"Tsunade?"
When Jiraiya saw Tsunade as a young girl, a look of nostalgia flashed in his eyes. The last time he had seen Tsunade so young was... well, the last time.
Ahem, that was over forty years ago.
Back then, they were all young, vibrant, and ambitious. It was a time that brought him a pang of nostalgia.
"Tsunade?"
Naruto was quite surprised.
Jiraiya seemed to know this girl. She must be a friend.
But wasn't the girl's name Tsunade?
After taking a closer look at the "young lady," Naruto suddenly realized it was a Transformation Jutsu.
The chakra control was excellent. If you didn't look carefully, even he would have been fooled!
Was it because she was transforming into herself and was very familiar with her own form?
Naruto thought about it. With such powerful chakra control, and the fact that she almost fooled him, it could only be the legendary medical ninja—Tsunade.
"Jiraiya? Why are you here?"
Tsunade didn't expect to see her old friend in such a place at such a time.
Just now, Jiraiya...
He seemed to have greeted this boy. Did they know each other?
When Tsunade glanced at the boy she wanted to take as her student, her "big brother"—Naruto Uzumaki—her face flushed.
Jiraiya didn't know what Tsunade was thinking, but since he had finally found her, he wouldn't let her just run off.
"I finally found you. I'm exhausted."
Jiraiya let out a sigh of relief and asked, "Want to go for a drink?"
The scene changed.
Inside an unknown izakaya.
It was around eight or nine in the evening. There weren't many customers inside; few people came to drink at this hour.
In a private room, Naruto, Jiraiya, and Tsunade were seated, along with a woman named Shizune, who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, and a pig that was eating on the table.
The four people and one pig sat quietly.
Some of them were eating or drinking sake.
Naruto's gaze was on the opposite side of the table.
Shizune was the last one to be found. Naruto didn't know her, but Danzo's memories contained a lot of information about her.
She was the niece of Tsunade's deceased boyfriend, Dan Kato, and a former classmate of Kakashi.
She had been following Tsunade ever since Tsunade left Konoha.
Naruto's gaze left Shizune and moved to the small pig that was happily eating.
The pig was wearing clothes and jewelry. It clearly wasn't ordinary. Naruto thought it must be some kind of summoned creature.
Jiraiya's summoned creature was a toad, Orochimaru's was a snake, so Tsunade's was a pig?
As members of the Sannin, their summoned creatures should at least be on par in terms of combat ability, so was this pig very powerful?
Naruto's chakra senses gave him no information. Uh, he didn't sense anything.
Was it a pet?
It couldn't be emergency rations, could it?
The little pig, who seemed to notice Naruto's gaze, raised its head and met his eyes.
The person and the pig looked at each other in silence. Naruto quietly shifted his gaze to Tsunade.
She had returned to her original appearance and was drinking sake, cup after cup.
Naruto looked at her curiously. Golden hair, a young face of about twenty-three or twenty-four.
This face was similar to the one he had seen in the dueling arena.
Naruto observed her closely and found that there wasn't much change between her current face and her teenage form from before.
No wonder Jiraiya could recognize her at a glance. If Naruto had been more familiar with her, he probably could have too.
However, Naruto's gaze moved slightly downward, where something was unconsciously attracting all attention.
It was a pair of snowy miracles.
She was completely flat as a teenager, but how had she suddenly grown so much?
How did she get so big? What did she usually eat?
He had a friend who was very curious!
Yes, that's right, Sakura would definitely want to know.
Slap—
"Brat, what are you looking at?!" Tsunade slammed her empty sake cup on the table.
"Nothing..."
Naruto guiltily averted his gaze, picked up his chopsticks, and grabbed a piece of radish, praising, "This appetizer radish is delicious!"
"Hmph!"
With a snort, Tsunade picked up her cup and filled it again.
"Thank you for waiting."
The waiter brought a small dish, breaking the awkward atmosphere between the four of them.
Gulp~
Tsunade took another drink, and her cheeks turned red.
"Lady Tsunade, please drink a little less!" Shizune reached out to persuade her.
But Tsunade pushed her hand away. "Don't mind me! I'm happy to see an old friend today!"
This temper...
Although Naruto had met Tsunade in the dueling arena, the AI and the real person were far from identical.
So this is the personality of one of the Sannin, Tsunade?
Naruto glanced at everyone at the table and chose to keep his mouth shut.
He was focused on his purpose for being here—to cause trouble, to make sure Tsunade didn't become the Hokage!
How could he achieve this goal?
He knew too little about Tsunade, so Naruto decided to observe first.
And then, he would improvise as he saw fit!
"Speaking of which..."
Tsunade paused. Just as she was about to pour her sake, she realized her cup was empty. Seeing this, she looked up at Jiraiya. "Jiraiya, why are you here?"
As if she had suddenly thought of something, she started to laugh. "Don't tell me you're here to 'research' for a new book at the local red-light district?"
"Hahahaha," Jiraiya laughed heartily.
