"Where could they be?" Mito wondered out loud as she looked around the room only to realize it was completely unoccupied. She found it to be quite strange that her mother and Shizune were nowhere in sight. Nightfall was upon them and she wasn't even allowed to be out alone, so the fact that they weren't waiting up for her to find out where she has been was completely out of the ordinary.
Jiraiya could tell that the young girl was becoming more and more panicked with each passing moment. He didn't know anything about her, but he didn't want her to be worried when Tsunade was more than likely still somewhere in town. He had no clue what Tsunade was like as a mother, but was positive that she would never abandon her child, "Don't worry." Jiraiya said as he placed a reassuring hand on her tiny shoulder, "We'll find her."
Mito looked up at Jiraiya's kind face and felt as if she could trust him, "Okay." She said.
The trio walked out of the room and headed into town. On that particular night, the town was hosting a festival so it was more crowded than usual. Jiraiya knew that it would not make it easy to find Tsunade, but was hopeful nevertheless. Mito was still apprehensive, and Naruto was determined to locate the blonde healer, but Jiraiya knew that they were only kids that should otherwise be enjoying the festivities around them. Therefore, without saying a word he stopped by one of the booths and bought them each taiyaki, which was a fish-shaped treat filled with delicious, sweet bean paste.
"Here you guys go." Jiraiya smiled as he handed them both a sweet.
"Thanks Pervy Sage!" Naruto said and immediately started to eat the taiyaki.
Mito however, looked at the treat she was given and was somewhat confused. She never met Jiraiya before and he didn't know her on any level. All she did when she first met him was call him an old man, but his kindness was evident. He was helping her to locate her mother, and bought her a snack so she could enjoy something from the festival. She looked up at him with a smile, "Thank you." She started but suddenly remembered that she didn't know what his name was. It felt kind of inappropriate to her if she were to call him what Naruto did, "I'm sorry, but I don't know your name."
Jiraiya smiled, pleased with the opportunity to properly introduce himself, "I'm no other than Jiraiya." He started, "Legendary Sannin, and the handsome devil of the Leaf Village."
Mito giggled at Jiraiya's quirky introduction, "Thank you Master Jiraiya."
"It's getting late." Jiraiya said as he took notice of the time, "Let's keep moving."
They walked around the town for a few more minutes, but had no luck in finding Tsunade. Jiraiya then resorted to pulling out an old photograph that he had with him in order to show it to others in hopes that they have seen her.
"How do you have a picture of my mother?" Mito asked, "How do you know her anyway?"
"She hasn't mentioned me?" Jiraiya asked, hoping that he would hear what he wanted to hear.
Mito shook her head, "Never." She said, "I've never heard your name before."
Jiraiya sighed, but wasn't that surprised that Tsunade has never uttered a word about him to her daughter. Why would she mention a former lover to her young child anyway? Surely the girl's father wouldn't be too pleased if she did, "Tsunade and I go way back." Jiraiya started, "We used to be on the same team when we were both living in the Leaf Village."
"What was she like back then?" She asked, eager to know more about her mother's past.
"She was a lot like you, but was more impatient." Jiraiya recalled, "We didn't get along at first. I was certain that she hated every bone in my body. But the more we grew up, the more respect we gained for each other. She was strong, stronger than me I swear, and she was so smart. She had a tough exterior, but deep down I know that she was very caring."
"You seem to know a lot about her." Mito commented, "You perhaps know more about her than I do."
Instead of commenting on Mito's statement, he decided to not pry into the mother and daughter relationship that Tsunade and Mito shared. He then proceeded to show Tsunade's picture to random people, hoping that someone would recognize her. After asking a few people, an older man seemed to know her whereabouts.
"I saw that lady walk into a bar with another woman with black hair." The man said.
"That must be my big sister Shizune." Mito said, feeling hopeful, "But why would they be going to a bar? They don't drink."
