As the four rested in a cave, Jiraiya said, "Ever since arriving here, I've been thinking about Hanzo. Indeed, just as he said, it ended with Konoha's final victory."
Tsunade curiously asked, "So what are you planning to do next? Are you going to set off on another journey now that the war is over?"
Jiraiya gazed into the distance, exhaling deeply. "Maybe. I'll travel again, and then write another book."
Tsunade frowned slightly. "Why not stay in the village?"
Jiraiya replied seriously, "I have a premonition that I'll meet them again someday."
Tsunade clearly understood what he meant. "You mean... that person of fate?"
Hearing that, Anya's heart stirred. A person of fate—could it be...?
At that moment, Orochimaru noticed something and turned his gaze toward another part of the cave.
Jiraiya had clearly noticed it too. "It's just a child, though."
"Don't let your guard down," Orochimaru warned cautiously. "Even a little rat might be part of Sanshouo Village."
Tsunade called out, "There's no point hiding. Come out already."
A brown-haired Yahiko walked out from the shadows inside the cave. When Anya saw this figure, he was taken aback. He had seen him before—when traveling with Kakuzu past Sanshouo Village, Yahiko had begged for food. Kakuzu had nearly killed him back then. To meet again like this—what are the odds!
The boy was Yahiko. His gaze was fixed entirely on the three people who had once fought against Hanzo. He naturally couldn't recognize Anya, who wore a ninja mask.
Slowly walking up to the four of them, he stretched out his hand and said, "Please give us some food..."
Jiraiya asked, "Where are your parents?"
Yahiko answered with a trace of anger, "They were killed by ninjas during the war."
Upon hearing this, Jiraiya took out some food from his robe and handed it over. "Here, it's just dry bread."
Yahiko turned around and said toward the dark part of the cave, "Nagato, Konan, come out. They don't seem dangerous."
Soon, the red-haired Nagato and blue-haired Konan exchanged glances before stepping out from the shadows.
Anya, who hadn't been paying much attention, suddenly shot up from his seat, his heart pounding rapidly.
The Sannin all noticed Anya's strange reaction and turned to look at him.
Realizing his reaction had drawn attention, Anya let out a dry laugh. "Those three kids sure look innocent."
Tsunade shot him a suspicious glance. She knew Anya wasn't telling the truth, but didn't push it.
In the meantime, the food in Tsunade's hands had already been snatched away by the three boys, making her slightly displeased. Still, she didn't say anything more, and the four headed back home.
On the way back, Anya's heart remained unsettled. If he still can't figure out who these three are, he's one dumbass.
Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan—the future leaders of Akatsuki who nearly destroyed Konoha. Among them, Nagato's Rinnegan was considered the peak of mid-series power in the Hidden Leaf. Anya never expected to meet them at such an early stage of their lives. Oh right, their teacher would be Jiraiya. So this must be where they first met.
Are they still normal, unawakened kids now? The Rinnegan was right in front of him. Should he make his move? Anya wrestled intensely with the thought internally.
Suddenly, Tsunade's voice interrupted Anya's thoughts: "Didn't we already give you some food earlier? Why are you three still following us?"
Yahiko asked, "You're ninjas from Konoha, right? Teach us some ninjutsu."
As soon as these words came out, both Jiraiya and Tsunade were surprised.
Orochimaru stepped forward and said, "Shall I kill them? I've seen many war orphans. Their fates are always tragic. It'd actually be better for these kids if we killed them right here."
Upon hearing this, Anya couldn't help but mentally give Orochimaru a thumbs up. Now that's what I'm talking about! Kill 'em off—then I can just drag the corpses later. Genius.
However, Just then, Jiraiya's voice cut through Anya's thoughts as he replied, "Enough, Orochimaru. You two go back first. I'll stay behind for now and take care of them until they can stand on their own feet. Consider it atonement for this war."
Ugh, that whole "kind-hearted hero" vibe again—it's so annoying. Since Jiraiya had decided to shoulder the responsibility of caring for the three youths, Tsunade and Orochimaru didn't say much else and turned to leave.
After taking only two steps, Tsunade curiously asked, "Anya, why aren't you leaving?"
"Uh..." Anya hesitated slightly before saying, "Jiraiya-sama, you've always been so busy. And coincidentally, I happen to have free time. How about letting me teach them instead?"
As soon as those words left his mouth, everyone froze in shock. All three Sannin (Legendary Three Ninja) realized something—they noticed that Anya seemed unusually invested in these three teenagers. But why?
Before Jiraiya could speak, Yahiko already wore a look of disdain: "No way. I saw you three fighting Hanzo. I only want to learn from one of you three. I don't want to learn from this guy."
Seriously?! He's *picky* now?! Anya almost wanted to draw his sword and let him personally experience his swordsmanship.
Curious, Jiraiya asked Anya, "You seem unusually attached to them. Do you know them somehow?"
Anya's mind raced, then finally he sighed and removed the mask covering his face: "Sigh… Just a chance encounter. What an odd coincidence indeed that we met again like this."
Looking at how surprisingly young Anya looked, Yahiko felt like he'd seen him somewhere—but couldn't place it right away. Konan, however, recognized him instantly and reminded, "He's the kind guy who gave us money last time."
But no one noticed how Nagato's eyes widened in sheer terror the moment he laid eyes on Anya. Instinctively, he took two steps backward. To him, this boy standing before him appeared shrouded in endless darkness—a presence that radiated pure dread.
At this moment, Yahiko revealed a slight smile: "Thanks again for everything back then."
Hearing this conversation, Tsunade spoke with a slightly mocking tone: "Never thought you had enough cash to start charity work."
Anya couldn't help but wince inwardly at the memory of their earlier bet. She replied in a low voice, "I did have it once, but not anymore."
Upon hearing this, Tsunade's lips involuntarily curved into a slight smile.
Yahiko stepped forward and said seriously, "Even though you've helped us before, I still wish to learn from him." As he spoke, Yahiko pointed toward Jiraiya. Given his youthful appearance, it was hard for Yahiko to believe that Anya's strength matched Jiraiya's.
Anya understood. After some thought, she had already settled on a new plan. With Jiraiya here, obtaining the Rinnegan would be pure fantasy. Moreover, she would need the power of the Akatsuki Organization in the future. If that were the case, wouldn't it be better to keep the Rinnegan under her watchful eye and start laying the groundwork now? Thus, taking just one person with her would suffice.
Smiling faintly, Anya said, "I've made up my mind. I can only take one person with me. How about this—I'll take her to Konoha, let her get the best training, become a ninja, and come back to reunite with you all later? What do you think?"
After speaking, Anya's gaze fell upon the flustered Konan.
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