A/N: Sorry for the Super Late Update but here is another Chapter of Child of Prophecy, the revised Harem is listed below-
Mei
Sakura
Yugito
Koyuki
Shizuka
Karin
Chapter 4: Chunin and Retrievals
The young blonde hero lay bored and restless on the hospital bed, despite his increased regenerative healing he remained bedridden from his battle with Gaara. That battle took a lot out of Naruto and it clearly showed. The Genin wanted nothing more than to leave the hospital and resume with his daily life, but unfortunately for him the injuries he sustained wouldn't allow him.
His recovery had been quicker than most, due to obvious reasons. But to be on the safe side the hospital kept him in for the mean time to make sure he was fully healed. But all that did nothing to alleviate the young blonde's boredom of the situation.
"Do you feel a bit better now Naruto?" asked Sakura.
For the past few days the lone kunoichi of Team 7 had been constantly visiting the hospital to watch over her two teammates. Naruto's state was bad at the beginning, but he was making huge leaps. Sasuke on the other hand did not hold the same regenerative powers as Naruto, and as a result he was in a much more severe state than his blonde teammate. Physical damage aside, his pride was also bruised and damaged; he was in no state to defeat Itachi when Gaara had practically defeated him almost effortlessly.
"Yeah, it's annoying that I have to stay here but the nurse said I should be discharged tomorrow, so I have that to look forward to. How's Sasuke feeling Sakura-chan?" replied Naruto.
Sakura sighed in frustration; she was trying her best to make sure Sasuke was alright, but the raven-haired boy didn't make it easy. He had been quieter and more stoic than usual since his lost, and even though he was finally conscious he typically remained in his own world most of the time.
"He's doing well, but you know how he can be sometimes. He's really taking his loss to Gaara to heart. He hasn't said a single word since he woke up, I don't think he's even listening at all when I speak to him" she replied, her voice filled with worry.
Naruto sighed in response and said "Typical teme. He can be a major pain in the ass when he's in one of his moods."
Sakura chuckled lightly at the light jab, once the small laughter died down; the two were engulfed in an awkward silence. Things were still somewhat tense between the two. Sakura was facing a fork in the road. On one hand she still somewhat feared Naruto because of his evil and mysterious transformations, she tried her best to ignore it but the dark chakra that emanated from Naruto that day still left an indelible mark on the young kunoichi. This enigmatic side of Naruto left a large array of questions she had for her teammate's condition. Questions she was too scared to ask.
But despite that side of Naruto, she knew that the blonde haired Genin would never do anything to purposefully hurt her, or their friends. For Kami's sake, he had gone to her rescue countless times already. She firmly believed that had it not been for Naruto, she may already be dead so early in her kunoichi career. From the Mission in Wave to the Chunin Exams, every step of the way Naruto was there to protect her from any harm. Deep down, she knew, despite all her inhibitions that Naruto was not a monster. But despite all that, she still had a lingering sense of fear.
"I just want to thank you again Naruto" she said.
Naruto blinked a few times confused by his teammate's statement. "What are you thanking me for Sakura-chan?" he asked in response.
"For saving me of course. Not just from Gaara, but from everything. You always seem to come to my rescue whenever I need you most"
"No need to keep thanking me Sakura-chan, you know I would do it in a heartbeat" he replied as a slight blush adorned his whiskered cheeks.
Sakura chuckled softly as she sported her own small blush, "I'm really glad to hear that Naruto. But next time I hope it will never come to that. These past few days have left me thinking, and I've come to realize one thing" she said in a mirthless tone.
Naruto raised a single eyebrow, "Oh and what would that be Sakura-chan?" he asked curiously.
"I'm useless" she replied immediately.
Naruto sighed and said "As much as I want to encourage you Sakura-chan, I can't but I also can't discourage you."
Sakura said "I appreciate you trying Naruto but I know for a fact I've been useless. So far up to this point I haven't done anything of significance, all I've done so far is hide between you and Sasuke-kun's shadows. I haven't been a kunoichi, I've been nothing more than a damsel in distress this whole time, and I don't want to be that anymore" she exclaimed.
"That's why I'm promising you Naruto, that from now I won't be that Sakura anymore. I want to be a Sakura that can stand side by side with you and Sasuke-kun. I'm going to train my ass off to make that happen" she said passionately.
Naruto sat there wide eyed and stunned. A small smile and blush crept up to his face, 'Now this is the Sakura-chan I know and love' he thought to himself.
"I'm happy for you Sakura-chan" he said genuinely, "I know you'll be a great kunoichi".
Sakura blushed lightly before walking over to Naruto, she placed a hand over his and she gently squeezed it before giving the blushing boy a small smile.
"Thanks Naruto this was all because of you, I don't think I'd be here if not for you and it's because of that I've finally decided to stop fooling around" she said.
The young blonde was unmoving, not knowing how to react.
Somewhere Else (Namely Hokage Office)
"What have your spies heard so far Jiraiya?" asked the Hokage as he exhaled a puff of smoke from his pipe.
"Unfortunately, I have some bad news sensei; my spies believe that Orochimaru is searching for Tsunade. He believes that she may just have the power needed to fix his broken arms and it is true as the poison was made by Tsunade herself" answered the Sannin.
"Hmm I see, that doesn't sound good at all. We cannot allow Orochimaru to reach Tsunade, I trust in her and her sense of judgement but we both know Orochimaru tends to have a few tricks up his sleeve. Jiraiya I want you to search and retrieve Tsunade back to Konoha. I know it won't be an easy task, but we cannot by any circumstances allow Orochimaru to reach her".
Jiraiya nodded in understanding, "I agree sensei, but it won't be easy. You and I both know how stubborn Tsunade can be" he replied.
Hiruzen chuckled lightly, "You don't have to tell me twice Jiraiya, I know better than most" said the aged Hokage.
"Fair enough, when do you want me to begin my search?" asked the Sannin.
"The sooner the better"
Jiraiya nodded in understanding, "Very well sensei I'll leave early tomorrow. But I do have one request for the mission sensei".
"Oh, and what will that be?"
"I wish to bring Naruto with me on this mission"
"Why would you want to do that? You do know this will be an S-Rank mission"
"Don't worry sensei I know the dangers. But I'll be there right with him to protect him. I just think it'll be a good opportunity for me to train him. Plus, it's a good excuse for a godfather to spend time with his godson. Kami knows I haven't been there for him these past years."
Hiruzen smiled softly at his student, "I can tell this means a great deal to you. I'll allow it, I trust you to keep him safe" said the Hokage.
"Hai sensei, don't you worry about him. He has Jiraiya the Gallant to look after him" boasted the Sannin.
