Chapter 288: Entering the Whirlpool of High-Level Games!

Jiraiya held the scroll tightly, and Tsunade's slight drunkenness quickly dissipated. As one of the legendary Sannin and a master of medical ninjutsu, she could sober up instantly when necessary.

"What's going on?" Tsunade's voice was tense, her instincts telling her that the scroll Jiraiya had just retrieved was connected to what Orochimaru had hinted at.

"This is a directive from Lord Hokage," Jiraiya said, unrolling the scroll. "He's asking me to assist Minato in building his reputation further. The Fourth Hokage election is coming up, and Minato is officially in the running."

Jiraiya's eyes darted toward Orochimaru, curious at how unfazed he appeared. "Orochimaru, why are you so calm? Don't you want to be Hokage anymore?"

Orochimaru's gaze was sharp but his voice even. "It's not that I don't want it, but I know when a situation is beyond my control."

Tsunade frowned. "What do you mean, Orochimaru? Logically, you should have the upper hand. You're more senior than Minato and a direct disciple of the Third Hokage."

As she spoke, Tsunade could feel her thoughts spiraling. Political games were not her forte, and this was quickly becoming too convoluted.

"Minato might actually be a better choice," Orochimaru said, taking a sip from his cup. "But his involvement means Jiraiya can't avoid being pulled into high-level conflicts."

"Enough of that for now," Orochimaru said, changing the topic. He poured more sake, but the mood was already changed.

After a while, Tsunade, disinterested and wary, excused herself. Jiraiya, although wanting more answers, knew Orochimaru wouldn't reveal everything. He decided to find Minato and headed out as well.

"Finally, it begins," Orochimaru muttered as he downed his drink, a cunning glint in his eyes.

---

Back at Tsunade's courtyard, Reiki was in the middle of checking Shisui's condition when she returned.

"Teacher?" Reiki and Shisui noticed her presence and greeted her.

"Ah," Tsunade acknowledged them with a nod and retreated inside, thoughts racing.

On her way back, she'd crossed paths with Minato and Kushina, and their conversation was puzzling:

**Minato:** *"Thank you, Tsunade-sama, for your support. I'll do my best to make the most of this opportunity."*

**Kushina:** *"I envy you, Tsunade-sama, having a talented apprentice like Reiki who's even great at cooking!"*

**Minato:** *"We won't take up any more of your time. After our mission, we'll make sure to express our gratitude properly."*

**Kushina:** *"Yes, Tsunade-sama, take care!"*

Tsunade frowned, trying to piece it together. She hadn't interacted with them recently, so why were they thanking her? And why did they mention Reiki?

"Reiki!" Tsunade's eyes widened as an idea formed. Could it be that Reiki's actions had influenced Sarutobi Hiruzen's decision to include Minato in the Hokage candidacy? But how could an eight-year-old have such sway?

"Reiki, come here," she called out.

"Yes, teacher?" Reiki entered the room, looking at her with a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Take a look at this," Tsunade handed him the scroll. "And tell me, have you been in contact with Minato and Kushina recently?"

Reiki scanned the scroll and smiled sheepishly. "I didn't expect Brother Minato and Kushina-nee to act so quickly. I treated Kushina, and after that, she gained the Nine-Tails' approval and mastered her transformation. Brother Minato thought this should be reported to Lord Hokage as soon as possible, so they went today. Is that what this is about?"

Tsunade's suspicions were confirmed. Reiki's actions had set off a chain of events that elevated Minato's position in the village. This, in turn, shifted Sarutobi Hiruzen's perspective on the future leadership of Konoha.

Tsunade let out a laugh. "You really have done something remarkable, Reiki. I'm going to rest."

As she turned to leave, Reiki spoke up. "Teacher, there's one more thing."

"What is it?" Tsunade stopped, looking at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Although Kushina-nee has mastered the Nine-Tails, tailed beasts are still tailed beasts. They're not completely trustworthy. If Kushina-nee is going on a mission with Brother Minato, she should have a safety measure in place. Someone trustworthy should accompany them for added protection."

Tsunade's expression shifted. "A safety measure? Do you have someone in mind?"

Reiki nodded. "The current leader of the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Fugaku."

"Fugaku?" Tsunade's brow furrowed. As the Uchiha leader and a wielder of the Mangekyō Sharingan, Fugaku could indeed suppress the Nine-Tails if needed. But she knew how the higher-ups viewed the Uchiha. "You know Hiruzen might not agree to this, right? The council's stance on the Uchiha is… complicated."

"I understand, teacher," Reiki said. "But Fugaku wouldn't be going as a teammate, just as an additional measure."

Tsunade's eyes narrowed. "What's your true motive, Reiki? This could create tension between Minato and the Uchiha."

Reiki smiled knowingly. "Trust me, teacher. This move has its advantages for everyone involved."

Tsunade sighed, exasperated. This boy, only eight years old, was maneuvering like a seasoned strategist.

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