Jiraiya wanted to blurt out laughing, because if anyone was a heavy drinker, it would be Tsunade. He wondered how Mito was completely unaware of that detail, but figured that perhaps Tsunade kept that part of her life hidden from the innocent eyes of her child.
"Let's go find out then!" Naruto said eagerly, "Point us in the direction she went old man!"
"She went that way." The man said as he pointed in the direction he saw the blonde walk in.
"Come on guys!" Naruto said as he started to go towards the bar Tsunade was supposedly at.
"Hold on Naruto." Jiraiya said as he held onto the boy's collar to prevent him from moving, "She's in a bar. You think they'll allow a kid like you to just walk in without adult supervision?" Jiraiya reminded the eager boy, "I'll lead the way. Come on Mito, let's go find your mom."
As they inched closer and closer to the bar, Jiraiya's heart started to beat rapidly within his chest. He was about to come face to face with Tsunade for the first time in years. However, he wasn't sure what to think about it and how to react. He imagined seeing her again under completely different circumstances, but the reality of the situation was that she now had a twelve year old daughter. That simply meant that she moved on from him and what they shared. He had no idea if she were still involved with her daughter's father, if they were married, or if he wasn't in the picture at all. He had so many questions, but knowing Tsunade, she would probably decline to answer them. He still loved her with all his heart, but if she really found love in someone else, then he would have to try to get over her.
They arrived at the bar and before entering, Jiraiya took a deep breath, "You kids stay behind me." He instructed the children before going inside. When he walked in, his eyes immediately landed on Tsunade. She was in the back of the tavern, sitting at a table with a bottle of sake with Shizune who seemed to be in deep thought. She didn't seem to be drunk, or even near intoxicated. He didn't think it to be possible, but she was even more beautiful than the last time he saw her. He stood there for a moment, admiring her, but also wondering about her life. It wasn't until she looked up and her hazel eyes met his that he felt completely at a loss for words.
"Tsunade!" He managed to blurt out.
"Jiraiya!" She said as soon as she realized that she was actually looking at the man she left so many years ago, "What are you doing here?"
Suddenly, Mito and Naruto moved from behind Jiraiya and Tsunade's attention immediately turned to her daughter.
"Mito?!" Tsunade said, shocked to see her daughter in Jiraiya's company, "What are you doing with Jiraiya? You don't even know him."
"I met Master Jiraiya and Naruto today mom." Mito said while walking towards her mother, "They were looking for you."
"Looking for me?" Tsunade said, diverting her attention from Mito to Jiraiya, "What is she talking about?"
Jiraiya and Naruto took a seat at the table Tsunade and Shizune were seated at, while Mito took a seat in between her mother and Shizune. Seeing Tsunade and Mito together was surreal to Jiraiya. He couldn't believe that Tsunade actually had a daughter and seeing them together made it so real. They looked so much alike it was baffling.
"Why have you been looking for me?" Tsunade asked again, growing impatient.
Jiraiya was hoping that he would have had the opportunity to have this conversation with Tsunade privately. However, he definitely did not expect to find her daughter before he even found her. Things were not going according to his plan so he just had to roll with the punches, "Aren't you even a little happy to see me?" He said with a sly smirk on his face.
"Who's this kid you have with you?" She asked, choosing to ignore Jiraiya's question. To her the inquiry itself was foolish, for he of all people should know that she missed him with every ounce of her being. It felt so good to see him again, after not laying eyes on his kind face for many years. During their time apart, her mind often wondered on where he was and how he was doing. How she wanted to embrace him and talk to him like no time had passed at all. However, her life was completely changed due to her precious addition. It was not as it was before and she was positive he had many questions for her, but questions she could not answer in the company of others.
"This is Naruto Uzumaki."
Tsunade looked at the blue-eyed boy and could hardly believe that he was the vessel of the nine tailed fox. She didn't know much about him other than the fact that he was the son of heroes and Jiraiya's godson, but he looked to be someone who was happy-go-lucky, reckless, and a dreamer. He shared the same characteristics as her dear, deceased brother. Just looking at him brought back so many memories of the twelve year old life that was lost.
