Inside the tavern, the aroma of wine filled the air beneath dim lights.
Jiraiya and Tsunade sat across from each other, the table covered with sake and snacks.
The two former teammates were now weathered middle-aged adults.
"It's been a long time, Tsunade."
Jiraiya raised his cup, a complicated smile on his face.
Tsunade forced a smile and drained her cup in one gulp.
Her voice was low and hoarse. "Orochimaru came to see me today."
Jiraiya's body instantly tensed, his piercing gaze fixed on Tsunade.
Tsunade continued, her tone filled with conflict and pain. "He offered me a deal... If I heal his arms, he can bring Nawaki and Dan Katō back to life."
"But the price is... he'll destroy Konoha."
Jiraiya drew in a sharp breath, his expression turning grave.
"Tsunade, you absolutely can't agree to that! It's a trap!"
Tsunade shook her head with a bitter smile, deep exhaustion and sorrow hidden in her eyes.
Orochimaru's proposal had clearly plunged her into immense turmoil.
After a moment of silence, Tsunade looked up and met Jiraiya's eyes. "Tell me about your business. You came all this way to find me—what exactly do you want?"
Jiraiya took a deep breath and said seriously, "Tsunade, the village needs you now. Please go back and become Hokage."
Those words exploded through the tavern like a bomb.
Naruto, standing nearby, widened his eyes and cried out in disbelief, "What? She's going to be Hokage?"
He looked Tsunade up and down, seemingly unable to connect the booze-reeking woman before him with the dignified Hokage.
Su Bai stood in the corner, watching it all expressionlessly.
As a transmigrator, he had long been familiar with these events.
Tsunade sneered, a trace of mockery flashing through her eyes. "Hokage? That's a job only fools would take."