Light rain continued to pour at the edge of the Land of Fire. Orochimaru, exhausted, leaned against a tree. His pale face seemed even more colourless than usual, blending almost ghostly with the misty surroundings.
Water dripped from Orochimaru's face. Whether it was tears or just rain, no one could tell.
"Ah... It seems I still have some lingering attachments. I shouldn't be like this," Orochimaru muttered, his expression twisted with conflicting emotions. Moments later, he began running again, disappearing into the rain.
Kakashi carried Jiraiya into a cave where Uzuki Yūgao lay resting. Carefully, he set Jiraiya down to recover before gathering branches. With a quick Fire Release, he lit a fire, gradually warming the space.
Both Kakashi and Jiraiya were drenched from the rain, and the fire was essential to dry their clothes. However, as Yūgao was present, neither removed their clothing. Instead, they sat close to the flames, allowing the heat to do its work.
Fortunately, as shinobi, their strong bodies shielded them from the cold, reducing the risk of falling ill.
Jiraiya, now calmer after his earlier sorrow, watched Kakashi from across the fire. Kakashi seemed different—his usual demeanour replaced by something resolute and serious.
"Kakashi, seeing you like this makes me happy," Jiraiya said suddenly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "It's a shame Minato isn't here to see your growth."
Kakashi's expression darkened slightly at the mention of his late teacher. "I've walked a misguided path before, making Minato-sensei worry. But I understand now—I can't live like that anymore," he admitted, his voice laced with regret.
Minato had once feared the darkness festering in Kakashi's heart, worrying it might consume him. Even until his death, Minato had been unable to dispel that shadow. The thought weighed heavily on Kakashi.
Jiraiya, Minato's own teacher, understood this all too well. Seeing Kakashi's transformation now filled him with both pride and sadness—pride that Kakashi was moving forward, and sadness that Minato wasn't there to witness it.
"You can step out of the shadow now," Jiraiya said, his tone lighter. "I may have to leave Konoha for a long journey. When that happens, it'll fall to young shinobi like you to protect the village."
Kakashi nodded, unsurprised by Jiraiya's announcement. He knew that the Sannin's return had been prompted by Minato's death and Orochimaru's defection. But with those matters now addressed, it was only natural that Jiraiya would leave again.
Jiraiya was a wanderer at heart, tethered neither by duty nor expectation. It was one reason he had always avoided the Hokage position. Now, with Orochimaru gone, Jiraiya likely sought answers elsewhere—about his former comrade, about peace, and perhaps even about destiny itself.
As much as Jiraiya cherished Konoha, he understood the village needed a new generation of leaders. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, was growing older and weaker. In ten years, Konoha would need a new pillar of strength, and Jiraiya believed Kakashi could become that pillar.
The Kakashi of the past might not have been capable. But this Kakashi—changed, determined—had the potential to surpass even Jiraiya and Minato.
"I'll do my best," Kakashi replied firmly.
Jiraiya laughed, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. "Good! I hope you won't disappoint me. When we meet again, if your strength can impress me, I'll teach you something... interesting."
Kakashi raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. Something interesting? His mind wandered briefly to Jiraiya's infamous Icha Icha series, but he quickly dismissed the thought. That book wouldn't be written for another three years.
Jiraiya, clearly enjoying the mystery, refused to elaborate. Kakashi decided to drop the subject.
At that moment, Uzuki Yūgao stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, taking in the sight of Jiraiya and Kakashi by the fire. She sat up slowly, her voice soft yet steady.
"Jiraiya-sama, Kakashi-senpai..."
"Oh, the little kunoichi is finally awake," Jiraiya said with a warm smile.
Kakashi nodded silently in acknowledgment.
"How is Jiraiya-sama here? And what about Orochimaru?" Yūgao asked, glancing around the cave as though expecting to see him.
At the mention of Orochimaru, Jiraiya's expression grew sombre.
Kakashi spoke up quickly. "Orochimaru escaped. Thanks to Jiraiya-sama's arrival, we were able to retreat safely."
Relieved, Yūgao turned to Jiraiya and bowed her head. "Thank you very much, Jiraiya-sama."
"Haha, don't worry about it. Let's wait for the rain to stop, then we'll head to the Third Hokage to report the mission," Jiraiya said casually, steering the conversation away from Orochimaru.
Yūgao sensed the heaviness in the air and decided not to press further. She closed her eyes, focusing on recovering her chakra.
Kakashi, too, sat cross-legged, entering a meditative state to replenish his chakra reserves.
A deep sense of inadequacy gnawed at Kakashi. The battle against Nadare Rōga in the Land of Snow had been humbling, and his recent encounter with Orochimaru had been worse—he had been completely outmatched.
If Orochimaru had not been toying with him, Kakashi would already be dead.
No amount of strategy could overcome such a vast gap in strength. It was clear to Kakashi that his power was insufficient.
But he was determined to change that. He had been reborn in this world, and he would train harder than ever to grow stronger. For his comrades, his village, and the future he hoped to protect.