"I regret to inform you that I cannot provide assistance under these circumstances."
Within a modest inn situated in the Land of Waves, an elderly practitioner concluded his examination of Kakashi and spoke with evident resignation.
"After all, I lack shinobi medical training, and his condition transcends conventional physical trauma..."
"Your efforts are appreciated nonetheless."
Jiraiya, having anticipated this outcome, acknowledged the assessment with a nod and accompanied the elderly man to the exit.
"It appears you'll require specialized treatment in Konohagakure. It's unfortunate that Tsunade isn't available. Her presence would have significantly simplified matters."
After the elderly practitioner's departure, Jiraiya returned to the room. Observing Kakashi's recumbent form, his demeanor transitioned to his characteristic nonchalance.
"However, the situation isn't critical. Your condition appears less severe than initially anticipated. Recovery should proceed normally once you've returned to the village."
"I'm grateful for your assistance, Lord Jiraiya..."
Kakashi continued to exhibit signs of debilitation. Despite Kitagawa Minamoto's timely interruption of Itachi Uchiha's Tsukuyomi, the psychological trauma Kakashi had sustained remained substantial.
In his current state, returning to Konohagakure represented the optimal course of action. After all, regarding medical ninjutsu, Konohagakure maintained unparalleled expertise throughout the shinobi world.
Moreover, Jiraiya's presence had provided Kakashi with a measure of psychological relief.
Although Itachi Uchiha and Jūzō Biwa had executed a tactical withdrawal, their potential return couldn't be definitively excluded.
However, with Jiraiya present, the strategic dynamics had fundamentally transformed.
"No expressions of gratitude are necessary. Focus on recuperation," Jiraiya responded with a casual shoulder elevation, his tone deliberately matter-of-fact.
"Your fortune lies in my coincidental proximity while investigating Orochimaru's whereabouts, allowing me to observe your signal flare. However, regarding you, young man..."
Jiraiya redirected his attention toward Kitagawa Minamoto as he continued.
"Your audacity is remarkable, implementing such an elaborate deception. Were you not concerned about potential detection?"
With Itachi Uchiha functioning as a double agent, such detection was highly improbable...
Kitagawa Minamoto reflected internally before executing a negative cranial gesture and responding, "Lord Jiraiya, they maintain rogue shinobi status. Their aversion to Anbu encounters would be pronounced, rendering the stratagem worth implementation, wouldn't you agree?"
"Your assessment has merit, though the approach entailed significant risk."
Jiraiya compressed his lips thoughtfully. He couldn't help drawing parallels between this youth and Tsunade—both exhibited pronounced proclivities for calculated gambles.
The primary distinction being this young shinobi's apparently superior fortune, having successfully navigated his wager.
"While circumstances resolved favorably on this occasion, remember that existence offers no redundancies. Exercise greater caution regarding such risks in future operations."
"Yes, yes, I comprehend completely."
Kitagawa Minamoto nodded with deliberate rapidity, disinclined to engage in protracted debate with Jiraiya.
Furthermore, wishing to avoid an extended admonishment, he efficiently redirected the conversation.
"Lord Jiraiya, what are your subsequent operational intentions?"
"My plans? Naturally, I'll continue my investigative efforts regarding Orochimaru's current location."
Jiraiya exhibited no reservation regarding the inquiry. His mission parameters weren't classified, and given this youth's status as Kakashi's student, discretion seemed unnecessary.
Stroking his chin contemplatively, Jiraiya appeared absorbed in analytical thought as he elaborated.
"Though a peculiar development has emerged. During my tracking of Orochimaru, I've recently acquired unusual intelligence. It appears Orochimaru has affiliated himself with some form of organizational structure.
"For an individual of his particular psychological profile to make such an association defies conventional understanding. Truly remarkable..."
What precisely constitutes the remarkable element in this scenario?
Itachi Uchiha and Jūzō Biwa previously maintained organizational affiliation with him!
Though, Orochimaru has subsequently been expelled from that collective...
Kitagawa Minamoto experienced internal amusement, recognizing the power of established cognitive frameworks.
Powerful rogue shinobi rarely established collaborative structures.
After all, during their tenure serving respective villages, armed conflicts frequently positioned them as adversaries, generating enduring animosities.
Moreover, the shinobi psychological profile inherently incorporated competitive elements. When powerful rogue shinobi congregated, internal conflict became virtually inevitable.
Particularly regarding someone of Orochimaru's disposition—how could such an individual genuinely subordinate himself to external authority?
Unless confronted by an overwhelmingly superior force.
This precise dynamic explained why the Akatsuki represented a singular anomaly within the shinobi world.
Furthermore, Jiraiya's investigative timeline inevitably lagged behind actual developments.
Kitagawa Minamoto distinctly recalled how Jiraiya had informed Kakashi that Orochimaru had "recently departed from the Akatsuki" during their discussion regarding Naruto's guardianship. That statement alone conveyed significant implications.
