Tenten's eyes shifted from Jiraiya to Haruhi as she subtly fingered the Pepper spray in her pocket. The tension was so thick Tenten felt it clog her lungs with every breath she took. She knew Haruhi from all the way back when she had been tiny, fitting in the palm of Kakashi's hands like a fairy, cynical but still sweet in her own way. She had seen Haruhi kidnapped in the tower, rescued from one of the most feared criminals on the planet after being tortured, go toe to toe with the elders, and start a one woman crusade against Konoha's upper class, and even though some of those moments came close, Tenten had never, absolutely never, seen her this angry.
The same silver tongue she used to arrange meetings, get printed in Konoha's newspaper, created the pepper spray, she had used to tear Jiriaya apart.
Said man walked in front of the pack, having listened to Kakashi when he told him where to find Tsunade. He was seething. His hands were clenched together, his jaw was grinding audibly, and she could feel the barely suppressed killing intent.
Haruhi had her brown arms crossed over the angle of her chest. Her elegantly amber-cider painted nails tapped rhythmically, matching her seething brown eyes and glinting glasses. One hand reached up to tug at a lock of kinky black hair, before aborting the gesture, and smoothing over the front of her blouse.
Kakashi stood next to Haruhi like a sentinel, Gray eye concerned for her, and disgusted by Jiraiya. Sasuke and Naruto also walked close, expression awed. Naruto clutched his empty frog, and Sasuke had his hands stuffed into his pocket in an imitation of Kakashi's.
Tenten frowned. If Jiraiya didn't calm down, how was she supposed to learn more about seals? Neji was counting on her!
The buildings shifted, and to Tenten's excitement, the motel came into view. Her heart beat fast and she had to suppress a squeal of excitement. She was really going to meet the legendary Tsunade! Stories passed around the orphanage surfaced to the front of her mind. Tsunade was her goal. Tenten aspired to be as strong as she is.
They clambered in the front doors, and Tenten missed the sweating receptionist as an angry Jiraiya demanded they tell him where Tsunade was.
They walked past dingy doors, to a back room, and-
A woman was snoring loudly over a creaky looking table, unwashed hair thrown back in messy pigtails. She reeked of alcohol, and she was holding a sake bottle in a hand with chipped nail polish.
This couldn't be right.
Another woman walked up to them, dark haired and carrying a pet pig in her arms. Her face turned defensive when she saw Jiraiya, and soured further when she saw their headbands.
"Can I help you with something?" She asked curtly.
Tsunade raised her head at that, and let out a despairing sigh as she saw Jiraiya stop in front of her. Tenten noticed the blush cover Haruhi's face as Tsunade's drunk-but still beautiful-visage came into view. Tenten wondered what Kakashi would think of that, but then again it wasn't exactly a secret that Haruhi swung both ways.
"Fuck off, I'm not going back to Fucking Konoha." Haruhi looked star struck, while Tenten and Sasuke just felt understanding. Kakashi and Jiraiya had no reaction, while Naruto gaped at her.
Tenten could understand that.
"Konoha needs you." Jiraiya.
Tsunada scowled.
"You mean the elders need me to pull their ass out of the fire again? No thanks. Hasn't Konoha done enough to me at this point."
That last point was barely a whisper, but everyone heard it loud and clear. Tenten felt sympathetic.
Jiraiya fumed, still angry from his clash with Haruhi-sensei.
"Look, Tsunade," he said, and Tenten felt herself bristle and saw Haruhi-sensei tense at his condescending tone, "You are allowed to gallivant around the elemental nations because of the kindness of Konoha, but now it's time to come back and serve its citizens."
The room froze.
"What." Tsunade said flatly.
"You have been chosen to be the fifth hokage."
"..."
Naruto and Sasuke held each other as killing intent filled the room, while Kakashi-sensei grabbed her and Haruhi-sensei and pulled them behind him.
