Chapter 30 – The Search Ends in Shadows

The sun was beginning its descent over Tanzaku Town, casting long shadows over its bustling streets. Unlike Konoha, where the tension from the invasion still lingered, this town was alive with the sounds of merchants calling out their wares, gamblers laughing as they threw dice, and travelers moving between inns and entertainment halls.

Jiraiya and Naruto walked side by side, their eyes scanning the town for any sign of Tsunade. The Toad Sage's usual carefree demeanor was slightly subdued, his gaze sharp as he took in the surroundings.

"Orochimaru was here," Jiraiya thought grimly. "If Tsunade is still in town, she won't be easy to approach. She's sharp, and she'll have already sensed something is off."

Naruto, on the other hand, was less subtle. "So, where do we start looking?" he asked, stretching his arms behind his head. "I mean, how hard can it be to find a woman with a gambling problem?"

Jiraiya sighed. "That's the problem, kid. Tsunade's a legendary gambler, but she's also infamous for her bad luck. If she's here, the casinos and betting halls will be talking about some big losses."

Naruto smirked. "Then let's go find out who's been losing the most money."

As they made their way through the town, Jiraiya discreetly gathered information. A few well-placed questions to bartenders and gamblers revealed a clear pattern—Tsunade had indeed been here recently.

"She was in the largest casino earlier today," a waitress at a tea house told them. "Lost a fortune. But she left before causing a scene."

Jiraiya nodded, slipping the woman a few coins for her trouble. "Where did she go?"

The woman shrugged. "Not sure. But if she's still in town, she might be drinking somewhere."

Naruto groaned. "Great. So we're looking for a drunk legendary Sannin."

Jiraiya smirked. "That's the fun part, kid. Now let's see if we can find her before she finds a reason to disappear."

As they moved deeper into the town, the sense of an impending confrontation settled over them. Orochimaru had made his offer. If Tsunade was still here, then her answer—and the consequences—were coming soon.

After gathering enough information, Jiraiya and Naruto made their way to a secluded bar at the edge of Tanzaku Town. Unlike the lively establishments in the main district, this one was dimly lit and nearly empty—perfect for someone trying to avoid attention.

Inside, at a table near the corner, sat Tsunade Senju. Her golden hair cascaded over her shoulders, and a half-empty bottle of sake sat in front of her. Shizune was beside her, looking more alert, her hands clenched tightly around her cup.

Naruto grinned. "Found her."

Jiraiya, however, wasn't smiling. His sharp eyes noticed the tension in the air. Tsunade wasn't just drinking for leisure—she was deep in thought, her fingers tapping idly against the table.

They approached, and before Naruto could loudly greet her, Tsunade cut him off.

"I know that voice," she muttered, not even turning to look at them. "Took you long enough."

Jiraiya sat down across from her, his usual grin replaced by a serious expression. "We need to talk, Tsunade."

She sighed. "I figured as much. But if this is about that damned Hokage position, you're wasting your time."

Naruto scoffed. "Tch, you don't even know what we're here for!"

Tsunade finally turned to him, her amber eyes narrowing. "I know enough, brat. Hiruzen's dead. Konoha needs a new leader, and for some stupid reason, people think I'm the best choice." She took another sip of sake. "I'll say it now—I have no interest."

Naruto clenched his fists. "Why not? The village—"

"The village means nothing to me anymore," Tsunade interrupted, her voice cold. "I've lost too much because of that place."

Naruto growled. "That's a stupid excuse!"

Tsunade's brow twitched, but before she could snap back, Jiraiya spoke.

"Orochimaru's already made you an offer, hasn't he?"

Tsunade stiffened. Shizune's expression darkened.

Naruto blinked. "Wait—what?"

Jiraiya continued, his voice quiet but firm. "He offered you something in exchange for healing him. What was it, Tsunade?"

For a moment, she said nothing. Then, after what felt like an eternity, she muttered, "A chance to bring them back."

Naruto was confused, but Jiraiya understood immediately. He frowned. "That bastard is manipulating you."

