(And welcome back, readers. Been awhile but I'm ready to return to my roots. Here's where Naruto and Jiraiya find Tsunade, but have to convince her to come back.)

It had been three days since Naruto and Jiraiya left on their search to find Tsunade. During their travels, Jiraiya would ask around local towns to see if anyone had any clue where Tsunade might've been.

While he did the reconnaissance, Naruto was busy trying to master the new jutsu Jiraiya had him learning. The famed Rasengan, a jutsu only known to Naruto's father Minato, Jiraiya himself, and even Kakashi.

Naruto was in the process of molding chakra in his palm, until it exploded on him. He groaned before getting up, "Damn, I knew learning this jutsu wasn't going to be easy, but man this is starting to make bending training look like child's play." he got up and decided to take a break.

Soon Jiraiya came back and spoke, "Hey, Naruto!"

"Hey, Ero-sennin, any news?"

"Good news, Tsunade wasn't here that long ago. By my calculations she should be in Tanzaku."

"Well, we better hurry before she takes off then." Naruto said.

"Right. Come on." Jiraiya ordered, as they headed off yet again.

As they walked, the Sannin wondered, "So how's the jutsu coming?"

"Well, I'm getting there, but I still have to keep it from blowing up in my face."

"Give it time, you'll master it." Jiraiya replied.

"I hope so. After running in with those Akatsuki guys, I realize I need all the help I can get." Naruto said as he thought back to what Itachi did to Sasuke.

Eventually they arrived in Tanzaku, and began looking around. They searched all around, but found nothing. When nighttime came, they met up outside a bar, "Non luck on my end, and judging from you, the same?" Naruto asked.

"Unfortunately. Well, not much we can do not. We'll have to pick up where we left off tomorrow. Come on, I need a drink." Jiraiya said, as he went into the bar with Naruto following.

They entered and looked around for a spot to take, until Jiraiya looked in the far back of the bar seeing two women and a pig. The first woman had short black hair, and the second one was blonde and had a busty rack.

The blonde squinted her eyes wondering why he was looking at her, until Jiraiya announced, "Tsunade!"

Naruto jumped at his outburst and looked seeing who he was motioning too, 'That woman is Tsunade? Whoa. And I thought Korra was beautiful.'

"Jiraiya?!" Tsunade shot up from her seat, "What're you doing here?"

"I've been looking all over for you, that's what." Jiraiya said, as he went over and took a seat with the two. Naruto quickly joined them.

"So what brings you all the way out here?" Tsunade asked in a bored tone.

"I'll get right to it, but first allow me to introduce to you my new apprentice. This is Naruto Uzumaki."

Tsunade looked at Naruto in surprise, 'So this is the vessel for the nine tails?' she thought.

"Naruto, allow me to introduce to you my old teammate Tsunade, and her apprentice, Shizune."

"It's nice to meet you, Naruto." Shizune bowed her head in respect.

"Same to the both of you." Naruto returned the gesture, even though Tsunade looked like she couldn't care less.

"So, why did you come all the way out here looking for me?" Tsunade asked her teammate.

"Because Sensei has asked me to bring you back to the village so you can become Hokage." he answered without beating around the bush.

Tsunade suddenly froze in shock while Shizune was surprised, "You want Tsunade-sama to be the Hokage?" Shizune asked.

Jiraiya nodded, as Tsunade answered, "No thanks."

Jiraiya smirked, "Yup, I figured you'd say that."

"If you knew then why did you bother coming?"

"Because regardless of your answer, there is trouble brewing in the Ninja Land centering around Orochimaru."

"What does he have to do with this?"

"He attempted to invade the village using Suna. We survived but by the skin of our backs."

"Oh, my goodness." Shizune gasped.

"But we survived with the help of this guy." Jiraiya nudged Naruto.

Tsunade looked to Naruto, "And just how could one little shinobi like this have made such a difference?"

Naruto frowned at her words, "Because, lady. This little shinobi is more than he appears to be. And I'm not talking about the guy I have sealed in me, but something else."

"And that would be?" Tsunade asked dully.

Naruto leaned in and answered, "I'm the Avatar." he whispered.

Both ladies were suddenly taken aback by Naruto's claim, as Shizune asked, "The Avatar, as in the bridge..."

"Between the spirit and physical worlds, yes, yes, the whole package." Naruto finished.

Tsunade looked to Jiraiya, "How many are aware of this?"

"The whole village knows. Even the other five great nations."

"I see."

"And after the events of the invasion, sensei realized we'll need all the help if Orochimaru strikes again. We could really use a shinobi of your skill and expertise, Tsunade." Jiraiya implored her.

"Like I said before. No thanks." she repeated herself.

"Wow, you're more of a coward than I thought." Naruto said bluntly.

Tsunade's head shot up and glared at Naruto, "What did you call me?"

