Jiraiya looked resentfully at the culprit. What in the world was this? How did the classic "accidental kiss" script of Prince Naruto and Consort Sasuke get brought forward by decades and land on him and Orochimaru? This first kiss experience… Tsunade also froze in place, watching the two of them gagging painfully, glaring at each other. The anger on her small face was instantly replaced by shock and a hint of guilt. She opened her mouth, but didn't know what to say.
Just then, "Ding-a-ling—!" The school bell, like a life-saving bugle, rang urgently again.
Sarutobi Ueda, holding new textbooks, appeared at the classroom door right on time.
Orochimaru shot Jiraiya a fierce glare, his eyes cold and biting, filled with a silent threat of "you just wait." He suppressed the churning in his stomach and the urge to punch someone, quickly sat up straight, took out his textbook, and opened it. His movements were even more meticulous than usual, though his pale knuckles trembled slightly from the force.
Jiraiya also took a deep breath, trying to calm the discomfort in his stomach and the indignation in his heart. He sat up properly, secretly vowing to listen attentively this lesson to salvage his image—at least not to be kicked out again!
Sarutobi Ueda walked to the podium and cleared his throat: "Students, this lesson we will continue to consolidate the Three Basic Ninja Techniques (Transformation Technique, Clone Technique, Substitution Technique)—Transformation Jutsu, Clone Jutsu, and Substitution Jutsu! Although they are basic, they are very useful to us! Especially certain students," his sharp gaze subtly swept over Jiraiya's seat, "the Three Basic Ninja Techniques (Transformation Technique, Clone Technique, Substitution Technique) might be the only life-saving skills you currently have a chance to master! Pay attention, everyone!"
Jiraiya: "…" His previous self was indeed a genuine dead last/underachiever. Of the Three Basic Ninja Techniques (Transformation Technique, Clone Technique, Substitution Technique), he could barely manage a Substitution Jutsu; the things he created with Clone Jutsu were hideous, and Transformation Jutsu was hit-or-miss. He focused with all his might, trying to understand the key points of Chakra flow and hand seal coordination explained by the teacher.
However, perhaps it was the influence of his previous self? Perhaps his emotions had fluctuated too much earlier? Or perhaps the undulating voice from the podium itself carried some kind of hypnotic magic… As he listened, Jiraiya's eyelids grew heavier and heavier. The words in front of him and the teacher's figure began to blur and spin. He tried hard to stay awake, but his head uncontrollably drooped, little by little… Finally, with a soft "thud," his forehead rested on the open textbook, and he drifted into a dream. In his dream, there seemed to be a majestic, giant white tiger with icy wings roaring at him… Orochimaru glanced out of the corner of his eye at Jiraiya, who was snoring softly beside him. A hint of disdain and accustomed helplessness flashed through his golden snake-like pupils. He whispered again in an almost inaudible voice: "Idiot… dead last/underachiever."
Sarutobi Ueda, standing on the podium as an experienced Chunin, naturally took all of this in. He shook his head, not calling out Jiraiya as usual. Jiraiya wasn't the only one sleeping; as long as the snoring wasn't too loud and didn't disrupt the lecture, he was happy to turn a blind eye. After all, letting these overly energetic brats sleep quietly was better than having them cause trouble in class… The setting sun painted the Ninja Academy in a warm orange-red, and the dismissal bell finally rang melodiously.
"Jiraiya! Hey! Wake up! School's out!" Tsunade had already packed her exquisite small satchel, emblazoned with the Senju Clan crest, and was vigorously nudging the white-haired boy who was sleeping soundly, a suspicious glint even hanging at the corner of his mouth.
"Ugh… Dinner time?" Jiraiya groggily lifted his head, rubbed his sleepy eyes, and looked around blankly at the classmates packing their bags, then he realized. "Oh, oh! School's out!" He quickly and clumsily swept the scattered stationery and books on his desk into his somewhat worn satchel.
"Hmph." A familiar cold snort came from beside him. Orochimaru had already packed, his satchel strap neatly over his shoulder, his movements clean and efficient. He didn't even look at Jiraiya, still delivering his assessment in that flat, emotionless tone: "Idiot."
"Orochimaru!" With his morning grumpiness combined with the earlier "kiss vendetta," Jiraiya's voice instantly rose, "Are you itching for a fight?!" He rolled up his sleeves, looking ready to pounce. But then he remembered the other's top-of-the-class strength and his own embarrassing reality of only knowing Substitution Jutsu, and his momentum involuntarily weakened a bit. He could only grit his teeth and lay down a harsh threat: "You… you just wait! One day, I'll make you realize who's the boss!"
"Dead last/underachiever." Orochimaru's retort was still concise and precise, not very harmful, but extremely insulting. He ignored Jiraiya and was the first to get up and walk out of the classroom.
Jiraiya angrily slung his satchel onto his back and quickly chased after him. Tsunade watched their usual love-hate dynamic, shrugged helplessly, and followed them out of the classroom.
The three walked in silence to the school gate. At the Ninja Academy entrance, the recently liberated students scattered like homing birds, chirping away.
The Senju Clan compound, where Tsunade's family resided, was located in the central area of the Village.
"Orochimaru, Jiraiya!" Tsunade stopped, a bright smile returning to her face, and waved her small hand vigorously at the two, "I'm heading off! See you tomorrow!"
"See you tomorrow." Orochimaru's tone was still flat, but he gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.
"Bye-bye, Tsunade! See you tomorrow!" Jiraiya grinned, showing his signature cheerful smile, and waved vigorously at the retreating figure of the Senju princess, his voice so loud it seemed to pierce the entire street. Tsunade's small golden ponytail bounced in the setting sun. She didn't look back, just waved casually, and soon disappeared into the bustling crowd.
He withdrew his gaze and turned to his companion, who had already turned away, leaving a cool silhouette. "Hey, smelly Orochimaru! Wait for me!" Jiraiya laughed heartily, not at all displeased by the other's coldness; instead, his face held a familiar, vibrant sense of closeness.
Orochimaru's steps didn't falter. He merely squeezed out a stingy "Hmph. Self-important idiot." from his nose. The sound was like autumn wind rustling through dry leaves, carrying his usual aloofness.
Jiraiya, unconcerned, ran two steps and easily caught up with Orochimaru's somewhat slender figure. He casually stretched out an arm and, very naturally, draped it over Orochimaru's somewhat thin shoulder, trying to pull him closer: "Why are you walking so fast? Let's walk together!"
Orochimaru's body instantly tensed, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. He abruptly stopped, his delicate brows furrowed into a small knot, and a very obvious look of discomfort and resistance flashed across his pale face. "Let go," he said coldly, his voice laced with ice, "I'm not used to it."