Tsunade was invited back to Konoha by Jiraiya last time.
She didn't expect to stay for so long, nor did she expect to take on two disciples one after another.
Haruno Sakura and Ino.
To improve their strength, Tsunade didn't leave Konoha immediately and continued guiding them.
Not long ago, she had been called to Konoha Hospital by Jiraiya to rescue two young people, and she was already a little tired.
After that, Haruno Sakura and Ino were drawn to Naruto, which gave Tsunade the illusion that she was also being drawn to Naruto.
Feeling depressed, she took Shizune to drink at a tavern in Konoha.
At night, Tsunade got very drunk.
After Shizune paid the bill, she supported Tsunade and prepared to leave.
But at this moment Anbu suddenly appeared.
Anbu said to Shizune: "Lady Shizune, the Third Hokage, he…"
Shizune frowned after hearing this: "Third Hokage-sama? What happened?"
Anbu said sadly: "Maybe because of age and overwork… Lord Third Hokage just asked me to bring Tsunade over."
"What?!" Shizune was startled when she heard that Sarutobi Hiruzen was requesting a medical ninja.
As the Hokage of Konoha, Sarutobi Hiruzen's physical condition was extremely important.
But Tsunade was drunk…
Shizune's expression turned grim, and she immediately used medical ninjutsu to dispel the alcohol in Tsunade's body.
After a while, Tsunade regained consciousness.
She grabbed Shizune and asked angrily: "Shizune! Didn't I tell you not to do that?"
"I finally… finally got drunk!"
Although Shizune was frightened, she still told Tsunade: "It's about the Third Hokage-sama…"
After hearing this, Tsunade's expression tightened. She set Shizune down and ran toward the Hokage Building without another word.
Seeing Tsunade leave, Shizune and Anbu had no choice but to follow.
…
Boom!!
The door to the Hokage's office was kicked open.
A loud voice came from outside: "Old man!"
Tsunade walked in quickly and saw a blond boy standing in the corner and Sarutobi Hiruzen reclining on the sofa.
And Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression looked wrong.
Tsunade frowned and walked over: "What's going on?"
This didn't seem like a real medical emergency.
Sarutobi Hiruzen opened his eyes weakly and said to Tsunade: "I was talking to little Naruto just now, but suddenly I felt weak…"
Tsunade stepped forward and examined Sarutobi Hiruzen's body with chakra.
But her brows furrowed slightly.
No problem!
Although Sarutobi Hiruzen's body had some potential health risks from years of stress…
It would take at least thirty years for those issues to erupt.
The worst thing was that Sarutobi Hiruzen's lower back hurt a little.
But Sarutobi Hiruzen stared at Tsunade with weak eyes.
Tsunade's pupils tightened slightly, and she noticed Naruto standing in the corner.
Could it be…
What are this old man and Naruto plotting?
No, it shouldn't be that.
Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn't joke about something like this.
But why couldn't even she find anything wrong?
Seeing Tsunade confused, Sarutobi Hiruzen began guiding the situation.
Sarutobi Hiruzen said to Tsunade: "Tsunade, I'm old now, and my health is no longer good."
"I have something to tell you… about Danzo and Konoha…"
Sarutobi Hiruzen then talked about the issues involving Danzo and the crisis Konoha was facing.
Konoha's current situation was very bad.
Having a young and powerful Hokage would alleviate many problems.
When Tsunade heard this, she understood Sarutobi Hiruzen's meaning.
He wasn't sick—but the situation itself spoke volumes about Konoha's problems.
What was this?
Did he want her to be the Hokage?
That might be one reason…
But on the other hand, Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't need to pretend to be sick in front of her, a medical expert.
And the blond kid had been watching silently. Was something going on between him and Sarutobi Hiruzen?
After Tsunade processed everything, she asked Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Is that so? If Konoha's situation is that bad, then as your student, shouldn't I help?"
"What do you want me to do?"
In truth, Tsunade didn't want to get involved in this mess.
But she had no choice but to continue acting along with Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Sarutobi Hiruzen said to Tsunade: "If you are willing… to become Hokage, I can retire with peace of mind."
His tone was odd.
Like a patient who couldn't say everything in one breath and had to pause frequently.
But Tsunade knew Sarutobi Hiruzen wasn't sick—so why act like this?
Tsk tsk~
Tsunade sneered inwardly. These two old foxes and little foxes—were they betting on her?
Tsunade's expression turned cold, and she said to Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Teacher, no matter what, Jiraiya is more suitable to be Hokage than me. He's also in Konoha right now. You should go ask him."
After saying that, Tsunade turned and left.
Leaving only Naruto and Sarutobi Hiruzen in the room.
Naruto watched the scene, feeling a little disappointed.
Did Sarutobi Hiruzen and Tsunade forget about the existence of Kagura's Mind Eye?
No…
Maybe they didn't know how sensitive it was?
Being so close, Naruto could clearly sense Tsunade and Sarutobi Hiruzen's emotional fluctuations.
Naruto was certain Tsunade had figured something out.
That's why she didn't follow the script.
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled and asked Naruto: "How was that, little Naruto?"
Naruto also smiled: "As expected of the Third Hokage—you actually guessed it right."
But…
How dare you play dirty tricks in front of me?
Then don't blame me!
Sarutobi Hiruzen heard Naruto's words and thought his plan had succeeded.
He raised his hand, stroked his beard, and asked Naruto: "What about our bet, Naruto?"
Naruto stared at Sarutobi Hiruzen, his smile turning cold: "I only heard her say she was willing to be Hokage."
"What??" Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Naruto in shock.
Naruto sneered: "Old man, you didn't think I wouldn't notice you cheating, did you?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "…"
Seeing his silence, Naruto continued: "This is why I hate you. You always manipulate people subconsciously, thinking you're smart enough that no one notices what you're doing."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's body stiffened when Naruto exposed him.
He felt embarrassed, but for Konoha's sake, he said bravely: "Ahem~ This matter is my fault. How about we each take a step back? Konoha can give you the barrier technology, and you just need to do one thing for Konoha."
"To protect Konoha in times of danger."
This way, both sides could get what they wanted.
But…
Naruto sighed and asked Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Why do you have such whimsical ideas?"
"According to the rules, if you cheat, you automatically lose. You must accept defeat."
"If you refuse to hand it over, I can get it myself. Why should I take responsibility for your cheating?"
"As for protecting Konoha—that depends on my mood."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You can visit my Patreon page:
Patreon.com/PhoeniXcel
There are 90+ advanced chapters available for you to read.
Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Check out my new Naruto fanfic!
[Naruto: I Don't Want Recognition]