"A coward. I'll admit it must've been bad losing two important people in your life, but think of your sensei. Jiji had to have lost a lot of other important people in his life but you didn't see him pick up and leave the village."

"Watch your tone with me, kid," Tsunade warned her, "I don't care if you're the Avatar, if you cross the line with me I'll have to teach you something about respect."

"I don't wanna have to engage in violence as much as you, which is why I'm offering you a chance to change your mind."

"What could you have to offer me?"

"I know someone else who can relate to you, and may be just the guy you need to talk to."

"Who?" she inquired.

"Follow me and I'll introduce you." Naruto got up, followed by Tsunade as they walked off.

Jiraiya and Shizune got up, as the dark haired woman asked, "Does Naruto have a plan?"

"Either that, or he's stalling." Jiraiya replied.

Later, Naruto brought Tsunade, Shizune, and Jiraiya to a meadow outside of town. He surveyed the scene and spoke to himself, "Yes, this'll do nicely."

"What are you doing?" Tsunade asked getting impatient.

"Just making sure the area is right for us to meet my associate."

"And what he's gonna drop in like that?" the female sannin asked sarcastically.

"No. You and I are going to the spirit world."

Tsunade did a double take, "The spirit world?"

"That's right. I can meditate us both there."

"You can do that?" Shizune asked.

"When you're the Avatar anything's possible."

Tsunade sighed, "All right, let's get this over with." She took a meditating position on a boulder, as Naruto got into the same position as they faced each other. Naruto took Tsunade's hands into his and they closed their eyes with Naruto concentrating.

Suddenly the two opened their eyes and found themselves in spirit world during it's own nighttime, "So this is the spirit world?" Tsunade asked, as she saw multiple firefly-like spirit flying around giving off light.

"That's right. Now come on, the place we're looking for is over that hill." Naruto and Tsunade walked before seeing Iroh's tea shop.

"A tea shop?" she asked.

"Oh, yeah. Best tea you'll ever find in the real or spirit world." Naruto said, as they went went up to the door seeing an anthro wolf spirit.

"Naruto, what a surprise to see you here." it spoke.

"Just wanted to see the boss man here. I brought a friend to meet him." Naruto explained.

"Very well. Come right in." he showed them inside, as Tsunade was impressed to see an actual spirit from the spirit world.

The spirit showed them into the back room, "Sir, you have guests."

At Iroh's desks, the man spun around in his chair to face them, "Naruto, so good to see you. Oh, and who is this charming young lady?" Iroh smirked flirtatiously.

"This is Tsunade of the Legendary Sannin." Naruto began, but before he could introduce Tsunade, the woman spoke up.

"I've heard of you. You're General Iroh of the Fire Nation."

"I haven't gone by that title in so many years," Iroh chuckled, "But it's nice to see I'm still remembered after all this time. And I've heard so much about you as well, Tsunade."

"But how?"

"Gossip in all the real world spreads like wildfire even to the spirit world." Iroh laughed.

"Tsunade here's been going through a tough time these last few years, so I felt the best way to mellow her out is for her to listen to another guy who's seen people come and go, if you catch my drift." Naruto explained, as Iroh caught on.

"I see."

"Well, I'll leave you two alone. I'm gonna see some of the other spirits." Naruto took his leave.

"Hey, wait a minute." Tsunade tried to stop him, but he already left.

Iroh spoke, "Please, Tsunade take a seat." the wolf spirit pulled up a chair.

Tsunade seeing no other option sighed, "All right." she took a seat, as the spirit poured them some tea.

"Have some of my special tea. You'll find it's much better than sake."

Tsunade took a sip and looked impressed, "Not bad at all."

Iroh smiled and took a drink as well, "So from what I heard you were the founder of the Konoha medical corp."

"Once upon a time." Tsunade replied feeling bitter about the memory.

"You should be more proud. Thanks to you your village had gained medical shinobi who helped prevent many others from losing their lives."

"Well, they couldn't help everybody." she continued.

"It was because of them wasn't it?" Iroh asked, as Tsunade looked up at him, "I had also heard it was the death of your own little brother and lover is what led to you leaving Konoha."

"They shouldn't have done what they did. They died because of their dream!" Tsunade cried.

Iroh watched as Tsunade pour her emotions out, before speaking, "Having dreams is what gives someone a purpose. A reason to live. It has what kept me going ever since the death of my own son years ago."

Tsunade looked up at Iroh and spoke, "I heard of that. You ended your siege at Ba Sing Se claiming that your and your men were exhausted. You really ended it because your son was killed."

"Yes. Because of my son's death I lost my will to carry on as a general. I couldn't even bring myself to become the new leader of the Fire Nation. But despite the loss of my boy, I still found new means to live on. As I'm sure you're aware when my nephew Zuko was banished I volunteered to accompany him not just as a way to help him on his supposed mission, but to give the boy comfort and love."