Hiruzen chuckled lightly and thought 'some things never change I guess.'
He then remembered something and said "Before you leave Jiraiya, come to my office tomorrow, I have a surprise for Naruto-kun."
Jiraiya nodded and went through the window making Sarutobi sigh again and think 'Where did I go wrong, I only trained 3 students and all 3 of them are beyond normal, one is a paedophile and Konoha's second biggest traitor after … never mind, the second is a drunk with the worst luck of all and the third gets himself insulted and writes perverted books, though I don't mind the last part.'
He soon took out an orange book and started reading it, one could see trail of blood coming from his nose but not his perverted smile.
Jiraiya went out of the Hokage's office and made way towards the hospital, but suddenly he found his perverted senses tingling and grinned perversely; he came upon the scene of Naruto laying on his bed and his hand being squeezed by a pink-haired girl.
He decided to have some fun with his godson; he knocked on the window and said "Is this a bad time? I can come back later" with a smug grin on his face.
Sakura blushed up a storm at being caught in a rather emotional moment between her and Naruto, "Jiraiya-sama, what are you here for?" she croaked out. Before Jiraiya was able to answer her, his student butted in.
"I think that his perverted senses were tingling and he came to see me."
Jiraiya groaned and said "That's a part of the reason, the main reason is that you and I are being sent out by the Hokage on a mission" he said.
Sakura stood there not sure what to do, she realized this conversation was probably quite important if the Hokage himself asked for it. The pinkette let go of Naruto's hand before stepping away slowly, "I think I should leave you two be. This sounds important" she said as she inched towards the door.
Naruto smiled at her retreating figure, "Um thanks for visiting Sakura-chan" he said nervously.
The kunoichi smiled at the young boy, "No worries Naruto, be safe for your mission" she replied.
"Um Sakura-chan before you go" Naruto called out catching the attention of his teammate, "Would you want to grab some ramen or something when I come back?" he asked.
Jiraiya had a knowing grin watching the interaction between these two; he made a mental note to remember these for some inspiration for his books.
"Yeah you know what, I'd like that Naruto" she replied before leaving the room. Naruto sat there in a state of bliss; he couldn't believe Sakura just agreed to it. Maybe his luck was changing.
A small cough from Jiraiya broke him out of his thoughts, "Oh right the mission, so what do we need to do Sensei?" he asked.
"You and I will be searching for my old teammate, Tsunade. She's currently roaming around the Land of Fire according to my spies, and the old man wants me to bring her back to Konoha"
"I have wanted to ask this for a long time but why has she been gone then?"
Jiraiya shook his head, "Sorry kid that's not my story to tell. Tsunade has been through a lot and she hasn't been herself for years now. But as of right now Konoha needs her, it's also worrying that as it turns out Orochimaru is searching for Tsunade himself. He's looking for her to heal him, and if he does, he may return sometime soon to Konoha to finish the job off" explained the old pervert.
Naruto clenched his fist, just the name of Orochimaru brought anger to the young boy for what he's done to his friends and to his own home.
"Alright so when do we head off for this mission?"
"Tomorrow morning, I've had a talk to the administrators here and they'll be discharging your shortly. They just have to prepare some paperwork. Once you get back home, I want you to pack up, prepare and get a full day's rest since this journey will be quite tiring seeing how this mission will be an S-Rank"
Naruto nodded in understanding, "Hai Sensei" he replied.
"Alright that's all I have to say pretty much; I'll be heading off now Naruto"
"Wait Sensei" yelled the blonde, "I do have one question".
"Ask"
"Why do I have to come along? Not that I'm complaining or anything, but this doesn't sound like a mission that a Genin would have to do"
"I talked to sensei and I personally asked if I could bring you along, I'll be honest you probably won't have to do too much in the mission plus the old man trusts me to keep you safe. The only thing is that I want to bring you along just so that I could train you a bit more. I've already made a suitable training program for you for the duration of our mission"
The blonde nodded in response, "I see that sounds good, I can't wait to leave. This hospital has been driving me crazy as of late, it's just so boring" he said.
The Sage chuckled softly, "Very well I'll see you tomorrow then Naruto".
"Oh right, see you Sensei"
"Oh, and Naruto before I leave" Jiraiya called out from the window, "what's your girlfriend's name?"
The Genin turned crimson red in front of his sensei, "Shut up you Ero-baka, that's none of your business" he yelled out.
Jiraiya jumped out the window chuckling to himself, sometimes it was way too easy to annoy Naruto.
Hokage Office
Naruto stood in the Hokage's Office along with Shikamaru and Shino; they did not have the slightest idea why they were here, the Sandaime coughed to get their attention, they looked towards him as he said "Now that I have your attention, first of all, I want to congratulate the three of you; you three are promoted to Chunin."
Naruto was shocked, Shikamaru was thinking how more troublesome it would be and Shino had raised eyebrows behind his sunglasses.
Naruto still shocked, asked "Jij- Hokage-sama, did you discuss it with the council or not?"
Naruto was sure that if he discussed it with the Council, Sasuke would have been in his place.
Sarutobi smirked and just "Yes Naruto-kun; it was one hell of a meeting, but I reminded them why I still am the Hokage despite my age and injuries."
"So, now we should discuss the potential candidates for Chunin" said Sarutobi who called the meeting for the Shinobi Council.
Nara Shikaku, the head of the famed Nara Clan replied "Hai, Hoka-"
He was not able to finish his sentence as the doors of the Council Room opened to show the Civilian Council and the 3 Elders who can't shit without help.
One of them spoke up "Why we were not called for this meeting?"
Sarutobi who had enough of them spoke up "Watch your tone Councilman, this is a Shinobi matter so you are not required here, when I will discuss Civilian matters, it is up to me to call you or not." He even leaked his killing intent to make his point clear, all the Civilian Council members fainted on the spot from his killing intent.
Danzo stepped forward and said "Hiruzen, what about us?"
He suddenly found swords at various points on his body; a Tiger-masked ANBU said "You will address Hokage-sama by his title, not his name, Elder Danzo."
Hiruzen's Killing Intent now directed towards Danzo who started sweating and nodded reluctantly and thought 'Damn, of all times he has to grow a backbone, it is this time.'
Sarutobi dismissed the Elders and told the ANBU to dump off the Civilians elsewhere.
"That is not the concern why you are here. Now Aburame Shino" said Sarutobi and Shino stepped forward.
"Your cool and calm attitude, the ability of leading, the plans to take on your opponent in the preliminaries and during the invasion along with your proficiency in your Clan Techniques and the ability to acknowledge when you have lost have earned you this promotion, come here get your Chunin kit."
