After Naruto returned to Konoha, he did not go looking for Hinata right away. Instead, he went to the Hokage's office to see Tsunade. Surprised by his sudden arrival, she asked, "What brings you here, Naruto?"
Naruto erected a barrier before saying, "Granny Tsunade, Orochimaru's people are almost here. They're in the woods outside the village right now, and I think they'll enter before long. I also learned from their conversation that Orochimaru hasn't told anyone about his alliance with us."
Tsunade nodded. "Understood. I've already assigned missions to all the Jonin in the village. They should all leave over the next few days. That's when our defenses will be weakest, so they'll probably enter that night to find Sasuke Uchiha. You'll pursue Sasuke then. Consider it a chance for you youngsters to gain some experience."
Naruto nodded. "Got it. Thank you, Granny Tsunade."
Tsunade smiled. "What are you thanking me for? Everything I do is for the village's prosperity, not just for you. Besides, if Sasuke Uchiha trains under Orochimaru, he'll become a powerful ninja someday. That's important to the village's development."
Naruto smiled. "Hehe, I'm sure you'll be shocked four years from now, Granny Tsunade. I know Sasuke won't disappoint us."
Tsunade smiled too. "Let's hope so. I also believe Itachi Uchiha's younger brother won't be any less capable than he is. Besides, we still have you, don't we?"
Naruto gave a wry smile. "Why does this all fall on me? Aren't you being a little too overbearing, Granny Tsunade?"
Tsunade smiled. "Hehe, that's not my concern. You agreed to this, and you were the one who boasted that Orochimaru was the best person for Sasuke Uchiha to train under. If Sasuke Uchiha's strength hasn't improved dramatically by then, I'll hold you responsible."
Naruto could only agree with