After resting for a night in Amegakure, the medical team immediately began their mission. Senju Risa had already compiled and organized the data, then divided the entire team into corresponding squads. Each squad was responsible for treating patients in designated areas according to the data. The leader of each squad was someone who had previously worked in medical care in the Land of Rain, possessing relevant experience.
Although Tsunade possessed excellent medical skills, she was still young and had never performed a mission in the Land of Rain. Therefore, her squad was led by other medical ninja, with her serving as an important subordinate within the squad. The ninja protecting this squad were Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Hatake Sakumo, among others, as they all knew Tsunade and wouldn't feel awkward around her.
"Listen up, once we reach the residential areas, remember to prepare your protective gear. Even though we are ninja and have good physiques, there's still a risk of contracting the disease," the squad leader instructed.
"What if we actually get sick?" someone asked.
"What else can we do? We'll have to be quarantined like ordinary patients and won't be able to continue medical work. Your own health is the most important thing; don't forget that," the leader repeatedly emphasized.
"Do we also need to take protective measures?" Hatake Sakumo asked.
"Ah, yes, you are here to protect our safety, aren't you? You will definitely need to accompany us inside, just like everyone else," the leader replied.
"I understand," Hatake Sakumo nodded, saying no more. He only knew some basic medical knowledge and felt it was best to listen to the experts on such matters.
A while later, everyone arrived at the residential area they were assigned to. The villagers there had long known that Konoha ninja would be coming, so they had been keeping an eye on the situation outside. Now, seeing some people arrive, those who had previously received treatment from Konoha ninja were the first to cheer, rushing out.
"Konoha ninja, you're finally here!"
"This is truly wonderful! Thank you, Lord Hanzo, for inviting them!"
"My life is saved!"
Suddenly, the voices of the villagers surrounded everyone. Their enthusiasm surprised those who were new to the area. The squad leader, however, was clearly familiar with this scene. He spoke in a steady voice, "Everyone, there's no need to worry. Since we are here, we will help you escape the torment of illness. This is also our agreement with Amegakure. However, we hope that everyone can cooperate with our work, which will both facilitate our treatment and allow you to recover faster. This is good for everyone, isn't it?"
"Yes, yes," hearing the leader's words, all the villagers nodded repeatedly, then made way for the medical team to enter the residential area.
The leader calmly led the others inside and began setting up a makeshift medical facility. After all, this was the impoverished Land of Rain; there wouldn't be perfect medical conditions, so they had to create their own. Fortunately, they had obtained the necessary equipment from the medical department before coming. With the assistance of Hatake Sakumo and others, it was quickly set up. For ninja who could use ninjutsu, it wasn't much trouble, though it did consume a fair amount of chakra.
The leader allowed everyone to rest for a moment, then immediately began. They registered the specific conditions of each patient, compared them with past data, confirmed their symptoms, and then started treatment. Since no new symptoms appeared, the medical team didn't find the process too troublesome. Specific treatment plans and medications were already prepared, and everything was orderly.
Among them, Tsunade performed exceptionally well. Although her usual temper wasn't the best, she showed a rare gentle expression when dealing with patients, asking about their condition, then using medical ninjutsu combined with medicine for treatment. Even after the treatment course ended, she would periodically check in and ask if they felt any discomfort.
This was the first time Jiraiya had seen Tsunade like this. He had to admit, Tsunade was already very beautiful, and her body was gradually developing. Her usual fiery temper always made him a little scared, but Tsunade in this state, how should he put it, gave Jiraiya a feeling of a pounding heart.
—Thinking about it, her face was still very cute.
Just as Jiraiya was thinking this, Orochimaru's voice suddenly rang out behind him: "Jiraiya, what are you looking at?"
"Woah!" Jiraiya jumped, immediately turned around, and exclaimed, "Don't sneak up behind people!"
"You're too loud! Can you not shout so loudly?" Tsunade heard Jiraiya's yell, and a surge of anger immediately rose within her. She turned her head and said in a hushed voice.
Jiraiya quickly covered his mouth, nodded at Tsunade, then retreated a few steps to Orochimaru's side. Only then did he release his hands, take a breath, glare at Orochimaru, and say, "It's all your fault."
"That's because you yourself are no good," Orochimaru said calmly. "The way you're looking at her is very strange. Could it be that your old habits are acting up again?"
"What are you talking about?" Jiraiya said, though his tone sounded very guilty.
"Heh, don't treat her like those ordinary girls. If you really anger her, she'll throw you into the Anbu's prison. You'd best rein in your thoughts. I don't want to continue being in the same squad as someone who frequently lives in prison," Orochimaru said.
"I really didn't mean anything by it!" Jiraiya's voice involuntarily grew louder.
Tsunade turned her head and glared at Jiraiya. Jiraiya immediately felt a strong sense of penetration, as if it would pierce him through. He quickly offered Tsunade an apologetic smile, then looked at Orochimaru with an expression that said, "You got me into this."
"Idiot," Orochimaru didn't bother to explain. Instead, he turned to look at the patients, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Hmm? What are you thinking, Orochimaru?" Jiraiya asked, as if retaliating.
"They're very pitiful, these people," Orochimaru said faintly. "If we hadn't come, they would have simply died from the torment of their illness, dying meaningless deaths, affecting nothing."
"This is the first time I've known you to be such a sentimental person," Jiraiya said, somewhat surprised, as Orochimaru usually appeared quite aloof.
"Just a momentary feeling. I've read the Shinobi Sect scriptures. It's said that after death, people go to the Pure Land to cleanse themselves of their sins, and then reborn into the world as pure life," Orochimaru said quietly. "If any of these people die from their illness, will they go to such a world?"
"Who knows? After all, the living can't possibly know what the Pure Land is like; only those who have died can see it," Jiraiya said.
"But I hope I can see it, because then I can understand the destination after death, and I can also find the person I've always hoped to meet again," Orochimaru said.
"Who is it?" Jiraiya asked curiously.
Orochimaru was silent for a moment before saying, "My parents."
Jiraiya knew that Orochimaru's parents had died when he was young, and he had been taken in by Konoha. He opened his mouth slightly, unsure what to say. At this moment, he seemed to sense the pain in his cold companion's heart. He scratched his hair and offered comfort, "I believe your parents will definitely find peace in the Pure Land and will be reborn into this world someday."
"Even so, I wouldn't know who their reincarnations are," Orochimaru shook his head slightly.
Jiraiya didn't know how to continue. He wasn't a very philosophical person, so he just remained silent. Because of his past experiences, Orochimaru was very concerned about his parents' reincarnation, and it had become an obsession in his heart. Once, when Hiruzen Sarutobi went to visit graves with Orochimaru, he saw a white snake's shed skin in front of his parents' tomb. Hiruzen Sarutobi said that white snakes have been regarded as symbols of luck and rebirth since ancient times, suggesting that Orochimaru's parents might have already been reborn into this world.
However, Orochimaru didn't know when he would be able to see his parents' reincarnations, or if they hadn't reincarnated yet, how long he would have to wait.