantly turned pale.
"Souji… no—don't—DON'T COME NEAR ME WITH THAT—"
Souji advanced like a demon.
"Come, Kakashi-sensei! Let me show Jiraiya how realistic they look!"
Kakashi jumped back so hard his chair slid across the floor.
"No! I refuse! You're not putting that thing in my eye—stay away!"
Jiraiya choked on his sake from laughing too hard.
Souji ignored him and waved the contact lens dramatically.
"With these, we will make Orochimaru think the Rinnegan has awakened in Konoha! He will definitely come out! He won't be able to resist!"
Jiraiya stared.
Kakashi stared.
Even Orochimaru stared through the wall.
Souji grinned widely.
"We lure him out. He cannot resist a legendary eye. He will come—no matter where he is."
The room fell quiet.
Then Jiraiya threw his head back and roared with laughter.
Kakashi covered his face in despair.
Souji held the glowing purple contact lens up like a treasure.
And somewhere behind the wall…
Orochimaru began coughing wildly.
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