Chapter 116 – It Looks Like Ear Cleaning, But It's Actually Eating
Jiraiya scanned the crowded restaurant, spotted a table with an empty seat, and slid into it.
The man across from him looked oddly familiar. His face was unfamiliar, yet something about his presence stirred recognition deep in Jiraiya's gut.
He narrowed his eyes.
"You are…?"
The pale, effeminate man glanced at him, then released a faint pulse of chakra.
"It's me."
Jiraiya froze. That chakra signature—unmistakable.
"O—!"
He cut himself off just in time, darting his gaze left and right. Seeing no one paying attention, he leaned closer and hissed,
"Orochimaru?! What the hell are you doing here?"
Orochimaru arched a brow.
"I could ask you the same."
Jiraiya straightened, putting on a righteous air.
"I'm gathering intelligence."
Orochimaru gave him a withering look.
"In a massage parlor?"
"What's wrong with that?" Jiraiya shot back without a hint of shame. "There are all kinds of people here. Perfect place to pick up information."
Orochimaru calmly lowered his head and slurped his noodles, dabbing the corner of his lips with a napkin.
"Then I'm simply here to pass the time."
The rich aroma wafting up from Orochimaru's bowl made Jiraiya's stomach grumble loudly. He leaned forward, eyes glued to the steaming broth and thick slices of beef.
"What kind of noodles are those?"
Orochimaru poked at the meat with his chopsticks.
"Can't you tell? Beef."
Jiraiya's eyes lit up.
"Beef noodles? Let me try a bite."
He reached for the bowl, but Orochimaru smoothly pulled it out of reach.
After decades at Jiraiya's side, he could read the man like a book—he'd seen the grab coming the moment Jiraiya twitched.
"It's free over there. Go order your own," Orochimaru said with a slight smirk, tilting his chin toward the counter.
"After all these years, you're still stingy," Jiraiya muttered resentfully before trudging off to order.
Orochimaru replaced his bowl on the table and resumed eating unhurriedly, his golden eyes occasionally scanning the room. A sharp gleam flickered each time he spotted one of the Uchiha seated among the crowd.
There were more than a few. Each gave off an aura stronger than the average villager—the weakest felt like chūnin or above.
But without their Sharingan active, he couldn't tell who carried what potential. That uncertainty gnawed at him.
One-tomoe, two-tomoe, three-tomoe… I want them all.
His tongue flicked across his lips unconsciously. This parlor might very well be a hunting ground brimming with "specimens."
But he quickly suppressed the thought. Grabbing the wrong target could expose him instantly, drawing not just the Uchiha, but the entire village down upon his head. Even with Jiraiya by his side, that was suicide.
Still… Uchiha Fugaku.
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed. If Fugaku's Mangekyō really exists, then with Jiraiya's Sage Mode and my power combined, even he couldn't withstand us. His eyes would be mine.
The thought of storming the Uchiha compound for more pairs sent a shiver of dark delight down his spine. He licked his lips, gaze flicking back to Jiraiya's broad back at the counter.
Jiraiya, hurry up and decide. I can't wait forever.
Meanwhile, Jiraiya returned with a tray piled high—dumplings, steaming buns, and skewers—already grinning ear to ear. Whatever Orochimaru was plotting was the furthest thing from his mind as he dug in happily.
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At the same time, across the village, Shizune had just finished tidying the new home Tsunade-sama had acquired. Every corner gleamed, not a speck of dust left.
But it was late now, and her stomach growled. With the kitchen still missing essentials—knives, bowls, oil, salt—cooking tonight was impossible.
I'll buy what I need tomorrow. Tonight, I'll eat out one last time.
She wandered onto Asakusa Old Street, eyeing the signs. One restaurant looked promising—until she spotted the prices posted on the wall. Her heart sank.
So expensive…
Then a thought struck her. She remembered something she'd heard: the cheapest "Ear Cleaning" service at Pansi Cave cost less than a simple dinner here. And with it came unlimited access to their restaurant buffet—delicious, filling, and free with service.
Her eyes brightened.
Why waste money here when I can eat like a queen at Pansi Cave?
Decision made, she turned and headed toward the bustling parlor.
Soon she arrived, slipping inside with practiced ease. She'd been here once before. Before the greeter could even speak, Shizune said briskly,
"I'll take the Ear Cleaning."
The attendant smiled and led her to a private room. Shizune quickly added,
"Could I eat first, before the service?"
"Of course," the attendant replied warmly. "Each room now has a call button. Simply press it when you're ready, and one of our staff will come immediately."
Shizune nodded in satisfaction. Perfect.
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