But why had she made a bet with Naruto Uzumaki, staking that necklace?
Everyone who had worn that necklace other than her had died!
It was as though the priceless necklace held the cruelest of curses, taking away everyone she cared about.
Did Tsunade want Naruto to die? Was it because this brat who knew nothing of his own limits had talked back to her, one of the renowned Sannin?
No. Perhaps it was simply because of what Naruto Uzumaki had said: "My dream is to become Hokage!"
The confidence in his voice and the longing in his eyes overlapped with those of the two people Tsunade had loved most.
Becoming Hokage had been their dream!
But that dream, that obsession, had killed them.
That was why Tsunade had said:
"The Hokage is trash. Only an idiot would want to become Hokage!"
Yet deep in her heart, the Hokage was still a supremely noble figure, a great protector who watched over everyone!
"..."
Tsunade felt her thoughts descend into chaos.
In a daze, she jumped down from the platform and wandered into a tavern without knowing why.
She drank cup after cup, trying to numb the unbearable pain in her heart.
Just then, a tall, burly man with a head of white hair like steel needles sat beside her. He ordered a drink as well and began drinking.
After a long while, the man spoke:
"I really didn't expect you to still treasure that necklace enough to wear it. I thought you'd have gambled it away ages ago... It's a keepsake from those two, isn't it?"
Jiraiya lifted his cup and took a few more sips. After another long silence, he continued:
"Does it bother you?"
"Does what bother me?"
"Naruto!"
Tsunade's heart gave a slight jolt, but she still