"Hey Ginji, I came to play with you!"
Just as Kakashi and Ginji were enjoying themselves, a child's voice rang out from a distance.
A little girl came running toward Ginji, her short legs pumping with energy.
The newcomers were none other than Orochimaru's family of three.
No matter how much he tried to prevent it, his daughter still adored Ginji.
Orochimaru could only sigh and scratch his nose, watching the two kids hug each other tightly.
A pang of jealousy struck him in the chest.
Back home, his daughter never showed him such warmth.
"Well well, isn't that my future father-in-law?"
Kawaki was always a cheeky troublemaker who loved stirring things up, deliberately poking at his sore spots.
"We haven't even settled on a marriage date yet. Don't get ahead of yourself."
Orochimaru shot Kawaki a disdainful glance. What kind of decent man could possibly be this guy's son anyway?
"Come over and sit down already."
"Let them play by themselves."
Tsunade enthusiastically invited Orochimaru and Pakura to join them.
The servants also skillfully switched out the tea pot for a fresh brew.
"I'm really sorry to intrude so late."
These days, Tsukigami had become increasingly gentle—completely unrecognizable from her previous fierce battlefield presence.
Because of her status, she rarely went out.
After several years, there was still a bit of awkwardness and politeness about her.
"Don't be silly, what intrusion?"
"At least it's livelier with more people around."
Natsuki chimed in. She still had a good impression of Pakura.
"Thank you," Pakura said, accepting the tea Tsunade offered, thanking her politely.
In contrast, when Orochimaru received tea from Kawaki, not only did he not say thanks—he glared as if he might devour him whole.
"You came to my house empty-handed?"
Kawaki clearly wasn't afraid at all, continuing his provocations.
Sakumo twitched an eyebrow slightly. His younger brother definitely deserved a punch.
He cast an inconspicuous glance at Orochimaru and continued watching the show unfold.
"Want two slaps upside the head, do you?"
Orochimaru rolled his eyes—a mannerism he'd picked up from Kawaki.
"Pfft~"
Pakura couldn't help but laugh. She had never seen Orochimaru behave so uncharacteristically.
No wonder whenever Pakura mentioned Kawaki back home, Orochimaru got worked up for no reason.
Especially these past few years, Aoi had been constantly clinging to Ginji.
"Keep your damn slap for yourself."
"Or just leave Aoi here for a few days."
Kawaki played it cool, dancing right on Orochimaru's last nerve.
"In your dreams."
Orochimaru probably realized something now. He took a sip of tea, saying those three words without any trace of anger.
Getting angry isn't worth the toll it takes. Not over someone like him.
"That sounds familiar."
"Yeah, right?"
Kawaki wore a mischievous expression while asking Tsunade.
Orochimaru had long since stopped counting how many times he'd said similar things before.
"You've had enough already."
Tsunade lightly punched Kawaki's arm. Was this what passed for hospitality?
"Forget it, let him talk."
"I want to see just how shameless he'll get."
Orochimaru couldn't shake the feeling that this married couple were putting on a show just for him.
"Alright, alright, I won't talk anymore."
"Actions speak louder than words."
Kawaki tilted his chin upward, while distant laughter rang out from Aoi like silver bells.
"Hmph~ I won't sink to your level."
Orochimaru lost his composure almost immediately.
Daughter, why must you be so disappointing?!
"Big brother Ginji, this is the pet Dad let me raise."
"Isn't it gorgeous?"
Aoi Tsukigami proudly pulled a tiny jade-green snake from her sleeve.
One could only say—no wonder she's Orochimaru's daughter. Even her playthings are unlike those of regular kids.
All three men—including Yahiko—felt chills race down their spines; every nerve in their bodies went taut.
This... this was a deadly venomous snake!!!
Naruto: Starting from Pursuing Tsunade – Please bookmark: (m.