"Naruto, Lady Tsunade has her own difficulties..."
After hesitating for a while, Sakura finally spoke up to explain.
"I heard from Lady Shizune that during the Third Great Ninja World War, Lady Tsunade lost two of her dearest relatives. As a Medical Ninja, she could only watch helplessly as her lover died right in front of her without being able to do anything. It was from that time on that Lady Tsunade developed a severe fear of blood. I think that's why she has stayed away from the power center of Konoha Village for all these years."
Sakura's lowered eyes were filled with sadness. When she heard it from Lady Shizune, she couldn't help but wonder how desperate Lady Tsunade must have been at that time.
As a Medical Ninja, she couldn't even save the one she loved the most.
"So, Naruto, can we just understand her a bit?"
....
"I don't care about this kind of thing at all!"
Naruto patted the dust off his body and stood up. His nonchalant look made people can't help but doubt whether he had a heart.
"Naruto!"
"Sakura, we're Ninjas. Not to mention during the war, even in normal missions, our dearest ones might die right in front of our eyes. But so what? If you want to become the Hokage, you have to overcome all difficulties. That's the responsibility and mission a Hokage has to shoulder. If that old hag doesn't have the determination and perseverance, then let her give the Hokage position to me. I'll do it!"
"Naruto..."
"In this world, there are always many people experiencing all kinds of tragedies. But in the end, the future is created by ourselves. If she always keeps herself locked in a pre - set cage, not allowing others to touch her heart and not allowing herself to contact the outside world, her wounds will never heal."
After hearing Naruto's words, Sakura sincerely sighed. He was really an amazing person. No matter how difficult the road ahead was, he would flatten all the obstacles and stride forward.
"Moreover, that old hag is full of energy. She isn't as fragile as you reckon. If she shows the slightest sign of cowardice on the battlefield, I'll wake her up with my fists!"
Maybe seeing Sakura's stunned look and thinking that his words had scared her, Naruto quickly scratched his head and whispered an apology.
"What are you talking about? Lady Tsunade is my teacher. If there's anything wrong with her, it's up to me, her disciple, to correct it. It's not your turn yet!"
"Sakura!?"
"Aren't we going to get Lady Tsunade back to Konoha Village quickly? Then let's set off now and go find her together."
After saying that, Sakura held her head high, getting rid of her previous confusion and regret. Although the past experiences were important, the road ahead was equally crucial.
As Lady Tsunade's disciple, Sakura hoped more than anyone else that Lady Tsunade could cheer up.
"But where can we find her? This village is so big."
Against the backdrop of the star - filled sky, the young girl's sincere and lovely smile showed a hint of cunning. Sakura turned back and gave a sweet smile. The clear cool wind blew through her hair, and her soft pink hair fluttered in the wind.
"Leave it to me. With Lady Tsunade's temper, there are only a few places she could go.
"
.................
"Creak----"
The old wooden door of the tavern was yanked open, and Jiraiya walked in from the outside. Looking at Tsunade with a flushed face and a pile of empty wine bottles in front of her, he couldn't help but sigh.
"Sure enough, you're here."
"What, so it's you, Jiraiya."
Although she said so, Tsunade wasn't really surprised by Jiraiya's arrival. Instead, she continued to sip the shochu in front of her, as if competing with someone secretly.
"I've already told you, haven't I? I won't become the Fifth Hokage. Stop pestering me, burp～"
After a few rounds of drinks, Tsunade hiccupped while speaking. Jiraiya seemed not to hear and pulled out the stool beside her and sat down.
"Boss, bring me a bottle too."
"Sure, sir. Please wait a moment."
"Jiraiya, are you even listening to me!"
Tsunade frowned slightly, obviously dissatisfied with Jiraiya's self - assertive behavior.
"Come on, besides being a persuader, I'm also one of your few surviving old friends. Now, as an old friend, can you tell me why you don't want to be the Hokage?"
Tsunade looked at the middle - aged Jiraiya. His face was no longer as mischievous and strange as in her memory. Instead, he exuded a steady and mature air.
Yeah, time has really flown by. They've all grown old...
"Jiraiya, believe it or not, today was the first time I met Orochimaru. That guy didn't come to me for any business. He probably came to kill me."
"How could that be?"
"As smart as he is, he must have thought that you wouldn't take the position and would definitely throw this task at me; therefore, he came to me."
"That bastard Orochimaru!"
Jiraiya slammed his fist on the bar counter. At this moment, he was really angry.
"Although his actions are part of the reason, I think fundamentally I still don't have the ability and qualifications."
Tsunade took another big gulp of shochu and slowly began to speak.
"Even the powerful Third and Fourth Hokages were either injured or killed. To be honest, I don't want to die such a tragic death."
Jiraiya sipped the wine in front of him silently. After all, it was just a personal choice, and he couldn't force Tsunade. It wasn't wrong for a middle - aged person to pursue a stable life.
"Since you've said so, I can't force you. I'll set off for Konoha tomorrow."
"That thick - headed guy has finally given up! Come on! Let's toast to my freedom!"
"Cheers!"
Jiraiya drank without any defense. Suddenly, the wine glass in his hand dropped onto the bar counter. A sudden and intense sense of dizziness hit him. He covered his head with his hand and looked at the wine glass on the table. His vision became blurred.
"What... How could this happen..."
He seemed to figure it out and looked at Tsunade in shock. She didn't look drunk at all. Instead, her eyes were firm and clear.
"I'm not lying to you about what Jiraiya just told me. But Orochimaru offered me another condition. As long as I'm willing to relinquish the Hokage position, he'll help me resurrect my younger brother and lover. Sorry, I can't refuse him."
"Wait a minute, Tsunade! Don't go. Orochimaru isn't that kind - hearted. He must have a conspiracy."
Jiraiya reached out his hand, trying to grab the departing back. But a sudden wave of weakness made him collapse onto the table and unable to move a single inch.
"Don't worry. This is just a drug that blocks your Chakra circulation. You'll recover soon."
"Hold on, Tsunade..."
After saying this, Jiraiya lost consciousness and fell. The guests drinking nearby thought he was just drunk.
.....
"Perverted Hermit, Perverted Hermit, wake up!"
...............