A Friendly Match

As night fell, Jiraiya led Naruto, Tsunade, and Shizune into a quaint, cozy tavern.

The tavern was lit by dim yellow lights. The wooden tables and chairs bore the marks of age, while the air carried a faint mix of wine and food aromas, creating a little world where the four could briefly escape the hustle and bustle.

Jiraiya found a seat by the window and gestured for the other three to join him.

Once everyone was seated, he cleared his throat, his expression turning serious. "Hiruzen Sarutobi has a message for you. He hopes you'll come back and take up the position of Hokage."

A flicker of surprise crossed Tsunade's brow, quickly giving way to confusion. "The old man wants me to become Hokage? Why didn't he choose you, Jiraiya?"

Jiraiya gave a self-deprecating smile and laughed it off. "Maybe I just don't look dependable enough. I'm always wandering around, so I don't seem like the type who can settle down and manage the village. The old man specifically named you for this important role. So, when are you coming back with me?"

Tsunade gave Jiraiya a complicated look, as if weighing something in her mind.

Just then, Naruto, seated beside them, couldn't help chuckling. My master really is a gifted liar. He clearly doesn't want to be tied down, yet he makes it sound so noble.

Hearing Naruto's chuckle, Tsunade changed the subject.

She turned her gaze to Naruto, her eyes gleaming with interest and warmth. "Who's this handsome young man? Did you take on a new student, Jiraiya?"

Jiraiya's face lit up with pride. He patted Naruto on the shoulder and introduced him to Tsunade. "That's right. He's my newest student, and he's also the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails—Naruto. What's more, he'll be the next Hokage of Konoha!"

A trace of surprise flashed in Tsunade's eyes.

She had only thought Naruto was handsome and hadn't given him much consideration.

Now that she knew he was the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails, and recalled how highly Jiraiya thought of him, her curiosity was piqued.

She studied Naruto carefully, trying to discern the possibilities of the future in his youthful, energetic face.

"I never would've guessed..." Tsunade murmured, filled with anticipation and curiosity about Naruto.

She knew Jiraiya had a keen eye. If he valued Naruto so highly, then the boy must be extraordinary.

Just then, Jiraiya repeated what he'd said earlier, his voice carrying an unquestionable firmness. "The old man gave the order himself. You're the only one suited for this Hokage position, Tsunade. You can't refuse!"

Jiraiya was panicking inside. He had a three-month arrangement with Hiruzen Sarutobi, and he'd spent two of those months traveling around with Naruto. If Tsunade refused, he'd be done for and would have to go back and become Hokage himself.

Tsunade smiled helplessly. She didn't particularly want to become Hokage either; the responsibilities were simply too great. So she tried to change the subject again. "Orochimaru attacked Konoha before, but then fled in a hurry without accomplishing anything. What was that all about? I know Orochimaru well. He's never been one to give up before achieving his goals."

Just as expected, Tsunade managed to change the subject. Jiraiya excitedly slapped his thigh and laughed. "Oh, you mean Orochimaru? That kid has to call me grandmaster now! He's working under Naruto. In fact, Naruto was the one who subdued him during his invasion of Konoha."

During their travels, Naruto had told Jiraiya that Orochimaru had joined his ranks.

Jiraiya had laughed heartily when he heard the news and insisted that once they'd taken care of their business, Naruto had to take him to see Orochimaru so he could tease him properly.

Tsunade was so shocked by the news that she nearly jumped out of her chair.

Her earlier surprise was nothing compared to this.

She blurted out, "What? You're telling me this kid subdued Orochimaru? And Orochimaru became his underling???? There's a limit to how much you can exaggerate, Jiraiya!"

Shizune, sitting beside Tsunade, couldn't take it either. She rolled her eyes in exasperation and said, "Lord Jiraiya, please don't joke like that. Lord Orochimaru is one of the Sannin, just like Lady Tsunade and you. How could he possibly be subdued by this child and become his underling? That's simply unbelievable!"

Tsunade and Shizune didn't believe for a moment that Naruto could defeat and subdue Orochimaru. It was simply impossible.

Jiraiya merely smiled, then led everyone outside.

He stood in the middle of the courtyard, his gaze gentle but tinged with slyness, and said to Tsunade, "Why don't you have a friendly match with Naruto?"

Tsunade's eyes widened. She looked at him as if he were crazy. "You can't be serious. I might not know my own strength."