The Adventurous Gamer Ninja - Daichi Hekima [Vol. 02]

Chapter 362 - Toad & Dragon

Jiraiya sized up the masked man in front of him. Every instinct honed from years of experience kicked into high gear. "You've got some nerve showing up here in front of me." he said, his tone sounded light but Dragon could hear that it was laced with a cold edge reserved for enemies. "Especially after what you pulled back in the village."

Dragon stood motionless, his dark green cloak billowing slightly in the evening breeze. The dragon-shaped mask concealed his face, revealing only a pair of piercing eyes. "I could say the same about you," he replied calmly. "The Land of Earth isn't exactly friendly territory for a Leaf shinobi."

"Funny," Jiraiya smirked, but his eyes remained sharp. "I don't recall needing an invitation to go anywhere."

"Nor do I," Dragon countered.

Jiraiya's gaze hardened. "You attacked Danzo and his Root operatives. Care to explain why?"

Dragon tilted his head slightly, as if considering the question. 'I need to choose my words carefully. I need to treat him as if I'm treating an enemy or he might suspect something.' "Danzo was a blight on the Leaf village." he said finally. "His actions endangered not just your village, but the entire shinobi world. The Hokage should have dealt with that old cripple a long time ago."

"A noble sentiment," Jiraiya replied skeptically. "But some no name ninja doesn't get to decide who lives and who dies in the Leaf village. Especially someone as high up as Danzo."

"I'm not some no name ninja. You'll learn that soon enough." Dragon said evenly. "I'm a revolutionary fighting against a corrupt system. Danzo was part of that system and had to be stopped."

Jiraiya crossed his arms, his stance deceptively relaxed. "And what system might that be?"

Dragon's eyes locked onto Jiraiya's. "The one where those in power manipulate the innocent for their gain. The secrets they keep and the lies they tell have devastating consequences down the line."

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "Big noble talk for someone hiding behind a mask."

'He's trying to provoke me.' Dragon remained unfazed. "The mask is a necessity. Trust is hard to come by these days."

"Then why should I trust you?" Jiraiya asked bluntly.

"You shouldn't," Dragon admitted. "But for the moment, our goals align."

Jiraiya's eyes narrowed. "And what goals might those be?"

"Orochimaru," Dragon stated simply.

A flicker of surprise crossed Jiraiya's face before he masked it. "What about him?"

"I'm here to find him." Dragon said.

Jiraiya's muscles tensed subtly. "If you think I'll let you get near him to help with whatever twisted plans you have—"

"I'm not here to aid him," Dragon interrupted. "Quite the opposite."

Jiraiya studied him carefully. "Forgive me if I'm a bit skeptical."

"I understand your hesitation, I do." Dragon replied. "But time is of the essence. We both want to stop Orochimaru."

Jiraiya was silent as he considered this. A few moments later he spoke. "Assuming I believe you, why are you here in the Land of Earth?"

"As I said, I'm here for Orochimaru," Dragon answered. "And to prevent his plans from coming to fruition."

Jiraiya's gaze sharpened. "What do you know about his plans?"

Dragon hesitated briefly. 'I need to give him just enough information.' "I know that he's taken Tsunade Senju and that he's receiving aid from someone within the Land of Earth."