Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its affiliates, I only own this plot and my own original characters.

Chapter 3: A New Threat

Tsunade headed to her office. She was just relieved that everyone made it back okay. "Next time I'll make a better decision."

She was surprised to see her assistant, Shizune, standing outside of her doorway. "I thought I told her to finish up her work. She'd better have a good reason why she isn't working."

"Hokage-sama!" said Shizune. "I know you're probably wondering why I'm not inside the office doing work."

Tsunade nodded, not retracting her glare on Shizune. "It better be a good reason." She was already extremely behind with her work to begin with, and she was hoping Shizune would help with it.

"Hai," Shizune responded. "I was in the office doing some paperwork when Jiraiya-sama…"

"Jiraiya! What the hell is Jiraiya doing in my office!" declared Tsunade. She hasn't seen that old hermit in a couple months, but he knew better than to barge into the Hokage's office uninvited, especially her office! "No explanation needed. I will just have to give him the beating I gave years ago."

Tsunade walked up to the door in an attempt to open it. "I tried that Godaime, but it appears that he locked the door." Just as Shizune finished the sentence, Tsunade punched down the door with her monstrous strength. She found a blank Jiraiya sitting on her desk.

"Well, it seems as if you have a lot of work here to do Miss," declared Jiraiya.

Tsunade glared at Jiraiya. It was clear that he was getting on her nerves. Shizune decided that now was not a good time to interfere, so she proceeded to head away from the Hokage's office, leaving only Tsunade and Jiraiya, two of the legendary sannin, to deal with each other.

"Why do you always bother me at the most inopportune time Jiraiya?" asked Tsunade.

"Why do you always think I come here for no reason? I was away performing my research, but now I'm back. You should be openly inviting me here instead of barring my entrance."

Tsunade put her hand on her head and sighed. He is always so damn interested in his research! "Well you came to the wrong person. Go visit Kakashi, I think he's almost done with his book," Tsunade joked. More than not, she just wanted Jiraiya out of her office so she can get some work done.

However, Jiraiya just stared at Tsunade. "Why does that hag think I act like that all the time?" There was something extremely important Tsunade needed to know. "Although it may surprise you, that was not the research I was referring too. I have extremely important information on Akatsuki and Orochimaru."

This quickly got Tsunade's attention. With all the events going on with Akatsuki, she completely forgot about Orochimaru. The time for the transfer had to be soon. Was this what Jiraiya wanted to talk about?

"First, I should talk about Akatsuki. As it stands, they have five bijous extracted. You know what this means right? Soon they will be forced to go after Naruto for his Kyuubi."

A long, awkward silence rose between the two. Of course Tsunade knew of Akatsuki's goals, but she couldn't just leave Naruto in the village to do nothing. He for one, wouldn't allow it. "I'm aware of that Jiraiya. Besides, Akatsuki is weaker now. We killed one of their members the other day."

Jiraiya laughed at Tsunade's remark. "You think that hurt Akatsuki? You only managed to kill one of their weaker members, and anyway, you may be surprised to know that he has already been replaced.

Tsunade's eyes opened widely at that remark. "Replaced already? But it's been less than a week since his death." Tsunade began to quiver out of fear. This was clearly not an organization that was messing around. "What do you think we should do Jiraiya," Tsunade asked.

Tsunade actually asked the old hermit for help. This was clearly not like her, and Jiraiya knew it. "I'm not completely finished yet. That was not the reason I wanted to talk to you. At the moment, the larger threat is Orochimaru. You do know what time it is. It has been two years and eleven months since Sasuke defected, and nearly that much time has passed since Orochimaru last transferred bodies. If he is able to take control of Sasuke's body, he will have the Sharingan and will become stronger than anyone in the world now, even me."

Tsunade never felt so small in the world. "Dammit. What am I supposed to do? We don't even know where Orochimaru is, and with the increasing Akatsuki threat, I can't afford to send shinobi after him. Dammit this is such a tough situation." She had one option, and she hated to do it. "What do you suppose I do Jiraiya."

Jiraiya smirked, knowing he had Tsunade cornered. "The only thing you can do. I am going after Orochimaru, but Naruto is coming with me." He looked into Tsunade's eyes, knowing that she was reluctant to confirm his decision.

Tsunade put the palm of her hand on her forehead. "You don't even know where he is Jiraiya. There's a good chance that he'll already have Sasuke's body by the time you find him."

"I think you're wrong there," replied Jiraiya. He knew he was holding information back, but the less the old hag knew the better. "Let Naruto come with me. I ensure he'll be okay."

"Alright, I'll give you permission to take Naruto in an attempt to rescue Sasuke. But only if my apprentice, Sakura, will join you." Tsunade knew Sakura would go crazy if she didn't go."

Jiraiya's hopes sunk upon hearing that comment. He believed the girl would hold them back. "Not only that, but her feelings for Sasuke are still eminent. That could pose a problem if we were forced too take rash decisions." However, Jiraiya knew Tsunade gave him a wide leash, and if he declined her apprentice, she could deny him permission to take Naruto to begin with. "O…okay. Are you sure she'll be able to handle it though? The worst-case scenario is that we will be forced to kill Sasuke. Can she handle that?"

"As a medic-nin, she will be exposed to situations like that on the battlefield constantly. This will be a good learning experience for her," replied Tsunade. "I personally trained her while you were out with Naruto. I have complete confidence in her." Tsunade gave Jiraiya a slight smile, which made him nod in agreement.

"Okay it's settled then. I will go find Naruto. Tell your apprentice to be ready to leave by tomorrow morning."