Naruto volunteered to hunt down Akatsuki; Orochimaru offered an Impure World Reincarnation gift

Tsunade knew that, of course, but it was no reason to let him go out and risk his life.

"I'm leaving Konoha to find Akatsuki. The man who killed Pervy Sage-I'm going to slaughter him myself!"

"Naruto!"

Kakashi, who stood beside him with his arm still wrapped in bandages, rebuked him sternly. "Lord Hokage's orders are absolute. Stop making trouble!"

But Naruto acted as though he hadn't heard him. He remained planted there like a wooden post, staring straight at Tsunade.

Tsunade sighed deeply, her gaze softening.

"Naruto, I understand that you want to avenge Jiraiya, but what comes after revenge? What will you gain? Will it bring Jiraiya back to life?"

Tsunade tried to get through to him with reason.

Naruto abruptly raised his head, his eyes red. "Then am I supposed to hide here like some useless loser and do nothing?"

Those words struck Tsunade's heart like a hammer, leaving her momentarily speechless.

Just then, the tent flap lifted, and Sakura walked in. She looked at the two locked in their standoff before her gaze finally settled on Naruto.

"Master, let me go with Naruto! Team 7 will act together. Just consider it an S-rank reconnaissance mission!"

Tsunade's eyes widened. Why was even the usually rational Sakura joining in this madness?

"Don't worry, Master. When it matters, I'll hold Naruto back!"

Looking at Sakura's resolute eyes, Tsunade remained silent for a long time before finally waving her hand helplessly.

"Go, go! I really must owe you all something! I'm leaving you in charge of keeping Naruto in check!"

With permission granted, Naruto turned and rushed out of the tent without a word.

Sakura and Sai, who had remained silent in the corner the whole time, hurried after him.

Watching the three leave, Kakashi shook his head helplessly.

"Young