Such informational delays were understandable. The Akatsuki membership consisted exclusively of elite operatives, and prior to their overt Tailed Beast acquisition campaign, their capacity for operational secrecy remained formidable.
Regarding Orochimaru's presence in the Land of Waves, the most probable explanation involved transit to or from the Land of Water. His likely objective would be Kimimaro.
[New Side Quest Unlocked]
As Kitagawa Minamoto engaged in analytical contemplation, his system interface suddenly activated.
[Jiraiya-san, The Cherry Blossoms in Our Hometown Are Blooming]
[Objective: Escort Jiraiya back to Konohagakure.]
"..."
Upon viewing this seemingly incongruous quest designation, Kitagawa Minamoto experienced momentary cognitive suspension, followed by the onset of cerebral discomfort.
While he experienced relief that the system hadn't assigned some truly absurd objective such as "Facilitate a recreational smoking session between Jiraiya and Pain atop Konohagakure's ruins," persuading Jiraiya to return to the village presented significant challenges.
Particularly given Jiraiya's current operational focus on Orochimaru...
"However, if the reward originates from Jiraiya himself..."
Kitagawa Minamoto descended into profound contemplation, ultimately determining to attempt the objective.
After all, he possessed certain "modest" informational advantages that could be strategically leveraged...
Following a period of methodical analysis, he began formulating his approach.
"Lord Jiraiya..."
Kitagawa Minamoto's expression underwent a deliberate transformation toward solemnity. He emitted an audible sigh before continuing, "I had anticipated your accompaniment back to Konohagakure with us."
"Wait, wait, wait! Why would I return to the village? Don't incorporate me into your plans!" Jiraiya responded with evident ocular expansion at the suggestion.
From certain perspectives, Konohagakure represented a location of emotional complexity for him.
Barring absolute necessity, he maintained no intention of returning.
And even should he return, securing subsequent departure would present its own complications...
"Given Kakashi-sensei's current compromised condition, if we encounter rogue shinobi of Itachi Uchiha's caliber again, our situation might become..."
Kitagawa Minamoto directed a meaningful glance toward Kakashi's recumbent form before redirecting his attention to Jiraiya.
"But Lord Jiraiya undoubtedly has more critical operational priorities. We wouldn't presume to impose. We can only hope to avoid further hostile encounters.
"Naturally, should such encounters occur, responsibility wouldn't rest with you, Lord Jiraiya. It would merely reflect our unfortunate circumstances..."
"..."
Jiraiya's facial expression exhibited pronounced rigidity. He experienced the distinct sensation of emotional manipulation. Why did this youth possess such rhetorical acuity?
"It's fine, Minamoto, I'll manage adequately."
Fortunately, Kakashi intervened to ameliorate the developing tension, simultaneously redirecting the conversation.
"Lord Jiraiya, could you provide additional details regarding Orochimaru's current situation? That would facilitate comprehensive reporting upon our return."
"Certainly!"
Kitagawa Minamoto maintained tactical silence, though a subtle expression of satisfaction manifested at the corners of his mouth.
Meanwhile, Jiraiya emitted an audible exhalation of relief.
After momentary contemplation, Jiraiya adopted a serious demeanor before speaking.
"I've already communicated most of my current intelligence. The critical element concerns this organization.
"This group maintains extraordinary operational security. I lack identification of its membership, and even its designation remains unknown.
"However, any organizational structure that could secure Orochimaru's willing participation must possess extraordinary attributes. Recently, I received intelligence suggesting his presence near a port facility in the Land of Waves. That constitutes the entirety of my current information."
"Such profound secrecy?"
Kakashi contracted his brow thoughtfully. If Jiraiya's extensive intelligence network had failed to uncover additional information, the challenge must be formidable indeed.
"Once again, the Land of Waves..."
At this precise juncture, Kitagawa Minamoto contributed with impeccable timing.
"Itachi Uchiha and Jūzō Biwa were similarly operating in the Land of Waves. And if my historical understanding is accurate, during the Third Great Ninja War, the Uchiha Clan engaged Kirigakure forces in the Land of Whirlpools."
"Hmm?"
Kitagawa Minamoto's observation momentarily suspended both Kakashi and Jiraiya in contemplative silence.
In the subsequent moment, their expressions transformed to reflect deep analytical consideration.
"It's truly remarkable that those two individuals could establish effective collaboration."
Observing their reactions, Kitagawa Minamoto determined to proceed with his strategic revelation.
"And considering their respective psychological profiles—one a former prodigy responsible for the systematic elimination of his entire clan, the other a former member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist...
"If those two can establish functional cooperation, doesn't that suggest broader collaborative possibilities among similar individuals?"
[TN-Final: Original Term - "桜は故郷に咲いている" - Final Translation: "The Cherry Blossoms in Our Hometown Are Blooming" - Justification: This poetic phrase serves as both the chapter title and quest name, carrying cultural significance in Japanese where cherry blossoms symbolize both beauty and impermanence. The translation preserves both the literal meaning and emotional connotation of returning home.]