Mid-December, Konoha Year 60
Bright sunlight bathed Konoha Village. Winter was just around the corner, making such fine weather increasingly rare. Haruno Sakura leaned boredly over the railing of the bridge spanning the village's only river, staring somewhat absently at the water below.
Over the past week, Kakashi had dragged her through quite a few C and D-rank missions. The easy pace had allowed Sakura's previously tense heart to slowly relax. It seemed the civilians around Konoha thought nothing of outsourcing tasks they could clearly do themselves. Perhaps it was because they weren't particularly poor; the commission fees for low-rank missions didn't seem to bother them much. Being relatively affluent, the nearby villagers had learned to enjoy the convenience ninjas provided.
For the impoverished civilians of other nations, hiring ninja was often out of the question. Yet, the ninja villages of smaller countries were adopting Konoha's model, which sometimes led to situations like the compulsory commissions seen in the Hidden Grass Village.
Junko hadn't stopped for a moment. During the day, she seized every second at the Academy to absorb ninja knowledge, and at night, she trained late with Sakura. Her life-or-death training intensity had indeed yielded significant progress; she could now at least withstand one move from Sakura.
As for Karin, ever since Sakura had taught her the Yin Healing Wound Destruction technique, she had been practicing it relentlessly. If Karin could master its application, she would undoubtedly become one of the most resilient, hardest-to-take-down ninjas around.
Everything was developing in an orderly fashion. Sakura looked up at the sky, lost in thought. This tranquility was truly captivating.
Hokage's Office
Tsunade was reviewing documents sent over from the Ninja Academy—specifically, Junko's file.
After Orochimaru's invasion, the village needed a shot in the arm. While the aged Third Hokage was respected, the incident during the Chunin Exams had left many uneasy. Tsunade's succession had greatly stabilized public morale; compared to the Third, she was much younger.
Undoubtedly, Tsunade was a good leader. While continuing the Third's policies, her methods were far more decisive, yet she wasn't autocratic. She possessed a certain gambler's spirit, injecting life into a village that had grown somewhat stagnant under the Third's later rule. The village was now brimming with vitality.
Regarding the civilian girl Sakura had brought back from the Land of Grass, Tsunade hadn't immediately sent her away. It wasn't entirely for Sakura's sake; Tsunade had her own considerations. This was a civilian who harbored resentment towards the Hidden Grass Village.
Furthermore, Junko was young. ANBU investigations confirmed that Junko had lived almost exclusively near her hometown, Red Leaf Village, and had frequently suffered exploitation by Kusagakure ninja. Consequently, she felt absolutely no sense of belonging to the Hidden Grass.
This meant Konoha could gradually cultivate her loyalty. Trained by Konoha, she could become a powerful ninja loyal to the village in the future.
Of course, Tsunade only finalized this decision after observing Junko's performance at the Academy. Despite having no prior foundation, Junko had, in just over ten days since enrolling, nearly caught up to her classmates' learning pace. Such talent indicated she was destined to become a formidable ninja.
Initially, Tsunade's agreement had been partly influenced by her debt to Sakura for saving her life. But now, her reasons went beyond that. A Hokage, after all, was a Hokage.
Click.
Hearing the sound, Tsunade put down the file, a faint smile touching her lips. She seemed to relax considerably. Tilting her head slightly, she said, "There's a perfectly good door, yet you insist on using the window. You'll never break that bad habit, will you, Jiraiya?"
"Haha, it's faster this way," Jiraiya chuckled, vaulting into the Hokage's office and collapsing onto the sofa with a complete lack of decorum.
Seeing Jiraiya's casual demeanor, Tsunade finally felt reassured. "Well? Did you find any useful intelligence?" she asked.
"Hmm... I did run into something rather unexpected in the Hidden Rain Village," Jiraiya said, half-reclining on the sofa, arms spread wide, gazing absently at the ceiling.
"What did you encounter?" Tsunade asked, noticing the distant look in Jiraiya's eyes with some surprise.
"Remember those three kids we met after our battle with Hanzo?"
"Hm?" Tsunade pondered for a moment. "Are you talking about the three you took in during your three-year stay in the Land of Rain?"
"Yes," Jiraiya sighed. "What's happening in Amegakure might be related to them."
"What do you mean?"
"Meaning..." Jiraiya paused. "They've likely taken control of the Hidden Rain Village."
"Wh-What?!" Tsunade exclaimed in astonishment. "Those three children?! They've grown that powerful? It seems Hanzo was likely hunted down by them."
