The Land of Rice Fields a small, neutral country.
It was a place that Orochimaru had managed exceptionally well.
Thanks to the memories shared among his clones, Orochimaru's network operated seamlessly. The clones' data served as a kind of backup, allowing the system to retain everything Orochimaru knew and experienced. Combat expertise, business acumen, management skills, medical knowledge, it was all preserved and passed on through his clones. With this system, Orochimaru could cultivate any talent he required. If he wanted, he could even replicate himself down to the smallest detail.
As they moved deeper into the forest, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and the others couldn't hide their growing surprise. By the time they reached the edge of Orochimaru's hidden village, their amazement had turned to outright astonishment.
It was a modest settlement, perhaps only a tenth the size of Konoha. Yet it was vibrant with life. A significant number of people already lived here, many of them ordinary civilians from nearby areas. Their presence brought a sense of warmth and community, making the village feel far more alive.
Every time he saw these civilians, Orochimaru couldn't help but respect his past self. Establishing a hidden village was no simple task in this era. It required not only a loyal team but also accomplishments that could attract both skilled shinobi and regular people. Only then could a village begin to grow in strength and reputation.
And Orochimaru had managed to do just that. Though mining operations had largely ceased in recent years, and he no longer paid workers wages, the village was self-sustaining. His reputation alone attracted people seeking refuge from the chaos of the world outside. Here, they could find safety, earn a living, and have food on their tables.
As for anyone who thought of causing trouble? There was no need for Orochimaru's clones to intervene. The villagers themselves, out of admiration and loyalty, were quick to deal with dissent.
What? Someone dared to speak ill of Lord Orochimaru?
What? Someone was caught gossiping about Orochimaru behind his back?
They might get one warning, maybe two, but a third offense meant expulsion from the village. And for those forced out, the clones ensured they were dealt with as traitors to the village.
In short, Orochimaru's authority in the village was absolute. He was revered to the point that no one even dared to discuss him in private. The law enforcement squads formed by the villagers were more than capable of maintaining order, not to mention the additional oversight from the clones, who held a higher authority.
"Lord Orochimaru, welcome back!"
At the entrance to the village stood Chana, a young woman with short red hair, flanked by eight clones. She bowed respectfully as she greeted Orochimaru.
The sudden appearance of this girl stirred an odd feeling in Tsunade. Though Chana wasn't particularly beautiful, she had a maturity to her, and her voice carried a gentle warmth. Combined with the respectful way she addressed Orochimaru, Tsunade's instincts as a woman told her there might be something more between them.
Orochimaru, oblivious to Tsunade's thoughts, gave Chana a slight nod. "Let's go inside. We'll talk there."
"Yes, of course. Please, follow me, sirs!" Chana replied, bowing again.
As they walked through the village, whispers followed them.
"Who are these people Lord Chana is personally welcoming?"
"I don't recognize most of them, but I know Lord Orochimaru."
"Oh, really? Which one is Orochimaru-sama?"
"Are you serious? You must be new here. How could you not know Lord Orochimaru?"
"Haha, exactly! When you live here, you don't need to know anyone else, but Orochimaru-sama is a must!"
The hushed conversations painted a clear picture of Orochimaru's high standing in the village. His influence was evident in the way people spoke of him, and even Kana, who had been taken in by him, was now regarded by the villagers with respect simply due to her association with him.
Finally, Orochimaru led Jiraiya and Tsunade to the tallest building in the village. It was the main office of the Sound Village, similar in function to the Kage offices in other hidden villages.
When Orochimaru stopped, Chana and the clones halted as well, waiting for further instructions.
"Chana," Orochimaru said, turning to her.
"Yes, sir?" Chana responded respectfully.
"These are the orphans I recently adopted. Please make arrangements for them."
"There are two older women on the east side of the village who can help take care of them."
"Good. Take them there for now."
"Understood," Chana said with another respectful nod. She then knelt down and addressed Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan with a warm smile.
"Would you like to come with me, children?" she asked gently.
"Um… will Lord Orochimaru…" Yahiko hesitated.
"Lord Orochimaru has some important matters to attend to," Chana reassured them. "But I'll take you to see where you'll be staying. It's a place he prepared just for you."
"Just for us?" Yahiko and the others stared in wonder. Despite being somewhat prepared, it was hard to believe this was real. A place of safety, just for orphans like them… it was almost too good to be true.
"Of course! Come along!" Chana encouraged them with a gentle smile.
As an orphan herself, Chana had a natural affinity for children. Within minutes, Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan were already beginning to trust her.
Nagato, quiet as always, studied Chana closely, noticing her red hair. She too took note of Nagato's unusual appearance, but said nothing, focusing instead on Orochimaru's instructions.
As Chana led the three children away, Jiraiya and Tsunade were left with Orochimaru, trying to find the words to express their shock.
"Orochimaru… are you really…" Tsunade started, but trailed off, unsure how to finish.
Throughout their journey here, Orochimaru had given them one revelation after another. Each surprise had been greater than the last, until they could hardly be surprised anymore.
Orochimaru didn't respond immediately. He simply gestured for them to follow him inside. Once they were seated in the Sound Village's main office, he began to explain everything he had done.
As he spoke, Jiraiya and Tsunade were stunned. The more they learned, the more their disbelief grew.
When Orochimaru finally revealed that all of his "subordinates" were clones, both of them who had thought they'd seen it all were left speechless.
"Clones? Are you serious?"
While other ninja were busy studying forbidden techniques or taming tailed beasts, Orochimaru had somehow developed cloning technology.
When he finished, Orochimaru leaned back, watching their expressions. "So, if you have any questions, now's the time to ask."
Jiraiya let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Questions? I don't even know where to start. You… you're something else."
But before he could say more, Tsunade suddenly threw her arms around Orochimaru, wrapping him in an enthusiastic hug. Her laughter was light and joyful.
"Haha, Orochimaru, you're incredible!"
Jiraiya blinked, momentarily stunned, before smiling wryly. Slowly, he rose to his feet and quietly left the office, closing the door behind him to give them privacy. Though a small pang of sadness tugged at his heart, he knew when it was time to step aside.