Chapter 53:
Bach led Orochimaru and the team to a small town just outside Konoha Village, where the caravan of goods was waiting. There were four or five large carts loaded with various goods, and accompanying them were several hired hands and five or six warriors tasked with guarding the goods.
These warriors were Bach's personal guards, responsible for his safety during his travels. Orochimaru quickly assessed the situation and could tell that the warriors weren't anything special. They were ordinary samurai, clearly lacking the ability to wield chakra. In this world, there were two types of samurai: those who could use chakra and those who couldn't. A samurai capable of using chakra was exponentially stronger than one who couldn't, and these men in front of him were definitely the latter.
Facing such a low-level challenge, Orochimaru had no interest in involving himself. It was far beneath him. However, Jiraiya was a different story. His excitement was palpable, and the prospect of showing off his strength seemed to energize him.
With Bach watching in surprise, Jiraiya single-handedly took on all six warriors. His sheer enthusiasm and reckless bravado were enough to carry him through the skirmish. In no time, the guards were lying on the ground, defeated and humiliated, while Jiraiya stood over them with a proud grin plastered across his face.
"How was that, huh? Didn't I tell you, uncle? I wasn't exaggerating!" Jiraiya boasted, arms crossed, his chest puffed out in pride. It was clear he was reveling in the moment.
Bach, who had been skeptical of the young ninja earlier, nodded rapidly, his doubt turning to astonishment. "Incredible! I never would have believed it... Such power at such a young age! Truly deserving of being Hokage's disciples!"
Bach's amazement only grew as he looked at his defeated guards, who had been beaten so decisively. Now, with his fears eased, he fully accepted that the mission was in good hands.
Jiraiya, meanwhile, was basking in the praise, completely oblivious to the fact that Orochimaru remained unimpressed. Orochimaru had already shifted his attention to the mission scroll, checking their destination: the Land of Rice Fields.
The Land of Rice Fields, was a place that held special significance in Orochimaru's mind. In the original timeline, it was the very place where he would eventually establish the Sound Village, his personal stronghold after defecting from Konoha.