He picked up the sake cup and filled Tsunade's empty one. "I had that thought, but I'm here for another reason this time."
Naruto, who had just picked up his chopsticks, couldn't help but look at him.
My teacher Jiraiya is really something! He doesn't even try to hide his perverted nature in front of the woman he loves!
I'm impressed!
"Have you all read the newspaper?" Jiraiya whispered.
Tsunade took a drink. "What newspaper?"
"The Ninja World Daily..."
"I haven't read it! What is it? Just say it!" Tsunade said she didn't even have enough time to gamble and win her money back, so how could she have time to read the newspaper?
No, it should be: How could she have the money to buy a newspaper?
Wouldn't it be better to save that money to make her fortune back?
Besides, the newspapers she remembered were worthless.
Jiraiya had expected Tsunade's attitude. His expression didn't change as he stared at Tsunade and spoke, word by word.
"I'll be direct. Tsunade, the village wants you to become the Fifth Hokage!"
The Fifth Hokage?
Shizune, who had been observing the two of them, shrank her pupils. She looked at Tsunade in surprise, unable to believe what she was hearing.
Hokage!
That was the pinnacle of all shinobi in Konoha!
Naruto carefully watched Tsunade. He saw her eyes widen, and the movement of her hand holding the sake cup paused.
But it was only for a moment.
The next second, she picked up her freshly poured cup and drank it all.
She's good at keeping her composure, Naruto thought to himself. He couldn't read her mind at all. It didn't seem like she was a person who was eager to become Hokage.
Seeing that Tsunade hadn't answered, Jiraiya started to appeal to her emotions.
"The Third Hokage, he..."
At this point, Jiraiya suddenly stopped and sighed, attracting Naruto's attention.
Naruto tilted his head, looking strangely at the sad-faced Jiraiya.
Hey, Teacher Jiraiya, are you okay?
Why do you sound like the Third Hokage is dead?
Due to Jiraiya's misleading tone, the two women believed him.
"The Third Hokage, he?"
Tsunade didn't show much, but Shizune spoke up. She looked at Jiraiya with concern, her expression clearly asking: Did the Third die?
"That's right. Orochimaru's plan to destroy Konoha caused huge losses for the entire village!" Jiraiya said with a serious expression and a nod.
"Huh?"
At that moment, Naruto's expression was that of a confused meme.
What?
Was Konoha that badly off?
He, the person who was there, was sitting right here! How was this old man Jiraiya making up stories to garner sympathy?
Naruto felt he had to step in and offer his two cents.
"Pervert Sage! Isn't Grandpa Hokage doing just fine? Why does it sound like he's dead when you say it?"
"Huh?"
The Third Hokage isn't dead?
The grieving Shizune didn't react for a moment. She stared blankly at Naruto, then looked at Jiraiya for confirmation.
With the truth exposed by Naruto, Jiraiya scratched his head with a wry smile, not showing a hint of embarrassment on his face, which was as thick as a fortress wall. "I don't think I said the Third died, did I?"
"Huh?"
Tsunade and Shizune glared at him furiously.
Heh, what a liar!
Naruto continued his attack. "And Orochimaru has already been captured, so Konoha's losses aren't that bad. It sounds like the whole village was wiped out when you say it."
As soon as Naruto finished speaking, a questioning glare shot toward Jiraiya. It was from Shizune.
After he said it, Naruto watched Tsunade's reaction.
He found that she didn't seem to care much.
Tsunade's fingers traced the rim of her sake cup. She glanced at Naruto and asked Jiraiya, "Who is this brat?"
Brat?
This name made Naruto's chopstick movements a beat slower. Brat? Who was it that was just calling him big brother?
"He is Naruto Uzumaki."
Naruto, Naruto, Naruto Uzumaki?
She knew the name Naruto from the casinos, where everyone called him "Naruto-sama," but the surname—Uzumaki?
As one of the Sannin, Tsunade knew a lot of Konoha's secrets, so she immediately knew who Naruto was.
The Nine-Tails' jinchuriki!
"Well? Isn't this kid great?" Seeing Tsunade notice his disciple, Jiraiya bragged with a proud look on his face.
How do you know I have a new disciple?
This is my disciple—the savior—the most talented person in the world—the living God of Shinobi—Naruto Uzumaki!
Do you have a disciple this strong?
He wanted to properly introduce his disciple, but remembering his purpose, Jiraiya returned to the main topic.
He reiterated, "I'll say it again. The order is for you to become the Fifth Hokage! Tsunade, you're the one! What's your answer?"
"Impossible! I refuse!" Tsunade's answer was firm.
Really? Naruto's eyes lit up.
Seeing that Tsunade's expression wasn't a lie, Naruto suddenly felt unexpectedly relieved.
Since Tsunade herself didn't want the position, his mission would be a lot easier.
"I remember. When I confessed to you in the past, you always gave me the same answer." Jiraiya wasn't surprised by this result. He said jokingly.
