Chapter 4
Tsunade and Gohan were walking beside the river, deep in conversation. Tsunade was almost finished questioning him. She had enough information that he means no harm to her village, but she still had one question. She noticed how Gohan was discreetly flirting with her and throughout their talk she was curious about something. Normally she would punch anyone who tried to flirt with her but Gohan did in a way that made it seem like he was flirting yet not. Since he hasn't outright flirted with her she decided he would live besides even though she won't admit it aloud. She actually liked how he made their talk seem less serious.
"Mr. Son," Began Tsunade but Gohan cut her off.
"Please call me Gohan, Mr. Son makes me sound old."
She looked at him dully, "You are old."
Gohan puffed out his chest in defiance, "I am not old." Then with a sly smirk, he grabbed her chin lightly and told her huskily, "And I can prove it too." Gohan was rewarded with an unexpectedly powerful punch to the chin from Tsunade, which sent him flying back quite a few feet.
As Gohan flew back he failed to see the light blush on Tsunade's cheeks. She can't believe what he just said but what Tsunade couldn't believe even more was that she actually liked him flirting out right with her. Usually whenever anyone tries to flirt with her she usually gets mad or disgusted and punches them for those reasons. This time though she punched Gohan because she was embarrassed. She also felt her stomach flutter when he grabbed her chin lightly. She shook her head to rid herself of those thoughts and put a scowl on her face. She can't be starting to fall for this guy.
He hasn't even been here for a full day and yet she feels that she can trust him. Damn hormones Tsunade grumbled to herself.
Tsunade looked to where Gohan was punched to and saw him rubbing his jaw and opening and closing it to see if it's broken. She stared at him in shock no one has ever recovered that fast from her unexpected punches. That was when she realized her hand that she punched him with hurt a little. That shocked her even more since that has never happened but it also made her believe his story when he told her that he was really strong. She thought he was being a pompous jackass with a stick up his ass when he told her he was strong, but from the way he walked back to her making it seem like she never punched him at all proved that he was telling the truth.
Actually the only proof that Gohan was actually punched was the fact that there was a tiny bruise forming under his chin.
Tsunade was brought out of her thoughts when Gohan pouted at her, "Now what was that for Tsuna-chan?"
She growled at him, "That's what you get for touching me…and DON'T CALL ME TSUNA-CHAN!" This was followed with a slightly stronger punch to the chin. When Gohan landed on his back, instead of getting angry at getting punched again. He laughed. He was having so much fun.
He was amazed at how strong Tsunade was and he wasn't going to deny that he didn't deserve those punches. Even though Tsunade wasn't as strong as him when he reaches the limit before ssj in his normal form, she still packed quite a punch for a human that wasn't trained like he was. Hell she could put up a damn good fight with Krillin because Gohan knew that Tsunade probably has some pretty nifty tricks up her sleeve. The one thing Gohan has learned through his experience in battles is that you don't have to be necessarily stronger than someone else to beat them.
His laughter was cut short when Tsunade growled at him and asked, "What is so damn funny Gohan?"
He got up and looked at her with a beaming smile, "Well Tsuna-chan," Tsunade growled at hearing that name. "I am really enjoying this time with you. It has been a long time since I have had so much fun." Tsunade blushed lightly and this time Gohan caught it. Tsunade was shocked; he was having fun just talking to her? Surely he must be joking about not having fun in a long time?
Tsunade didn't realize she voiced the last question out loud until Gohan answered her with a sad smile.
"It's true the last time that I had truly enjoyed anything was the day before my mother died which was years ago. Ever since then I have been trying to be happy again for the sake of my friends and my remaining family but it seemed like it was for naught…well until now." …Thanks to you Gohan added silently to himself not daring to say it aloud.
Tsunade looked at him in amazement, it really had been for so long? What made him unhappy? Was it the fact he had eternal life? Tsunade made a silent vow to find out more about Gohan.
"Um… Tsuna-chan?" Gohan said interrupting Tsunade's thoughts again. Tsunade twitched at the name. What is with him calling her that?
"Gohan what did I tell you to address me by?" She asked glaring at him.
Gohan laughed nervously, "Umm to address you as Hokage?"
She looked at him pointedly, "You're still going to call me Tsuna-chan, aren't you?"
Gohan grinned widely, "YEP!" he chirped.