Tsunade's grip on her cup tightened. "You don't know what it's like…"

Jiraiya sighed. "I do, Tsunade. More than you think. But you know as well as I do that there's no real way to bring back the dead. Not without consequences."

Naruto, still trying to catch up, asked, "Wait, what's going on? What did Orochimaru offer?"

Shizune spoke up, her voice laced with worry. "He offered to bring back Nawaki and Dan…"

Naruto's eyes widened. Her brother and… her lover?

Tsunade let out a bitter laugh. "Orochimaru may be a monster, but he knows how to tempt people."

Jiraiya leaned forward. "Are you seriously considering it?"

Tsunade didn't answer.

Naruto slammed his hands on the table, startling everyone. "You can't trust that snake! He killed the old man! He almost destroyed Konoha! And you're seriously thinking about making a deal with him?!"

Tsunade glared at him. "You don't understand, brat! You've never lost everything!"

Naruto's anger flared. "I never had anything to lose!"

Silence filled the air.

Jiraiya closed his eyes. This is it… this is the moment that will decide everything.

Tsunade and Naruto stared at each other, both unwilling to back down.

Finally, Tsunade scoffed. "You're loud, kid. But you have guts."

Naruto huffed. "Damn right I do."

Jiraiya crossed his arms. "So, what's your answer, Tsunade?"

Tsunade took a deep breath. "…I haven't decided yet."

Jiraiya sighed. "Then let's settle this the old-fashioned way."

Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "A bet?"

Jiraiya nodded. "A bet. You fight Naruto. If he wins, you reconsider your decision. If he loses, well… you do whatever you want."

Naruto blinked. "Wait, I'm fighting her?!"

Tsunade smirked. "Fine. But don't cry when I crush him."

Naruto clenched his fists. "Bring it on, old lady!"

Jiraiya just shook his head. This kid…

The decision was still hanging in the balance. But one thing was certain—the battle for Tsunade's choice had just begun.

The evening air was crisp as Naruto and Tsunade stepped into an open clearing outside the town. A few villagers watched from a distance, intrigued by the upcoming battle. Jiraiya and Shizune stood on the sidelines, observing with contrasting expressions—Jiraiya, with his usual mix of amusement and curiosity, and Shizune, tense and worried.

Tsunade cracked her knuckles, smirking at Naruto. "Alright, brat. Let's see if you've got what it takes."

Naruto scowled. "I'll show you why you should believe in Konoha!"

Jiraiya raised his hand. "The rules are simple—if Naruto can land even a single solid hit on Tsunade, she has to reconsider her decision."

Tsunade scoffed. "Like that's going to happen."

Naruto grinned. "Don't underestimate me, Granny!"

The moment Jiraiya dropped his hand, Naruto rushed forward.

Naruto leaped into the air, kunai in hand, aiming for Tsunade's shoulder. But before he could get close, she effortlessly sidestepped and flicked him on the forehead.

BAM!

Naruto was sent flying backward, crashing into the ground. He groaned and sat up, rubbing the massive red mark forming on his forehead. "Owww! What the hell was that?!"

Jiraiya sighed. "Tsunade's strength isn't normal, Naruto. One hit from her could kill you."

Naruto gritted his teeth. Damn, she's fast. But I won't lose!

He got up, forming a shadow clone. Both Narutos charged at Tsunade, zigzagging to confuse her. The clone leaped first, aiming for a kick, while the real Naruto followed with a punch from below.

Tsunade yawned. At the last second, she ducked under the kick and caught the real Naruto's punch with a single hand.

CRACK!

The ground beneath her feet shattered from the sheer force of her grip.

Naruto's eyes widened. She caught that like it was nothing?!

Before he could react, she squeezed his fist just hard enough for pain to shoot through his hand.

"Nice try, kid," she said before casually tossing him over her shoulder.

Naruto tumbled across the field, rolling to a stop near Jiraiya.

Shizune winced. "This isn't even fair."

Jiraiya shrugged. "Naruto needs to learn how much he still has to grow."

