The Sand shinobi left, limping. Three of them had fainted and were unlikely to wake up for three days. The other two had no choice but to carry them away on their backs.
Watching them leave, Naruto chuckled to himself.
The pieces were in place, just waiting for the results. Soon, a war would break out! That day was not far off.
Once the group was out of sight, Naruto slowly turned his head and looked at a figure hidden around the corner.
"Come out! Stop hiding!" he called out.
"So you found me?"
Tsunade walked out from behind the wall, flexing her wrists, looking like she wanted to fight but hadn't. Naruto stared at the young yet not-so-young woman, no, old lady. She had been following him since this morning for no apparent reason. If she was interested in becoming Hokage, she should have been negotiating with Jiraiya, so why was she following him?
Tsunade walked over, crossing her arms and making her most prominent features stand out, which drew a steady gaze from the ever-so-virtuous Naruto. Unaware of his attention, she looked at the departing group and asked, "They're from the Hidden Sand Village, right?"
"That's right."
Tsunade then turned her head to look at Naruto, who was now as tall as she was. "What did they want with you?"
Tsunade had seen everything that happened just now. She couldn't understand it. Naruto barely lifted a finger, yet those people all collapsed to their knees. How did this kid do it? A genjutsu? Or something else?
"I don't know!"
Naruto flashed a brilliant smile, as if what just happened had nothing to do with him. "They came over, saw me, and immediately fell to their knees. They were crying and begging me to sign a contract. They wanted to give me a lot of money and even a free piece of land." Naruto shrugged, his expression one of helplessness. "I was forced into a corner, so I had no choice but to sign the contract."
Hearing this, Tsunade's forehead was instantly filled with dark lines. This kid! Although she was behind him and couldn't see his face, she had watched everything with her own eyes. Were the Sand shinobi truly moved to tears? No, they were crying out of fear!
Tsk!
Tsunade sighed. Jiraiya was right. This kid really was different! His mischievous and wicked personality was a far cry from Minato's!
Looking at a face so similar to Minato's, Tsunade recalled her conversation with Jiraiya three days ago.
"Tsunade, I'm certain that Naruto is the Child of Prophecy!" Jiraiya said with a serious expression, as if stating a fact.
"Oh really?" Tsunade took a sip of her wine, casually looking at Jiraiya. "You said the same thing after you came back from the Land of Rain. You said the same thing about Minato back then, but what was the result?"
The result? Jiraiya asked himself. The three Amegakure orphans were all reported to have died in an accident. Nagato, who possessed the Sage's eyes as foretold, did not live up to the title of the Child of Prophecy.
And Minato? He also died to save Konoha. But…
Jiraiya said with conviction, "Naruto is different."
When he thought of Naruto, three images flashed through Jiraiya's mind. One was the scene where Naruto asked to be his student. He could clearly see the ambition glinting in Naruto's blue eyes. That was their first meeting.
Another was in the hot springs, at dusk, with Naruto holding a massive, moon-like blue Rasengan. That was when Naruto mastered the Rasengan and even nature transformation just from seeing it for the first time. He was amazed by his talent! This time, he was shocked by Naruto's genius.
The last one was the photo in the Ninja World Daily, which called him the "God of Shinobi." He was there! Naruto floated in the air, framed by a ten-kilometer-wide, milk-white Dust Release that annihilated everything, looking like a deity! His opponents were the First and Second Hokage, both of whom were easily defeated by Naruto.
This time, Jiraiya was certain: Naruto was the Child of Prophecy. Without a doubt! With this level of strength, Jiraiya firmly believed that Naruto wouldn't die prematurely like the previous two Children of Prophecy. He would even achieve the ideal of world peace.
Of course, remembering Naruto's slightly mischievous personality, Jiraiya knew that his student was still a bit far from the goal of "world peace."
"How is he different?" Tsunade retorted. Aside from being a bit good at gambling, she hadn't noticed anything different about the kid so far.
"Haven't you read the news at all?" Jiraiya looked at Tsunade with a look of disdain, as if she had been left behind by the times. The Ninja World Daily's overwhelming propaganda and distribution reached even him during his travels. The various headlines always tempted him to buy a copy.
Tsunade's face darkened, and she remained silent. Jiraiya knew exactly what that meant. Even the money from selling the newspapers was probably spent on gambling. Jiraiya couldn't help but want to laugh.
"This time, Orochimaru's 'Konoha Crush' plan was very dangerous..."
Jiraiya began to recount everything he knew about the "Konoha Crush" plan. From Orochimaru to the Sand Village, then to Uchiha Obito, and finally, the First and Second Hokage.
