Hokage: Immortal, I Open Unlimited Eight Gates

After leading the group of women out of the dungeon, Chiba directed them to the house where the bald bandit had been.

The reason was simple: it was the largest house, and all the women could fit inside.

To shield them from the harsh wind and snow, he warned them not to drink the well water and comforted them as best he could. Then he stepped out of the house.

Orochimaru saw Chiba emerge and asked, "Have the arrangements been made?"

"Yes, everything is settled," Chiba replied.

Orochimaru nodded. "In that case, let's return to the daimyo. Once he signs the mission document, we can head back to Konoha to submit the mission."

"Finally! We can go home!" Nawaki exclaimed happily. After days of camping outdoors, he longed for a warm bed and a proper meal.

Chiba, seeing Nawaki's cheerful expression, couldn't help but smile. He, too, missed Uchiha Yuanxiang's cooking.

Daimyo's Residence

The daimyo of the Land of Rice Fields was visibly shocked when he saw the three return. He hadn't expected them to eliminate the group of bandits.

Moreover, the trio's bloodstained clothing and the lingering aura of death around them made them seem like avengers from the underworld.

Wasting no time, Orochimaru presented the mission document for the daimyo to sign and reported the situation regarding the rescued women.

After the daimyo signed the document, Orochimaru declined his invitation to dinner and left with Chiba and Senju Nawaki.

They returned to the hotel, changed into clean clothes, and immediately set out for Konoha without delay.

Two Days Later

As they entered Konoha Village, Nawaki was practically skipping with excitement, ignoring the curious gazes of passersby.

"Teacher, are we submitting the mission now?"

Orochimaru nodded. "I'll handle it. You two can go home, rest well, and come to my house tomorrow for your mission rewards."

Chiba was surprised. "Orochimaru-sama, we get rewards too? But we're not official ninjas yet."

Orochimaru smiled. "You both contributed significantly to the mission. It's only fair you receive your share."

For Orochimaru, the mission rewards were of little concern. With his substantial savings and modest lifestyle, money was hardly a priority.

"Go home and let your families know you're safe. See you tomorrow."

After saying this, Orochimaru began walking toward the Hokage Building. A few steps away, he turned back toward Nawaki.

"By the way, Chiba-kun doesn't know where I live. Nawaki, bring him with you tomorrow."

"Got it, teacher!"

Orochimaru nodded and continued toward the Hokage Building.

As Orochimaru left, Nawaki turned to Chiba.

"Chiba, I'll head home now. You should too."

"Tomorrow, I'll come by your house, and we can go to Orochimaru-sama's place together. Sound good?"

"No problem," Chiba replied.

"Alright, see you tomorrow!" Nawaki waved and ran off eagerly.

Watching Nawaki disappear around a corner, Chiba also turned toward the Uchiha clan's district.

Hokage's Office

When Orochimaru arrived at Sarutobi Hiruzen's office to submit the mission report, he heard an argument from inside.

Pushing the door open, the quarrel abruptly stopped.

Inside, he saw Jiraiya, his teammate and friend, arguing with Shimura Danzo, the Hokage's advisor. Sarutobi Hiruzen sat behind his desk, visibly troubled.

The dispute was over a child—Namikaze Minato.

Though Danzo's position as Hokage's advisor had been temporarily revoked two months earlier, he had regained it after Mito Homura and Koharu Utatane intervened on his behalf.

Now, Danzo was demanding that Minato join the Root. Before Sarutobi could respond, Jiraiya had arrived and immediately objected.

"Orochimaru!" Jiraiya exclaimed, noticing him. "You're back! Mission accomplished?"

Orochimaru nodded but ignored the argument, walking directly to Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Teacher, I have something to report."

Hiruzen sighed. "We'll discuss it later. For now, help me get rid of these two."

Jiraiya immediately turned to Orochimaru. "Orochimaru, back me up! Danzo wants my promising disciple to join the Root. You know what that place is like! It's practically a death sentence for his potential."

Danzo retorted, "Jiraiya, the Root exists to protect Konoha. Without it, do you think Konoha would remain safe? And the Root doesn't destroy its recruits. Under my guidance, they become self-reliant ninjas."

Jiraiya shot back, disgust evident on his face. "Oh, sure. You strip them of their names, turn them into tools, and call it guidance?!"

Before Danzo could respond, Orochimaru interjected, "Jiraiya is right. A person without a name has neither a past nor a future. Forcing a child into such an environment is unacceptable."

Danzo now found himself outnumbered. Fighting both Jiraiya and Orochimaru, Sarutobi Hiruzen's prized students, was a daunting task.

Still, he wasn't ready to give up.

"Hiruzen, what's your decision? Should Minato Namikaze become Jiraiya's disciple or join the Root?"