Naruto groaned, pushing himself up. His knuckles were bruised, and his body ached, but his determination hadn't faded. He glared at Tsunade. "I'm not done yet."

Tsunade smirked. "Then bring it, brat."

Naruto took a deep breath and formed three more clones. This time, instead of charging in head-on, the clones surrounded Tsunade from different angles.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu again?" Tsunade sighed. "You'll need something better than that."

Naruto grinned. "Oh, I know."

The clones dashed toward her—but right before reaching her, they suddenly jumped away, throwing kunai laced with explosive tags.

Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Hmph. A little smarter this time."

She easily dodged the first wave, but the moment she landed, the ground beneath her exploded. Smoke and debris filled the air, and Naruto saw his chance.

"Got you now!" He dashed in, ready to land his hit.

But before his fist could connect, Tsunade's foot came up—fast.

BOOM!

Naruto barely had time to register what happened before he was sent skyward, spinning out of control. His body hit the ground hard, leaving a deep crater.

Shizune gasped. "Lady Tsunade, that was—"

"He'll be fine," Tsunade said dismissively. "Kid's tough. But he's nowhere near ready to fight me."

Jiraiya frowned, stepping forward. "Naruto, you still alive?"

A groan came from the crater. Naruto shakily got up, his face bruised and covered in dirt. But his blue eyes were still burning with determination.

Tsunade's smirk faltered slightly. He's still standing?

Naruto clenched his fists. "I… won't lose."

Jiraiya sighed. "Alright, that's enough, Naruto. You've got guts, but you can't win this fight."

Naruto glared at him. "I don't care! I promised myself I'd get stronger. If I can't even touch her, how am I supposed to keep my promises?!"

Tsunade's eyes widened slightly at those words.

Naruto charged again. He knew he couldn't overpower her. He knew he couldn't outspeed her. But he refused to give up.

Tsunade frowned. "You don't know when to quit."

She raised her fist, ready to end it with one final blow.

But just as she swung—

Naruto vanished.

Tsunade's punch hit nothing.

What?!

Behind her, a kunai came flying.

Tsunade turned just in time to see Naruto flipping through the air, throwing the blade with everything he had.

For a split second, she hesitated.

He's gotten faster…

THUNK!

The kunai grazed her cheek, leaving a small cut before embedding itself into a tree behind her.

Silence.

Naruto panted heavily, barely able to stand. "I… did it…"

Jiraiya smirked. "Well, well…"

Shizune gasped. "Lady Tsunade… he actually…"

Tsunade touched her cheek, staring at the tiny droplet of blood on her fingertips.

Then… she laughed.

It wasn't mocking. It wasn't bitter. It was a genuine, amused laugh.

She walked over to Naruto, who flinched, expecting another hit.

Instead, she ruffled his hair. "Not bad, brat."

Naruto blinked. "H-Huh?"

Tsunade smirked. "A bet's a bet. You win. I'll reconsider."

Naruto's eyes widened. "Wait… does that mean…?"

Tsunade sighed. "I'll think about becoming Hokage."

Naruto grinned. "Hell yeah!"

Jiraiya chuckled. "Well, that's progress."

Shizune let out a breath of relief.

Tsunade smirked. "But don't get cocky. You're still weak, brat."

Naruto crossed his arms. "Just wait! I'll be even stronger next time!"

Tsunade shook her head, smiling. "We'll see."

But as the night fell, she glanced at her hand, where a tiny drop of blood remained.

He really might become something great one day…

The tension in the air was thick as the group settled into a quiet corner of the town's inn. Naruto was still grinning from his victory, rubbing the sore spots from Tsunade's attacks, while Jiraiya leaned against the wall, watching his former teammate with a knowing smirk.

Tsunade sat across from them, a bottle of sake in hand. Her golden eyes flickered with uncertainty.

"I never said I would be Hokage," she muttered. "I just said I'd reconsider."

Naruto pouted. "A bet's a bet, Granny! You have to keep your word."

Tsunade exhaled sharply, setting her cup down. "Being Hokage isn't just about strength. It's about responsibility. Do you know how many of them died young? How many left behind dreams they never got to fulfill?"

