"Hey, Tsunade, care to explain? Why are you here with Orochimaru?"
Jiraiya turned his gaze towards Tsunade. It wasn't that he suspected Tsunade had ulterior motives. It was just the Impure World Reincarnation Ninjutsu developed by Orochimaru. He was afraid Orochimaru might use it to blackmail Tsunade into joining his camp.
Since Tsunade had lost her younger brother and boyfriend, Jiraiya was also worried that she might do something foolish on impulse.
"Wait a minute, Lord Jiraiya. You've misunderstood Lady Tsunade. That Orochimaru guy has no good intentions. Their purpose in coming here is to get rid of Lady Tsunade in order to prevent her from becoming the Fifth Hokage!"
Shizune stepped forward and stood in front of Tsunade, blocking Jiraiya's line of sight to Tsunade. The situation looked rather heated right now, and she had to clear up the misunderstanding.
"How is that possible? The decision about the village's Fifth Hokage was just made. How did Orochimaru find out?"
"Well... we're not sure either. As usual, Lady Tsunade came here to gamble and found Orochimaru waiting for her. The petty people first made sarcastic remarks about congratulating Lady Tsunade on becoming the Fifth Hokage and then launched an attack. Fortunately, Lord Jiraiya arrived just in time."
"Shizune!"
Tsunade frowned, her eyes sharp. Clearly, Jiraiya's suspicion just now had annoyed her.
"Shizune, let's go. There's no need to talk to this lecherous old man!"
With that, she left Shizune standing there and pushed past Jiraiya who was in her way. She walked out with her chest held high, leaving Jiraiya standing there, embarrassed and not knowing how to explain.
"Wait a minute, Tsunade. Wait. It's been a long time since we last saw each other. It's normal for our relationship to be a bit strained. I was just joking with you. Don't be too angry. I'm sorry! Oh, right. Haven't you had lunch yet? I'll treat you."
Jiraiya scratched his nose awkwardly, clasped his hands together, and bowed repeatedly to apologize, which finally eased Tsunade's anger.
"Then be prepared to empty your wallet today!"
Just as they were about to leave the shop, someone who had fallen grabbed their ankles.
Jiraiya looked at the shopkeeper holding his ankle in horror. The shopkeeper's wide-open eyes were bloodshot, looking extremely creepy.
"You guys. You've destroyed my shop like this and now you want to leave just like that? Leave the money behind!"
"Money? Uncle, what are you talking about? It wasn't me who damaged your shop. The wrongdoer should be held accountable. Right, Tsunade!"
Jiraiya turned around, only to find that there was no one around him except the fallen leaves blown by the gentle breeze.
...
These guys ran off so quickly!
"I don't care. I heard everything just now. You know that woman. So you pay the money. Otherwise, I won't let you go even if I die!"
Jiraiya underestimated the shopkeeper's determination. As soon as he turned around, the shopkeeper clung to his thigh like a leech and wouldn't let go.
"What are you doing? Help! Let go of me!"
There's someone about to go berserk here!
"Damn it!"
"Lord Orochimaru?"
The early - fleeing assassin of Orochimaru looked sinister. His plan to destroy Konoha Village has utterly failed. That old coot, the Third Hokage, was actually still alive!
He looked down at his intact arm. It was an arm that had been replaced, but the burning sensation from Amaterasu used by Itachi still lingered. As long as he exerted a bit of strength, the pain would rush up, making his forehead twitch uncontrollably.
Kabuto, beside him, was carefully observing Orochimaru's expression. After getting along for a long time, he also understood what Orochimaru was thinking at the moment and could only comfort him gently.
"It was such a pity just now. We were so close to killing Tsunade. Coincidentally, Jiraiya showed up then. However, Lord Orochimaru is really foresight. You guessed that Tsunade would be the next Hokage."
"Humph! Even if that old coot, the Third Hokage, didn't die, Konoha is now in a mess. None of the clans can stand each other. They are in desperate need of a qualified and capable leader. Excluding that laid - back Jiraiya, the only one left is Tsunade."
"So what should we do next? Judging from this situation, Tsunade will be with Jiraiya from now on. It will be very difficult for us to continue the plan!"
"It doesn't matter. There are only baits that aren't fat enough; there are no fish that won't bite the hook. Just wait, Jiraiya, Tsunade, I'll make you regret it!"
Jiraiya shook his empty wallet, his face as white as a sheet. He sighed helplessly and entered a restaurant. Seeing Tsunade having a great time eating at the bar, he finally couldn't bear it anymore and rushed forward, grabbing her collar and shouting.
"You bastard! You actually ran off and left me behind. Do you know I'm broke because I paid off your gambling debts!"
Tsunade casually glanced away and replied perfunctorily.
"Didn't you say you'd treat me? Since you're treating me, don't be so tight - fisted!"
"Damn it! I clearly only said I'd treat you to a meal. Pay off your own gambling debts!"
Seeing Tsunade's fearless attitude, Jiraiya had to swallow his anger. He decided not to waste any more breath on Tsunade and sat down to get to the point.
"You know the news, right? The higher - ups plan to have you succeed as the Fifth Hokage. If you're free now, come back with me quickly. Besides, the old man's in poor health and needs your treatment!"
Tsunade was sipping the shochu in front of her, with a blank look in her eyes. No one knew what she was thinking.
"I refuse!"
"Eh?! What did you say?"
"I said I refuse to be the Fifth Hokage!"
"Why? You have to give me a reason."
Facing Jiraiya, who stood up anxiously, Tsunade still looked nonchalant and continued to drink her wine.
"I ain't gonna take such a dangerous job!"
Grandpa, the First Hokage, known as the God of Ninja, and the well - deserved genius Fourth Hokage. As the context doesn't clearly indicate who "the old man" refers to, we'll leave it as a placeholder for now. All those powerful guys who became Hokage ended up dead. I don't want to have such a short life like them."
......
"Bang!"
"Shut up! I won't allow you to talk about them like that!"
Naruto stood up angrily. The stool fell to the ground in the quiet restaurant, attracting everyone's attention.
"Oh, brat, who are you? Why should I listen to you?"
Naruto's face contorted with anger, though it was evident he was holding back somewhat.
..............