Richard stood and followed Tsunade out of the Hokage's office.
Soon, they left the building and headed toward the entertainment district.
En route, Tsunade frowned. "I examined Kakashi this afternoon. His condition is concerning. He'll likely be bedridden for at least a month."
"That's to be expected. Itachi Uchiha's Tsukuyomi represents the pinnacle of genjutsu-based mental assault."
"Kakashi's survival alone is remarkable after experiencing Tsukuyomi."
Richard replied.
Though Itachi had appeared merciless, Richard knew he had actually shown restraint.
Otherwise, Kakashi wouldn't have survived the Tsukuyomi.
After all, had Itachi prolonged Kakashi's torture within the Tsukuyomi realm, his spirit would have shattered from unbearable agony.
When the spirit dies, the body follows.
"Sai mentioned that during your confrontation with Itachi, you stated Tsukuyomi cannot affect individuals whose spiritual fortitude exceeds the caster's," Tsunade immediately inquired.
"How exceptional must one's spirit and will be to resist Tsukuyomi?"
"Immunity to Tsukuyomi through spiritual resilience is currently exclusive to me, so don't consider that approach viable for others."
"Though I may appear perpetually idle and carefree, my spirit and will exceed anyone you've encountered," Richard responded with complete seriousness.
Though truthful, his statement earned an eye-roll from Tsunade.
She didn't deny Richard's extraordinary power—indeed, she acknowledged he surpassed both herself and Jiraiya.
However, she remained skeptical that his spiritual fortitude exceeded everyone she'd known.
In her estimation, the First Hokage Hashirama's spirit and will certainly rivaled Richard's.
Though Tsunade had merely rolled her eyes dismissively, paired with her appearance and physique, even this gesture carried a certain charm.
The eye-rolls of beautiful women invariably possess more appeal than those of ordinary individuals.
"Besides yourself, who else in the village could defeat Itachi Uchiha in single combat?" Tsunade asked, frowning as she changed the subject.
Tsunade wasn't particularly surprised by Kakashi's defeat.
After all, Itachi had already possessed elite jonin-level abilities before "defecting" from Konoha.
The troubling aspect was how instantaneously Kakashi had fallen.
For Tsunade, as Fifth Hokage, this represented a significant concern.
"Both you and Jiraiya could potentially defeat him."
"However, success would depend entirely on specific circumstances."
"Beyond you two, Guy could manage it."
"If your probability of defeating Itachi is merely 50%, Guy's would approach 100%."
Richard stated gravely.
Hearing his response, Tsunade's expression registered surprise.
"Are the Eight Inner Gates truly that formidable?" she asked.
"Absolutely."
"When Guy opens the Eighth Gate of Death and enters the 'Eight Gates Released Formation,' his power vastly exceeds all Five Kage combined."
"However, opening the Eighth Gate results in death."
"Unless someone can provide immediate treatment as his life force extinguishes."
Richard explained calmly.
Beyond Guy himself, Richard was likely the only person in Konoha who comprehended the full terror of Guy's ultimate power.
Not merely Itachi Uchiha, but even Madara Uchiha as the Ten-Tails Jinchūriki had nearly faced defeat from Guy.
In fact, had Guy's "Night Guy" technique struck Madara's head rather than his torso, Madara might never have uttered his famous acknowledgment:
"In terms of taijutsu, among those who've fought me, none surpass you. I, Madara, acknowledge you as the strongest!"
When Richard finished speaking, Tsunade reflected: "Though I've never practiced the Eight Inner Gates myself, I've studied the technique in the Forbidden Scroll and understand that opening the Eighth Gate results in certain death."
"You've mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique and must have learned the Eight Gates as well."
"Would you also perish after opening the Eighth Gate?"
Richard turned toward Tsunade, smiling slightly. "Do you genuinely wish for my demise?"
"No, merely curious," Tsunade quickly replied.
"Since you're so interested, I'll tell you."
"The answer is no."
"My vitality and spiritual energy transcend your comprehension."
"The Eighth Gate cannot claim my life."
Richard explained.