Shino took a scroll from the Hokage and said "Arigato Hokage-sama, I will uphold my duty as a Chunin of Konohagakure to the fullest of my abilities."
Hokage nodded and smiled which drew a smile from Shino himself. He then looked towards Naruto and said "Nara Shikamaru."
Shikamaru stepped up next mumbling something about mother and troublesome, the Hokage stifled a chuckle at this and said "Your performance in the preliminaries along with the Finals and your role during the invasion have earned you this promotion."
Shikamaru received the scroll and said "Same as Shino, speaking that again is troublesome."
Everyone got a large sweatdrop on the back of their heads at the Nara's laziness. Hiruzen just chuckled and thought about the time he was giving another Nara his Chunin promotion years ago. He cleared his throat and called out "Uzumaki Naruto."
Naruto stepped forward as Hiruzen continued "Despite not being able to use chakra and being at a high disadvantage in Taijutsu, you defeated your opponent in the preliminaries; your performance in the Finals and your acts during the invasion have earned you this promotion, take your Chunin Kit from here."
Naruto took his scroll and stood along with Shino in front of the Hokage and said "Arigato Hokage-sama, I also will uphold my duty as a Chunin of Konohagakure to the best of my abilities."
Hiruzen smiled and thought 'This generation of Konoha is probably the best; all of them will surpass their parents, starting with these three.'
He coughed again to get their attention and said "Those scrolls contain the Standard Issue Kit for a Chunin; which contains 5 Chunin Vests, 25 Mild Exploding Tags, the ones you used as a Genin were the normal ones; 150 makibishi, 5 Sealing Scrolls, a Utility Belt for holding swords, medical kits, Fuinjutsu kits or scrolls and if you want you can get a Standard Issue Tanto, Chokuto or Ninjato from the armory."
All three of them nodded, Shikamaru had a bored expression, Shino was stoic as ever and Naruto had a smirk on his face. Sarutobi then said "All of you are dismissed except Naruto."
Shikamaru and Shino left and Naruto then started jumping and said "Yes, I am step closer to being the Hokage."
Hiruzen then chuckled and said "Now Naruto, calm down, I have much to discuss with you regarding the upcoming mission."
Naruto calmed down and pocketed the scroll, suddenly the window opened and Jiraiya came in and said "Yo gaki, looks like you are promoted."
Naruto nodded as both of them turned to Hiruzen for the mission details, Sarutobi sighed and said "I don't want to do this but it is necessary now. Jiraiya tell Tsunade that if she denies coming back, then I will label her as a missing-nin and revoke her Sannin Rights, and if she doesn't agree even then, then tell her that I will freeze the Senju Clan assets and Bank Account, so she won't be able to gamble or travel anymore."
Both Naruto and Jiraiya nodded and left through the window leading to the groaning and twitching eyebrow a certain Sarutobi.
Naruto and Jiraiya were making their way towards Otafuku Gai, which was a town near to Konoha, according to Jiraiya's Spy Network; Tsunade was seen there with her apprentice Shizune.
Naruto decided to change his clothes, he was now wearing Shinobi pants ending at his shins along with Black Shinobi sandals, he had a Kunai Holster on his right thigh, he also had his Utility belt around his waist; he wore a full-sleeve Konoha Undershirt covered by his Chunin Vest, Finger-less gloves along with his supplies pouch on his Right Hip and Fuinjutsu Kit on his left one.
He wanted to explore his compound but held it off for later. Jiraiya alongside him was thinking about the next thing to teach Naruto and his options narrowed down to only one.
Jiraiya then said "Well, gaki, I can think of only one thing I can teach you right now."
Naruto nodded, he needed to be strong as fast as possible so that he can tell the world his heritage and not to mention being the Hokage, which went without saying.
Jiraiya's mind suddenly drifted off to something that Naruto said earlier and grinned smugly at Naruto, who did not find the man's grin funny. Jiraiya then said "Well gaki do you know that since Tsunade is a medic, she has perfect control of her chakra, and with this ability, she can enhance her strength using chakra."
Naruto nodded, he had heard that Tsunade could destroy Mountains and building with just a single punch and always wondered how she was able to do that, Jiraiya then said "So, would you like me to tell her that you called her a drunken bitch?"
Naruto turned white as a sheet; sure he had said that but did not mean that, he said that just to make a point, not to be on the end of a monstrous punch which could destroy mountains and every single joint and bone in his body.
He looked at Jiraiya with pleading eyes who just scoffed and turned around and continued walking, whistling innocently, Naruto suddenly had an idea and smirked, which sent shivers down Jiraiya's spine for some unknown reason.
Naruto then put his hands in a Ram seal and said "Henge" when the smoke cleared, Jiraiya's eyes widened and blood rushed out of his nose, he then started giggling perversely and started to take notes, the transformation or as Naruto said it 'Naruko' opened her eyes and looked at Jiraiya with pleading eyes which melted Jiraiya's heart on the spot, Naruko then put a finger on her lips and said "Jiraiya-sama, you will not tell Tsunade-sama, will you?"
Jiraiya held up a nice guy pose and nodded. Naruto soon dispelled the Henge leaving a grumbling Jiraiya who was mumbling something about smartass blondes.
Ignoring all this, Jiraiya then said "Well, I think it's time for you to learn the Rasengan."
Naruto instantly became happy knowing that he will learn his father's prized Jutsu, he was given a water balloon by Jiraiya who took one in his hand and said "Well, the first step is to make this balloon burst with only your chakra and I forbid you from using the Kage Bunshin as this is something you should do on your own and not to mention that we don't have enough balloons to waste."
Naruto grumbled but nodded, he looked at Jiraiya who was applying his chakra and made the water in the balloon spun violently before the balloon burst leaving Naruto to do the exercise while figuring it out.
Some Time Later
Naruto was not at all happy, first, he couldn't figure out the first step of the Rasengan. Second, Tsunade had left this town before he and Jiraiya came here. Third, the pervert had gone off to hit on some women. Fourth, he could see two people in Akatsuki outfits outside his room through the peephole and Fifth, one of them was Uchiha Itachi, the slayer of the Uchiha Clan and the without an argument the best Shinobi that Konoha had produced after the 3rd Shinobi World War.
Naruto opened the door and was greeted by the Uchiha and a shark-looking man with a bandaged … sword? resting on his shoulder.
The Uchiha spoke up "Naruto-kun, we require you to come with us."
Naruto knew that to fight both of them, he would have to be an idiot and not to mention that both of them could kill him before he could even blink his eyes. His thoughts were interrupted by someone jumping through the window in the corridor, everyone looked to see a fuming Uchiha Sasuke glaring at Itachi, if looks could kill, Itachi would have been in hell being tortured that would make even the King of Hell seem like Kami-sama.
