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That night, Jiraiya had led Team 7 to a casino. The casino was about 11 stories (100 yards) high, and 120 yards in length. It existed near a popular place for sightseeing a sea, and the land on which it stood was connected to the land on which Team 7 were standing by a one thousand foot long bridge.

Still working on popping his ball, Naruto asked, "Yo, I've already seen some pictures of Lady Tsunade thanks to Sakura, but what does she look like now?".

Jiraiya told him, "She's the same age as me, but she looks like she's in her 20s.".

Naruto remarked, "That's weird.".

Shaking his head and reverting his attention to the casino, Jiraiya explained, "I'll have no problems getting in there, but you three are a different story.".

Naruto suggested, "I'll put one of my hiraishin marks on ya, y'know? Then, I can teleport us all to you once you're inside and act like we come from a village of dwarves.".

Jiraiya rubbed his chin and remarked, "That sounds like a crazy plan... But it sounds just crazy enough to work... Alrighty then! Make your mark, kid!".

Naruto nodded, and swung his free hand back. In one fell swoop, with all his strength, he slapped Jiraiya on the ass - not a playful kind of slap, but a painful one, that probably left a red mark on the toad sage's cheek. Jiraiya yelped, "YEOUCH!" in pain, eliciting a laugh from the genin.

As Jiraiya rubbed his panging, sore ass, Naruto chortled, "Take one of these three-pronged kunai, Pervy Sage, and put it in your pocket.", as he pulled out a kunai marked with a hiraishin tag, handing it to Jiraiya. Receiveing the kunai, Jiraiya smirked and taunted, "Hold on, now, how are you gonna know when it's safe to come in? You won't be able to see me! Heh, looks like you didn't think through everything after all.".

The genin's faces turned blank, and they stared into Jiraiya's soul with indifference that could not be matched. Unimpressed, Naruto simply said, "Just channel chakra into the kunai when we can come in. Go in a bathroom, or a broom closet or something. I thought you'd be able to figure that much out.".

Thoroughly embarrassed, Jiraiya's cheeks (the ones on his face) turned red as he responded, "Alright...", and walked away to go into the casino. After he left, Sasuke pulled out a portable gaming console as Naruto conversed with Sakura.

Naruto spoke up, "So, Sakura, have you learned any lightning jutsu yet?". Sakura sighed and answered, "No... I did read up on it, though. Once I begin training my lightning affinity, I can use it to speed up my movements, and it can also help with some healing jutsu.".

Naruto developed a mischievous smile on his face as he suggested, "Y'know... Maybe you could ask Lady Tsunade to teach you some medical jutsu.".

Sakura stammered, "Do you really think she would accept that?".

Naruto shrugged, "Why not? It's not like anyone can resist your unyielding charm, Sakura.".

It was then that Sasuke scoffed. He looked up from his game and said, "If Princess Tsunade's anything like Jiraiya, she'll just tell you what healing is and have you figure it out yourself.".

Understanding the allusion to his own 'training', Naruto chuckled, "You're right, Sasuke. I don't even know what this rasengan thing's supposed to look like. It is draining my chakra a lot, though. This jutsu must really be powerful.".

Sakura added, "While we're on this topic, how have you guys been progressing with your chakra exercises?".

Sasuke replied, "Shisui's taught me this jutsu that accumulates fire chakra into my hand. The basis of this exercise is to have more chakra immediately at the ready. It's supposed to drain my chakra a lot until I get used to it, so I've got a long ways to go, but I'm getting better.".

Naruto admitted, "On our vacation after the Land of Waves, I did the hiraishin for hours on end. I wanted to cut down on any unnecessary chakra use, y'know? My chakra only began to feel like it was getting too low when I'd been at it for a bunch of hours. By then, I must've done the jutsu thousands of times.". He inquired, "How about you, Sakura?".

Sakura told them, "Well, I've been working in that water jutsu I used against Zabuza - the jutsu that held the water down for a second - and I've been expanding my control on it using the inflatable pool we have. I've also been giving myself little paper cuts on my finger and healing them with my chakra. Before the third round of the chunin exams, I was taught by Dr. Urameshi to revive some fish, which comes into play during the more intricate parts of medical jutsu.".

Feeling pride and being impressed, Naruto hugged Sakura and exclaimed, "That's so awesome, Sakura! You're awesome! ".

Meanwhile, Jiraiya had made his way into the casino.

It was immense. The bottom floor of the casino spread out 100 feet in all directions, and was laden with slot machines, a bar that ran around the floor in a circle (where Jiraiya thought Tsunade might be), and a couple bathrooms staff rooms spread throughout the area. The massive dome-like skylight that stood 300 feet above the ground created an air of spaciousness that made it almost feel like the outside breeze was coming in. The toad sage understood that he would really need the genins' help to find Tsunade.