Though he'd never deployed the Eight Gates in actual combat, shortly after learning the technique, he had deliberately tested its full potential—opening the Eighth Gate of Death and executing the ultimate "Night Guy" technique.
After performing "Night Guy," he had only expended a fraction of his vitality, feeling mild fatigue without any other symptoms.
"You've opened the Eighth Gate?" Tsunade asked, astonishment evident in her expression.
"Yes."
"Like you, I harbored curiosity about this question, so I deliberately opened the Eighth Gate to experience it firsthand."
Richard stated calmly.
Madman!
Tsunade inwardly exclaimed upon hearing Richard's admission.
Opening the Eighth Gate merely to satisfy curiosity!
No descriptor beyond "madman" adequately captured Richard in Tsunade's estimation.
After her silent judgment, Tsunade changed topics, sharing her frustrations as Hokage.
She detailed recent village challenges, unreasonable demands from elders Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane, and lamented how long it had been since she'd enjoyed gambling at a casino.
Richard patiently assumed the role of listener, sympathizing with Tsunade's complaints about the council elders.
Before they realized it, they had arrived at the entertainment district.
Outside a traditional izakaya, they spotted Jiraiya, who had arrived ahead of them.
Compared to three years prior, Jiraiya appeared unchanged.
Though he lacked Tsunade's Strength of a Hundred Seal, three years had left no visible aging on him.
Watching Richard and Tsunade approach together, momentary displeasure flickered across Jiraiya's features.
He had anticipated an evening alone with Tsunade.
Clearly, his expectations had been misplaced.
"Shouldn't you be accompanying that purple-haired girl?" Jiraiya immediately asked Richard as they approached.
Though Yugao wasn't particularly young at twenty-five, Jiraiya—well over fifty—felt perfectly justified referring to her as a "girl."
"Yugao left the village on a mission," Richard replied, noticing Jiraiya's flash of annoyance.
As Jiraiya prepared to continue, Tsunade interjected.
"How have you fared during your three-year absence?" she asked Jiraiya.
"Quite well. Naruto is remarkably spirited," Jiraiya promptly responded.
"We can discuss this inside," Tsunade said, entering the izakaya first.
Jiraiya followed without hesitation.
Richard entered casually after them.
Inside, Tsunade selected a window-adjacent table and sat down.
Jiraiya approached, intending to sit beside Tsunade.
Before he could settle, Tsunade gestured toward the opposite seat. "Would you prefer sitting across from me?"
"I don't want to sit across from you," Jiraiya immediately replied.
"Then I'll sit across from you," Tsunade stated, standing to change positions.
"No, I'll sit across from you," Jiraiya quickly amended.
He then glared briefly at Richard. "Sit with me."
"I'll sit wherever I choose," Richard responded.
"No, sit beside me," Tsunade directed, indicating the seat adjacent to her.
Richard observed Jiraiya's meaningful glances and Tsunade's composed expression, then sighed resignedly.
Under Jiraiya's watchful gaze, he seated himself beside Tsunade.
Though uncertain why Tsunade insisted on this arrangement, one thing became evident—Jiraiya's attitude toward him was deteriorating rapidly.
Jiraiya inhaled deeply and seated himself opposite Tsunade and Richard.
After placing their orders with the server, Jiraiya immediately recounted his experiences over the past three years.
His narrative included his guidance of Naruto, their adventures, and why he had purchased souvenirs for Tsunade.
Throughout these three years, Jiraiya hadn't returned to Konoha.
However, whenever they visited a new location, he acquired local specialties as gifts for Tsunade.
Tsunade had previously mentioned this to Richard—or more accurately, lamented Jiraiya's questionable taste.
Tsunade recognized that Jiraiya had harbored feelings for her since childhood.
Yet she had never reciprocated these sentiments.
From her perspective, Jiraiya remained simply a cherished friend from her youth.
Beyond that, she'd never entertained deeper possibilities.
As Jiraiya narrated his experiences, Richard and Tsunade listened quietly, offering minimal commentary.
When Jiraiya concluded his account, Tsunade acknowledged, "You've worked diligently these past three years."
"Not at all, not at all," Jiraiya quickly dismissed.
