Found

"Lady Tsunade is at least fifty years old now; it's impossible for her to be this young."

Sakura looked at the photograph and reasoned, "This must be a picture taken when Lady Tsunade was younger."

"No, this was taken three years ago."

Jiraiya put the photo away. "Tsunade is a medical ninja and understands the human body extremely well. She developed a specific ninjutsu for herself that allows her to freely adjust her apparent age. She usually walks around in the youthful appearance seen in the photo, but when she's dodging creditors, she transforms into an old woman or a little girl."

"There's a technique like that..."

Sakura muttered to herself, then said firmly, "I must learn that technique!"

"That is, provided Tsunade is willing to teach you."

Jiraiya's gaze swept quickly over Sakura's flat chest. Recalling Tsunade's appearance in the past, he chuckled uncharitably, "Based on what I know of Tsunade, as long as she is willing to return to the village, there is a high probability she will take you on as her disciple."

"We will work hard."

Kakashi said, "Regarding Sakura becoming Lady Tsunade's disciple, once Lady Tsunade returns to the village, I hope Lord Jiraiya can put in a good word for her."

Jiraiya nodded at Kakashi. "A small matter."

Half a day later, the five of them arrived at a town near Tanzaku Town.

As an ordinary town in the Land of Fire, there were not many ninjas to be seen here, and most of the pedestrians on the road were commoners. Compared to the hidden villages where ninjas congregated, the population of an ordinary town was much larger, making it appear quite bustling.

"There are so many people here!"

Naruto said with some excitement, "This is my first time in such a lively place!"

"It's a bit too crowded; it will be harder to find someone."

Sasuke frowned slightly. "If someone were to launch a sneak attack, it would also be harder to detect."

"You're right, but that applies to our enemies as well, so there's no need to worry too much."

Jiraiya was experienced. "Furthermore, among us, you and Kakashi both possess powerful ocular jutsu, and Naruto's sensory abilities are also outstanding. When it comes to reconnaissance, we have the advantage."

"Grandpa Jiraiya is right."

Naruto's gaze swept quickly across his surroundings. "I tried sensing when we came in just now; there are no ninjas nearby harboring malice toward us."

"In any case, let's split up. I'm more used to gathering intelligence alone."

Jiraiya said, "Kakashi, I'll leave the three of them to you."

Kakashi replied, "Understood, Lord Jiraiya. Please take care."

"Don't worry."

Jiraiya gave Kakashi a confident smile. "Who do you think I am?"

Watching Jiraiya disappear into the crowd, Kakashi said to the three, "This isn't your first time executing a search mission. For now, decide for yourselves how to proceed."

Naruto: "Anyway, let's check the casinos first."

Sasuke: "I'll go ask around places that lend money."

Sakura: "Considering Lady Tsunade is out of the village to relax, we should also check places like izakayas."

"You've considered everything quite thoroughly."

Kakashi sounded satisfied. "Let's go. Let's try to find Lady Tsunade as soon as possible."

Soon, they found a casino and obtained information from a cheerful middle-aged man:

"That 'Legendary Sucker'? She was indeed here two days ago and let me win a big sum (laughs). Although I don't know where she is now, she was heading toward Tanzaku Town when she left."

Having successfully obtained information on Tsunade, Team 7 lost no time in finding Jiraiya to regroup.

"Honestly, it would have been fine if you had been a little slower."

Jiraiya, reeking of alcohol and the scent of women's perfume, said regretfully, "I was just a moment away from having a deeper exchange with that cute young lady..."

Then, as expected, he received looks of disdain from Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura.

Kakashi was torn between laughter and tears. "Lord Jiraiya, Lady Tsunade's affairs are more urgent."

"I know, aren't I on the road with you now?"

Jiraiya waved his hand. "Speaking of which, that woman Tsunade has lost money again."

It took only an hour or so for the five of them to reach Tanzaku Town.

Compared to the previous town, there were fewer people here, and it was not as lively.

"Found her." x2

Naruto and Sasuke spoke in unison, both pointing toward a certain izakaya.

After entering the shop, they saw Tsunade at a glance. Her appearance was basically the same as the photo Jiraiya had shown, though her temperament was slightly more mature.

"Yo!"

Jiraiya greeted, "Tsunade!"

Tsunade's gaze rested on Jiraiya, and she was clearly stunned. "Jiraiya?!"

"Long time no see. Why are you here drinking away your sorrows?"

Jiraiya sat down across from Tsunade with a smile.

"Lost another bet today, I see!"

Tsunade downed a mouthful of sake, exhaled a boozy breath, and said unhappily, "I know my luck is terrible, but losing like this is just too frustrating!"

"Then stop gambling."

Naruto suggested earnestly, "As long as you don't gamble, you'll never lose again."

"Hm?"

Tsunade looked at Naruto, and as she took in his appearance, a strong sense of déjà vu washed over her: "Jiraiya, who is this brat?"

"My name is Uzumaki Naruto."

Naruto introduced himself proactively, "This should be your first time seeing me, Granny Tsunade."

"You little brat, who are you calling Granny?!"

Tsunade pointed at her own youthful, delicate face: "Where do I look like a granny to you!?"

"Emmm..."

Naruto rested his chin on his hand, looking troubled: "But Granny Tsunade, you're already over fifty, aren't you? If I called you 'big sister' or 'auntie,' wouldn't that be disrespectful to other sisters and aunties?"

"Jiraiya..."

Tsunade flashed a sweet, benevolent smile at Jiraiya: "My age—you're the one who told them, aren't you?"

"No!"

Jiraiya answered instantly with a serious face, his tone extremely decisive: "I have never told them your age; I only introduced us as former teammates."

"Tch..."

Without a suitable excuse to lash out, Tsunade had to temporarily endure Naruto's choice of address and asked Jiraiya, "You brought so many people to find me, it shouldn't just be to catch up. Did something happen to the village or the old man?"

"A while back, the village held the Chunin Selection Exams, and Orochimaru along with people from Sunagakure attacked the village."

Jiraiya continued, "The old man nearly died, but thanks to Naruto, he survived in the end, and the village didn't suffer too many losses."

"That sounds like something that guy would do."

Tsunade's expression turned serious. She held her sake cup without drinking, swirling the liquid inside rhythmically: "So, is it because the old man can't hold on anymore and plans to retire completely that he sent you to find me?"

"That's right."

Jiraiya said solemnly, "Become the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade."

"..."

Tsunade was silent for a moment, then downed the rest of her drink. She lowered her head and said slowly, "No."

"I figured you'd say that."

Jiraiya wasn't surprised: "It's fine if you don't want to be Hokage, but at least come back with me. This is a mission the old man entrusted to me. Also, the First Hokage wants to see you."

Tsunade jerked her head up, staring at Jiraiya: "Who did you say wants to see me?!"