Naruto clenched his fists. "And do you know how many people need you? Konoha needs a strong leader after everything that happened. You have to take the role!"

Jiraiya chuckled. "He's got a point, Tsunade. Hiruzen's death left a gap that you're the best person to fill."

Tsunade took another sip of sake. The room fell into silence.

Shizune fidgeted nervously. "Lady Tsunade…"

Tsunade's fingers traced the rim of her cup. Her heart was still at war with itself.

Just then—

CRASH!

The inn's door slammed open.

A masked figure stumbled in, clutching his stomach, blood dripping from his mouth. His eyes were wide with panic.

"L-Lady Tsunade…" he gasped, collapsing to the floor.

Naruto jumped to his feet. "Oi! What happened to you?!"

Jiraiya was already moving, flipping the man onto his back. The Konoha headband tied around his arm was smeared with dirt and blood.

"Enemy attack?" Jiraiya asked sharply.

The man coughed. "Orochimaru… he's here…"

Tsunade's blood ran cold.

The doors burst open again, and this time, three figures stepped inside.

Orochimaru.

Kabuto.

And a masked shinobi with glowing yellow eyes.

The air itself seemed to grow heavier as Orochimaru's serpentine gaze locked onto Tsunade.

"It's been a long time… Tsunade-hime."

Jiraiya immediately stepped between them. "Orochimaru…" His voice was low, filled with uncharacteristic anger. "You shouldn't have come here."

Orochimaru's lips curled into a wicked smile. "Oh, but I had no choice. I believe Lady Tsunade has yet to give me her answer."

Tsunade slowly rose from her seat, fists clenched. "I already gave you my answer. I'm not healing your arms."

Orochimaru's smile twitched. "You're making a mistake, Tsunade."

Kabuto adjusted his glasses. "Lord Orochimaru is being very generous. This is a once-in-a-lifetime offer."

Naruto stepped forward. "You think she'd help you after what you did to the village?!"

Orochimaru's eyes flickered toward him. "Ah… the Jinchūriki." He chuckled. "You remind me of someone. But you're still far too weak."

Naruto growled. "You wanna test that theory?!"

Jiraiya put a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Calm down, kid." His gaze shifted back to Orochimaru. "If you're here, that means you're desperate. Your body's already breaking down, isn't it?"

Orochimaru's expression darkened slightly. "That is none of your concern."

Tsunade took a step forward. "Leave. Now."

Kabuto sighed, adjusting his gloves. "I was hoping we could avoid violence, but…"

In a blur, he lunged at Tsunade, a kunai flashing toward her throat.

CLANG!

Tsunade caught his wrist effortlessly.

Kabuto's eyes widened. What?!

Before he could react, Tsunade smashed her fist into his stomach, sending him crashing through the inn's wall and into the street.

Orochimaru's expression darkened. "I see. You've made your choice."

Tsunade cracked her knuckles. "I made it a long time ago."

Jiraiya moved swiftly, forming a hand seal. "Naruto, stay back!"

Naruto, of course, ignored him and charged straight at Orochimaru with a Rasengan forming in his hand.

Kabuto recovered quickly, flipping to his feet. His eyes gleamed with calculation. "Lord Orochimaru, allow me."

He intercepted Naruto mid-charge, their fists colliding in a burst of chakra.

Tsunade, meanwhile, advanced toward Orochimaru, her fists glowing with raw power.

Jiraiya summoned a stream of oil, spitting it toward Orochimaru to limit his movements.

The battle had begun.

And this time, Tsunade had no doubts.

She would fight.

She would win.

And she would become Hokage.

The battlefield was set. Dust and debris filled the air as the ground trembled beneath the weight of two great summons.

On one side stood Gamabunta, the Chief Toad, towering over the ruined landscape with his massive tanto drawn. Beside him, Katsuyu, the Slug Queen, radiated a calming yet immense presence.

Opposing them was the monstrous form of Manda, the King of Snakes, his scales gleaming menacingly in the dim light.