Sasuke then yelled "ITACHI! YOU WILL DIE TODAY!" he made hand-signs and charged up a Chidori and ran towards Itachi who seemed unfazed by Sasuke, when Sasuke came near him, he just caught his wrist and flicked it breaking it in the process and kicked Sasuke to the end of the corridor. He then said "Kisame, I will deal with my foolish little brother, you should engage Naruto-kun till then."
Naruto saw the now identified Kisame sporting a grin which he didn't like even the slightest, Kisame removed the sword from his shoulder and pointed it towards Naruto and said "Well, Kyuubi Jinchuriki, give me good show."
Naruto took out a kunai from his holster and held it in a reverse grip in his right hand, he couldn't use Toad Katas against someone like Kisame, not to mention no Ninjutsu as he was in a hotel and could harm people below the floor, he didn't know shit about Genjutsu, his Kenjutsu was the same as Genjutsu, he had not even completed the first stage of the Rasengan, even with the fox's chakra, he was nothing, he knew that the only thing he could do is stall until Jiraiya comes, he made 10 clones and jumped back, Kisame just laughed and said "That's it, I heard that you were the winner of the Chunin Exams, the standards must have really fallen."
Kisame, in the blink of an eye swung his sword and destroyed all the clones.
With Itachi and Sasuke
Itachi saw Sasuke standing up and kicked him again to the wall, he then picked him up by the throat and looked him up in the eye and said "Foolish little brother, you still lack the hatred to kill me, use your hatred from this fight and experience and grow your hatred to kill me."
Sasuke, despite being held by the throat stuttered out "W-w-what d-do you m-mean e-ex-experience?"
Itachi just smirked as his Sharingan turned into a different shape, Sasuke's eyes widened in horror watching the same eyes that made him relive that nightmare all those years ago, the next second, he was again in the Tsukuyomi and watched his family being massacred again and again especially his parents and the worst part was that he watched all of this from Itachi's Point of View, so for him, he watching himself kill every Uchiha.
This Nightmare lasted for 72 hours before he got out of the Genjutsu and collapsed due to Psychological Trauma.
Itachi stood aside Kisame facing Naruto, Naruto just had one thought in mind 'If I get out of here alive, I will kick that pervert to Iwa of all places with a mask of Tou-chan on his face and a poster on his back saying "I taught Namikaze Minato- The Hero of Konoha."
Suddenly two chains burst out of the ground and wrapped around Itachi and Kisame's Torso, Kisame looked confused but Itachi's eyes widened as he thought 'Kushina-sama's Kongo Fusa, but I thought only an … wait, Naruto-kun is an Uzumaki, Oh don't tell me that … '
His thoughts were interrupted as he saw the whole corridor along with the ground being transformed to a pink substance; Naruto also looked confused, suddenly a voice he knew called out behind him "Kuchiyose: Gamaguchi Shibari." (Summoning: Toad Mouth Trap)
Naruto looked back and exclaimed "Ero-sennin"; Jiraiya ignored the name for now and focused on the two in front of him. Itachi saw Jiraiya and said "Kisame, retreat, we cannot engage Jiraiya now."
Kisame grumbled but ran along with Itachi towards the window before the floor captured him, Jiraiya yelled "You can't escape; this is not some substance but the stomach of a Myobokuzan Toad."
Itachi's eyes again morphed into the Mangekyo Sharingan and a trail of blood came from his right eye as he said "Amaterasu."
Black Flames sprouted on Itachi's point of vision and they cleared the way for him and Kisame to run away. The Jutsu receded as Naruto and Jiraiya came upon the scene to see black flames on what was remaining of the wall, Sasuke landed with a thud on the floor, Naruto went to Sasuke as Jiraiya drew a sealing array on a blank scroll and placed it on the ground and said "Fuka Hoin" (Fire Suppression Seal).
Wisps of Chakra came from the middle of the sealing array and sealed the fire inside the scroll. Jiraiya then went towards Naruto and asked "So, what is his condition?"
Naruto looked up and answered "He seems to be in a coma, as he is definitely not unconscious, Itachi did something to him, maybe Sasuke looked Itachi in the eye, but making a person go into coma with just Genjutsu seems far-fetched."
Jiraiya just snorted and said "That's why I need to train you."
Naruto looked confused as Jiraiya elaborated "You can actually kill someone using Genjutsu, the Kurama Clan is one of the examples of this, they can inflict so powerful Genjutsu that can make the brain seem like everything that happened in the Genjutsu is so real that the body will start to harm itself, resulting in death. Uchiha Itachi is the Genjutsu master of Konoha, even more skilled than Yuhi Kurenai due to his Sharingan, so the state the Uchiha is in is just a warning or show of power to be precise."
Naruto gulped audibly and started sweating, he thought 'So this is an S-Rank Ninja, one who can kill you in the blink of an eye without remorse and if sensei is right then the Akatsuki is composed of them, not to mention that Itachi could be weakest of them.'
Naruto then stood up and swung Sasuke over his shoulders and asked "Sensei, who was the person with Itachi?"
Jiraiya then answered "Do you know about the Kiri no Shinobigatana Shichinin Shu (Seven Swordsmen of the Mist)?"
Naruto nodded as Jiraiya continued "His name was Hoshigaki Kisame, he is also known as the Kirigakure no Kaijin (Monster of the Hidden Mist), he is the strongest of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, little is known about him except the fact that his Chakra Levels are insane, nearly equaling that of the Biju."
Naruto eyes widened when he thought about Kisame 'He is way stronger than Zabuza and Kakashi.'
Some Time Later
Jiraiya was sporting a black swollen eye and was walking down the path with Naruto who was trying to burst the balloon, the reason for the swollen, well Konoha's BEAUTIFUL GREEN BEAST forgot a mirror and kicked Jiraiya thinking that he was an enemy. He looked at Naruto who was holding the balloon in his left hand by his side and thinking something, Jiraiya smiled thinking about the time Minato was also deep in thought, usually, it led to something great, he decided to let Naruto do his thinking.
Naruto on the side was still thinking about the balloon in his left hand and ways to burst it 'Fucking Hell, I can't think of anything to burst the balloon, wait let's restart, so I was thinking about Sasuke's Chidori, it was wild and Raiton chakra was flying everywhere, wait a minute, when this pervert demonstrated it to me, the water in the balloon moved violently, so … wait a minute, I get it now, you are supposed to rotate the water in all directions, not just one fucking direction.'
Naruto took the balloon in his right hand and started applying Chakra in all direction, 5 seconds later, the balloon burst gaining the attention of Jiraiya, who looked wide-eyed at the burst balloon in Naruto's hand and Naruto.
