"Konoha's Dimensional Pirate: Reborn Uchiha Gin"

"Exactly!" Orochimaru stared intently at Jiraiya. "Sometimes life brings more pain than death. You're still too young, Jiraiya! Since even the Second Hokage has recognized Gin, it's best not to do anything foolish and go against him. Otherwise... I won't hesitate if the day comes where you betray the village and I have to chase you down myself."

There was no threat in Orochimaru's tone—just a somber warning filled with worry. He feared Jiraiya might make an irreversible mistake. After all, Jiraiya was one of the few people Orochimaru genuinely cared about.

"I... I just..." Jiraiya faltered, uncertainty flickering in his eyes.

But Orochimaru's and Tsunade's concern weighed heavily on him. After a moment, he finally nodded.

"All right. I get it. I won't make you worry. Let it all be decided tomorrow. The least I can do is take care of the old man's family. That will be my repayment for the kindness the Third Hokage once showed me."

Betraying the village had never been on the table. This was his home—his comrades, his memories, his bonds. Where would he even go? He had no desire to become a stray dog.

"Tsunade, you—" Jiraiya scowled slightly, still annoyed at how she spoke about the Great Toad Sage and his prophecy.

But Orochimaru cut him off.

"Jiraiya! I believe Tsunade is right."

"Fate, even if it exists, is fleeting and ever-changing. Those who chase it become its puppets. Fate isn't fixed—it shifts with every action we take."

"Even the decision we make now can influence and alter what's to come. Yes, the Great Toad Sage may be able to see glimpses of the future—but those are merely possibilities, not certainties."

"In fact, the very moment he made that prophecy, fate was already shifting. Before you knew about it, you acted freely. But ever since you heard it, every step you've taken has already interfered with the path it foretold. Isn't that true?"

"I... I guess..." Jiraiya paused, reluctantly admitting the logic in Orochimaru's words.

"If I know the future and act to change it, isn't that already disrupting fate?"

The Great Toad Sage had never warned him of this. On the contrary, the prophecy had driven him forward—find the Child of Destiny, guide them, bring peace to the shinobi world. A noble purpose on the surface... but was it right?

Had he already tainted the path just by pursuing it?

Doubt settled in his heart. For the first time, Jiraiya questioned the intentions of Mount Myōboku and the Toad Sages.

He remembered Tsunade's recent words. Harsh and irreverent, yes—but now, they carried a painful truth. She hadn't spoken out of spite but out of concern.

"What... what should I do?" he asked weakly.

He genuinely didn't know. Should he keep seeking the Child of Destiny? But wasn't that itself a violation of the natural order? Would the child appear on their own without his meddling?

"Just be yourself. Grow stronger. Help Gin develop and protect Konoha," Tsunade said firmly. "Believe in Gin—he'll bring peace to the shinobi world."

"You know," Orochimaru added, "Gin wasn't just chosen by me and Tsunade. He's earned the trust of the First and Second Hokage, of clans throughout the village. That should mean something."

He patted Jiraiya on the shoulder and walked ahead.

"Be careful. Don't be naive. There's no love or hate in this world without a reason. That old toad from Mount Myōboku chose you for a purpose. He's trying to influence the world through you."

"In truth, you could have been strong without them. You've always had the talent."

Tsunade followed Orochimaru forward.

Jiraiya stood frozen for a few seconds, teeth clenched. Then he rushed after them.

"Wait up!"

Catching up to the two, he said seriously, "I heard your words. I may not be able to make a final decision yet, but I promise—I'll think about it. And know this: I will always stand with Konoha. That's my oath!"

"Ha-ha! That's more like it!"

"Truly!" Tsunade and Orochimaru smiled in unison.

It was a good start. They saw it clearly—Jiraiya's once unshakable faith in Mount Myōboku had begun to waver.

Soon, the trio arrived at the Hokage's office, where Gin, Uzumaki Mito, and Tobirama were waiting.

As they entered, Tobirama's sharp eyes softened briefly as he looked at Tsunade.

"Little Tsunade, you've grown. Strong and dependable. Very good."

"Grandpa," she greeted with a smile and a wave. "Honestly, it's all thanks to Gin. Without him, I wouldn't have developed so fast or reached this level."

Tobirama's face twitched.

"Why does everyone keep saying that?" he thought bitterly.

Not just Tsunade—these past days, the Senju and Uzumaki clans had all expressed gratitude to Uchiha Gin. Many had grown so fond of him they practically treated him like family.

It stung Tobirama. Were the survival and strength of Senju and Uzumaki really owed to a single Uchiha boy? How absurd.

But deep down, he knew it was true.

"Damn Hiruzen. Damn Danzo! This is your fault!" he cursed silently. His hatred for Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo only grew stronger. Even Koharu and Homura now disgusted him.

He should have named Uchiha Kagami or Akimichi Torifu as the Third Hokage—not Sarutobi.

Tsunade noticed her grandfather's sour expression and smirked inwardly.

Heh! Looks like Grandpa still can't fully accept an alliance with the Uchiha...

But she didn't care. She could never forgive him for raising and empowering men like Hiruzen and Danzo, who brought the Senju clan to ruin. If not for them, her life would have been very different.

Let him stew.

Unaware of his granddaughter's rebellious thoughts, Tobirama turned to Orochimaru, whose eyes glinted with excitement.

"You're Orochimaru, right? I hear your research talent is exceptional. Let's meet later in the scientific department to talk. The division is still forming—if you have ideas, share them now while we can still adapt."

He understood that Gin had revived him not just to boast, but because he valued Tobirama's intellect. Tobirama couldn't refuse that. If he was going to work, he'd do it seriously. Though he'd heard of Orochimaru's talent, he wanted to judge it himself.

"All right! Second Hokage-sama! I'd be honored!" Orochimaru licked his lips excitedly.

Tobirama flinched in disgust. There's definitely something off about this one...

Then he turned to Jiraiya, frowning.

"You're Jiraiya, correct? I heard you have an unfortunate habit of peeking into women's baths. Where did you learn something so disgraceful?"

"Uhhhhh—" Jiraiya flailed, flustered. "Wait, wait! I learned it from Master Sarutobi! It wasn't my fault!"

"The Second Hokage-sama, you have to understand me—I didn't want to be like this! The Third Hokage is the one who corrupted me! He used to spy on the baths all the time! He even created a special jutsu—'Telescope Technique!' A giant crystal ball that lets him peep from his office at most of the village—baths, private homes, everything!"

"I saw it! I swear! When I got caught, he dragged me along just to keep me quiet! That's how I picked up the habit!"

"Ask Tsunade! Ask Orochimaru! They'll confirm it!"

Everyone stared at Jiraiya, speechless.

"Well... that's new," they thought collectively.

Jiraiya had just set a new record for survival instinct—shamelessly throwing his mentor under the bus to escape Tobirama's wrath.

It was both horrifying... and hilarious.