As one of the Sannin, Jiraiya was naturally familiar with Tsunade's past.
Finding Tsunade and getting her to become Hokage was not an easy task; otherwise, they would have just sent anyone. Why would they need him to do it?
Seeing that Jiraiya was about to try to rekindle their old relationship, Naruto decisively interrupted. "Teacher Jiraiya, since Grandma Tsunade... ahem."
Under Tsunade's terrifying gaze, Naruto quickly changed his address.
"Since Sister Tsunade has refused, let's just go back. After all, the village has a better candidate for Hokage. He's handsome, has great abilities, and can definitely lead Konoha to glory and make it great again!"
"Brat! You're talking about yourself, aren't you?!"
Jiraiya was speechless. He had been wandering the ninja world for so many years and had never seen anyone praise themselves like this.
"That's right, it's me."
"Wait, brat." Tsunade looked at Naruto in surprise. "You're saying you want to be Hokage?"
Before Naruto could answer, Tsunade turned to Jiraiya for confirmation. "Even if you don't become Hokage, is this brat the only person left in Konoha who can be Hokage? What about Kakashi? Are they all dead?"
Jiraiya was speechless.
These two were chosen by the jōnin. If Tsunade didn't go back to be Hokage, then the only remaining choice would be Naruto, right?
Jiraiya chose his words carefully. "Kakashi is fine, but Naruto is right. If you don't go back, he's the only person who can be Hokage!"
"How old is this brat?"
"Twelve years old!"
Twelve years old? He's barely out of the academy. Has he even become a chunin? And he wants to be Hokage?
Tsunade felt as if the whole world was playing a joke on her.
What had she missed these past few days?
At most, I just lost a few dozen times in a row, losing all my money again. Has the outside world changed that much?
But... after just one thought, Tsunade no longer cared.
She had long stopped wanting to pay attention to Konoha's affairs.
However, this brat who wanted to be Hokage was not ordinary.
"This child seems very different from your previous disciples?" Tsunade asked, trying to test him.
Whether it was Jiraiya's proud expression, the 12-year-old boy who was about to become Hokage, or the amazing gambling skills he showed in the casino, it all showed that this child was different.
"Of course. This is my most proud disciple, and there's a good chance he's the legendary savior."
A savior?
Tsunade was slightly stunned by the words. Her movements slowed as she poured sake.
She knew that Jiraiya had spent his entire life searching for those three words. Had he found him now?
A person who is called a savior at twelve years old... Tsunade took a long look at Naruto.
This kid seems to have nothing special about him besides being cute.
"So, what's your answer?" Jiraiya asked again.
"I think I've already answered."
Jiraiya opened his mouth to say something, but he looked at Naruto, his troublesome rival for the Hokage position, and stopped himself.
He suddenly said to Naruto and Shizune, "The two of you go outside first. I want to talk to Tsunade alone."
What? What the heck?
I, Naruto, want to be involved too!
Although he didn't want to leave, under Jiraiya's warning gaze, Naruto still walked out the door.
As soon as he was outside, Naruto wanted to use his abilities to listen in on their conversation, but Shizune interrupted him.
"Your name is Naruto Uzumaki, right?"
"Yeah," Naruto replied indifferently.
I have important things to do. I don't have time to chat with you.
However, Shizune seemed to be unable to read the room and continued to ramble.
"I have something to tell you. You might have the wrong impression of Lady Tsunade. She's actually a very good person..."
Then, she started to tell the story of Tsunade's past.
Naruto was speechless. He wanted to listen in on confidential information and prepare his countermeasures! How could he have time to listen to this story?
Although, the story was a little interesting.
A medical ninja with a phobia of blood? Oh, Danzo's intelligence also mentioned that.
Wait a minute.
By the time Shizune finished telling her story, the two of them had come out.
"Tsunade, I'll be waiting for your answer. The deadline is in three days," Jiraiya reminded her before they parted.
"Got it."
Tsunade and Shizune left without even waving goodbye.
"Pervert Sage, do we have to wait for three days? Since Grandma Tsunade refused, isn't it better if we just go back?"
Jiraiya's face was lined with black. I can see that this brat really wants to be Hokage!
"Naruto, three days. No matter what the answer is, we'll leave in three days!"
Seeing that the result couldn't be changed, Naruto could only reply, "Okay."
That night, Naruto still went home to sleep.
As for Jiraiya? Even though he was in the same town as the woman he loved, he still lingered in the red-light district.
For three days, Naruto treated it like a vacation.
While waiting for the village's response, he also conducted a field study in the town of Tanzaku Gai.
He would inspect it carefully and then replicate it in the Land of Grass in the future!
What he didn't expect was that before he received Tsunade's answer, he was approached by a negotiation team from the Village Hidden in the Sand.
"You must be Naruto Uzumaki, right?"
Looking at the dusty team with headbands all bearing the Sand Village's symbol, Naruto was confused.
Why are these people looking for me?