"That's not all," He started, "I'm also his apprentice, he's teaching me a new jutsu."
Tsunade looked at the boy, amused that Jiraiya decided to become his master. She recalled how excited he was at the fact that he was named as the boy's godfather even before the kid was born. It was no wonder he decided to teach him. He was probably declined the opportunity to raise the spiky haired boy as his own, and was perhaps trying to make up for lost time. However, to Tsunade, Naruto didn't seem to possess any talent as a ninja, unlike the Fourth Hokage. But perhaps Jiraiya could change that with his tutelage.
"Why did you come here Master Jiraiya?" Shizune asked, changing the topic quickly for she too was curious as to why Jiraiya was searching for her mentor.
"I'm not sure if you're aware of this Tsunade, but Sarutobi Sensei was killed by Orochimaru." Jiraiya said and realized sadness in Tsunade's honey colored eyes.
Tsunade was hoping that Orochimaru's confession was just a sick lie, but having Jiraiya confirm it made it truly resonate within her heart. Her Sensei was actually dead, and she never got to say goodbye. She was devastated, but was trying so hard to keep up the unfazed persona she was trying to embody.
"The village needs a new Hokage." Jiraiya continued, "The elders decided on you."
Was she hearing correctly? Did Jiraiya really just tell her that she was chosen as the next Hokage of the Leaf Village? How could they possibly think that she was the best person for the job? Surely there must be someone else who could take on the role. She didn't know what to say. How does one react when they are told that they were chosen as the leader of an entire village? She turned her attention away from her white haired companion and proceeded to focus on the deck of cards in front of her.
"The Hokage?!" Naruto repeated, choking on the piece of food he had in his mouth, "No way!"
"My mom is going to be the Hokage?" Mito asked eagerly while looking at Jiraiya then at her mother, hoping to get some kind of clarity, "Does this mean we're going to move to the Leaf Village then?" She asked her mother while tugging on her arm excitedly, "Maybe I can finally be a ninja."
"Mito stop!" Tsunade said in a raised voice, "We aren't moving anywhere because I'm not going to be the Hokage."
"What?" Mito asked, "Why not?"
"I'm so confused!" Naruto groaned in frustration, "I thought we came all this way to get her to heal Kakashi Sensei, Sasuke, and Bushy Brow." He pointed at Jiraiya in an accusing manner, "And then you go and tell her that she's been chosen as the Fifth Hokage only to have her refuse it! What exactly is going on here?!"
"Calm down Naruto." Jiraiya started and then took a sip of his beverage, "It's a position she knows she can't refuse. She's the granddaughter of the very first Hokage, the man who built the village, she's a Sannin, and one of the most if not the strongest kunoichi the ninja world has ever seen. So with her skill and her lineage she is the clear and only choice for the position."
"That still doesn't mean that it's a position I'm going to take." Tsunade said as she shrugged her shoulders, "Go find someone else or better yet, you become the Hokage. I'm pretty sure they offered you the job and you threw my name out there so you wouldn't have to deal with it."
Jiraiya laughed at just how spot on Tsunade's theory was. Sometimes he thought she knew him better than perhaps he knew himself.
"You're being ridiculous mom!" Mito said in a defiant outburst, "Can't you see that we would have a much better life if you were to become the Hokage?! You never want to do anything I want to do! It's not fair!"
"That's enough Mito!" Tsunade said in an agitated voice, "Don't argue with me and don't think I forgot that you deliberately disobeyed me, left the inn, and met up with these two idiots." She said, "Shizune, take Mito back to the inn."
Shizune was processing everything that had happened that day. They met up with two of the other members of the Sannin in the same day. Orochimaru offered to bring Dan and Nawaki back to life in exchange for his arms being restored to him, while Jiraiya informed Tsunade that she was selected as the new Hokage. How did their lives become so interrupted so quickly? And why was Tsunade denying the role that she was clearly born to do? Was she actually considering taking Orochimaru up on his offer?