Jiraiya recovered and asked "How did you do that?"
"I just moved the Chakra in all directions instead of one, you did the same thing when you demonstrated it to me" answered Naruto.
Jiraiya nodded, impressed by Naruto, Naruto was becoming more like his father by each minute, but not his father, Naruto was the perfect mix of personalities between Minato and Kushina, Analytical like Minato and practical like Kushina.
Jiraiya then said "Well, you have completed the exercise but not mastered it; I want you to be able to do it within a second before we move on to the next exercise."
Two Weeks Later
It had been a hectic and eventful couple of weeks, since Naruto and Jiraiya left on their mission. The training that Naruto focused on was the Rasengan with a bit of chakra control as well; he was able to complete the second step of the Rasengan and was close to completing the third.
Eventually, both Naruto and Jiraiya were led to a town called Tanzaku Gai. Jiraiya's spies indicated that she was currently holed up in this small gambling town. Eventually their search ended in the town's local casino where there were talks about a buxom blonde big spender, who just couldn't have a win to save her life … or her life savings. Jiraiya for once knew that they had their target.
The Sannin and his apprentice walked inside the casino and somewhere by the bar they found a beautiful blonde woman who had bottles and bottles of sake around her table. She was accompanied by a young brunette who carried a small tea cup pig with her.
"Hey gaki see that blonde over there?" asked the Toad Sage.
Naruto nodded, "Yeah what of it? You're not going to try hit on her while were on this mission, are you?" he asked in annoyance.
"What? No! Well I guess yes, but that's not the point. She's our target, that's Tsunade" he said.
Naruto's eyes widened in shock, "What? NO way. She looks way too young to be your teammate, aren't you like 70?" he asked.
A tick mark appeared on Jiraiya's face, "Listen gaki I'm not 70, I just turned 50 a few months ago, and yes that is Tsunade. Don't let her appearances trick you, she may look young but that's just because of a Genjutsu she has on, it makes her look like she was back in her 30s. But trust me that's definitely her, I would know my own teammate anywhere. Now Naruto, during this whole encounter I want you to leave the talking to me. Don't say a word since Tsunade … for a lack of a better term is a bit crazy. She can get psycho quite quickly, and let's just say her strength is definitely something to fear." he explained.
Naruto decided to believe his teacher and follow his instructions, and so the two walked over to the booth. Tsunade was lost in her own world, she was unaware of the approaching figures. She wallowed in her own sorrow and pity, having lost insurmountable amounts of money gambling in this Kami forsaken casino. Her rut was worse than ever now, and she decided to drown all her problems down with some sweet Sake, one of the few things in her life that had yet let her down.
"It's good to see you after so long Tsunade-hime, I must say you're as beautiful as ever" said Jiraiya.
Tsunade was left with wide eyes, she recognized that voice and there was no denying it belonged to her teammate. She turned her attention to the man, and she was right, it was Jiraiya. The legendary kunoichi scoffed in return.
"I see you haven't changed one bit you old pervert. What are you doing here?" she asked before eyeing the blonde that accompanied Jiraiya. She had to shake her head to see if she was seeing right, this scene altogether looked all too familiar for her, "And who's the brat?".
Jiraiya sat down in the booth and allowed Naruto to sit on the other seat, "I came here because Konoha needs you" he said in a serious tone which was unusual for someone like Jiraiya, "As for the kid he's my latest apprentice, Naruto".
She eyed Naruto for a moment before turning to Jiraiya and asked "So what do you want Jiraiya?"
"I don't know if you've heard but there was a large-scale attack on Konoha not that long ago" he said getting a shocked gasp from Tsunade's apprentice Shizune and earning the keen interest of Tsunade.
"I see, so what happened?" asked the Slug Sannin.
"It was a joint attack by Suna and Oto, orchestrated by Orochimaru" he explained.
Tsunade's fists clenched in anger at hearing her old teammate's name, "That snake is still slithering around" she replied.
"Yeah, they attacked in the middle of the Chunin Exams; there were many casualties during this war. Orochimaru used Edo Tensei and he summoned your Grandfather and Granduncle to fight for him" he hissed with anger lacing his voice.
"That despicable bastard" added Tsunade.
"Sensei and I had to fight them, and in the end, we were victorious, but we barely made it. The fight was no joke Tsunade."
"I could only imagine, so from all that I'm guessing Konoha wants me back to re-join after all their losses?"
Jiraiya nodded reluctantly; yeah that's pretty much the point on this mission. "There is one other reason for it, but I'd prefer not to say it with company around" he said before turning his attention to his blonde student.
"Hey brat, go and practice that Jutsu, you are very close, I will call you if anything is needed" said Jiraiya.
Tsunade also turned to her apprentice, "Shizune do you mind if I speak to Jiraiya privately", Shizune nodded in understanding and said "Hai Tsunade-sama" before walking away from the booth.
The blonde Sannin then turned her attention to Jiraiya and asked "So what's the real reason then?"
Jiraiya was cautious at how to approach this as it was a kind of sensitive topic for Tsunade, in the end he mustered up the courage and said "You are chosen by sensei to succeed him as the Godaime Hokage and train a new generation of medics, he has even agreed to your program as we are not at war and have enough resources for that."
Tsunade looked at Jiraiya in disbelief, how could he say that to his face, especially knowing that they were sensitive topics for her, she scowled and said "Care to repeat that again."
Jiraiya gulped but stood his ground, "You heard that right and sensei has said that if you don't agree, then he will revoke your Sannin Rights and mark you a missing-nin along with Shizune and if you still not agree, then he has said that he will freeze the Senju Clan accounts and assets, he did the same for the Uzumaki Clan and Minato as to the public there was no heir to them and they will stay that way but when that brat comes to the desired age, those will be un-freezed and given to him, so freezing the Senju Clan assets will have no adverse effects and since those are Clan and Shinobi matters, the Civilian Council can't do anything and the elders and Daimyo support his decision."
Tsunade looked at Jiraiya in disbelief, her eyes showing the emotion of betrayal, but Jiraiya scoffed at that as he knew that she was just using it to try and play the innocent or the victim.
Watching that this did not have any effect on Jiraiya, Tsunade scowled deeply and hissed "I don't care if you send hunter-nins after me but leave Shizune out of this, not to mention that I can still beat them, I am just like you – a Sannin, so tell sensei that no way I am coming back to the village."
"Tsunade see reason, come back, you are disrespecting everyone's legacy right now, especially Dan, Nawaki, your Grandfather and Granduncle, what do you think, that they will approve of your actions or feel ashamed?" exclaimed an angry Jiraiya.