"Probably. Hanzo most likely died at their hands," Jiraiya sighed again.
"No, Hanzo was killed by Sakura."
"What did you say?!" Jiraiya sat bolt upright, stunned.
"The implications were too significant, so I didn't send word to you, just in case," Tsunade explained, propping her chin on her hand. "Sakura encountered Hanzo. They fought. In the end, Hanzo died at Sakura's hands. She herself was severely injured and subsequently saved by civilians from the Land of Grass."
"She... had the ability to kill Hanzo?" Jiraiya stared dumbly at Tsunade.
"Hmm... Under normal circumstances, impossible," Tsunade shook her head. "But according to Sakura, Hanzo was already injured at the time. So, I suspect Hanzo's underestimation of his opponent, combined with his injuries, gave Sakura an opening. Besides, Hanzo was old."
Hearing Tsunade's explanation, Jiraiya felt a pang of melancholy. Hanzo was old, and he wasn't young anymore either. However, his naturally optimistic personality quickly pushed aside these somber thoughts.
"Tell me about the situation in Amegakure," Tsunade continued. "What about those three children?"
"Actually, I only met one of them. The other two weren't seen," Jiraiya recounted, closing his eyes in recollection. "Her name is Konan. She can manipulate paper with chakra. She's become very cold... She used to be such a lively girl. I don't know what happened to her."
"I didn't see the other two. From what I observed in Amegakure, she refers to herself as 'God's Angel'."
"'God's Angel'?" Tsunade frowned, repeating the term. "Was she the one who hunted down Hanzo?"
"Unlikely," Jiraiya shook his head. "Although she's strong, she's still far from Hanzo in his prime. Rather than her, I suspect it was the other one – Nagato, the boy with the Rinnegan."
"Rinnegan?" Tsunade mulled over the word.
"The legendary eyes possessed by the Sage of Six Paths," Jiraiya explained.
"The Sage's eyes?... Did you encounter this boy, Nagato?" Tsunade asked.
It was just a legend, after all. Tsunade clearly wasn't overly interested in the Sage's eyes. To her, the Rinnegan was probably just another dōjutsu. It wasn't that Tsunade didn't take it seriously, but the era was too distant, almost unreal. Besides, ninja using dōjutsu weren't unheard of in the shinobi world. In Tsunade's view, the Rinnegan was likely just some unknown eye technique.
"No, I only encountered Konan," Jiraiya shook his head. "We can't even be certain Nagato is in Amegakure right now."
Tsunade leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, silent.
"However, one thing is certain: they don't want the outside world to know about the changes in Amegakure," Jiraiya recalled his brief exchange with Konan. "And now we know. I'm not the Hokage; what happens next is your decision, Tsunade."
Tsunade felt slightly exasperated by Jiraiya's hands-off attitude. "They were your students, weren't they? Are you deciding to wash your hands of them?"
Jiraiya waved his hand dismissively. "Although I don't know why Konan changed so drastically, it seems they've achieved their original ideals. Diplomacy isn't my strong suit. If you need intelligence gathering, you can come to me."
The situation in Amegakure was unclear. Only by gathering more information could they determine the next course of action. Although Jiraiya was eager to know what had become of them, he had more pressing matters now. Still, if Tsunade needed reconnaissance, he would go.
"Forget it for now," Tsunade shook her head. "Let's put this matter aside for the time being. I'll have the ANBU keep a constant watch on Amegakure's movements."
Tsunade understood Jiraiya had more important tasks, such as teaching Naruto how to utilize the Tailed Beast's power. Compared to the mythical Sage's eyes, the Jinchūriki were the immediate priority. Amegakure, ultimately, was just a small hidden village; keeping an eye on it would suffice.
"In that case, I'll take my leave," Jiraiya turned, giving Tsunade a wave and showing her his back.
"By the way, you should probably go see Sakura. She seemed quite worried about you while you were gone," Tsunade called out as Jiraiya was about to leave.
"Oh?" Jiraiya looked slightly surprised but nodded. "Got it."
"Sakura-chan, what are you doing here?"
A familiar voice called out from afar, pulling Sakura from her reverie back to reality. On the other end of the bridge, Naruto was waving at her.
"Spacing out," Sakura rolled her eyes at Naruto and stretched her neck.
"Spacing out?" Naruto paused, then grinned cheekily. "Kakashi-sensei finally gave us a day off. Why don't we... go on a date?"
"Sure. You must have saved up quite a bit from the recent missions, right?" Sakura didn't refuse Naruto's grinning invitation. What does this brat know about dating anyway? Besides, I'm kind of hungry. For some reason, I've been constantly hungry since coming back from the Land of Grass.
