Konoha Ninja Shop System

"That's right. Orochimaru, you've always been the old man's most proud disciple." Jiraiya smiled faintly, memories surfacing as he spoke.

He wasn't exaggerating. From a young age, Orochimaru had demonstrated an extraordinary level of intelligence and talent that outshone even the most promising ninja of their generation. His quick thinking, deep understanding of ninjutsu, and calm, analytical mind made him the obvious favorite of their teacher, the Third Hokage—Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Back then, Jiraiya had been nothing more than a mediocre student, often labeled the class clown or the last-place troublemaker. He would crack jokes and act indifferent, always hiding his inferiority complex behind a mask of confidence and bravado. But deep inside, Jiraiya couldn't help but envy Orochimaru's brilliance.

He once believed Orochimaru would rise to become the greatest shinobi in Konoha, the ultimate symbol of what it meant to be a ninja. Who could have imagined that such a shining star would one day fall into darkness and defect from the village?

But that was exactly what had happened.

Orochimaru, standing amidst his cold laboratory equipment, glanced sideways at Jiraiya. With a wave of his hand and a trace of impatience in his voice, he said, "Alright, if there's nothing else, you can leave. I have training to do."

"Haha, is that so? Then I'll take my leave!" Jiraiya laughed casually, understanding the hint. Orochimaru wasn't the type to engage in meaningless small talk. Having gotten the answer he came for, Jiraiya knew it was time to go.

After all, Orochimaru had promised him he would visit their teacher soon. That was the real reason Jiraiya had come—his mission was now complete, and lingering would only irritate Orochimaru.

Just as he reached the door of the lab, Orochimaru's voice rang out again.

"By the way, since the old man has stepped down… who's going to be the Fifth Hokage?"

Jiraiya paused mid-step, considering the question. He turned slightly and replied, "Initially, we hoped Tsunade would take the position, but she refused. So for now, the role of Hokage will be temporarily filled by Shimura Danzō."

Orochimaru frowned, muttering to himself, "It makes sense that Tsunade wouldn't want to be Hokage... But I didn't expect Shimura Danzō to take the seat."

It was a bitter irony.

Everyone knew that Shimura Danzō had been involved in the very same human experiments that had led to Orochimaru's disgrace. In fact, Danzō had been the one to commission the research on Hashirama's cells, providing vast amounts of resources and personnel. Orochimaru had conducted the experiments at Danzō's behest, hoping to unlock the secrets of the First Hokage's power.

Though the experiments ultimately failed, they had yielded useful data—data that Danzō had no doubt hoarded for his own benefit.

But when the truth came out and the public learned about the horrific experiments being carried out on innocent people, it was Orochimaru who took the fall. Shimura Danzō, the true mastermind behind it all, had washed his hands clean of the incident and pointed the finger at Orochimaru without a second thought.

That betrayal had been the turning point for Orochimaru, the final straw that pushed him to abandon Konoha.

And now, the same man who had used him, discarded him, and destroyed his reputation was sitting on the Hokage's throne?

Orochimaru's golden eyes narrowed with venomous malice. That man… Danzō. He was first on Orochimaru's list when he returned to the village—not only to settle old scores but also to send his teacher off with a grand farewell.

---

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's Office, Konoha Village

"A-choo!"

Shimura Danzō, deep in paperwork, suddenly sneezed. He looked up from the scrolls, irritated, and muttered, "Damn it. It must be that damn Uchiha cursing me again!"

He glared toward the window, as if the clan's malicious intent could pierce through space.

"If they're not cursing me, then why would I sneeze out of nowhere?" he reasoned to himself.

Snatching a tissue from the desk, he wiped his nose with disdain.

"My teacher was right… The Uchiha are a cursed clan, born with darkness in their hearts!"

His gaze turned steely. "They're getting bolder—plotting, scheming. If I don't act now, they'll be the end of Konoha!"