Tsunade growled and yelled "The Hokage position is just a curse, all of them died for nothing, they were nothing but fools especially Dan and Nawaki to dream of that position, sensei is lucky to have survived despite the conditions."
The Toad Sannin was in disbelief, he knew it would be difficult to bring her back, but he didn't expect her bitterness to extend to such high extents. He exited and found Naruto waiting outside who said "I am just a clone, what do you want me to tell to boss?"
"Come on gaki, were leaving" he huffed in annoyance. The clone just nodded and dispelled, a few minutes later Naruto arrived and was surprised to see his teacher in such an annoyed mood.
"Hey sensei, are you alright? You look pissed off" he remarked.
Jiraiya sighed in annoyance knowing this won't be a subject the kid would drop, "Yeah I am a bit pissed off. Tsunade-hime doesn't want to return to Konoha and she's proving to be a bit of a pain" he replied.
"She wouldn't be that hard to convince, would she?" asked a surprised Naruto.
Jiraiya then told him everything that happened inside and he saw Naruto barely restraining himself to go and kill Tsunade, he knew that it was impossible but he also knew that Naruto could wound Tsunade, especially in her current state.
Naruto went inside and stood in front of Tsunade, who growled and said "What do you want now?"
"I don't want to hear any of your excuses old hag, you are coming back with us to Konoha, no matter what" he yelled out.
Then just like that a tense silence filled the air, a strong killer intent was leaking from Tsunade and the entire crowd was rendered speechless.
"What did you call me?" asked Tsunade.
Naruto did not back down and replied "Must be the age getting to you, a piece of advice, don't drink so much, your Liver will be affected, not to mention your age."
"Meet me outside in two minutes gaki" Tsunade replied with a dark and vengeful tone which Naruto was oblivious to.
Naruto then walked out of the casino alongside his sensei, Jiraiya had no idea what to say. He couldn't believe how gutsy his student was, being Tsunade's teammate he knew full well just how powerful that woman was. To see Naruto, a Chunin no less challenge a Sannin was unheard of … but then again this wouldn't be the first time the blonde brat challenged a Sannin.
Once outside Naruto found Tsunade standing on the end of the street, she stood proudly glaring at the young boy. If looks could kill, Naruto would've long been a dead man.
"What are the rules?"
"No rules, just a simple fight. First one to give up loses. But let's also sweeten the stakes" she replied smoothly, catching the interest of Naruto.
"You want to turn this into a bet?" he asked knowing full well her luck at gambling. Despite being known as the Legendary Sucker for her uncanny misfortunes in gambling, this didn't stop her one bit
"So what'll be the stakes?" asked Naruto.
"If I win you will give me all your money and return back without pestering me and convince the Sandaime to remove my punishment" she answered.
"And what if I win?" he asked.
"I will come back to Konoha and become the Hokage along with Training a new generation of medics."
Naruto looked at her in disbelief and said "That is my mission, not your choice to be put forward in a bet."
Tsunade scowled and said "Then what do you want."
Naruto closed his eyes and thought for a moment; he opened his eyes and answered "Access to the Senju Library along with the Armoury and Jutsus, also, the secret to your super-strength."
Tsunade smirked and said "Let's raise the stakes even more, if I win, I will give you my grandfather's invaluable necklace."
Naruto smiled and nodded, a lot was at stake; especially the future of Konoha along with the careers of the Hatake and the Uchiha, only this old hag in front of him could heal them.
Naruto cocked his fist back and rushed towards Tsunade who was first surprised by his speed but recovered and brought up a finger to deal with Naruto, Naruto ducked and went back as Tsunade arrogantly proclaimed "1 Finger, that's all I need to defeat you brat."
Naruto ran at her again and made a clone in the mid-way which surprised Tsunade again, the clone tried to attack Tsunade upfront but she flicked her finger on the clone's chest which made Naruto who was going to follow his clone, step back.
Naruto made 4 clones who ran and surrounded Tsunade, all 4 rushed at her who just destroyed them again with a finger-flick. After the smoke cleared, she saw fire coming towards her from the front and jumped up, she saw Naruto who was scowling, watching this Tsunade smirked, but it was short-lived as the Naruto on the ground dispelled showing that he was also a shadow clone, she ducked mid-air just in time to avoid a kick from the Chunin.
Tsunade did not want to admit it but being out of practice for 10 years along with alcohol were showing her down incredibly, she saw Naruto throw a smoke bomb on the ground and cursed, she had just relied on instincts when there were situations like these, she heard a swirling sound behind her a turned just in time to see Naruto rushing at her with a perfect Rasengan between both of his hands, she cursed Jiraiya for teaching him this Jutsu.
She descended her finger on the ground with full force, cracking it in two and throwing Naruto off balance; because Naruto had still not perfected the Rasengan with one hand, he lost balance and the Rasengan exploded on his hand.
Jiraiya watched this and was again shocked, Naruto only needed some more practice to make a Rasengan with one hand, maybe improving his Chakra control will help.
Tsunade looked at Jiraiya and said "You taught him that Jutsu."
Naruto picked himself off the ground and sent silent eye message to his teacher that said 'Don't tell her that I know.'
Jiraiya hummed and said "Well, he was showing promise, so I decided to teach him that move."
She looked at Naruto and said "Brat, why do you get so offended when you hear someone badmouthing the Hokages."
Naruto's eyes burned with determination as he looked her in the eye and said "Because unlike you, being the Hokage … is my dream."
Tsunade froze, that proclamation, she had heard that before, but not with this determination, this determination, it reminded her of only one person, her grandfather, Senju Hashirama. She closed her eyes and thought something for a moment meanwhile Naruto arrived and stood beside Jiraiya cursing himself, Tsunade opened her eyes and said "Well brat, I do have to say that you pushed me into a corner, let's change our bet now."
Naruto listened carefully to Tsunade who continued "If you are able to master that move with one hand, you win the bet, but if you don't, I win, I will give you a week to do so."
Naruto nodded, ready to show this old hag her place, he and Jiraiya went back to their hotel which was surprisingly Tsunade's Hotel too. They went off to their respective rooms and went to sleep after a long day.
The Next Day
Naruto arrived along with Jiraiya in a clearing to start their practice on the Rasengan, currently 30 of his clones were working on the next level of chakra control which was Senbon Balancing; it included balancing a Senbon on your fingertips, needless to say, Senbon were being launched and rained down that day.
A few days had passed for Naruto and his training was starting to pay off. He was now able to create a Rasengan in one hand in 4 seconds, he wanted to lower the time, but decided to work on that when he got back to Konoha.
Today was the final day of the bet, Naruto was ready to show that old hag the results and get access to the Senju Library along with the Super-strength.