"Y-You agreed?" Naruto blinked, surprised Sakura had accepted so readily. A moment later, excitement surged through him.
"Let's go. Lead the way," Sakura said nonchalantly.
The two walked side-by-side down the Konoha street, Naruto brimming with excitement while Sakura followed with her hands laced behind her head, listening to his ceaseless chatter.
"Sakura-chan, I know this super delicious place..." "Sakura-chan, I heard you brought someone back..." "Sakura-chan, while you were gone, Kiba came looking for me every day..." "Sakura-chan, do you like ramen..." "Sakura-chan......"
Sakura listened patiently to Naruto's rambling. Seeing how happy he was, she felt a strange twinge of sadness.
No, no, when did I become so sentimental? Ugh, whatever. I'm just here to freeload a meal.
"I wonder what Pervy Sage is up to. Haven't seen him in ages. He promised to help me train, and now Sasuke's almost leaving me in the dust," Naruto finally complained.
"Lord Jiraiya, huh." Hearing Naruto mention Jiraiya, Sakura felt a flicker of worry herself. But with Lord Jiraiya's strength, it's impossible for him to disappear without a trace. He should be fine... right? Sakura could only console herself with that thought.
"So, you brat actually remembers me!"
A voice boomed from behind them. Sakura turned to see Jiraiya himself. Talk about perfect timing. Speak of the devil...
"Lord Jiraiya!" "Pervy Sage!"
Naruto's eyes lit up with delight upon seeing Jiraiya, but then he immediately pointed and yelled, "Hey, Pervy Sage! You're way too irresponsible! You promised to help me train, then you just vanished! Sasuke's almost surpassed me now!"
"Idiot! Didn't I already teach you the Rasengan? Training is ultimately up to you!" Jiraiya retorted, just as loudly.
Seeing Jiraiya unharmed and looking well, Sakura breathed a sigh of relief.
"Alright, stop arguing, you two. Naruto, since we ran into Lord Jiraiya, let's all go together," Sakura called out to them.
"Huh? No way! This is supposed to be our date," Naruto's face instantly fell.
"Eh? A date?" Jiraiya looked as if he'd discovered a new continent. He glanced between Naruto and Sakura, a lecherous grin spreading across his face.
"We're just going to eat," Sakura snapped, wishing she could punch that smug look right off Jiraiya's face.
"Ahem! Naruto, since it's a date, as your master, I absolutely must teach you the finer points of dating! To ensure effectiveness, I will personally supervise you throughout the entire process," Jiraiya spouted nonsense with a perfectly straight face.
"No! No way, Pervy Sage! This is my first date with Sakura-chan!" Naruto immediately objected, resolutely refusing.
"Idiot," Jiraiya slung an arm around Naruto's neck, dragging him aside. "Don't you want a second date? A third? Let me guide you, and I guarantee you'll be able to ask Sakura out anytime you want."
"Really?" Naruto hesitated, looking uncertainly at Jiraiya's earnest expression.
"When have I ever lied to you? Bring me along this time, and I'll guide your training too. Surpassing Sasuke will be a piece of cake," Jiraiya declared confidently.
"Well... okay then," Naruto finally succumbed to the lure of Jiraiya's training guidance.
"Can we please go now?" Sakura glared daggers at the smirking Jiraiya, all her earlier worry completely evaporated.
The trio arrived at a Yakiniku BBQ restaurant. It was noon, and the place was incredibly busy.
Sakura glanced up at the sign; it seemed to be a new establishment. A discount sign stood by the entrance. No wonder it's so packed. New places usually offer good opening discounts, naturally attracting more people.
Pushing open the door, they saw that nearly every seat was taken. The hostess approached apologetically. "I'm so sorry, we're completely full right now. You'll have to wait for a table."
"Aw, man! Why are there so many people?!" Naruto looked crestfallen.
Jiraiya smirked triumphantly at the scene, then leaned in to whisper to Naruto, "Young man, you lack experience. For a date, you must first choose a place that's quiet and has ambiance. Remember that."
Jiraiya's smug expression made Sakura roll her eyes, but Naruto absorbed the advice eagerly, nodding sincerely. His initial disappointment vanished instantly.
"So what do we do now, Pervy Sage?" Naruto looked expectantly at Jiraiya.
Basking in Naruto's admiring gaze, Jiraiya practically puffed up with pride. "Come on," he declared, chest out, "I'll take you somewhere suitable for a date."