Danzō tapped his fingers rhythmically on the desk, formulating a plan. The Uchiha clan had grown powerful, and with that power came ambition. That ambition had to be extinguished.

"If it's for the good of the village," he whispered with a chilling smile, "I won't hesitate."

To Danzō, the ends always justified the means. If a threat arose—real or imagined—he would eliminate it, no matter the cost. The survival of Konoha was everything.

---

Rain Shinobi Village

After leaving Orochimaru's lab, Jiraiya exhaled a long sigh of relief. "Finally, that business is over," he said aloud. "Now I can relax and focus on something more… fulfilling."

He cracked a mischievous grin.

"Time to write the next volume of Intimate Paradise."

The series had been a massive hit among the adult male population in the village—particularly among certain pervy old men with crystal balls. The demand was sky-high, and Jiraiya knew if he published another volume soon, it would sell like hotcakes.

"But before I put pen to paper, I should gather some fresh inspiration!"

With renewed energy, he tightened his ninja headband and strode out of the Rain Shinobi Village, whistling a happy tune as he imagined his next masterpiece.

---

Akatsuki Base

Far away, within the dark, oppressive stone corridors of the Akatsuki base, 007 sat restlessly, watching the exit of the Rain Village through a crack in the base's thick walls.

His eyes widened in despair.

"Wait… Did Jiraiya just leave?! My meal ticket just walked away!" 007 gasped.

How was he supposed to earn money now?

He turned around and looked at the cold stone walls of the base. The gloom seeped into his bones. The air smelled of mold and blood. 007 felt suffocated.

In that moment, he deeply regretted ever joining Kakuzu.

His original dream had been to become an elite interviewer for Akatsuki. In his mind, he pictured himself in a sharp suit, sitting behind a grand desk. Strong ninja from all over the world would line up to apply, nervous and hopeful, hanging on his every word.

But the reality was cruel.

He finally understood why Kakuzu was the only interviewer in Akatsuki—because no one in their right mind wanted to join. And even if they did, they rarely met the high standards.

His fantasies had been shattered, and his bank account along with them.

He'd worked so hard, grinding day and night as a customer service rep, saving up millions. And now? All gone. Poof. Like a Genjutsu illusion.

And as if the gods were mocking him, a sharp voice cut through his daydreams.

"Hey! What are you doing just standing there?! Can't you see my teacup is empty?! Hurry up and pour me some water!" Kakuzu barked.

007 snapped back to reality, biting back his frustration. "Yes, yes, Lord Kakuzu," he muttered, grabbing the kettle and obediently pouring hot water into the chipped teacup.

He forced a smile. "Here you go, sir."

But as soon as he set the kettle down, 007 clutched his stomach with a dramatic groan.

"Lord Kakuzu, I—I think I ate something bad. I need to use the toilet urgently!"

Kakuzu snorted. "Even White Zetsu needs bathroom breaks, huh? Fine. Go."

007 bolted from the room without another word. Once outside, he paused for a moment, peeking back over his shoulder.

No Kakuzu in sight.

Freedom.

A rush of adrenaline surged through his limbs, and he took off in a full sprint, dashing down the narrow alleyways of the Rain Village.

He didn't stop until he reached the outskirts of the village, far from the suffocating stone walls and grim corridors of the Akatsuki hideout.

Finally, he collapsed to his knees, panting. A single tear rolled down his cheek.

"Damn it…" he whispered. "They really treated me like a slave."

He stood up, fists clenched, and shouted into the open air: "I won't take this anymore! I'm running away!"

His voice echoed across the deserted fields.

Then, as if speaking to others like him, he yelled: "Run away, brothers! Run away!"

---

Author's Note

Even in the darkest corners of the ninja world, there are those whose hearts yearn for freedom. Be it rogue ninja, forgotten agents, or White Zetsu assistants with dreams of HR management…

Sometimes, running away is the first step toward finding yourself.

pàtreøn (Gk31)