Noticing that it was too crowded on this floor, Jiraiya discreetly made his way to one of the higher floors in order to find a good place to summon the genin.

Evading the sparse security cameras as best he could, he eventually found a nice broom closet in a long hallway, and made sure no one saw him pop in. It was a bit stuffy inside, but there was certainly enough room for himself and the genin.

After pulling out the kunai, Jiraiya inspected it, reminiscing old times with Minato.

Not allowing himself to get lost in the memories, though, Jiraiya promptly applied some chakra into the kunai.

And just a second later, Naruto had arrived, with his teammates in tow, still working on exploding that ball.

As he arrived, he reminded his teammates, "Remember - we come from a village of dwarves.".

Jiraiya smiled at this, then opened the door, made sure no one was looking, and led the genin out.

He advised, "We should check the bar; Tsunade's an infamous drunk.".

Naruto piped up, "Wouldn't it be more sensible for half of us to search the bar and half of us to search elsewhere?".

Jiraiya responded, "Normally, yes. But with the information we already have about Tsunade, it's highly unlikely that we'll find her anywhere else. I will say, though, that your idea has some merit... How about this? Emo and I will search the bar, while you and Pinky go search the rest of the place. Be warned, this place is massive, so don't be upset if you can't find her.".

Sakura sighed and remarked, "Master Jiraiya, can you please stop sounding so smug? It's starting to make us feel secondhand embarrassment on your behalf.".

Jiraiya reiterated, "You know I'm not good with kids!". Sasuke told him, "We're not kids, we're dwarves, Master Jiraiya.".

Jiraiya cracked his knuckles, then boomed, "Alrighty then, my tiny black-haired friend, let us find Princess Tsunade!". With that, Jiraiya and Sasuke left for the bar, while Naruto and Sakura began their search in other areas.

As soon as they were alone, Sakura asked, "Where should we go first...?".

Naruto answered, "The roof. We can start up there and work our way down.".

Sakura shrugged, and the two began to look for Tsunade.

Downstairs at the bar, Sasuke was walking around, prying for any information regarding Tsunade. He approached someone who looked slightly less drunk than everyone else, and, deepening his voice just a bit, he asked, "Excuse me, my name's Black-haired Dynamite, would you happen to know if Tsunade Senju's been seen around?".

The man whom he approached got a confused look in his face, and turned to his friend and asked, "Oi, this dwarf's asking about a Tsunade Senju?".

The friend, who was very drunk, slurred as he yelled, "Ya mean the Legendary Sssuckaaa? Nah, nah, I ain't... seen her in about an hour. She prob'bly gone to accumulalale more deb't or get a more... Drunked. Drunked as Hell... Wheeeeeee!". With that last word, the man passed out, his head landing on the wood of the bar.

Slightly disgusted, Sasuke went to tell Jiraiya about the new revelation, and the notion that Tsunade may have left.

Meanwhile, Naruto (who was still trying to pop the ball) and Sakura had made their way up into the roof. The staircases led to the West end of the roof, the side that faces the sea, but away from land. Once there, they noticed a blonde and a brunette (who was holding a pig) standing at the edge of the roof, peering over the stomach-high wall to the sight before them.

Naruto and Sakura nodded at each other, before Naruto looked at the women and beckoned, "Hey, are you Tsunade Senju?!".

The blonde woman began to turn around, revealing her emerald necklace, and replied, "Yeah, yeah, you want-" She saw Naruto. "Minato?!".

Upon hearing that name, something just clicked in Naruto's mind.

First, Gamakichi had called him Minato.

Then, he'd heard people in the village comparing him to Minato, mentioning just how closely he resembled the man.

And now, Tsunade, who knew the fourth hokage, was also calling him Minato.

He gritted his teeth and asked, "Why'd you call me Minato?".

Tsunade stammered, "Wha- you- you look just like him...".

Naruto pressed, "Keep going...".

Tsunade questioned, "Is your name 'Naruto'?".

The boy answered, "Yeah, it is! Naruto Uzumaki!".

The elder woman thought, "Uzumaki... He's got his mother's name?".

Before she could think any further, Naruto urged, "Tell me how I'm related to this 'Minato' you're talking about!".

The Senju calmly said, "You're... Minato's son... The fourth hokage's son!".

Sakura audibly gasped upon hearing this, and looked at Naruto, who seemed to be stricken with shock, tears streaming out of his eyes.

Naruto pleaded, "Tell me, am I really... the fourth hokage's son?!".