She laughed harshly, and a bit hysterically. Tenten frowned. Where was Tsunade's famous compassion? The heart and healing the orphans had whispered to each other, to keep up hope?
"No. Absolutely not."
'Lady, Tsunade, I urge you to reconsider-"
"-What are you gonna do if I don't, Hatake? Start another war?"
Kakashi reared back as if he had been truck, and Haruhi's smitten face flattened out, and her warm eyes became dark as they stared at Tsunade, imperceptible. Tenten recognized her game face.
"That was cruel, and uncalled for." Haruhi-sensei said politely, rubbing Kakashi's hand between hers.
"What? Mad I upset your boyfriend?"
"No. Disappointed because I know you're better than that." Haruhi-sensei replied gently. It was not condescending. It was not how an adult admonishes a child. It was said with the utmost faith and compassion.
Perhaps it was the lack of venom, or even judgment from Haruhi-sensei despite the verbal attack on Kakash-sensei, but Tsunade fell silent. There was a flash of vulnerability before it was swept away in a shield of abrasiveness.
She took a swig of her alcohol and Tenten's lip curled in disgust. All her excitement had gone like a popped balloon.
"That's what bothers me about most shinobi and civilians these days. They always want to see the best in everyone. Naive little sheep who've never seen a day of war. And what was that, about serving Konoha's citizens? When have they ever done a damn thing for me? Kindness? What a fucking joke."
"Stop saying things like that!"
Everyone in the room turned to look at her, but Tenten was too incensed to care. She thought about Emi, about Mrs. Nohara, Mr and Mrs Haruno, and countless others,
"You've got no right to talk about the citizens of Konoha like that!"
Tsunade look surprised, before her face became smug.
"Why? Because I'm right."
"No. Because you don't get to talk about people you know nothing about."
"And yet here you are, preaching to me? What? Sad I didn't fit on the pedestal you put me on?"
"No, you are about exactly what I'd thought you'd be-a spoiled, privileged, clan girl who never had to worry about facing consequences for her actions." Tenten said, despite hero-worshiping her not five minutes ago.
Haruhi-sensei gasped, a bit hypocritical considering what she said to Jiriaya, but Tenten was taking a page out of her book-she had a few things to say to her former hero.
Tenten exhaled shakily. Then spoke.
"What do you know of struggling? I'm not talking about war. Even at your lowest point, you never had to worry about money, or food, or a roof over your head. You were never clanless, no last name, gutter trash. I may have never seen war, but you've never had to be hungry before. Even with debt collectors after you, you can still afford this motel. You can leave Konoha, and leave behind everyone who can't join you. You were born with this immense privilege and social power, To the rich Senju clan, and for all that you've been through and done-it still protects you. I never had that. Most people don't."
Tsunade was silent.
"Talk shit about Konoha all you want, and you know what? I'd even agree with most of it. But don't talk about people like that. We have to stay. Not everyone can run away like you can, Princess."
Tenten wiped her tears, falling silent.
"...Tsunade. You are allowed to wander on account of Sensei's charity. That won't be the case for much longer. When he steps down officially, you will be labeled as a missing-nin, and your huge bounty just might be enough to pay off all those pissed off debt collectors after you. Your luck has run out. I'll give you a day to think about it, but tomorrow I better have your answer."
Jiriaya turned and left, and Kakashi brought the rest of them out after him.
Geez.
Never meet your heroes indeed.
Haruhi held Kakashi's hand as the boys comforted Tenten. Haruhi had tried speaking to her earlier, but she wasn't ready for that yet.
They had settled down in the motel for the night, boys in one room and girls in another. Jiraiya had gone out, this time with his own money, as they talked out in the walkway, crisp night air tickling the back of her dry throat.
"Hey Kakashi?"
"Yes?" Her murmured, arm around her shoulders.
"Stay here with the kids. I'm gonna hop over to the motel bar real quick and get something to drink."
He hesitated then nodded. It wasn't far.
"Do you need any money?"