Tsunade sighed in exasperation. It wasn't like she hated or despised the name; it was just that it caused her to have butterflies in her stomach whenever he said it. Also it would be utterly embarrassing if Gohan said that name when she was around anyone else. She could only guess what Jiraiya would say about the name.
Tsunade looked at the sky and decided that it was about time to head to her office. Before she left Gohan to his own devices, she talked to him a little more and attempted to make him stop saying that nickname but to no avail. She finally gave up for the time being but it doesn't mean she totally giving up yet.
Gohan grinned slightly to himself as he walked towards the hospital. Tsunade gave him permission to roam around the village freely as long as he caused no harm. She told him this was a test to see if he was TRULY trustworthy and Gohan planned on not letting her down. He really enjoyed talking to Tsunade even though it was mainly Gohan answering any questions about if he was a threat or not. Even though it was supposed to be a serious talk, Gohan couldn't help but flirt with her. Maybe he flirted with her for the fact he never had time to flirt with a girl before because he was hardly ever around females, other than his mother and Bulma. So maybe it was his male hormones reacting at seeing not only a women but a beautiful one as well. He didn't mean her outer appearance either. Even though he knew very little about her, the things he did know made him trust her.
Even though she grumbled every once in a while about how being a Hokage was frustrating and kept asking herself out loud why she even took the job. Gohan could tell she obviously has people she cared about in the village and will protect them. If she didn't care about anyone, then not only would she not be here, she wouldn't have been so hard pressed in making sure he wasn't a threat.
Gohan rubbed his bruised chin with a goofy grin in recollection of what had happened not long ago. He knew he should be mature and stop calling her Tsuna-chan but he just can't help it.
When Gohan got the hospital, the sun was about to go down. Walking along one of the many hallways, Gohan headed towards the room Tsunade had went into earlier today, he was curious on who Tsunade was so protective of. Since she didn't allow Gohan to go in with her.
When he was in front of the door, he was about to enter when he heard voices talking. One of them was a man and the other was a boy from the sounds of their voices. Thankfully with his saiyan ears, he was able to hear the conversation clearly.
"You have to forget about Sasuke completely or I won't train you," the man's voice spoke calmly. Gohan didn't know whom this Sasuke was he didn't like where this talk was heading.
"What?" Came the shocked voice of the boy that was filled with disbelief. "You must be joking ero-sennin." Ero-sennin? Gohan thought, it must be a nickname.
"No Naruto I am not. You have to give up saving Sasuke; it's too late to save him. He made his decision to leave and nothing you can do or say will change it." Ero-sennin growled.
Gohan has no real clue on what is going on but from what he just gathered someone that the boy Naruto knows has left. Naruto obviously wants to go after him but Ero-sennin told him to stop. Gohan decided to hide his ki because it would be bad if the owners of the voices find out he was listening in on their conversation. Hey he knew it was wrong to listen into other people's conversation but his saiyan curiosity got the best of him.
"No!" Naruto screamed in defiance. Startling Gohan slightly, he thought the kid would listen to the man in the room but Gohan guessed wrong. "I won't give up on Sasuke! I have a promise to keep and I will not go back on it!"
Ero-sennin growled in frustration, "Don't you get it Naruto! Sasuke chose to go with Orochimaru on his own. I know what kind of a person Sasuke is from experience he is just like Orochimaru. He is your enemy now and he will stay like that too!"
Gohan now realized a little more of what was going on. This Sasuke person obviously left to go to this Orochimaru, which Gohan gathered was evil. So Ero-sennin as Naruto calls him believes that it will be a waste of time to do something he believes to be useless. This is where Gohan had to object with the older man's views. Gohan had seen people go from being evil to good countless times. Piccolo, Vegeta, Buu, 18, and 16 were prime examples of that too.
Gohan was kind of angered at the man inside the next room's narrow viewpoint of whether a person can change for the better. After being evil. Yes there are quit a few evil beings that will not switch sides but there are still some that will. What this Ero-sennin fails to realize is that everyone is different and no two people are truly alike.
"You're wrong Ero-sennin!" Screamed out Naruto in denial. "I will save Sasuke, even if I have to do it on my own!" Gohan couldn't help but be proud of this kid's determination to bring this Sasuke back.
"You're a fool Naruto! There are people far worse than Orochimaru that you need to be prepared for. You can't waist your time with Sasuke. So I'll give you a choice. Come with me for three years and I will train you or be a fool and go after Sasuke without my training. Know this if choose to be a fool, I will have anbu watch you at all times and you won't be able to leave the village."