Tsunade uttered, "It only makes the most sense. Your hair, your face, your eyes, your cloak, your names, everything points to your relation to your parents!".

By now, Naruto was breaking down. He begged, "Tell me about them!", and the woman deflected, "First, you tell me why you're here!".

Composing himself, Naruto explained, "Hiruzen Sarutobi is dead. I-I'm here on a mission to bring you back to Konoha. To make you the fifth hokage.".

In response, Tsunade scoffed. "What business do I have being hokage?".

Naruto argued, "I don't know, but Pervy Sage and Kakashi-sensei seem to trust that you'd do a good job. I wouldn't be here, otherwise, y'know.".

Tsunade was amazed at this kid. He'd already acquainted himself with perverts Jiraiya and Kakashi, but he himself seemed to be pretty well-composed. She immediately found herself almost agreeing to go, just to understand more about the captivating boy. How could he have such an immediate effect on her like that? She supposed that it was only natural, being that he was Minato and Kushina's son, but it's not like he ever knew them (a fact Tsunade was saddened to recall) - so, clearly, Naruto must have had some great caretakers, no?

She questioned, "Naruto, who raised you?".

The boy was eager to get this over with, to learn about his parents and bring Tsunade back to Konoha, but he knew that he had to be patient now. With what limited information he had, he'd thought about how he'd feel if he were in Tsunade's shoes - curious. Naruto understood this well, since he was also very curious. Who wouldn't be, if they were so close to unlocking the secrets of their past? Still struggling to accept that he was really the fourth hokage's son, Naruto put aside these feelings to answer the woman's question - it was the only way to lure her into accepting the job. It was killing him inside, but he needed to do this.

He said, "No-one did. I was in an orphanage for three years before I got kicked out, and I've lived alone in apartments ever since, y'know. I pretty much raised myself, only receiving monthly welfare from Hiruzen and being protected by ANBU.".

Sakura wondered why Naruto said "Apartments". Was it possible that he had to move at some point? If so, why? The question burned in her mind, but she held her tongue, knowing that the current conversation was more important.

Meanwhile, Naruto was thinking about how reminiscing the past could help him convince Tsunade to return to Konoha.

Luckily, it seemed that Tsunade was making this easier for him than expected.

The woman spoke, "I wouldn't have made you live like that... Kids deserve a family.".

Naruto half-jokingly responded, "So you're already a better kage than the last one, y'know?".

Tsunade chuckled, but gave a firm answer in the form of, "I'm not coming.".

Unwilling to give up, Naruto questioned, "Why not?".

Tsunade told him, "I don't want to; I'm not fit for the job.".

Desperate, Naruto responded, "Can't you have faith in yourself? Or in me? Becoming the hokage is my dream, y'know!".

Upon hearing these words, Tsunade's eyes widened. She fondled the necklace around her neck, and was immediately reminded of the two most important people in her life.

Flashback

A 15-year-old, then-chunin Tsunade Senju, was conversing with her younger brother, Nawaki, who was only 3 years younger than her. The pair were standing in a skyscraper in Konoha, a 12-story building that was then the tallest in all the village. The Elemental Nations were in a time of peace, having recovered from a Hellish second world war a little over a decade ago. Nawaki couldn't recall the war at all, of course, so Tsunade was always glad to see his optimistic youth siblings were standing, watching over the village in silence, until Nawaki spoke up. He simply said, "I'm gonna be the hokage one day!".

Tsunade turned to look at him, and gave him a smile. She responded, "Just like great-great-granddad Hashirama and grand-uncle Tobi were, huh?", prompting the boy to excitedly nod 'yes'. Then, Tsunade took off her necklace, and put it around he brother's neck. She told him, "This belonged to the Hashirama.". Realizing the importance of the necklace, Nawaki's eyes turned to stars, as he hugged his big sister, thanking her for the gift, and receiving a kiss on his forehead. Tsunade didn't just love her brother, she respected him. What she respected most of all, perhaps, was his smile. It seemed to light up a room whenever he flashed it, and it warmed Tsunade's heart to no end.

But the next day, Nawaki began to feel ill.

Not long after, he'd been diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer, and had become a bitter soul, despising the suffering that his illness put him through. The last thing he did before dying less than a year after the diagnosis, was give his necklace back to Tsunade, telling her, "I don't need this anymore.". That one proclamation shattered Tsunade into a million pieces, and she wasn't sure if she could ever be pieced back together.

For the next few years, Tsunade hadn't been able to fill the void in her heart, despite the people around her, because the light of her life, her little brother, was dead - buried under the cold hard earth, never to smile again.