"Nah. Got my own." She kissed his clothed cheek then left.
She shouldn't have been surprised to see Tsunade getting shitfaced at the bar, but Haruhi hadn't been performing optimally lately. She deliberated for a moment, before deciding fuck it, and walking over to the bar and ordering a fruity cocktail.
"Don't bother trying to convince me." Tsunade snapped. "And I won't apologize either."
Haruhi tilted her head.
"For what?"
It was Tsunade's turn to be confused.
"Apologize for what?" Haruhi repeated.
Tsunade sneered, perhaps thinking Haruhi was talking down to her.
"Hatake."
Haruhi sighed.
"Both of us know the third shinobi war would have happened, with or without Hatake-sama. His mission hastened it, but he was ultimately a scapegoat. It's nice to have someone to blame, but he didn't deserve the harassment he got."
"...Huh. Don't normally hear insight like that from a civilian." Tsunade said, surprise making her lower her guard.
Haruhi smiled, and leaned over to whisper secretively.
"That because most of them know better than to say it out loud."
Tsunade barked out a laugh, then looked surprised at the sound of her own happiness. She regarded Haruhi with a curious eye.
"I suppose your right."
A lull in the conversation, before-
"So why did you come over here then? If not for an apology. To convince me to be Hokage?"
Haruhi paused, and raise a single eyebrow. Tsunade glared back, the picture of strength and power.
"I came here to the bar…"
"...To?"
"...Get a drink. I was thirsty. And I love fruity things."
Tsunade blinked. Then laughed uproariously.
Haruhi sipped her drink victoriously. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar after all.
"Look at that, the honest truth. Haven't seen that in awhile." Tsunade said, and laughed again.
After she calmed down, Tsunade inquired after her purpose again.
"So, you're not here to convince me to be Hokage?"
Haruhi exhaled softly. Put down her drink. And looked into Tsunade's eyes, who had now tensed up.
" I'm here to convince you to say goodbye."
"..."
"Is that a threat?" Tsunade said softly. The solid wood cracked under her grip.
Haruhi swirled her drink, and stared contemplatively into the cocktail, like she was reading her fate from the remains of tea leaves from the bottom of a cup, as if it could give her all the answer she sought.
"It's a bit of friendly advice from someone who knows what it's like to not be able to say goodbye." Haruhi whispered mournfully. She thought of the family she left behind, and her Father.
"What do you mean?"
Haruhi straightened her posture and made eye contact again.
"I understand why Jiraiya didn't tell you, considering you are only loosely associated with Konoha now, but you have a right to know. But first, is this bar secure?"
Tsunade slapped down some privacy seals.
"It is now. Tell me."
Haruhi leaned over and whispered.
"The Third Hokage is suffering from Dementia. He has forgotten everyone from the last decade, and his health is rapidly declining. He has a few weeks left-if that."
Tsunade reared back in shock, face stricken. Haruhi put down her drink and turned to face Tsunade fully, to show her the care and respect she needed and deserved.
"My father passed away in his sleep, some years back, and although it was peaceful, although it was quick and painless, I will always regret not being able to say goodbye. I know he isn't your father, but as your sensei, I know you two were once close."
Tsunade's hands trembled on the counter, and Haruhi, in a moment of boldness, covered them with her own.
"I'm not asking you to come to Konoha and be Hokage, Nor am I asking you to stay-I say this because I know the burden you carry is heavy, and your immense strength can only get you so far."
It took a moment before she was able to speak again, and she clutched Haruhi's hands to the point where hurt. Haruhi very carefully didn't not wince.
"Why should I?"
"...Don't you think it is time to lay all those ghosts to rest? Do you really want another one following you? No matter how far you run you cannot escape your demons-you carry them within you. Perhaps this is your chance to say goodbye on your own terms, and maybe find a bit of closure along the way. "
Tsunade laughed bitterly.
"There is no closure for this."
