Ch. 59

(A/N: Short one on this chap. It's more of a thank you for the warm welcome back ya'll have given. Let me know if you want 2 chapters a day at 1-1.5k words, or 1 chapter with around 2.5k words. Be sure to join discord if you want to have questions bounced off of you, we also have the waifu collect game. :>

Discord: https://discord.gg/Eph2esQ

-Pepto)

--Zach POV--

I wanted to sleep in so bad today, but unfortunately with Shizune and Kayla in the time chamber training with the rest, it was impossible. When I rolled out of bed Tsunade groaned and I looked back to see her reaching her arms out to pull me back in. I smiled at that then leaned over and kissed her on her forehead.

Tsunade: "Pancakes."

I chuckled at her sleepy antics and made my way to the kitchen to make some eggs, bacon, and pancakes. It didn't take long before the kids were up and down at the kitchen table. Tsunade followed in with a yawn and like every morning I handed her a mug of coffee. What surprised me was when Kushina came in, with everything going through my head I had forgotten that I had revived her the day before.

Kushina looked over to Naruto who was drinking chocolate milk and stared at it. With a chuckle, I made her a glass and she sat down next to Naruto in pure bliss with the drink. Eggs and bacon were served up first because it was the easiest to cook in batches. But what followed made me feel like I was working a sweatshop making these pancakes. Naruto and Kushina were packing them away as fast as I could make them, I had to even put a 2nd pan on the stove to make some for Tsunade, Nawaki, and Karin. By the time I could finally finish making my portion and sit at the table, Kushina and Naruto were leaning back in their chairs with their hands over their bellies moaning in despair and delight at the same time.

Kushina: "Urggh, Zach you've got to teach me the recipe for pancakes."

Zach: "I'll write it down for you after breakfast."

Tsunade: "I can't wait to see how everyone has changed."

I nodded at that and Kushina looked at us questioningly. Tsunade then proceeded to tell her about the time chamber I had made, and also the fact that me and Jiraiya were in there a couple of days prior. That led to even more questioning about me, so we told her the cliff notes of everything that's gone on. We had to wrap up the conversation when the chamber was about to open.

We made our way to the entrance of the chamber and found all the kids were there waiting. After greeting them we all stood around and mingled. Kushina was trying to encourage Hinata to pursue Naruto and Tsunade was teasing Nawaki on what seems to be his crush on Karin. I just sighed and shook my head, I did not want anything to do with that mess. Hell, I even saw Izumi and Sakura whispering and sending glances over to Sasuke who was ignoring the world.

Before we knew it the sound of the lock opening from the chamber filled the courtyard. The door then dramatically opened slowly as smoke billowed out of it. First out was Jiraiya, he was holding his head high like he had won a championship. But his celebration was ruined when we felt extreme killing intent directed at him. On instinct, I jumped in front of Tsunade and put my arm behind me trying to shield her. When I looked at where the killing intent was coming from I saw the devil. Her eyes were red with anger and her red hair was floating in the air like she was a Super Saiyan God. Once I realized it was just Kushina I calmed down and smirked at Jiraiya who was frozen stiff at the Red Hot-Blooded Habanero that had him in her sights.

Jiraiya: "Fuuuu-"

Before Jiraiya finished that sentence Kushina was on him like a fat kid on a cupcake. There were kicks, punches, and tears flying all at the same time.

Kushina: "HE WAS YOUR GOD-SON! YOU WHAT?! ABANDONED HIM! WE TRUSTED YOU! MINATO TRUSTED YOU!"

I winced at the low blows she was dealing him, both physically and mentally. But in the end, it is the least of what he deserved, no matter how much of a friend he is to me. After Kushina ran out of steam and Naruto dragged her away the exodus of the chamber continued. Everyone coming out of it had a different air to them, they seemed more seasoned. Jiraiya had eventually limped over to the two of us and we just shook our heads at him.

Jiraiya: "Yeah I know, I deserve it."

Tsunade: "And then some, wait for Minato to get back."

Jiraiya winced.

Jiraiya: "Maybe she'll put in a good word for me? I did take my beating like a champ!"

Zach: "Yeah, yeah. If she doesn't I will, but you owe them more than that and you know it."

Jiraiya: "Yup. Maybe I can get away with putting Kushina on the no-peeking list."

Tsunade raised her eyebrow at that.

Tsunade: "I'm on that list right?"

Jiraiya was quiet at that. That made me start to stare him down and he was sweating bullets.

Jiraiya: "OF COURRRSEEEE!"

Tsunade: "Good."

As we were chatting Kakashi and Guy had walked out of the chamber. Their presence caught my attention and also Tsunade's. We looked them over and were surprised at the aura they were giving off.

Tsunade: "Looks like we have two more Hokage-tier ninjas."

Jiraiya laughed at that and did the superhero pose with his fists on his waist.

Jiraiya: "Oh Tsunade, yee of little faith."

Everyone who was leaving after Kakashi and Guy gave off the same aura, though a little bit weaker but still Hokage-tier. When Itachi and Shisui walked out it blew my mind, they were stronger than Kakashi and Guy before and now it was an even wider gap. When Mikoto walked out I could tell she wasn't that far behind Kakashi and could give him a run for his money.

Watching as the rest walked out of the chamber I was happy at the progression of their training. I like to believe that this will be a trickle-down effect for the ninja-core, and they will go on to teach others how to get stronger. When we thought everyone had exited me and Tsunade looked around since we didn't see Shizune coming out.

Tsunade: "Jiraiya, where is Shizune?"

Zach: "Yeah, and where is Anko?"

Jiraiya stiffened again at that and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. Before he could spout nonsense, two women walked out of the chamber. They were Shizune and Anko chatting happily and holding hands. Once I got past the hand-holding and saw the bigger picture, both of their bellies were almost as big as Tsunade's. I shot a glare at Jiraiya.

Zach: "You didn't…"

Tsunade: "JIRAIYA WHAT DID WE TELL EVERYONE?! WHAT MAKES YOU THINK YOU'RE EXEMPT?!"