"Grandpa and Great-Uncle also appeared?" Tsunade was so shocked she forgot about her drink, staring at Jiraiya in disbelief.
"That's right, it was a jutsu that the Second Hokage once researched, which could resurrect and control the dead. The resurrected person would possess almost all of their former strength. Orochimaru used this jutsu to revive the First and Second Hokage."
Thinking of the power displayed by the First and Second Hokage, Jiraiya felt a shiver of fear. They truly were the Gods of Shinobi!
Then, something else came to mind, and a proud smile formed on his lips. "Unfortunately, both of them were defeated by Naruto."
"Naruto? That kid from earlier?"
Tsunade was truly shocked. Her eyes widened, filled with disbelief. Grandpa and Great-Uncle were actually defeated by someone?
"That's right!"
Regardless of whether Tsunade believed him, Jiraiya continued. But this time, the focus was on Naruto. He spoke of everything he had seen of Naruto: his immense strength, his ambition, and... his slightly unruly personality in comparison.
At this point, Tsunade suddenly realized, "You've talked so much about Naruto. What are you getting at?"
"Naruto has always wanted to be Hokage. Although he has the strength, he's too young. His character is unstable, his training is incomplete, and he doesn't truly understand what a shinobi is."
"Especially his personality..."
Jiraiya got a headache thinking about it. He had no idea where Naruto learned to be so mischievous and wicked. And he even had the audacity to negotiate with the village.
"The old man and I both believe that Naruto still needs some time to mature. He's not yet suitable to become Hokage." Jiraiya stared intently at Tsunade. "And you, Tsunade, are the only one who can stop him from becoming Hokage."
That's it?
Tsunade wanted to refuse on the spot. But a line Jiraiya had learned from somewhere made her hesitate.
"Tsunade, you don't want the Konoha that your grandfather and great-uncle worked so hard to build to be destroyed by a twelve-year-old child, do you?"
The memory ended there. Jiraiya's complicated look and strange, threatening tone lingered in Tsunade's mind. Everything had been made clear. Her role was to serve as Hokage until Naruto matured.
Become Hokage?
Tsunade had long been disappointed with Konoha. She had no interest in the position of Hokage. However, if she didn't take the position, that little boy, only twelve years old, would become the next Hokage? Jiraiya's "threat" was still vivid in her mind. Tsunade was now torn.
Everything changed after this morning. After reading the newspapers that Shizune had collected, Tsunade had a new understanding of the entire ninja world.
A war was coming soon. As someone who had experienced war before, her senses were just as sharp. War had taken two important people from her. She disliked war because it only brought pain to the world. Before, she had no choice but to passively participate and flee.
This time... it was different. Tsunade saw a glimmer of hope for peace.
Returning to the present, Tsunade was scrutinizing the boy for the first time. He had blond hair, a casually confident smile, calm, deep blue eyes, and a relaxed aura.
The Child of Prophecy? He didn't look like it at all.
And... noticing where the kid's eyes were focused, Tsunade's face darkened. As expected of Jiraiya's student, another perverted brat!
Crack!
Tsunade cracked her knuckles. She decided to see if the kid was as strong as Jiraiya had described.
"Kid!"
"Hmm?"
Naruto pulled his gaze away and looked up at her.
"Do you want to be Hokage?"
Naruto was confused by the question and grew suspicious. What was she trying to do? But then he realized. Had she decided to give up the position of Hokage?
Great!
Naruto instantly gave a thumbs-up and a brilliant smile. "Of course, becoming Hokage has been my dream since I was a child."
This brilliant smile and determined tone surprised the confrontational Tsunade. Naruto's appearance seemed to overlap with a certain memory. The two of them were truly alike!
Tsunade's tone softened. "If you can defeat me..." she began, then paused. The location wasn't suitable for them to fight at full power. She changed the conditions. "No, let's make it simpler. If you can withstand three of my attacks, I'll nominate you to be Hokage!"
Nominate me? Naruto was taken aback. "Are you serious?"
He was completely incredulous.
"Of course!" Tsunade's expression was sincere and not a lie.
Naruto was pleasantly surprised. His biggest competitor was not only giving up the position of Hokage but also nominating him. It was a surefire win! As for Tsunade's strength, Naruto had experienced it in the battle arena.
Naruto struck a solid pose and shouted, "Come on! I'm ready!"
Seeing Naruto's stance, Tsunade said no more. She clenched her fist and threw a tentative punch. This punch was only a tenth of her full strength, more of a test than an attack.
Bang—
Naruto caught Tsunade's punch easily and lightly.
"Tsunade, you need to use more force! I can handle it!" Naruto reminded her.