Sakura buried her face in her hands, speechless. Just as she was about to refuse, a familiar voice called out from inside the restaurant.
"Hey, Sakura! Naruto!"
Sakura focused her gaze and saw Kiba calling their names. Beside him were his teammates, Shino and Hinata, along with Kurenai-sensei.
"Hey, it's Kiba! Let's go join their table; it looks pretty big," Sakura dashed over before Naruto or Jiraiya could react.
Naruto looked reluctant, but Jiraiya leaned in again. "The first impression on a date is crucial! Never do anything the girl doesn't want to do, understand?"
Naruto instantly perked up. "Got it, Pervy Sage!"
The two followed Sakura.
Arriving at Kiba's table, Sakura discovered it wasn't just Team 8; all the members of Team 10 – Asuma's squad – were there too.
"Huh? What are you all doing here, looking so relaxed?" Sakura asked, surprised. Getting both full teams together wasn't easy. She hadn't expected Asuma's team to be present as well.
"Our two teams just completed a joint B-rank mission, so Asuma-sensei decided to treat everyone," Shikamaru explained lazily.
"Mind if we join you guys? There aren't any other tables," Sakura asked brazenly, desperate to prevent Jiraiya from leading things further astray.
"No problem, please sit," Asuma nodded, then noticed Naruto and Jiraiya approaching. "Lord Jiraiya, when did you get back? Are you with Sakura?"
"Hahaha, yes, just got back! Don't mind if we join your table, do you?" Jiraiya laughed heartily.
"Of course not, please, have a seat," Asuma said politely.
This was likely the largest table in the restaurant, easily seating a dozen people without feeling crowded. Sakura spotted an empty seat next to Ino and slid in.
Naruto saw this and moved to squeeze in next to Sakura.
"You. Sit next to Hinata," Sakura ordered coolly, pointing to an empty spot beside Hinata. There are plenty of seats, why does he have to crowd me? Looking for a beating?
Naruto was about to argue but suddenly remembered Pervy Sage's words. Resigned, he obediently sat down next to Hinata.
"Heh heh, Asuma, I didn't expect this," Jiraiya waggled his eyebrows suggestively at Asuma and Kurenai across the table.
"Ahem, we're just having a meal," Asuma replied awkwardly.
"Hehe, I get it, I get it," Jiraiya, the experienced old hand of Konoha, patted Asuma's shoulder with a sly grin.
The members of Team 8 and Team 10 had varied reactions.
Choji was stuffing his face, completely oblivious to the table's atmosphere. Shino silently worked his way through the food. Kiba, after his initial greeting to Sakura, had fallen silent, focusing on the grilled meat. "Man, what a drag," Shikamaru sighed, glancing between Asuma-sensei and Kurenai-sensei. Ino looked disgusted by the sickeningly sweet scent of romance hanging in the air, suddenly losing her appetite for BBQ. Sakura, like Choji, was wholeheartedly digging in, utterly unaffected by the romantic undertones.
Naruto, also hungry, was devouring the food when he suddenly sensed something amiss beside him. He turned to Hinata and saw her looking down, trembling all over, shifting uncomfortably in her seat.
"Huh? Hinata, what's wrong? Are you sick?" Naruto asked, looking puzzled.
"I... I..." Hinata slowly, painstakingly turned her lowered head towards Naruto, her cheeks completely flushed.
"Why is your face so red?!" Naruto asked, startled. "Do you have a fever?"
"I... I... I... I..." Hinata's face was crimson, and she was trembling so violently she couldn't form a complete sentence. Suddenly, her eyes fluttered closed, and she started slumping towards the table. Across from them, Sakura caught the movement out of the corner of her eye and swiftly employed the secret technique she'd painstakingly practiced for nine years.
Non-elemental chakra release.
She subtly altered the direction of Hinata's fall. Hinata collapsed directly into Naruto's arms.
"Hey, Hinata! Hey, Hinata!" Naruto anxiously called her name, looking down at the girl in his arms. He placed his hand on her forehead.
In her daze, Hinata felt herself fall into someone's embrace, felt a hand touch her forehead. Forcing herself to stay somewhat conscious, she managed to open her eyes slightly and found herself in Naruto's arms, his hand resting on her forehead.
Naruto... kun... N-No... she cried out weakly in her mind, then her eyes rolled back, and she fainted completely.
Sakura looked at Hinata lying in Naruto's arms and nodded inwardly, contemplating how Hinata could possibly repay her for this.
Ah, whatever. It's not like Hinata has anything I need anyway. Can't be helped.