Ouch that's harsh and totally unfair, Gohan thought.
"You can't be serious?" Naruto asked the man.
"Try me." Was the calm response from the man.
It was silent for a moment and Gohan began to believe that Naruto would give up looking for this Sasuke person, but yet again he was proven wrong. "I rather be a fool than to give up on my friend."
"I won't be able to change your mind will I?" The man asked Naruto after a few moments of silence.
"Nope." Came Naruto's blunt reply.
Gohan could hear Ero-sennin sigh and then heard him speak up. "You're are choosing to be foolish, and that foolishness just might work. O.K. kid after you are healed we will begin your training." After the man said that he could feel the man go away from the hospital.
Gohan decided it was best to leave. Heading towards the hospital doors Gohan went over what he just heard. It sounded like some troubles were happening around here and maybe he could help. Gohan hoped he would be able to because he never liked to see anyone in pain (unless they are a totally evil maniacal being bent on destroying anything and everything without a second thought) whether it's physical or mental. Obviously this Sasuke person's decision to leave the village effected people.
Gohan took a deep breath of air when he got outside the hospital, to clear his head. He'll think of a way to help out later, right now he needed to find a place to crash. Walking around the village Gohan came across what appeared to be a forest. Gohan decided that this would be a fun place to camp out. He could sleep in an inn or something but he doesn't want to bother Tsuna-chan or anyone else. Besides Gohan preferred the outdoors and tonight appears to be a beautiful night.
Walking into the forest, Gohan failed to see or just plain out ignored the sign stating 'Forest Of Death'
The next morning found Gohan stretching as he exited a cave that he had found. A few moments later a momma bear and her two cubs exited the cave. Gohan yelled out towards them and waved, "Thanks for letting me stay with you guys." Before he could leave however the cubs pounced on Gohan and for a few minutes all three of them wrestled playfully as the mommy looked at them silently. But if you looked closely it looked like she was smiling.
You see when Gohan entered the forest; he wandered around a little trying to find a good place to sleep. When a cry of distress met his ears, he quickly went to where the cry came from. What he saw made his heart sadden. There was a momma bear and two of her cubs, but the mommy bear appeared to be dying. Quickly going over to them, Gohan tried to get near but the two cubs stood protectively before their mother. Gohan tried to make soothing noises to make them understand he only wants to help. Gohan was thankful he spent so much time around animals because over that time Gohan acquired a pretty good bond with animals. The cubs looked into his eyes and then silently moved out of the way to let him through. He could tell they were extremely worried.
When he got to the mother she glared at him because that was all she was able to do. She obviously had a bad past with humans and her distrust was clearly evident in her eyes. Sighing Gohan kneeled before her and had his hands hovering above her body. Giving a look to all the bears that stated to trust him. He then used the technique that Dende shown him and healed the momma bear completely.
The momma bear was shocked because a trap of one of the humans was what put her in such a bad state in the first place. When this man came she thought he was going to finish her off but instead of doing that he healed her. She got up and when she did her cubs went up to her and snuggled up against her and asked if she was O.K. Without saying anything she reassured them with a slight nuzzle. She then looked up at the human that saved her in confusion.
He smiled back and even though he didn't say anything, looking into his eyes she saw compassion and love for not only her and her cubs but for anyone willing to accept it. She slowly went up to him and she nudged him a little. He chuckled a little and then gave her a hug around her neck. Letting go of her, the man looked ready to leave, when all of a sudden her cubs tackled him.
She looked slightly worried but that was dissolved when she started to hear the human laughing in enjoyment and actually started to playfully wrestle with her cubs. After awhile the three broke apart and the man was about to leave when the momma bear decided to stop him. Gesturing with her head she told the man to follow her. He seemed to understand so he nodded.
A few minutes later found the four of them outside her cave and when she looked at him. He pointed at himself and then to the cave. The momma bear nodded and was glad he understood what she was trying to do. It was late and the man needed a place to sleep and this was a good way to repay him for his help.
Gohan smiled kindly at the bear in gratitude. That was how Gohan found himself now wrestling two cubs before leaving. After their playful match, Gohan got up and ruffled the top of the two cubs head with a smile and told them, "I'll be sure to visit again." Even though the bears didn't know or understand human talk they seemed to understand what Gohan was telling them because the two cubs happily ran back to their mother. Before finally leaving the family, he gave them a warm smile. He always loved being around animals.
