Marvel: Trading with Worlds

Orochimaru smiled. "There's no need for reckless sacrifice. I have faith in the strength of the Uchiha. But, Yashiro-kun, I assume Clan Head Fugaku has already spoken to you about the police force?"

"Yes, I understand, Lord Hokage. We have reserved three team positions within the police force, and future appointments will be arranged as per your directive."

Though Yashiro wasn't entirely happy about outsiders joining the Uchiha-led police force, the clan had gained significant benefits in return. 

More of their members would now receive fair opportunities throughout the village.

'Our clan has always had talented individuals', Yashiro thought bitterly. 'But we've been held back by discrimination, unable to advance.'

Sensing Yashiro's concerns, Orochimaru reassured him with a knowing smile. "Don't worry, Yatsushiro-kun. The ninjas assigned to the police force have a strong rapport with your clan. They fought alongside Uchiha during the war and hold them in high regard. There is no hostility toward your people."

Hearing this, Yashiro relaxed slightly. He bowed deeply once more. "Thank you for your consideration, Lord Hokage."

As he left, he couldn't help but compare Orochimaru to the Third Hokage. The more he thought about it, the more he felt—perhaps it was for the best that the Third Hokage had stepped down.

"Yashiro-kun, if I have nothing else to attend to, I'll be busy with other matters."

"Then I will take my leave, Lord Hokage."

After Uchiha Yatsushiro left, Orochimaru called in ninjas from various backgrounds, including some who had previously served under the Sand Shinobi. 

These ninjas had proven themselves on the battlefield and efficiently completed their missions. Orochimaru assigned them to prominent positions within the village.

Konoha is a large village, with two primary concerns: mission management and handling conflicts. Orochimaru never hoarded power for himself, instead ensuring capable individuals were placed in appropriate roles.

For example, he had entrusted the Medical Department and Konoha Hospital to Tsunade, and he rarely involved himself in their affairs. 

The same applied to the Enchantment and Sealing classes. When he learned that Kushina wouldn't be leaving the village, he entrusted her with an important task.

Over the past few days, he had made critical appointments, including transferring ninjas from the Sarutobi and Ino–Shika–Chō clans. 

Although the families were reluctant, they had no choice but to obey the Hokage's orders.

Konoha is a military organization, and retirement for ninjas is not easy. They must go through extensive audits, and when ninjas in important positions retire, sealing techniques are used on their brains to ensure Konoha's secrets remain protected.

Though Konoha has only existed for about fifty years, it has developed a well-established system.

The only thing Orochimaru has yet to handle is Anbu. However, Anbu has been split into two factions. 

Under Orochimaru's orders, one unit operates directly under him, while the rest remain under the Third Hokage's directives, following standard regulations.

This situation is primarily due to the upcoming Hokage succession ceremony tomorrow. But in reality, the Anbu captains, who happen to be the eldest son and daughter-in-law of Sarutobi Hiruzen, use the ceremony as an excuse for their actions.

"Jiraiya, if you want to buy me a drink, couldn't you have picked a better place?"

Tsunade looked around at the small shop, noting that while it was not the tiniest in Konoha, it paled in comparison to Kain's izakaya.

"Small places have their charm," Jiraiya quickly replied, trying to justify his choice. "The shochu here is definitely top-notch, and the side dishes are a nice touch."

In truth, the advantage was that it was cheap. The last time they drank, Jiraiya had gone through several bottles of shochu and felt guilty about the cost. 

So this time, he made sure to find a budget-friendly izakaya.

After ordering shochu and appetizers, the two of them drank steadily. It was a busy time in the village, and they were fortunate to be able to take a moment to relax.

Tsunade was the first to break the silence. "Jiraiya, what's on your mind? Is this about the Hokage election?"

"It's not that," Jiraiya said, shaking his head. "I understand your decision. I made the same choice."

Jiraiya knew how much Tsunade cared for Nawaki, and since Nawaki was Orochimaru's disciple, his decision made sense to him.

"I came to you about something else," Jiraiya continued. "Do you think Orochimaru has changed?"

Tsunade frowned slightly after hearing Jiraiya's words and then asked, "Changed? Are you talking about Orochimaru's strength? That's not surprising." She said it casually but suddenly remembered that Jiraiya probably didn't know about the Extremis virus serum.

Jiraiya shook his head. "It has nothing to do with strength. I'm talking about Orochimaru's character. And Tsunade, can you tell me a bit about that Kain? I'm really curious about him."

"An amazing guy, but I don't know much about him."

Tsunade felt a headache coming on just thinking about Kain. She probably owed more than 300 million at his casino, and her other identities had been exposed. 

Recently, she had been considering asking Kushina to help mediate with the debtor.

Tsunade then shared some things that Jiraiya already knew, mostly related to Kushina. After thinking for a moment, she decided not to tell Jiraiya the more sensitive details.

Jiraiya, after hearing this, realized he hadn't learned anything useful from Tsunade. However, he recalled the suspicious behavior of the daimyo and decided to investigate that angle first. 

But doing so could label him a traitor. He thought about it for a long time before making his decision.

"Tsunade, more than 20 years have passed since we became teammates, and you're getting old now. If you had promised me back then…"

"You bastard! What are you trying to say!?" Tsunade snapped. She hated hearing this. Even though she was over thirty, her techniques kept her appearance youthful. 

But if anyone mentioned her age, it always sparked her temper.

Kushina had found her target when she was very young, but Tsunade had remained single in recent years. Despite various reasons, she was still in a bad mood about it.

Tsunade snorted coldly. "Jiraiya, I still won't think about you!"

Jiraiya sighed. "I'm just feeling nostalgic. What I meant to say is that even if I become your enemy in the future, I don't want you, Tsunade, to be the one who comes after me."

Tsunade immediately sensed something was off and quickly asked, "Jiraiya, what are you talking about? Why would you become an enemy?"

…

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