And behind Manda stood Orochimaru, his golden eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Tsunade Jiraiya vs Orochimaru Gamabunta Katsuyu vs Manda

Jiraiya crouched beside Tsunade, cracking his knuckles. "Been a while since we fought side by side, huh?"

Tsunade smirked. "Try not to slow me down, pervert."

Orochimaru chuckled. "How nostalgic. The Legendary Sannin together once more. But this time…" His gaze darkened. "…I'll be the only one left standing."

Manda lunged.

With terrifying speed, the giant snake struck at Katsuyu, his fangs dripping with venom.

But before he could land a hit—

Gamabunta intercepted him, his massive tanto clashing against Manda's scales.

BOOM! The impact sent shockwaves through the ground.

"Tch, damn snake!" Gamabunta growled, pushing back against the serpent's massive body.

Katsuyu released a stream of acidic fluid, forcing Manda to recoil, hissing in irritation.

Meanwhile—

Tsunade and Jiraiya charged toward Orochimaru.

Orochimaru flicked his wrist, and from his mouth, the Kusanagi Blade extended, striking toward Tsunade's throat.

CLANG!

Tsunade dodged and punched the sword, sending vibrations through the metal.

Jiraiya leaped over her and fired a blast of oil, igniting it mid-air.

"Katon: Gamayu Endan!" (Fire Release: Toad Oil Flame Bullet!)

A massive wave of fire surged toward Orochimaru—

Only for him to slither into the ground, completely avoiding the attack.

Tsunade's eyes darted around. "He's under us!"

Jiraiya's expression turned serious. "Then let's dig him out."

Nearby, Kabuto adjusted his glasses, glancing between Naruto and Shizune.

"This is a waste of time," he muttered. "Lord Orochimaru's true opponent is Lady Tsunade."

Shizune tightened her grip on a kunai. "You won't get to interfere."

Naruto smirked. "And if you think I'm the same guy from before, you're dead wrong."

Kabuto chuckled. "Oh? And what new tricks do you have besides Rasengan?"

Naruto's eyes gleamed. "How about I show you?"

In a blur, he vanished.

Kabuto's eyes widened as Naruto appeared behind him, already mid-kick.

BAM!

Kabuto barely managed to block, but Naruto followed up with a shadow-enhanced punch, sending him skidding backward.

Shizune capitalized on the moment—

"Dokugiri!" (Poison Mist!)

A thick cloud of purple mist filled the air, forcing Kabuto to jump back.

"You think poison will work on me?" he sneered.

Naruto formed hand seals.

"Wind Style: Gale Palm!"

A powerful gust swept the mist forward, slamming it into Kabuto before he could react.

Kabuto coughed violently, his body slowing as the poison took effect.

Shizune smirked. "You underestimated us."

Kabuto gritted his teeth. "Tch—don't get cocky!"

His hands glowed with chakra scalpels, and in an instant, he was in front of Shizune, aiming for her nerves—

Only for Naruto to intercept, blocking with his forearm.

"What?!"

Naruto grinned. "My turn."

He flipped backward and—

"Tajū Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" (Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu!)

A hundred Narutos appeared.

Kabuto paled. "Oh, hell."

The Battle Rages On…

The fights raged across the battlefield—

Gamabunta and Manda's duel shook the earth.

Jiraiya and Tsunade relentlessly attacked Orochimaru.

Naruto and Shizune pressed Kabuto, forcing him on the defensive.

And through it all—

The fate of Konoha's next Hokage was being decided.

The battlefield continued to quake under the weight of the three-way battle between the Legendary Sannin. The air was thick with tension, and every blow shook the very ground beneath them.

--

Kabuto was breathing heavily. His arms were trembling slightly from the repeated impact of Naruto's enhanced strikes.

"Damn it... This kid is actually pushing me back?"

Naruto smirked as his clones surrounded Kabuto, their kunai raised. "Face it, four-eyes! You're outnumbered!"

Kabuto, however, adjusted his glasses and grinned.

"Am I?"

In a blur of motion, his hands glowed with chakra scalpels, and in the next instant—

SHING!