"Maybe so. But where is the harm in trying? You're a Medic-nin, aren't you? Don't you think it's time to try healing?"
Tsunade was silent.
"...Not much of a medic-nin anymore." She said gruffly. She pulled away from Haruhi, and took a swig of her sake.
"My point still stands. But don't do this for Konoha-do this for yourself. "
Tsunade sat her drink down so it clinked against the hardwood.
"And that's what I just don't get. Why are you being so nice? Shouldn't you be all in a whirl, some self-righteous bullshit?"
Haruhi laughed softly.
"Could you believe that I get called that a lot?"
"Yes. Now answer the question."
"Well, I act nice because it's the right thing to do."
"As simple as that?"
"As simple as that."
The conversation faded again as they continued to drink, before Haruhi smiled dreamily, feeling buzzed, and quipped;
"Ya know, Shinobi and politicians just can't understand when people do the right things just because it's the right thing to do-it makes then nervous."
Tsunade spit out her drink, Laughing so hard Haruhi worried for a minute she might cough up a lung, but she could just grow one back anyway.
Haruhi spoke again.
"I am not judging you for leaving Konoha, and staying away. Hell, The minute I got here, all I wanted to do was leave, and to get back home. And I have seen what the shinobi life does to a person, and the harm it leaves on the survivors. For Konoha to ask you to be Hokage is beyond the pale."
"Yeah, is that so?" Somehow, her tone was less hostile. "Most would think I was a cold-hearted bitch for refusing to come back.
Haruhi became even more earnest.
"I do not think you are without compassion. I think it is your best trait-and it was taken for granted and shoved back in your face, and stamped out. That's not right, and I'm sorry."
Tsunade blinked, a flush not of alcoholic origin dusting her cheek, and a sheen to her amber eyes-so much like her own.
"You're not the one who should be apologizing." She said gruffly.
'Yes. but you deserve to hear it-even if it is from just me."
Tsunade looked down into her drink, biting her lip.
Haruhi sighed, before continuing.
"Right now, I am asking you to dredge up whatever kindness you have left, and come back to Konoha, for the last time, to say goodbye."
They both knew she meant goodbye to more than just the Third.
"I…"
Haruhi nodded encouragingly.
"I'm not sure I can."
"That's alright."
"Is it?"
"You are allowed to mourn, and some wounds never fully heal. You aren't weak or less for being hesitant. But I know they loved you, and you them. They would want you to try and heal- It's time to show some compassion for yourself."
Tsunade chuckled wetly, and halfheartedly swirled her drink.
"They did. They did."
Haruhi blinked back tears, as Tsunade looked at her again.
"How would you know what they wanted for me?"
"Isn't that what we all want for the people we love, to get better?"
Tsunade's lips trembled.
"S-so what? I should just forget them? Like they were never here?"
Haruhi shook her head.
"No. Never. No one is ever really of them and love them still, but carry them in your heart instead of letting them haunt it."
"So I'm holding me back?"
"You are not. But sometimes holding on hurts more than letting go. You cannot more forward unless you stop looking back at the what-could-have-beens."
"Easier said than done."
"I know. Believe me, I know."
The conversation halted again, and Haruhi lamented on how she found herself in this situation. All she wanted was a drink, but she somehow found herself neck-deep in a poignant conversation.
"Ugh, being Hokage" Tsunade hiccuped, "I'm not sure I can do that. They want the warrior Tsunade-not this." She gestured to her wasted self, and Haruhi hummed thoughtfully.
"L-like, take that girl back in the room earlier today-"
"-Tenten-"
"-Tenten, she was expecting someone put together. Not a drunkard gambling addict."
Haruhi paused.
"Why do you think people hold you in such high esteem? Tsunade-sama?"
"Hell if I knew."
"Konoha has had plenty of strong admirable figures, Tsunade-sama, many as legendary as you. Why do you think the people choose you, then, to admire the most?"
Tsunade shrugged, picking at her cuticles.
Haruhi leaned forward.
