"Why on earth do you suddenly want to find Tsunade? Who is she? Is she really that powerful?"
"Lady Tsunade is one of the legendary Sannin of Konoha, the current pioneer of Medical Ninjutsu, and also the granddaughter of the First Hokage. This morning, the high - ranking officials reached an agreement and selected her as the Fifth Hokage."
Kakashi had a vein popping on his forehead. He knew that Naruto never paid attention in class.
"Huh? If she takes on the role of Hokage, then what about grandpa Third Hokage?"
"After the fight with Orochimaru, the Third Hokage was severely injured and remains in a coma. So, it's urgent to find Lady Tsunade to treat him."
"I see. So, Sasuke, you're also doing this for Aniki Itachi, right?"
Sasuke lowered his eyes and remained silent. Even without an answer, his intention was crystal - clear.
He was extremely worried about Itachi's condition. That's why he planned to go with Jiraiya to find Tsunade, hoping that this legendary Medical Ninja could cure Itachi's illness. Although he also had hopes for Orochimaru, more options mean more certainty. Besides, it would be best if Itachi's condition could be resolved as soon as possible.
"It seems you've both made up your minds. If you want to find Lady Tsunade, you might as well take Sakura with you."
"Hey! Kakashi, don't you treat me like a daycare teacher? How long are you going to keep dumping your students on me one by one?"
Jiraiya originally planned to go just with Naruto. This way, they'd be less conspicuous and less likely to be spotted by the enemies from the Akatsuki. But then, a super - arrogant pretty boy suddenly wanted to join in, and now he had to take a little girl too. No! No way!
Girls only like grown - ups!
Moreover, having too many people would easily expose their whereabouts.
Kakashi smiled at Lord Jiraiya.
"Don't say that, Lord Jiraiya. Sakura was trained by Lady Tsunade for a full month. She might be of some help to you this time."
"Huh? Tsunade took in a disciple? How come I didn't know?"
"After the trials, that girl came to me. For someone like Sakura, there wasn't much I could teach her. So, I told her the possible places where Lady Tsunade might appear. I told her to give it a shot if she didn't mind the trouble. Unexpectedly, she was really lucky!"
Jiraiya pondered for a while. Indeed, Tsunade had always been reluctant to take on the role of Hokage. If her disciple could persuade her, the chances might be higher.
"Okay, that's it. No more additions! Pack your things. We'll set off early tomorrow morning!"
Sasuke and Naruto exchanged excited glances and replied.
"Yeah!"
................
On the bustling streets, pedestrians streamed by continuously. Vendors were shouting their lungs out by the streets, presenting a prosperous scene.
"Sakura, is this the place where you found Lady Tsunade before?"
"Yeah, it's just up ahead!"
Sasuke and Naruto looked in the direction she pointed. There was an ordinary mansion with a large sign reading 'Gambling' hanging in front of it.
"I see!"
Seeing the store's sign, Jiraiya showed a look of sudden enlightenment.
"What do you mean by 'I see'?"
"Tsunade is called the legendary easy mark!"
"Easy mark?"
Naruto fantasized about what an easy mark looked like. Is this old lady fat with curly hair?
"That guy always loses when gambling. Every time she gambles, it's like she's rushing to give money to others. Because of this, she's in a huge debt! Every time she tries to pay off her gambling debts, she transforms into different age - stages, changing her appearance from a young girl to a mature woman. It's really hilarious!"
As Jiraiya spoke, he recalled Tsunade's various debt - collection behaviors and couldn't help bursting into laughter.
"Is... is it really okay for someone with such behavior to become the Hokage? Will she gamble away the whole Konoha Village?"
Naruto couldn't help breaking out in a cold sweat. This kind of behavior was even worse than his own scribbling on the Hokage Rock. At least he cleaned up his own mess afterwards.
He always cleaned up his own mess.
"Don't worry. Although Tsunade is a bit careless about such details, she's very reliable when it counts!"
"You can't help smiling when talking about her."
"Eh?!"
Just as Jiraiya and Naruto were having a great chat, Sasuke's sudden words froze Jiraiya's smile on his face. His voice trembled, and he felt embarrassed as if his secret had been exposed.
"What... what are you talking about? What do you mean I'll smile when mentioning her? I'm just a guy who loves to smile. A brat like you who's still a kid, how can you understand the feelings between adults? Stop talking nonsense."
"So, do you like her?"
Sasuke's voice and tone remained calm. He wasn't intimidated by Jiraiya's long - winded words at all. On the contrary, Jiraiya's forehead was already covered with a layer of sweat. He looked around nervously and roared loudly.
"Look! The target is right in front of us. Let's catch up quickly!"
"Perverted Hermit, why are you running so fast alone? Wait for us!"
After saying that, without waiting for others to react, he fled from this place as if being chased. Sasuke looked at the fleeing figure and couldn't help sighing.
In his past life, when he and Boruto time - traveled, they owed this guy a huge favor. If it weren't for this, he wouldn't have bothered to wake Jiraiya up to his little feelings.
?_?
They're both having a late - life romance. Can't they just be more upfront? It seems they don't have many years left.
Eh!
.............
When everyone reached the casino, Jiraiya lifted the curtain and walked in with his head down. Instead of seeing people gambling fervently, he saw two groups of people confronting each other.
"Orochimaru, why are you here!"
"Oh, is it a class reunion today? Why do all the old acquaintances seem to have telepathy and gather here?"
Orochimaru quickly gave Sasuke a glance and immediately understood his purpose of coming here. Then he pretended to be nonchalant and joked with Jiraiya.
"Don't be so tense. We old classmates haven't seen each other for so many years. Last time in Konoha, I came in a hurry and left in a rush without having a good chat with you. Isn't it a good opportunity for us to catch up today?"
"I have nothing to say to you, you bastard who killed your teacher!"
After saying that, Jiraiya's aura suddenly intensified. The killing intent he emitted caused the few onlookers left in the casino to flee in a hurry.
Orochimaru shrugged and waved his hands indifferently.
"Kabuto, it seems my old acquaintance doesn't like me very much. Well, then let's talk next time!"
Kabuto pushed his glasses and formed Hand Seal. Then, the two of them disappeared from everyone's sight like ripples dispersing the reflection of the moon in the water.