But just before Naruto and Jiraiya could leave, they heard a loud and urgent knock on the front door of their rented motel room. Naruto hurriedly opened the door only to find a panting Shizune.
"Jiraiya-sama I need your help its Tsunade-sama" she exclaimed urgently, Jiraiya immediately sprang forth and rushed to the front of the door.
"Is everything alright Shizune? What happened?" he asked in a nervous tone.
"Tsunade-sama drugged me and left me in the apartment I think she's intending to meet with Orochimaru"
Jiraiya's eyes widened, "Orochimaru? How the fuck did this happen?" he demanded answers.
"Orochimaru paid us a surprise visit the other day, he didn't stay long at all. He asked if Tsunade-sama would join his forces and heal his arms, in return he promised to revive my uncle Dan and Nawaki"
"That snake bastard, take us to where Tsunade might be" ordered the Sannin, and just like that the three Shinobi ran off to where the meeting might be held.
Eventually their fast-paced running led them to an area outside of Tanzaku Gai, away from the town and its inhabitants in the middle of a large field.
There they found Tsunade standing in top of a large slug, while on the opposite end Orochimaru stood alongside his apprentice Kabuto on top of a large snake summon.
"Hmph it turns out you have some reinforcements Tsunade" muttered Orochimaru.
Tsunade turned around to find Jiraiya running towards her, "Don't worry hime help is on the way" he yelled before forming a few hand seals.
"Kuchiyose no Jutsu" he yelled as a large plume of smoke enveloped the area, and suddenly just like that Jiraiya stood on top of a gigantic war toad as well.
Orochimaru scowled noticing the obvious disadvantage, "Kabuto I'm going to need your help we'll need to summon another snake to take these two on" he ordered as his apprentice weaved through his own hand seals, and on their side appeared another snake the size of Manda.
"Alright I think we can handle things from here Kabuto, I want you to get rid of Tsunade's apprentice and the Kyuubi brat while I deal with my two teammates" he instructed.
"Hai Orochimaru-sama" he said before jumping off the top of the snake summon; he immediately ran towards Shizune and Naruto.
Shizune pushed Naruto back, "Naruto-kun please stay aside for now and let me handle him" she said. Little did she know Naruto wasn't one to wait on the sidelines.
He quickly engaged Shizune into a heated Taijutsu battle. He punched and kicked her as she was immediately placed on the defensive, she didn't think that he would be as strong and fast as he was at that age. It was clear she misjudged just how strong this guy was.
But while Kabuto was locked in combat with Shizune he almost missed the incoming kick from Naruto, he jumped back a few feet before the kick could land.
"That's not nice Naruto, it's not very polite attacking people's blind spots" he said.
"Were ninjas, were not meant to play by the rules" he said before summoning a few shadow clones to attack Kabuto.
"Sen'ei Jashu" (Hidden Shadow Snake Hands) he yelled as he sent a handful of snakes from his sleeve towards Naruto's clones quickly dispelling each of them as a result.
Then it was Shizune's turn to attack, she used her Dokugiri (Poison Mist) technique as she exhaled a large fog of poisonous gas meant to incapacitate the young Oto ninja.
Kabuto on the other hand had plans, he weaved through hand seals and used Suiton: Daibakufu no Jutsu (Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique) as he expelled a large volume of water resembling a gigantic waterfall to counter the poisonous fog. The force of the water was powerful enough that it even blew Shizune out of the way leaving her unconscious.
Tsunade saw this from her peripheral vision and she wanted to jump down and help her apprentice, but unfortunately for her she couldn't afford to leave Jiraiya with these snakes since doing so would leave her teammate in a risky situation. She saw that Naruto was still standing, as much as she wanted to step in, but she knew that for the sake of Shizune both had to put their trust on Naruto.
After the large display of water Kabuto immediately rushed towards Naruto with his Chakura no Mesu (Chakra Scalpels), blue chakra was surrounding Kabuto's hands forming a scalpel shape. Naruto was shocked by the attack that he failed to notice Kabuto's incoming attack in time, he jumped back to avoid a fatal hit, but he was still left with a large cut along his torso.
The young blonde winced in pain as blood seeped to his clothes, but he didn't have much time to breathe since Kabuto came forth once more to attack Naruto. He could only dodge and weave his way through the attacks.
Things weren't looking good for Naruto; he didn't expect Kabuto to be as strong as he was either. The Snake Sannin's apprentice then jumped back a few meters and unleashed a powerful Suiton Jutsu meant for Naruto.
"Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu" (Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique) he yelled as he summoned a large water dragon towards the Genin.
Naruto countered with the Futon: Daitoppa (Wind Release: Great Breakthrough) as he exhaled a large and powerful gust of wind towards the water dragon. The two techniques collided causing a standstill as the water was blown everywhere in the area.
Straight after the Counter-Jutsu it was Naruto's turn to go on the offensive, he threw a single shuriken and then he weaved through hand seals to use the Shuriken Kage Bunshin no Jutsu. The shuriken then multiplied from one to over a hundred, Naruto followed this up immediately with Futon: Reppusho (Wind Release: Gale Palm) sending a gust of wind to strengthen the attack power and speed of the shuriken.
Unfortunately for Naruto this wasn't enough, Kabuto managed to counter this with Doton: Doroku Gaeshi (Earth Release: Earth Shore Return) creating a small yet thick and sturdy wall of earth in front of him to shield him from the incoming projectiles.
Naruto saw this and then he ran towards Kabuto with his Chakra Chains unleashed from his back, the earth wall Kabuto made crumbled immediately and he was left with a small window to dodge Naruto's sudden attack.
"Doton: Moguragakure no Jutsu" (Earth Release: Hiding like a Mole Technique) with that Jutsu Kabuto was able to turn the ground he stood on into sand as he quickly devoured just in time to dodge the blonde's attack.
'That was too close of a call' he thought to himself as he began to sink further into the ground. Now it was his time to counterattack, quickly he began to reappear from the ground just behind Naruto.
Naruto cursed his luck missing his target in a matter of seconds, he was so close to delivering the final blow and yet the bastard managed to elude him still. Naruto then heard a small noise behind him, so he tried to jump away, but then yelled out in pain as Kabuto delivered a near fatal attack behind him. He turned back only to find a grinning Kabuto.
'Damn I let that bastard get the sneak on me, I wasn't careful enough' he thought to himself.
Naruto suddenly started feeling somewhat woozy, he looked to his front and then glanced to his back and his eyes widened in shock as he saw his entire torso drenched in blood. The blood loss was hitting him quick as he felt his legs give out. He collapsed on the floor as his vision began to go blurry.
