Chapter Six

Meanwhile in the Hokage's Office

The Hokage called Kakashi, master Jiraiya and Guy to discuss Shikamaru's theory.

"I've already given you a summary of what Shikamaru found on his mission. I believe he may be on to something; but you three, being some of Konoha's best shinobi, I'd like to know your opinion." after she was done speaking, their was a long silence.

Jiraiya was the first to speak "I agree. This doesn't sound like something Orochimaru would do, he craves power. Plus, I can't think of anything he would want. Except to destroy Konoha, but he would do that himself." he was quiet for a moment "Do you think he has taken over Sasuke?"

Once again it was quiet, then it was Guy's turn "There is absolutely no way! His plan was to destroy Konoha as soon as he took over Sasuke's body and recover his youth!"

Kakashi rolled his eyes at the youth comment. Then he spoke "If it was a group like the Akatsuki, they would have killed Orochimaru's little group off. But what if it was someone on the inside?"

Tsunade looked outside her window "But who could be strong enough to over through him without him suspecting it?" they all looked at each other.

Jiraiya took a deep breath "I know we're all thinking it, I'm just saying it…Sasuke…he's a traitor and an enemy to Konoha. He's the only one that could have turned on Orochimaru."

"But we have to be sure before we start pointing fingers…but if it is, he's up to no good and we HAVE to find him." Tsunade rubbed her temples. "Kakashi, I want you and Anko to search the area of Konoha, that includes the borders and the surrounding forest. You leave tomorrow." she leaned back in her chair "Alright, you're all dismissed"

"Yes lady Tsunade" and they walked out. Jiraiya stayed behind.

He looked down at her while she rubbed her temples, she didn't realize he was still there. 'I hate to see her so stressed, makes me wish I took the Hokage job.' He put his hand on her shoulder, her head shot up then relaxed when she saw him. He looked out the window and saw Hotaru with her friends running inside the mansion with a dozen shopping bags. "Well, it looks like our little firefly has made a purchase or two."

Tsunade looked out the window "Yeah, No shit. Well at least she had fun."

Jiraiya smiled "We're spoiling her you know. She acts like she's lived her all her life and we give her everything for it."

She glared up at him "I've had her for almost two days, I can do whatever I want, who knows what you an those toads did to her. So does she eat flies?"

He chuckled "No, but you'd be surprised on what she can do." she raised an eyebrow.

"I can't help it Jiraiya, I owe her 19 years of love and presents and mommy stuff. I regret my decision of not keeping her, and she knows. And she still forgives me." she sipped some sake.

Jiraiya poured himself some sake "You regretted it eh?" she nodded "Do you regret not marrying me?" she was quiet, looking down into her sake. He smiled at her, he didn't expect her to answer. He reached into his pack and pulled out a book and gave it to her.

She looked at the book "Icha Icha Paradise? I'm sorry Jiraiya but I've never had an interest in your dirty novels."

He kissed her forehead. He braced for the impact of her fist, but she just froze. "Read what's on the inside. I'm going to check on the 'Party'" she nodded. After he left, she looked at the book.

Tsunade,

You've broken my arms and ribs, destroyed my insides, and put me in the hospital in critical condition. Always because I kissed you, or touched you or looked at you while at the hot springs. But I never cared because it was always worth it. This book is about you, I wrote it years ago. I'd like you to have a copy of it.

Love, Jiraiya

She looked at the book, not knowing whether to be offended or flattered. But she smirked a little none the less. 'That old toad will never change!"

At Ichiracku Ramen

Naruto, Gaara and Kankuro stopped for ramen, when they saw their friends Kiba, Shino, Choji and Neji. "Hey guys! I'm glad I ran into you. There's a party tonight at the Hokage mansion and everybody has to come. Sakura and Temari said so." they all nodded.

"So what is this party about." Choji said with a mouth full of ramen.

Naruto was sick of repeating himself, he wanted to make a 'Hokage's Daughter' T-Shirt. "Tsunade secretly had a daughter and now she moved here to Konoha. So everyone has to come, alright?" they all nodded.

Gaara's sand began to swish in his gourd. He thought that might be a sign that there was danger near by. He looked around, but found nothing. He went back to the ramen stand. Unfortunately his instincts were correct.

Not far from the ramen stand

"That was way too close Yoroi! What is Gaara doing here?" Tayuya hides in a tree.

"Hn…I don't know. But this party is just what we need." they leave for the Hokage mansion.