He then raised his sake cup and clinked glasses with Tsunade.
"During my travels, I heard this young man has been challenging shinobi from other villages indiscriminately. Are you simply ignoring this behavior?"
"If he continues provoking others, the remaining villages may develop grievances with Konoha because of him."
Jiraiya addressed Tsunade.
"Richard isn't affiliated with Konoha's shinobi forces. I have no authority to restrict his actions," Tsunade promptly responded.
"But he resides permanently in Konoha," Jiraiya pressed.
Tsunade turned toward Richard. "Perhaps you should explain."
"There's nothing complex to explain."
"Yes, I've engaged the Kage and Jinchūriki of various villages in combat, but I've never killed them—merely challenged them to test our respective abilities."
"Moreover, I don't believe my actions have damaged Konoha's reputation."
"If memory serves, since my rise to prominence, commissions from foreign nations to Konoha have actually increased."
Richard stated calmly.
He understood Jiraiya's sudden concern.
Jiraiya had raised this issue before Tsunade because he viewed Richard as a romantic rival vying for Tsunade's affections.
Though Richard and Tsunade weren't involved, Jiraiya still perceived an imminent threat, sensing Tsunade's potential interest in Richard.
"True, you haven't killed anyone, but outsiders won't perceive your actions as mere challenges. They'll conclude that Konoha shinobi exploit their power to intimidate others," Jiraiya countered swiftly.
"Their interpretations are their concern. I'm not divine—I cannot control their thoughts," Richard replied evenly.
"Regardless, you still—" Jiraiya began.
Before he could finish, Tsunade interrupted.
"Enough of this topic. Let's enjoy our drinks," she said, raising her cup toward both men.
Time passed steadily.
After more than two hours at the izakaya, they departed.
"May I escort you home?" Jiraiya asked Tsunade.
"No need. You should rest early."
With that, Tsunade strode toward her residence without allowing Jiraiya opportunity for further discussion.
Under the watchful eyes of Richard and Jiraiya, Tsunade quickly vanished from sight.
Following her departure, Richard and Jiraiya separated wordlessly, returning to their respective homes.
Richard had no intention of walking slowly back. Instead, he activated his flight ability and soared toward his residence.
However, after covering minimal distance, he spotted Tsunade standing roadside, waving to him.
Upon seeing her, Richard descended before Tsunade. "Is something else required?"
"Yes."
"Walk with me a while."
Though uncertain of Tsunade's intentions, Richard didn't refuse, simply nodding.
After walking silently for over ten minutes, Tsunade asked, "Do you think I should marry Jiraiya?"
Richard regarded Tsunade with surprise, then replied carefully: "Whether to marry Jiraiya remains entirely your decision."
"If you're soliciting my opinion, I can only say I cannot provide a definitive answer."
"Because either choice carries both advantages and disadvantages."
Hearing his response, Tsunade pressed: "Elaborate on these pros and cons."
"Regarding remaining unmarried—the advantage lies in avoiding forced compatibility. The disadvantage is potentially losing a man who genuinely loves you."
"Marriage's advantage is avoiding solitude in your later years. Its disadvantage is that you and Jiraiya would share constant proximity as husband and wife."
Richard explained carefully.
Though he had outlined both scenarios' merits and drawbacks, Tsunade had clearly focused on a specific detail.
"Die alone?"
"You severely underestimate me. I'm hardly lacking in appeal!"
Tsunade retorted immediately.
"This isn't a question of attractiveness, but rather position and power."
"You're the Hokage, with strength vastly exceeding others. Potential suitors require not only courage but comparable strength and status."
"Besides, your actual age is—"
Before Richard could finish, Tsunade's fair, delicate right fist—containing astonishing power—launched toward him.
Though her strike came swiftly, Richard's reaction proved faster.
Before her fist could connect, Richard raised his right hand, catching her attack mid-delivery.
BOOM!
A resonant impact echoed like a war drum.
"Now perhaps you understand why I mentioned that any potential partner would require matching strength."
"Otherwise, a minor domestic disagreement might prove fatal for them."
Richard continued.
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