Hmph! This brat!
This result was within Tsunade's expectations. But from his words, Tsunade knew she was being underestimated! However, judging by his reaction, Jiraiya seemed to be right. So...
Tsunade clenched her fist again, gathering her chakra on the surface of her fist. This attack would be with her full strength!
"Kid, watch out!" Tsunade warned, then punched!
Bang—
Smack—
Another loud impact, but to Tsunade's surprise, this punch, which was filled with chakra and her maximum Strength of a Hundred Seal, was caught just as easily and lightly by Naruto.
Naruto said with a serious expression, "Tsunade, you need to use more force! I can handle it!"
?
Seeing Naruto's relaxed expression, Tsunade was stunned for a moment, then began to doubt herself. Had she really not used any force? But she was clearly using her strength-based jutsu, so why did he catch it so easily?
She pulled back her fist and looked at her hand. She clenched it again, gathered chakra, and punched the wall next to her.
Bang—
With a loud bang, the tall, imposing stone wall was instantly covered in cracks from the center of her punch, on the verge of collapse. Tsunade looked at her fist again. It was fine. Then she looked at Naruto, and she realized the problem was this kid!
Seeing his relaxed, almost-smiling expression, Tsunade felt deeply insulted! This kid!
"That's enough!" Tsunade roared, leaping high into the air.
Painful Sky Leg!
Boom—
This kick could shatter mountains and earth. It came down with the force of a landslide, aimed directly at Naruto! But this powerful kick was the same as the others. It was easily caught by Naruto with just one hand!
Holding Tsunade's right foot, Naruto smiled brightly. "That's the third move, Tsunade! You lost! Don't forget to nominate me to be Hokage!"
Tsunade, mid-split kick, was speechless. Her mind, however, was in turmoil! Even though she had expected Naruto to be strong, experiencing it firsthand was even more unbelievable! He had taken all of her attacks with just one hand, so easily?
Naruto gave Tsunade the feeling of a bottomless ocean. This kid...
Tsunade suddenly remembered what Jiraiya had said. The so-called Child of Prophecy, this must be it, right?
With this kid's strength, would peace, which once seemed so far away, still be out of reach?
After coming to this realization, Tsunade felt a surprising sense of relief. The burden on her chest felt much lighter. She pulled her foot back and chuckled.
"Hokage, you say? I will nominate you..."
"I'll nominate you to be the Sixth Hokage!"
Naruto was happy to hear Tsunade agree, but the second half of her sentence made his face fall!
"What? The Sixth Hokage? Shouldn't it be the Fifth Hokage?"
"The Fifth Hokage? Haha... I am the Fifth Hokage!" Tsunade was in a great mood. She didn't mind playing a little joke on this kid. "As for a little kid like you, you're too young. Wait until you're older, okay?"
Heh heh!
Naruto finally understood. This old lady was just messing with him! She was giving him a promise for the next generation of Hokage. She said he was too young, a little kid? Naruto was sick of hearing those excuses!
Seeing Tsunade's bright smile, with her massive bosom heaving, Naruto had no desire to admire the view! He even found it a little annoying!
An idea flashed in Naruto's eyes, and he perfectly mimicked Tsunade's voice when she used to pretend to be a little girl. "Big brother! Can I learn how to gamble from you?"
Instantly, Tsunade's laughter stopped. A terrifying aura began to brew. Tsunade's ponytail suddenly came undone, turning into a flurry of golden snakes, ready to strike!
Jiraiya suddenly jumped out. "Hey, Tsunade, calm down! Don't get angry with a kid!"
Bang—
Tsunade punched the wall next to her.
Rumble!!!
The already-struggling wall, after being hit twice by such immense force, finally gave up and collapsed.
In the end... Jiraiya had to pay for it! Who told him he had so much money?
Although he had lost a large sum, Jiraiya was still very happy. At least Tsunade had agreed to go back and be Hokage!
The two teams, now four people, gathered in Jiraiya's room. All four pairs of eyes were staring at each other. Tsunade and Shizune were confused. Why did Jiraiya ask them to come here instead of meeting at the town entrance?
Meeting their puzzled gazes, Jiraiya gave a proud smile. He looked at Naruto and urged, "Naruto, everyone's ready. Let's go straight back!"
Huh? Naruto felt Jiraiya's expectant and proud little eyes and understood what he wanted to do. But he, Naruto, wasn't planning on going straight back!
He still had three chakras to resolve within him, and with two of the Legendary Sannin on this trip, they were the perfect bodyguards. It was a golden opportunity.
"Pervy Sage, I think I've contracted a disease that prevents me from using the Flying Raijin!"