Sparring

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

Inside, the lamplight was dim and yellow, the wooden tables and chairs bearing the marks of age, and the air was thick with the faint aroma of sake and food, creating a small haven for the four of them, far from the hustle and bustle.

Jiraiya found a seat by the window and gestured for the other three to sit down.

Once everyone was settled, he cleared his throat, his expression turning serious. "Old man Hiruzen Sarutobi has ordered that he hopes you'll return to take up the position of Hokage."

Upon hearing this, a flicker of surprise crossed Tsunade's brow, which quickly turned into confusion. "The old man wants me to be Hokage? Why didn't he choose you, Jiraiya?"

Jiraiya's lips curled into a self-deprecating smile as he let out a chuckle. "Haha, maybe I just look too unreliable, always wandering around, not the type to settle down and manage a village. The old man specifically named you for this heavy responsibility. So, how about it? When will you come back with me?"

Tsunade listened, her gaze complex as she looked at Jiraiya, as if weighing something.

At that moment, Naruto, sitting nearby, couldn't help but let out a soft laugh, thinking to himself, This master of mine sure has a knack for spinning tales. He clearly doesn't want to be tied down himself, yet he makes it sound so noble.

Hearing Naruto's quiet laugh, Tsunade changed the subject.

She turned her attention to Naruto, her eyes sparkling with interest and warmth. "Who's this handsome young man? Is he your new disciple, Jiraiya?"

Jiraiya's face beamed with pride and satisfaction. He patted Naruto on the shoulder and introduced him to Tsunade. "That's right, he's my newest disciple, and also the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails—Naruto. And on top of that, he's going to be the next Hokage of Konoha!"

Tsunade's eyes flickered with surprise at this.

She had only thought Naruto was good-looking before, without giving it much thought. Now, learning he was the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki, and coupled with Jiraiya's high praise, her curiosity was piqued.

She studied Naruto carefully, trying to see more possibilities for the future in that young, energetic face.

"I never would have guessed..." Tsunade murmured softly, her heart filled with anticipation and curiosity about Naruto.

She knew Jiraiya's judgment was always sharp; if he valued Naruto so highly, then this youth must have something extraordinary about him.

Just then, Jiraiya repeated his earlier words, his tone carrying an unyielding firmness. "The old man gave the order himself. This Hokage seat is yours and yours alone, Tsunade. You can't back out!"

Inside, Jiraiya was panicking. He had made a three-month pact with Hiruzen Sarutobi, and he'd already spent two months just playing around with Naruto. If Tsunade refused, he was done for—he'd have to go back and become Hokage himself.

Tsunade gave a helpless smile. She wasn't keen on becoming Hokage either; the responsibility was too great. So, she tried to change the subject again. "Earlier, Orochimaru attacked Konoha, then fled in a hurry without accomplishing anything. What really happened? I know Orochimaru well—he's never one to give up until he achieves his goal."

Jiraiya, as expected, was successfully sidetracked by Tsunade. He slapped his thigh excitedly and laughed. "Oh, you mean Orochimaru? That guy has to call me 'master's master' now! Haha, he's working as Naruto's underling these days. During that invasion of Konoha, it was Naruto who subdued him."

During Naruto and Jiraiya's travels, Naruto had told Jiraiya about making Orochimaru his subordinate.

Jiraiya had laughed heartily at the time and insisted that once business was done, Naruto had to take him to see Orochimaru so he could have a good ribbing.

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

Compared to her earlier surprise, this was nothing.

She blurted out, "Huh? 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!"

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

Tsunade and Shizune completely refused to believe that Naruto could defeat Orochimaru and bring him to heel—it was simply impossible.

Seeing this, Jiraiya just smiled faintly and led everyone outside.

He stood in the center of the courtyard, his gaze warm but with a hint of slyness, and said to Tsunade, "Why don't you spar with Naruto?"

Tsunade's eyes went wide at this, as if she were looking at a madman. "Are you kidding me? I don't hold back."