Tsunade listened to the older man, as she sipped her tea. Iroh continued, "Zuko became the son I never had. And even though he still insisted on pursuing the Avatar in hopes of making his father proud I followed him. Spending the days with Zuko, and teaching him all the more important things about life was what kept me going during my down days. And thanks to my wisdom and his friends he became Lord of the Fire Nation."

"You made such an impact on a single boy." Tsunade said in amaze.

"Yes. Everyone leaves an impact on someone, even ones they least expect. Even yourself. I know there are many medial shinobi in the world who look to you as an idol for you give them hope and belief in themselves. And as for your brother and lover, they may be gone, but their sacrifices to what they believed in carry on in many. Even one such as Naruto. You may think wanting to become Hokage is a curse, but it is a drive."

"A drive?"

"That's right. It pushes Naruto past his limits making him defy the impossible. And even if someone tells him there is no hope, he finds a way to bring hope about to those who've lost it." Iroh concluded.

Tsunade was deep in thought as she remembered the old days when Nawaki and Dan were still alive. All they said about wanting to become Hokage to make the village a better place was what gave her hope. The looks of determination Naruto kept giving her all day showed he had somehow inherited the dedication as did her loved ones. And if they could live on through him, then perhaps they could be carried on through her.

Tsunade spoke up, "Thank you, Iroh. Talking to you has calmed my nerves and has helped me see things in a new light."

"I'm glad I could help you, my dear." Iroh smiled.

The two walked outside the tea shop and saw Naruto frolicking around the meadow area with some of the younger spirits as the firefly-spirits lit up all around.

Tsunade crossed her arms as she watched him, "Such a spirited young Avatar."

"Indeed," Iroh nodded in agreement, "I know he will be a great Avatar and bring about an even greater era of peace in the world."

Tsunade answered, "You know, he just might."

Naruto said farewell to his spirit friends and went over to the adults, "Hey, you two. I hope you had a good talk."

"Oh, we have, Naruto." Iroh answered.

"That's right." Tsunade smiled.

Naruto noticed her change in behavior, "I see you've finally come around."

"Well, you were right, Naruto. Talking with Iroh has helped me change my POV. And I'm ready to accept sensei's request."

"Then does that mean?" Naruto asked.

Tsunade nodded, and spoke, "Let's head back."

The two stood together, as Naruto spoke to Iroh, "Catch ya later, Iroh."

"I'll see you again soon, Naruto. And Tsunade feel free to come here as well. I could use another Pai Sho partner."

"Sure thing." she answered, while Naruto noticed a glint in Iroh's eyes knowing he ensnared the legendary sucker.

The two vanished, and suddenly woke up back in the meadow where they remained during the meditation.

"About time you both woke up." Jiraiya said, as he and Shizune had been keeping close vigil over them.

"Are you two ok?" Shizune asked.

"No problem." Naruto answered.

"Tsunade-sama?" Shizune inquired from her mentor.

Tsunade smiled, "I feel great, Shizune. And I'm ready to stop running and return home."

Jiraiya and Shizune were surprised, as Jiraiya asked, "So then?"

Tsunade nodded, "When we get back you're gonna have to refer to me as The Fifth Hokage." she smiled.

Jiraiya and Shizune smiled at Tsunade's change, before Jiraiya turned to Naruto, "Looks like you did have a plan all along."

"Was there ever any doubt?" he laughed.

"Naruto?" Tsunade asked getting his attention, "I want to thank you for introducing me to Iroh. You helped remind me of what is important when fighting for something you care about. And with that I would like you to have this."

Tsunade removed the green necklace from around her neck and placed it around Naruto. The boy looked at it, and spoke, "Wow. But what is this?"

"That necklace was once worn by my grandfather, I gave it to my little brother and then to my lover. Their dreams live on through it, and I want you to carry their dreams to be a great Hokage and make the village a better place."

Naruto smiled, "I'll wear it with honor, baa-san."

Tsunade smiled, "And here, one more thing," she removed Naruto's headband, much to his confusion. Suddenly Naruto found Tsunade planting her lips on his forehead leaving him surprised. After the kiss, Tsuande spoke, "Become a great man one day, Naruto."

Naruto nodded, "You bet I will."

"Come on, you guys. Let's go back to town and rest up. Tomorrow we head back."

"Cool. I still gotta master the Rasengan." Naruto answered, as they began walking back to town.

Tsunde turned to Jiraiya, "Did you start teaching him the Rasengan?"

"Yeah, as soon as we left to find you."

"And how far has he come with it?"

"Actually, he's coming along well. He's already gotten past the first two parts." Jiraiya explained.

"I see. Well, Naruto, keep at it and you'll have in down in no time." Tsunade said.

"That's what I'm counting on." Naruto smiled, as the group continued on feeling eager to return to the village.

(And there's the chapter. They found Tsunade and Naruto managed to get her to return to the village with some help from Iroh. Don't miss next time where the group runs into a little snafu and Naruto gets his chance to show his progress. See you then.)