Chapter 76: Tsunade Returns

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The voice of Hashirama echoed in the ears of the two men, sending shivers down their spines.

However...

Despite the fear, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, felt an overwhelming surge of excitement.

It was this very feeling!

The feeling of his childhood!

He hadn't experienced it for so long!

The Third Hokage looked at Hashirama with awe. During his childhood, Konoha Village was a place no one dared to bully.

There was no need for barriers.

No ninja from any other village would dare to enter Konoha for unjust reasons.

No one dared to provoke war against Konoha!

At that time, Konoha was a utopian paradise, a haven of peace amidst the chaos of the ninja world.

Young Hiruzen Sarutobi was not fully aware of the harshness of the ninja world.

It wasn't until he grew older, witnessed the First Ninja War, and became the Third Hokage that he realized.

The ninja world was not peaceful at all.

Konoha's peace was due to the presence of that man!

As long as that man was there, even if all other forces united, they wouldn't dare make a move against Konoha.

One person was enough to deter the entire ninja world!

Similarly, when that man left, no ninja village hesitated to attack Konoha.

The contrast was glaringly obvious!

Now, finally!

After decades of hiding!

It had all returned!

"Monkey, arrange a residence for me. I'll be waiting for their arrival in a few days."

Hashirama spoke in a deep voice, not wanting to wander around. The other ninja villages would not take long to arrive, and he was eager to see who would dare to stay away!

"Yes!"

The Third Hokage immediately nodded in agreement and personally went to arrange a place for Hashirama to stay.

...

Country of Rain, Tower.

Eight people were gathered together in silence, the room unusually quiet.

All eight were dressed in black cloaks adorned with red clouds, and each wore a headband with a slash mark, indicating their status as rogue ninjas.

In the center stood a man with orange hair, his face marked with symmetrical black patterns, and his eyes surrounded by a mysterious aura.

It was Pain of the Six Paths.

The rest were members of the Akatsuki organization.

Only Zetsu was missing.

"Have you all calmed down now?"

Pain of the Six Paths cast his gaze over the group. Although they had all sustained various injuries recently, they were now largely recovered and standing before him.

"We are about to begin the final plan!"

Pain's voice was low and carried an unmistakable tone of authority.

"Deidara, Sasori, you two are to capture the One-Tail jinchuriki. Move quickly and be precise."

"Kakuzu, Hidan, you two are tasked with capturing the Two-Tails jinchuriki. Be careful not to kill it—alive is crucial!"

"Itachi, Kisame, you two will capture the Three-Tails. Since the Three-Tails is currently in a wild state and lacks a jinchuriki, focus first on tracking its movements. There's no need to hurry with the capture."

Pain began issuing these commands. Originally intended to start in two years, the mission was now being accelerated due to the arrival of the First Hokage.

"Understood!"

The six members responded in unison, their expressions ranging from serious to excited, each with their own thoughts.

"You all know the specific list of jinchuriki. Begin now and aim for a swift resolution!"

Pain added, though he felt that this might not be the perfect timing.

However, with the revelation that Uchiha Madara was a fake, his plans had been disrupted to some extent. Yet, the presence of Senju Hashirama was real. This shift made Nagato think that while it might not be the ideal moment, it was indeed the most opportune.

...

Three days later.

Konoha Village.

At the main gate.

A man and two women walked slowly towards the entrance.

The man wore a dark green cloak with a red vest over it, and a ninja headband with the kanji for "oil" on it. His silver hair flowed loosely behind him.

It was Jiraiya, one of the Legendary Three Ninjas.

The woman wore a light green coat with the kanji for "gamble" on the back. She had a refined appearance, with a purple diamond-shaped seal on her forehead and her hair styled in a small ponytail.

She was Tsunade, also one of the Legendary Three Ninjas.

Behind Tsunade was a female ninja carrying a small pig.

This ninja was Shizune.

"Tsunade, you were in such a hurry on the way here. Why did you slow down at the gate?"

Jiraiya asked with a puzzled expression, his eyes reflecting his confusion. Despite having known Tsunade for ages, he still couldn't fully understand her.

"You're not lying to me, are you?"

Tsunade frowned and stared intently at Jiraiya, her beautiful eyes filled with skepticism, as if trying to read something from his face.

"When have I ever lied to you?"

Jiraiya said with a wry smile, feeling that his dignity and status before Tsunade seemed to be non-existent.

"You told me that you were writing a serious book. Wasn't that a lie?"

Tsunade shot Jiraiya a disbelieving look.

In truth, these were minor matters. What Tsunade was most concerned about was the current situation.

When Jiraiya had found her, he told her that her grandfather had returned!

That news had nearly made her overturn the gambling table!

That was a hand she was definitely going to lose!

"I…"

Jiraiya was momentarily speechless. Faced with Tsunade's probing question, he had no way to respond.

"Got nothing to say now, huh?"

Tsunade shot Jiraiya another exasperated look. She had glanced through Jiraiya's work when passing by a bookstore in the past.

It was strong and impressive!

After only a few glances, Tsunade had become so embarrassed that she put it back immediately.

"Well, uh… Tsunade… You might not have seen it, but we're heading back to the village now. As for the quality of my book, Kakashi can vouch for it!"

Jiraiya scratched his head and chuckled awkwardly. He really wasn't comfortable discussing his novels with Tsunade.

"Kakashi…"

Tsunade merely repeated the name without further pursuing the topic of the novel.

"Jiraiya, how is my grandfather? You mentioned he's in a Reincarnation of Impure World state. How long can that state last?"

Tsunade asked seriously. Though her words expressed concern, her steps slowed.

Nostalgia at the door!

Tsunade missed her grandfather deeply, but now that they were at the gates of Konoha, she felt hesitant to go in.

"The Reincarnation of Impure World is a technique used by Orochimaru. For specifics, you might need to ask Orochimaru, but I'm not sure where he is right now."

Jiraiya shrugged helplessly. Such high-level forbidden techniques were beyond his expertise.

"Hm?"

Tsunade suddenly turned around and looked towards the road behind them.

She saw several figures approaching.

Her heart filled with curiosity.

"Are those ninja from Sunagakure? What are they doing coming to Konoha at this time?"

(The End of this Chapter)