Chapter 147:
Jiraiya wasn't a fool, and neither was Tsunade.
Just from listening to Orochimaru's explanations, they both understood the immense potential of his cloning technology. If left unchecked, Orochimaru could eventually amass a force powerful enough to challenge the entire ninja world. It was something anyone with foresight could see coming.
But right now, Orochimaru wasn't using this power for domination. Instead, he applied his groundbreaking technology to protect civilians and provide a sanctuary for orphans.
For Jiraiya and Tsunade, there was nothing to object to. As strange as it all seemed, it was still something they could accept.
Would Orochimaru's ambitions change as his forces grew? Would he eventually set his sights on ruling the ninja world? They couldn't be certain of that.
But just the mere possibility wasn't enough to make them oppose him. It wasn't in the nature of either Jiraiya or Tsunade to condemn someone for hypothetical futures.
They couldn't bring themselves to stop Orochimaru, not when he was doing so much good.
In the office of the Sound Village…
At that moment, Tsunade was seated comfortably on Orochimaru's lap, her arms loosely wrapped around his neck. She looked happier than she had in a long time, entirely unconcerned with the unusual closeness of their current position.