"Let's go Mito." Shizune said as she held Mito's shaky hand. She could tell her little sister was quite upset with her mother and wanted to take her away from all the negativity. She cared deeply for her and just wanted her to be happy. She knew Mito was completely unaware of the tragedy her mother was forced to live through therefore, she was ignorant on why her mother always seemed to be so cold and lacking of emotion. Shizune wished she could explain it all to her, but knew that it wasn't in her place to do so.
Mito rolled her onyx eyes and followed Shizune back to the inn. She was so angry with her mother for so many reasons, and felt as if she were denying her the chance to truly be a ninja. Sometimes she felt as if her mother didn't know her at all.
Once Tsunade was left alone with Naruto and Jiraiya, she started to drink some more. They probably thought that her drinking was just a bad habit, but at that moment it was stress induced. The truth was that her mind was going a mile a minute. She not only had Orochimaru's bargain weighing her down, but now she was offered a job of a lifetime and she just could not accept it.
"I might not be the brightest bulb in the box, but I do know that being the Hokage is a fool's game. Count me out." She said without any emotion or remorse.
"What did you say Granny?!" Naruto shouted, "Don't sit there and mock the Hokage! I'll wipe that smile off your face!"
"Is that a challenge?" Tsunade smirked, "You got guts if nothing else kid. Let's take this outside."
Jiraiya sighed heavily at the interaction between Tsunade and Naruto. This definitely was not going according to plan. He reluctantly followed the two outside, hoping that their altercation would not draw the attention of too many people.
"One of the Legendary Sannin going up against a snotty nosed Genin." Tsunade started in a condescending tone, "I should be ashamed of myself." She laughed and held up her index finger mockingly, "You see this? One finger is all I need to take you down."
"Oh stop showing off." Jiraiya rolled his eyes, but being acutely aware of his teammate's skills. Naruto didn't stand a chance at beating her nor did he have the right to even challenge her.
"Well, what are you waiting for kid?" She taunted the blonde haired boy, "Thought you were going to wipe the smile off my face."
"Don't ever underestimate me!" Naruto shouted as he charged at the woman, growing tired of her teasing. He threw three shuriken at her as a decoy, all of which she dodged effortlessly with her eyes closed. When he got close enough to her, he pulled out a kunai to attack, but she swiftly took the weapon out of his hand, threw it into the air, and knocked his headband off of his forehead with one quick movement. When he got his bearings together, she came closer to him and flicked his forehead with the same finger she taunted him with, and sent him flying in the opposite direction. When he landed on the ground he saw as the kunai fell in front of him followed by his headband. He looked at her in amazement. She was so skilled that his power flailed in comparison to hers. Now he could see how she was ranked in the same ninja class as Jiraiya.
"Hey kid!" Tsunade called out and drug Naruto out of his daze, "One question before you pass out."
He looked at her, wondering what other sly remark could possibly escape her mouth.
"What makes you so touchy about Hokage?"
Naruto smiled at her question, knowing the answer like the back of his hand, "It's because unlike you that's my goal." He said, "Just wait and see, one day I'll be the Hokage because to be Hokage is my dream."
Tsunade's eyes grew wide with shock upon hearing the boy's answer. Not only did he remind her of the two she lost, he also shared their dream of becoming the Hokage. Memories of her past flooded her mind and caused her to let her guard down. Naruto took that opportunity to try his new jutsu out on his opponent. He channeled his chakra into his palm like he was taught and once it formed into a sphere shape, he charged at her with fierce intent. The sounds of Naruto running towards her snapped her out of her deep thoughts. She saw the mere Genin wielding none other than the rasengan, the Fourth Hokage's jutsu. She couldn't believe that he was capable of performing such a complicated, highly ranked jutsu. Thinking on her toes, she split the ground open using one finger, causing Naruto to fall into the small crater, interrupting his imperfect jutsu.