When Gohan exited the forest he finally noticed the sign that was hanging there.
" 'Forest of Death'? What a weird name for such a nice forest." Gohan then whistled lightly to himself as he walked around the village. As he walked Gohan's stomach began to growl, he decided it was time to find a place to eat. That was when he smelt something in the air that smelled delicious. Letting his nose lead the way, Gohan found himself in front of what appeared to be a ramen shop. Going in he looked around and chose one of the seats at the counter and sat down. A few seats away he saw someone in a hood slurping up ramen, which made his stomach growl a little more. Looking at the person's energy signature he realized it was the Naruto kid. He probably snuck out of the hospital since he has the hood up and some people right outside were screaming out his name trying to find him. When the people outside seemed to have left was about the time when Naruto finished his bowl of ramen.
"Another miso ramen please!" Naruto yelled with a grin on his face, the hood of his shirt removed from his head.
"Coming right up." Replied what appeared to be the owner of the shop. The girl beside the man just smiled happily.
Before the man could hand Naruto the ramen, three people appeared behind Naruto. One of them was Shizune. The next couple minutes resulted in Naruto getting tied up and dragged out by some peeved medic-nin. Shizune paid for the Naruto's ramen and then left totally ignoring Gohan. Which was just fine with Gohan because he was attempting to keep his laughter in from what had happened. Gohan then couldn't contain his laughter when he heard Naruto complaining to Shizune that he need to be looking for Sasuke and training and how he couldn't do that if he was sitting in bed.
"Excuse me?" A kind and gentle voice asked him making him stop laughing. He looked at the owner of the voice, which turned out to be the girl that worked here. "Would you like some ramen?"
Gohan was about to say yes when he realized he had no money, so he rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly which unknowingly caused the girl to blush. "Yes I would but I don't have any money. So I'll just leave." He was about to get up when the girl stopped.
"NO!" She shouted a little louder than it needed to be. She blushed again but in embarrassment this time. "I mean no." Grabbing the ramen that was originally for Naruto, she placed it in front of Gohan. "You can have this one."
"No I shouldn't," began Gohan but the girl wouldn't take no for an answer.
"It has already been paid for and if you don't eat it, it would only go to waste."
Gohan sighed in defeat, "Alright I'll eat it." The girl squealed in delight for getting him to eat it. While he was eating Gohan politely asked, "What is your name miss?"
She smiled at him, "My name is Ayame," She then pointed to the man that was a few feet away from her, "That is my father and he is also the owner of this ramen restaurant. What is your name sir?"
He gave Ayame a kind smile, "My name is Gohan."
While the two were conversing, Ayame's father looked at the scene with a small smile on his face. His daughter has such a nice heart and he was glad that she was actually socializing with someone. Usually she never really talked and only smiled, and Ayame's father was beginning to worry his daughter will never find anyone. Now he is not saying that Gohan and his daughter were ever going to get together because he had a feeling Gohan wasn't interested in his daughter that way. Maybe though Gohan can get her to interact more with others.
When Gohan finished his ramen, he thanked Ayame and her father kindly before standing up. He decided that he should head to where Tsuna-chan was. Following her signature, Gohan found himself in front of her office ten minutes later. Knocking on the door lightly, he heard Tsunade give him permission to enter.
Opening the door, he grinned widely and said, "Hi Tsuna-chan!"
She twitched, "What did I say about you calling me that?"
"To not call you that?" I answered.
"Precisely."
"But Tsunade," I whined. "Tsuna-chan sounds so much better for a beautiful woman like you."
Tsunade blushed but Gohan didn't know if it was out of anger or embarrassment, "Gohan." She growled threateningly, "What is it that you want?"
"I'm bored."
She twitched, "You're bored?" Gohan nodded. "If you're so bored, why won't you do some paper work for me?" She said jokingly.
"O.K."
Tsunade stared at him for a few minutes, "You're serious?" He nodded. "Well if you want, pull up a chair and we'll get started.
Near the end of the day found Tsunade and Gohan grinning. Tsunade was grinning because they got all the paperwork done, even for the next two days. Even though Gohan isn't from this world, he has a great understanding of laws and is able to find any loopholes or flaws in paperwork that she herself couldn't find. Gohan was grinning because he was able to help someone out.
The moment of happiness broke, when Tsunade suddenly scowled and grumbled, "Jiraiya stop your childish peeping and get in here." Gohan wasn't surprised to see Ero-sennin come in through the window, since he had felt the man's energy beforehand.
