As the renowned medical sage of the ninja world, Tsunade possessed exceptional observational skills when it came to injuries and ailments.
She could immediately tell that Orochimaru's hands weren't damaged through conventional means.
Not only were they completely useless, but despite showing no external wounds, they emanated an aura of 'death' that was unmistakable to her trained eye.
No wonder he hadn't sought help from others, he had come directly to her.
Anyone else would likely be powerless against such peculiar injuries.
Even she couldn't guarantee a successful treatment.
Seeing Tsunade's contemplative silence, Orochimaru continued in his characteristic raspy voice, "As long as you're willing to heal my hands, I'll help you resurrect your brother. How does that sound?"
Resurrect my brother?!
Tsunade's eyes widened in shock, and she instinctively glanced at Victor standing beside her.
Is resurrection really so commonplace these days? How can both of them claim to possess such abilities?
Orochimaru also noted Tsunade's meaningful look and turned his curious gaze toward Victor.
However, he quickly dismissed the stranger as unimportant.
Just an ordinary person, hardly worth my attention.
Indeed, in Orochimaru's perception, both Victor and Krul, who lacked any detectable chakra signatures, appeared to be nothing more than ordinary civilians.
Though he had to admit, their appearances were remarkably striking.
Unfortunately, Orochimaru wasn't the type to be swayed by physical beauty.
Much to Orochimaru's surprise, Tsunade didn't seem particularly intrigued by his offer to revive her brother.
This was understandable.
Based on her knowledge of Orochimaru's methods, his so-called "resurrection of the dead" most likely involved her Second Grandfather's forbidden technique, Edo Tensei.
Such resurrection could hardly be called true revival at all.
Moreover, the technique remained imperfect, plagued by significant flaws.
Had this been the Tsunade from before joining the chat group, she might have accepted Orochimaru's proposal.
But now she had access to superior alternatives, making his offer thoroughly unappealing.
Observing her lack of interest, Kabuto Yakushi couldn't resist interjecting, "Lady Tsunade, don't you wish to see your brother again?"
"Of course I do, I dream of it constantly," Tsunade replied softly. "However, "
"Tsunade! You absolutely cannot agree to their terms!"
Before Tsunade could complete her response, a familiar voice called out from behind them.
"Jiraiya?"
The arrival of this legendary figure surprised everyone present, except Victor and Krul, who had anticipated this development.
After many years of separation, the three legendary Sannin had reunited once more.
It was an epic moment in ninja history!
"Tsunade! I don't know what conditions Orochimaru has offered you, but under no circumstances can you provide him treatment!"
Jiraiya flashed to Tsunade's side with impressive speed, fixing Orochimaru and his companion with a stern, unwavering stare.
Jiraiya's vehement warning sparked Tsunade's curiosity, "Oh? And why is that?"
Profound sadness flickered in Jiraiya's eyes as he delivered the devastating news, "The old man... our sensei is dead. And the one who killed our teacher was Orochimaru!"
"What?! The old man is actually... dead?"
Tsunade's eyes widened in disbelief, her emotions churning with complex feelings.
Although she harbored resentment toward the Third Hokage, he had still been her teacher.
The bonds between master and student could never be completely severed, no matter the grievances involved.
"Orochimaru! Surrender now! For the sake of our former camaraderie, I'll ensure you spend the remainder of your life in prison rather than facing execution!"
Facing Jiraiya's "merciful offer," Orochimaru responded with his characteristic sneer, "Hehehe... Jiraiya, you remain as naive as ever, so hopelessly naive it's almost laughable. Do you truly believe you can capture me single-handedly?"
"What about with my assistance?" Tsunade stepped forward resolutely.
Regardless of their complicated history, Orochimaru had committed the ultimate betrayal by murdering their master, a transgression she could never forgive!
"Tsunade, don't you truly wish to see your brother again?"
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed to calculating slits, his expression growing dangerously cold.
Despite his confident words, he was genuinely concerned about this confrontation.
Jiraiya alone represented a formidable challenge, but facing both legendary Sannin simultaneously would prove exponentially more difficult.
His current condition only compounded the problem.
Tsunade snorted contemptuously, clenching her fists until her knuckles cracked ominously, "Enough empty words! Will you surrender voluntarily, or shall Jiraiya and I beat you senseless before dragging your broken body back to the village?"
Rather than responding directly, Orochimaru exchanged a meaningful glance with Kabuto Yakushi.
The younger man understood immediately and nodded in acknowledgment.
Both began retreating rapidly toward the forest.
"Don't even think about escaping!"
"Heavenly Foot of Pain!"
"Ninja Art: Wild Lion's Mane Technique!"
Almost simultaneously, Tsunade and Jiraiya launched devastating attacks at the fleeing duo.
At the same moment, Kabuto manipulated chakra strings to control Orochimaru's disabled arms, enabling his master to perform ninjutsu despite his condition.
"Hidden Hidden Shadow Snake Handss!"
BOOM!
The earth trembled violently under the tremendous impact.
Witnessing the destruction caused by Tsunade's Heavenly Foot of Pain, both Jiraiya and Orochimaru broke into cold sweats of disbelief.
When did Tsunade become so monstrously powerful?
Her single kick had carved a massive crater over one hundred meters in diameter!
Although Tsunade had always possessed frightening strength, this level of devastation far exceeded her previous capabilities!
But the surprises weren't finished.
Just as they struggled to process this development, a powerful shockwave erupted outward like an invisible sledgehammer, striking both Orochimaru and Kabuto with crushing force.
"Gah!"
Orochimaru, already weakened by his injuries, immediately coughed up a mouthful of blood.
Kabuto fared little better, rolling across the ground multiple times before finally coming to rest.
Tsunade prepared to press her advantage, but her gaze involuntarily fell upon the pool of crimson blood staining the earth.
Overwhelming terror seized her heart, and her formidable aura vanished instantly like smoke in the wind.
She stood frozen in place, trembling uncontrollably as fear and anxiety filled her widened eyes.
"Hemophobia? Hahaha... I'd almost forgotten about that particular weakness."
Observing her paralyzed state, the battered Orochimaru released a sinister laugh of triumph.
"Lady Tsunade!"
Shizune immediately rushed forward to support her staggering mentor.
Jiraiya abandoned any thoughts of pursuing his advantage, quickly positioning himself protectively in front of Tsunade while maintaining vigilant watch over their enemies.
Victor, who had been observing the battle from a safe distance, shook his head with disappointment.
It seems that even advancing to the Foundation Establishment stage couldn't erase the psychological scars embedded in her heart.
"Let's go, Kabuto."
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru."
Kabuto struggled to his feet, supporting his master as they retreated deeper into the forest.
Jiraiya didn't dare give chase.
He couldn't risk abandoning Tsunade while she remained incapacitated by her phobia.
"Victor... please do me a favor... don't let that bastard escape..."
Tsunade gritted her teeth, fighting to overcome the paralyzing fear as she spoke in trembling tones.
At this moment, Jiraiya finally directed his attention toward the two "ordinary civilians" Victor and Krul.
Damn it! How can any man be so impossibly handsome?
A wave of jealousy surged through his heart.
"Very well."
Victor had originally intended to remain uninvolved in the affairs of the legendary Sannin.
But since Tsunade had specifically requested his assistance, he felt obligated to help.
"Allow me to handle this."
Krul stepped forward suddenly, "I've been wanting to test my current strength. That man appeared quite formidable, he should make an excellent training partner."
"Agreed," Victor nodded approvingly. "Just remember not to kill anyone."