Beyond a stretch of barren land, a massive encampment came into view — the main base of the Hidden Leaf Village forces.
Once a dense forest, the area had been stripped bare, its trees repurposed to build sturdy wooden walls reinforced with Earth Release techniques. Watchtowers and sentry posts lined the perimeter, and every few meters, a vigilant shinobi stood on guard. Security was airtight.
Sakumo Hatake raised his hand, signaling the group to halt. He stepped forward alone, produced his credentials, and after a meticulous inspection, was finally permitted to lead everyone inside.
Their mission was complete. Having escorted the genin and supplies safely to camp, both Orochimaru and Sakumo had fulfilled their duties. The specialized logistics team immediately took charge of the new arrivals and cargo, leaving the two jonin free to report in.
At the center of the camp stood a colossal tent — the war council chamber. Inside, the air was thick with tension, though the only furniture present was a long wooden table and a few chairs.
Orochimaru entered first, his eyes narrowing slightly as he spoke.
"Any new intelligence from the main battlefield?"
Across the table, Tsunade sat half-slumped in her seat, fighting to stay awake. She blinked, startled by the sudden question.
"Huh? Oh... that. Right, about that…"
Orochimaru stared silently, his expression unreadable. He was used to Tsunade's lack of sleep.
Realizing who had entered, Tsunade relaxed.
"Oh, it's you two," she said with a yawn.
"What's wrong? Haven't been sleeping well?" Sakumo asked.
"Not at all," she sighed. "The Hidden Stone Village has been unusually aggressive lately. I've barely gotten any rest."
Sakumo nodded. "We ran into a few Stone reconnaissance teams ourselves."
Tsunade's expression didn't change much. "So, they're still probing around..."
Orochimaru crossed his arms. "Now that we've returned, they'll likely hold back for a while."
"Any other updates?" Sakumo pressed.
"For now, we're still holding the advantage," Tsunade replied after a pause. "But Hanzo's been acting strange. Despite all the chaos in the Land of Rain, he hasn't made a single move."
She pointed to a large map covered with colored markings — lines showing troop movements, and dots marking battle sites.
"See here? The Land of Rain's casualties are piling up. Yet Hanzo's just watching. He has enough shinobi to retaliate, but he's doing nothing."
Orochimaru studied the map thoughtfully.
"Hanzo of the Salamander… The so-called Demigod. His retreat might not be weakness — it might be bait. A feint to lure us in."
"I've thought the same," Tsunade agreed. "Still, things should remain relatively stable for now."
The three continued exchanging intelligence, their conversation guarded by dozens of shinobi outside the tent. No one dared approach, and even those passing by made sure to detour around the area.
After a while, Orochimaru looked up.
"By the way, where's Jiraiya? Haven't seen him since I got back."
Tsunade thought for a moment.
"He went to check on his disciples. Said he missed them after being apart for a year."
Orochimaru gave a short nod.
Tsunade leaned back, smirking faintly.
"He's been bragging nonstop about how talented his disciples are. What do you think?"
"I wouldn't know," Orochimaru replied coolly. "But they're certainly not as good as mine."
Tsunade scowled.
"They're our disciples, you snake! You just get smug because they listen to you."
Orochimaru ignored the jab.
"Speaking of Hayashi, that reminds me — are there any missions suited for his team?"
Tsunade frowned immediately.
"The battlefield is dangerous enough already. Wouldn't it be better for them to train here in camp?"
"What they need now is real combat experience," Orochimaru countered. "They won't grow by staying sheltered. Besides, you know Hayashi's skill — he can handle himself."
Tsunade muttered under her breath, "What's wrong with a bit of shuriken practice…" But her resistance softened.
"Let me check the mission list," she said, rummaging through the scattered pile of documents.
She skimmed through the first few sheets.
"Recon on Sand defenses? Too risky."
"Intercept Stone supply lines? Definitely not."
"Assassinate Hanzo — who the hell approved this one?!"
She slammed the table, shaking the ink pot.
After a few more searches, she found one that seemed reasonable.
"Here. A reconnaissance mission along the battlefield's edge. Risky enough for experience, but not suicidal."
"Perfect." Orochimaru snatched the document, gave Sakumo a quick nod, and headed out.
Tsunade watched him go and sighed.
"You're always in such a hurry… just like Jiraiya."
Her gaze softened as she leaned back in her chair. Perhaps Orochimaru's improved mood was thanks to his students — especially Hayashi.
Thinking of her own student, Tsunade frowned.
"Kushina's still back in the village… I hope she isn't getting into trouble."
She smiled wryly.
"Who am I kidding?"
At that very moment in the Hidden Leaf Village, Uzumaki Kushina was, in fact, wreaking havoc — egged on by a certain mischievous old fox spirit.
Reports poured in one after another:
— Why was the Hokage's beard suddenly singed?
— Why were dozens of slugs rampaging through the streets?
— Why was the Hokage Rock vandalized again?
— Why were manga shops burglarized and ramen bills unpaid?
Each incident baffled the village guards, but the culprit was clear.
From that day onward, the name Red-Hot Habanero became legendary across the Hidden Leaf Village — feared by teachers, guards, and ramen vendors alike.
---