Several of Naruto's clones burst into smoke as Kabuto moved through them with surgical precision, slashing their vital points with pinpoint accuracy.

Naruto clicked his tongue. "Tch—this guy's annoying."

Shizune stepped forward, hands forming seals.

"Suiton: Mizurappa!" (Water Release: Violent Water Wave!)

A powerful stream of water rushed at Kabuto, forcing him to leap aside—

But Naruto was already there, his fist glowing blue with chakra.

"Rasengan!"

Kabuto's eyes widened as the spiraling sphere of chakra collided with his chest—

BOOM!

A shockwave erupted from the impact, sending Kabuto crashing into the dirt, creating a deep crater.

He lay there, groaning, coughing up blood. "Hah…hah… You're strong… But…"

A sinister smirk formed on his lips as he forced himself to stand.

"You're not strong enough to stop Lord Orochimaru."

Naruto clenched his fists. "Yeah? Then I'll just keep getting stronger!"

--

Meanwhile, Jiraiya and Tsunade were pushing Orochimaru to his limit.

Tsunade had already overcome her fear of blood, and with her monstrous strength fully unleashed, every punch she threw shattered the landscape.

Jiraiya had entered Sage Mode, enhancing his speed and power even further.

Orochimaru, still unable to properly use his arms, was on the defensive.

"You're finished, Orochimaru!" Jiraiya roared, leaping forward with a massive Rasengan in hand.

Orochimaru smirked. "Oh? Am I?"

Suddenly, Manda's tail whipped around, smashing into Gamabunta and sending the giant toad crashing into the ruins.

At the same time, Manda lunged toward Tsunade, his fangs bared—

THOOM!

Tsunade didn't dodge.

Instead—

She punched the snake's head.

Hard.

Manda's skull caved in slightly, and the enormous serpent slammed into the ground, groaning in pain.

Tsunade glared at Orochimaru, cracking her knuckles.

"This is for everything you've done."

With a single leap, she closed the distance—

And delivered a devastating punch right to Orochimaru's face.

BOOM!

Orochimaru soared through the air, crashing into the rubble, barely conscious.

Jiraiya stepped forward. "It's over."

Orochimaru chuckled, blood dripping from his lips.

"…Maybe."

A sudden burst of smoke engulfed the area—

And when it cleared, Orochimaru was gone.

--

Naruto stood beside Jiraiya and Tsunade, arms crossed. "We let him get away?"

Jiraiya sighed. "For now. But he won't get far in that condition."

Tsunade turned to Naruto. "You did well, brat."

Naruto grinned. "Heh. Of course I did."

Tsunade smirked, then grew serious. "…A Hokage needs that kind of determination."

Naruto blinked. "Huh?"

Tsunade stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You said you'd be Hokage one day, right?"

Naruto's eyes burned with conviction. "Yeah! I will!"

Tsunade chuckled. "Then I'll take you up on that bet."

Naruto tilted his head. "Bet?"

She smirked. "When you become Hokage, I'll hand over this necklace."

Naruto's eyes widened.

"…Deal!"

Tsunade smiled. "Then let's head home."

And with that—

The new Hokage of Konoha was chosen.

--

Author's Note – Chapter 30

And that marks the end of the Search for Tsunade Arc! This chapter was a big one, covering some of the most iconic fights in the series while making some changes to fit the story's evolving direction.

Key Highlights Changes:

Naruto and Shizune vs. Kabuto – Instead of just Naruto struggling alone, Shizune joined the fight, making it a team battle. This gives her more relevance and shows her strength as a medic-nin who can also fight.

Naruto's Growth – He's not just spamming Kage Bunshin and Rasengan. He's adapting, using his training, and getting stronger in a more believable way.

Tsunade's Comeback – She overcame her fear of blood, proved why she's one of the Sannin, and gave Orochimaru the beatdown he deserved.

Orochimaru's Escape – He's not out of the picture yet, but he's severely weakened, setting up future conflicts.

Tsunade's Bet with Naruto – Just like in canon, but with more weight to it. This moment is a turning point for Naruto's dream.