Chapter 127:
Orochimaru's sudden shift in the conversation left both Tsunade and Jiraiya momentarily stunned. The two hadn't expected him to bring up Senjutsu the ancient art of Sage Mode training.
"Senjutsu?" Tsunade blinked, confused. It wasn't a topic they discussed often.
Jiraiya frowned slightly, still leaning against the tree. "Orochimaru, why the sudden interest in Sage techniques?"
Orochimaru didn't miss a beat. "You don't plan on having this discussion out here in the open, do you?"
Jiraiya glanced around, noticing the edge of the camp was empty, but he understood what Orochimaru meant. Despite the apparent solitude, it wasn't the best place to discuss such secretive techniques. With a sigh, Jiraiya pushed off from the tree and moved closer to Orochimaru, resigning himself to the conversation.
"Alright, fine. What's this about?"
Orochimaru, as usual, wasted no time. "Tell me honestly. Have you mastered Sage Mode yet?"
There was a brief hesitation from Jiraiya before he gave a reluctant sigh. "Well… to be honest…" He scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "I haven't fully mastered it. Not yet, anyway."
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Why not?"