"Because you give them hope."
Tsunade started at her, wide-eyed.
"All those figures in Konoha's history are known for their destruction and bloodshed, even the first hokage, and while I know you aren't exempt from that, you stand out because you are also known as the world's best medic-nin. In a world of negativity you were a shining beacon. You pushed forward policies that saved thousands, and opened clinics around the village that helped even more. You went out of your way to heal those in need of it, and didn't look down upon those less fortunate than you."
Tsunade tugged at her necklace, the one Haruhi recognized as the first Hokage's.
"...Is he really that bad?"
Haruhi closed her eyes. There was no love lost between her and the Third but she wouldn't wish his fate on her worst enemy.
"Yes."
"...What would Konoha even do with a Hokage like me?"
"It would do better."
Tsunade startled.
"Such faith. And here I thought you weren't trying to make me become hokage."
"I'm not. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't think you'd be good at it."
"Hm."
"And why do you think that?"
"I'm gonna keep it real with you, Konoha is in a bad way. It was still recovering from the Third war and the Nine-tails attack, not to mention the Uchiha massacre. Then the attack from the Sound village during the second part of the chunin exams, followed by an economic slump. Right now, we don't need another war-hawk hokage-we need the Legendary medic-nin, symbol of hope, Tsunade-sama."
Tsunade looked at her thoughtfully, ears red.
"Are you trying to butter me up?"
"I would never try to trick you into doing something you don't want to do."
"Because I'd flatten you."
Haruhi let amusement flash across her face, before straightening it.
"That's certainly a part of it. But mostly because It wouldn't be right. Especially when the stakes are this high."
Tsunade then snorts, then, as if testing her, speaks.
"I don't exactly have a choice, do I? Jiraiya threatened my life otherwise. Said I'd be a missing-nin if I didn't come back."
"We both know there isn't much Konoha can do to you. You're too powerful to force back to Konoha. Jiraiya barely stands a chance-you're smarter and stronger than him. Konoha is also in too much of a pickle to concentrate on you, not when they need to concentrate on getting back on their feet. And even if they put a bounty on you, There is maybe a handful of Ninja who could actually challenge you, and you are too valuable to just kill. Medic-nin are always in short supply, and you are the world's greatest. If you wanted to, you could continue on just as you are."
Tsunade chuckled softly, shaking her head.
"Right on the money. What did you say your name was?"
"Haruhi."
"Just Haruhi?"
"Just Haruhi."
"Well then, Just-Haruhi, I'll come back to Konoha. I'll see what is up. I'll say goodbye, but don't expect me to grab the hat just yet."
They finished their drinks, and Tsunade move to pay for them.
"No need," Haruhi said, "It's the least I can do after bothering you for so long."
Tsunade laughed again, and then grabbed Haruhi's sore hands, and kissed the backs of them. A green glow emitted from her lips, completely healing the soreness, and erasing the beginning bruises.
"See you around, Haruhi." Tsunade winked, and sauntered off. Haruhi felt a strange heat across her face as Shizune then approached.
Shizune smiled at her too, and Haruhi couldn't help but notice she was also really pretty.
"Thank you for talking to her. I haven't seen her laugh in a long time."
Shizune followed after her Sensei, and Haruhi floated on over to a Kakashi waiting to say goodnight.
"How was your drink?" He asked, enveloping her in his warm, familiar hug. "Did it go well?"
It took her a moment to respond.
"Uh, yeah. You could say that."
The next morning, Shizune, Tonton, and Tsunade fell into step beside them as they made their way to Konoha. No one commented.
Haruhi: Speech 100
also,
Haruhi to Jiraiya: what are you, an idiot sandwich!
Haruhi to Tsunade: I'm not leaving here until you smile.
Haha, first semester of college done. I did pretty well overall, so I'm happy with that! How are y'all doing? Its good to see you again!
Question of the chapter: Did this chapter make you feel? How so? Why? What do you think of their conversation?