"Jiraiya." Tsunade said, turning her attention from the defeated boy to her white haired teammate, "Are you the one that taught this kid the rasengan?"
"Of course I did." He said as he pulled Naruto out the crater, "I'm his teacher aren't I?"
"Why would you waste your time teaching it to someone who could never master it?" She asked, finding the idea of the kid learning the technique to be ridiculous and impossible, "Why would you fill his head with stupid ideas and actually make him believe that he could be Hokage one day?"
"I'll show you!" Naruto shouted while holding up three fingers, "Give me just three days and I'll have that jutsu down flat!"
"Watch what you say kid." She laughed, "I might just hold you to it."
"I never go back on my word. If I say I can master that jutsu, I can and I will."
"Care to make a bet on it then?" Tsunade said, an idea popping into her head.
"A bet?"
"I'll give you one week." She started, "If you can master it by then I'll admit I was wrong and that you're worthy of being Hokage. I'll even throw in my necklace." She said as she pointed to the piece of jewelry hanging from her neck."
"I'm not into jewelry, no thanks." Naruto shrugged, not seeing the beauty or the greatness in the necklace.
"You idiot." Jiraiya said to his apprentice, "That necklace belonged to the very First Hokage. That tiny thing is worth a gold mine."
Naruto suddenly became interested in the bet upon hearing the worth of the necklace, "Lady, you got yourself a bet."
Usually Tsunade would not gamble her necklace, for the piece of jewelry carried a lot of significance and was special to her. It was a gift her grandfather gave her, and one she passed down to both Nawaki and then to Dan. It came back into her possession when they passed away and ever since she swore that the necklace itself was cursed and would only accept her. It served as a constant reminder of the ones she lost. It was the only thing she had to remember them by. Some would only think of it in terms of its monetary value, but it meant so much more to Tsunade than dollar signs, "Alright. But if you can't master it, you have to admit I was right."
"Deal!" Naruto said and then ran off to train. He was not about to lose the bet. He wanted the satisfaction of seeing the look on her delicate face when he masters the jutsu and he also wanted her to acknowledge him as a worthy candidate for Hokage. He had a lot of work to do.
Now that Jiraiya and Tsunade were alone, Jiraiya decided to take advantage of the situation, "Are you sure you want to gamble with the necklace?" He asked, remembering the significance the necklace held in her life.
"He doesn't have a chance at winning it." Tsunade said as she rolled her eyes.
"He might just surprise you." Jiraiya said before moving on to more serious topics, "I had no idea you had a kid." He started and saw how uncomfortable she was becoming with the conversation, "She looks just like you, but you seem to be a little harsh with her. She wants to be a ninja like you, is that really such a bad thing?"
"Don't question my parenting Jiraiya." She warned in a serious tone.
"What does her father have to say about it? Does he know she wants to be a ninja?"
Tsunade tensed up at his question and felt the dire need to end their conversation as soon as possible, "That's none of your business."
"Where is he at anyway?" Jiraiya asked, looking around for a man who resembled Tsunade's daughter in the slightest, "Your kid is twelve so that simply means you met the guy shortly after you left me. Are you still with him? Are you married? I feel like I don't know you at all anymore."
"Jiraiya stop!" She shouted, getting extremely irritated with him, "He's not in the picture." She said, "You can go back to the Village now and take up your position as Hokage, because I'm not the one."
"Sorry princess, no can do." He shook his head, "I can't go back there without you, so one way or another, I'll get you to say yes." He said with a smile but then grew serious, "Why are you so cold with me anyway? We didn't leave each other on bad terms. What happened to make you like this?"
"That is also none of your business." She said then walked away from him. She didn't mean to be so rude to him, especially since he did nothing wrong. But he had no idea what hell she went through when they separated, and she was too emotionally damaged to explain it all to him. She didn't know how her life became so messy, but hoped and prayed that somehow, someway, it would all change for the better.