Kabuto chuckled sinisterly as he grabbed a kunai from his holster, "You put a decent fight Naruto-kun but unfortunately your time is up" he said as he approached the wounded kid.
Naruto felt something stir within him, he knew what exactly it was. The Kyuubi was trying to give Naruto one of its tails for power, Naruto however didn't want any of it. He fought it as best he could, he never wanted to give in to the Kyuubi ever again. He wanted to win fights on his own strength now, the odds weren't looking good for Naruto, but knew he wouldn't die here.
"Tsūtenkyaku" (Heavenly Foot of Pain)
Tsunade landed near Kabuto with an earth-shattering axe kick that made the ground itself quake and break and said "You will not go near this boy."
It was no use; Tsunade had no other choice but to jump in. She trusted Jiraiya to hold his own for a few minutes before she returned to fight Orochimaru. If she didn't leave at the time she did, it was very likely Shizune and Naruto would be dead by now.
Kabuto was blown away by the impact, he braced for the force of the attack and he was sent skidding a few meters back. While Kabuto was trying to recover Tsunade made her way to Naruto to heal him.
She used her Shōsen Jutsu (Mystical Palm Technique) as a bright green chakra engulfed her hands, she placed them over Naruto's wounds but as soon as she touched Naruto's skin, she felt a warm liquid surround her hands. Tsunade nearly vomited but she kept it in, she tried her best to heal him but even she was struggling due to the amount of blood.
She felt pathetic at that moment. What kind of doctor was she? How could she even consider herself a doctor if she had a fear for blood?
She did enough to seal off Naruto's wounds but that left her in a worse state, she was in her own world disoriented and panicking. Her breathing grew heavy as her eyes shakily focused on her blood-stained hands. This very sight of her own bloody hands forced her to relive those terrible moments, the times when she couldn't save her own little brother and her own lover.
Kabuto noticed her state of panic, so he rushed in to seize the opportunity, his hands were enveloped with his chakra scalpels and from behind he managed to stab Tsunade straight through her torso. Tsunade's eyes widened in shock as she coughed out blood, Kabuto walked over to face her. She glanced up at the young man and she glared at him as he wore a sadistic grin.
"It looks like your time is up Tsunade-sama, honestly I expected better from you" he said as he grabbed her by the hair. He placed his chakra scalpel just by her neck, and she was ready to end her life here and there.
Jiraiya watched on unable to do anything, "TSUNADE!" he yelled out in anguish. He was about to jump off but then Orochimaru and his snake summon Manda slithered to the back of Gamabunta surrounding the toad sage and his summon.
"Where do you think you're going Jiraiya-kun? We have you surrounded kukuku" Orochimaru said.
Jiraiya clenched his fists in anger knowing he couldn't escape now that he was being attacked from the front and the back, Katsuyu herself was struggling enough as is and if he left her and Gamabunta they were going to struggle.
'Naruto do something' he prayed.
Naruto lay on the ground watching Kabuto as he readied his blade to kill Tsunade. His entire body was in complete pain, and he was feeling dreary with the loss of blood. But he knew he had to act now or else, adrenaline was kicking in in the boy's system. Before he could even think his body stood up and he ran towards Kabuto.
'This is it, I cannot mess this up now' the Genin thought to himself.
Kabuto laughed as Tsunade struggled to escape from her captor vice grip, "Say your prayers" he said. But before he could slice Tsunade's neck he was attacked from the back with a powerful Jutsu.
"Rasengan" yelled Naruto as he plunged the Jutsu into Kabuto's back. The Oto-nin screamed in pain as he was sent flying towards the opposite direction by the force of that devastating attack.
Tsunade's eyes widened as she glanced up at her savior, the blonde boy she doubted stood in front of her covered in blood and bruises, but standing tall, nonetheless. To think she had to be saved by a Genin.
She chuckled to herself she couldn't be outdone by the brat, there was no other alternative she knew she had to use her secret technique.
She knew she had to release the power of her Byakugo no In (Byakugo Seal), also known as the Strength of the Hundred Seal. The powerful Fuinjutsu marked on her forehead.
"Infuin: Kai" (Yin Seal: Release) she muttered as a powerful chakra began to engulf Tsunade, her wounds began to heal and a pattern began to form on her body stemming from the diamond seal on her forehead. Tsunade stood up from her position and glanced down at the shocked look from Naruto.
"You saved my life Naruto, and it's time I finally put an end to this fight" she said, but before she jumped into the fray of battle, she kneeled to face Naruto near eye level. She leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on Naruto's forehead causing the young blonde's cheeks to redden.
Tsunade then removed her necklace before placing it on Naruto's neck, "You won the bet Naruto, I honestly didn't think you would do it, but you proved me wrong. Take care of that necklace Naruto, from now on it's all yours" she said.
Naruto smiled at the Sannin before chuckling nervously, "You know what, you aren't so bad after all" he said causing Tsunade to chuckle softly. She ruffled his hair before standing back up.
"Despite what I said back then, don't ever give up on your dream Naruto. One day you will become a great Hokage" she said before jumping into the battle.
Naruto stood there silent surprised at how much the lady believed in him, it made him feel good knowing that little by little he was finally changing the hearts of people. But before he could ponder much longer, the stress and fatigue took over his body and boy fainted from exhaustion and injuries.
Tsunade jumped straight for one of the snake summons and delivering a powerful jaw break punch causing one of them to immediately dispel. Orochimaru cursed his luck seeing Tsunade return, and in her most powerful form as well. The odds weren't looking good for him anymore.
"It seems I'm in an obvious disadvantage here, I must bid you two, farewell" he hissed, "Until we meet again". Just like that he and his summons were enveloped by a large plume of smoke. The two Sannin knowing full well there was no way of chasing him and Kabuto if they were reversed summoned.
Soon after the departure of the obvious threats Jiraiya turned to Tsunade as he wore a smug and all-knowing grin, "Looks like the gaki managed to charm his way into your heart" he remarked.
Tsunade chuckled softly, "Naruto definitely has a way of making people a believer, you can't help but root for the brat. That boy is special, he carries the spirit and ambition of Dan and Nawaki, and he kind of reminds me of my grandfather in a way" she replied.
"He's going to make a great Hokage one day Tsunade-hime"
Tsunade nodded in agreement, "I know, I just hope we both live to see the day" she remarked.
"Let's go home?" asked Jiraiya.
A small smile graced the Slug Sannin's face, "It's about time I returned, it's been far too long" she replied.
A/N: I am sorry if the chapter feels rushed but I need to get to the Training Trip as soon as possible, the real adventures are during the Training Trip.
Once Again, Sorry for the Super Late Update.