"I am not peeping," Jiraiya, replied, "If I was, I surely wouldn't be peeping on an old woman." This caused Tsunade to glare at Jiraiya hatefully. Jiraiya put his hands up in defense, trying to calm her down. Looking around a bit to find a distraction so Tsunade wouldn't punch him, Jiraiya finally noticed Gohan, "Who's he?" He asked pointing to Gohan.
The distraction was a success and Tsunade replied seriously, "His name is Gohan Son, he has some annoying qualities," At this Gohan looked sheepish as Tsunade glared at him. He knew she was talking about the nickname and the flirting. "But other than that he has proven himself trustworthy and helpful thus far." Gohan was surprised that she deemed him trustworthy but didn't show it, he didn't want her to get suspicious if he looked surprised.
Jiraiya gave him a calculating look before shrugging his shoulders, "Well if Tsunade trusts you, then that's good enough for me." Turning to Tsunade he put on a serious face, "I have something really important to discuss with you."
Gohan and Tsunade saw the seriousness in his voice. "I'll wait outside the office until you are all done," Gohan said before leaving. The two gave him grateful looks as he left. When he was outside the office, he went to the nearest chair and sat there. He decided it was for the best if he didn't intrude or listen in on their conversation.
When Gohan felt Jiraiya leave, he waited a few moments before entering Tsunade's office quietly. There he found Tsunade staring sadly out the window. Obviously whatever Jiraiya told her upset her. Walking up to her so she knew that he was there, they both stayed silent for a bit before Gohan broke it.
"Do you want to talk about it?" She would probably say no but he still had to ask to make sure.
Even though she wouldn't usually tell a stranger what was wrong. For some reason her heart was telling her to trust Gohan. Deciding to take the risk, she did what her heart told to do. "Yes. A boy Naruto, who is like family to me, wants to go after his friend who had betrayed him. Along with Naruto, a girl name Sakura is also bent on getting that friend back as well. They were going to leave the village without permission, which would make them missing nin," Seeing Gohan's confused face, she clarified it, "It means they will be seen as betrayers to the village and will be killed if they are found by any Konoha nin. Jiraiya came to warn me and the only thing I could do to save them from that fate was give them a mission to allow them to go where their friend may be at. Luckily Jiraiya agreed to go as well. But…"
Gohan looked at her in understanding, "You are afraid they will be hurt or killed, even with Jiraiya's help."
She nodded.
"Then I'll go with them."
She stared at him in shock. "What?"
He stared at her seriously, "You heard me I'll go with them to make sure they will return alive."
"It's going to be dangerous, you might be killed." Gohan snorted at Tsunade's remark.
"I will be fine and besides I have my healing technique remember?" Gohan replied to her.
"Why would you do that?"
He looked at her seriously again, "Even though I am not a ninja, I still follow one rule. If I am able to help or save anyone that needs it, I will."
"O.k. you win," Grabbing a blank scroll she wrote some things down, put her signature, and then handed it to Gohan. "This will prove that I recommended you to go along with this mission, just give it to Jiraiya. I have to ask though. How will you reach them?" Tsunade asked.
Gohan smirked, "I have the ability to sense a person's life force and since I have met Jiraiya, I know what his feels like. So I will just trace his." Putting two fingers to his forehead, Gohan gave Tsunade a reassuring grin, "See ya later Tsuna-chan!" A look of concentration crossed his face and a moment later he was gone.
Tsunade looked at the spot where Gohan last stood, "Thank you." She whispered.
Sakura, Naruto, and Jiraiya were tree hopping to their destination when all of a sudden someone appeared before them halting them in their place. They all got in a stance ready for battle, before Jiraiya realized whom it was.
"Gohan? What are you doing here?"
Gohan grinned at them sheepishly, "Tsunade sent me to help you guys on this mission." Gohan said as he held out the scroll Tsunade gave. Jiraiya grabbed it and looked at it and saw it was legit. Jiraiya had to wonder why Tsunade sent this guy.
Jiraiya turned to Sakura and Naruto, "It looks like we have another teammate."
Sakura and Naruto looked shocked, "What?!?" They both shrieked.
End chapter 4((a/n) I know it has been forever since I posted anything and I am truly sorry for that but I have been really busy. Hopefully this chapter made up for that and I hope you all liked it. Review and tell me if you did.)