That was, until she met a man named Dan. Dan seemed to be the antithesis of Nawaki, being a reserved and soft-spoken man. Tsunade didn't really know Dan well; they were merely acquainted through third hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, student of Hashirama's favorite grandson, Tobirama. Dan had been orphaned due to a skirmish between Konoha and Iwagakure, which led him to become an excellent shinobi, and as such, he would meet with the hokage often. Neither of them had admitted it yet, but they both were crushing on each other. But one day, while in the hokage office, Tsunade and Dan were left alone, as Hiruzen was running late for once.

They stared out the window, and Dan finally spoke up, "I fully intend to accept the legacy of the hokage's seat one day.".

It was a blank statement, but Tsunade felt the conviction behind it. She could tell that Dan didn't think of becoming hokage as just a nice thing to imagine, he meant it as a goal. She walked over to the man, took off her necklace, put it around him, and gave him a kiss on the forehead, telling him, "This necklace belonged to the first hokage. It'll see you to that seat.".

She couldn't have been more wrong.

Dan lasted longer than Nawaki did; the man had been dating Tsunade for about a few years now. In that time, they had grown considerably closer, and Tsunade felt her heart stitching its wounds back together. Yet, the fact remained that he also suffered a tragic fate. One of the things that Tsunade had learned about Dan was that he was clinically depressed. He only found happiness when he was playing a role; shinobi, lover, etc. The problem was that in the peacetime they were experiencing, Dan was not needed often as a shinobi. He also spent quite a lot of time away from Tsunade, since she was working full-time at the hospital. Still, he'd been doing so well mentally that Tsunade never expected what was going through his head, until...

"Dan, I'm home!", Tsunade called. She got no response. That was strange, since Dan was usually so energetic whenever she came home. She thought that he must've been in the bathroom, so she made a beeline for it, intending to knock and greet/tease him a bit. Instead, she found that the bathroom door was open. She felt someone's presence in the room, though, so she opened it all the way and turned on the light.

What befell her eyes shook her to her core.

Dan was laying in the bathtub, his arm hanging over the side, blood dripping from it. Tsunade screamed in shock as she ran towards her lover, grabbing his wrists, inspecting the razor cuts on them, and trying with everything she had to heal them. She begged, "Please, Dan, don't leave me now! Not like this, please!". Tears just spilled out of her eyes as she found her efforts to heal the man fruitless.

Dan was already dead when she'd gotten there.

Aftrr shakily walking to the living room to use her rotary and call for help. After she'd hung up, her line of sight fell on an envelope on the coffee table. In big letters, it read "FOR TSUNADE SENJU" with a drawing of a heart next to her name. Tsunade opened the envelope up, and found two pieces of paper. One was Dan's last will testament, which left everything in his possession to her. The other was a personal letter - Tsunade quickly understood that this was his suicide note. The note detailed all of his feelings throughout life, including his sworn loyalty to Konoha, his unending depression, and his unwavering love for Tsunade. Choking up after reading it, Tsunade saw that there was something else in the envelope: the necklace that she had given to Dan.

Right then and there, she swore never to give that necklace to anyone again, believing it to be cursed.

And when the fourth hokage, Jiraiya's greatest student, had died, she lost faith in Konoha, and had left to teach medical jutsu to her niece, Shizune.

Flashback over

Tsunade reaffirmed, "I'm not going.".

Naruto asked once again, "Why not?!".

Tsunade told him, "That damned seat is the source of too many troubles. Only a fool would take it.".

This angered Naruto. He had a lot of respect for the hokage seat, and considered it the best position from which conflict could be prevented. Furthermore, now knowing that his father was the fourth hokage, he couldn't just accept such blatant disrespect of the position. He then had an idea. Mischievously eyeing the ball in his hand, he smirked, having thought of an idea to convince Tsunade to change her mind.

He looked back at the woman and suggested, "How about we make a bet? If I learn this 'rasengan' jutsu, you gotta come back to Konoha with us.". The prospect attracted Tsunade. Beyond her gambling addiction, she was intrigued by Naruto's tenacious nature. To make such a bold gamble wasn't something she expected from him. Then again, she, like Jiraiya, had abandoned him at birth. How could she expect or not expect something from him? It stood to reason that he probably didn't even know what the rasengan does, if he was making a bet like this at.

There was no way he was gonna win.

Adorning a smirk of her own as she eyed the ball in Naruto's hand, Tsunade replied, "Let's raise the stakes, Naruto. You learn that jutsu in a week, and I will return to Konoha to become hokage.". She almost bet her necklace, too, but she didn't want to risk cursing the boy.

Naruto grinned and responded, "That sounds good! Now, while we're here, I'd like it if you'd tell me about my parents.".