Chapter 6: Retrieving Tsunade

As Jiraiya arrive in a random village with a giant casino, he realizes why Tsunade was there specifically, this made Jiraiya sigh in frustration at himself for forgetting that his teammate is a gambling addict, as much as she was beautiful she was a handful.

Though that frustration didn't last long as he started to look around, or more specifically looking for a hot spring to do his research, but before he could continue this he remembered the last time he saw his godson and slapped himself in the face.

'Your godson is suffering in the village and you can still think about research?! Right now isn't the time, as soon as I can send Tsunade back home, the sooner you can go back aswell'

Jiraiya walking inside the casino surveyed the multiple slot machines expecting his long time teammate to be in one of those, and to noones surprise there she was, accompanied by 3 others one trying to convince her to stop while the other two simply looked on amused at the dynamic of the two.

Closing in on her Tsunade was able to feel Jiraiya's chakra and immediately looked behind her, only to see how close he already was to her.

'Have my senses dulled to this degree?'

Surprised at not being able to sense her former teammate sooner, she groaned internally seeing the goofy smile Jiraiya is showing her.

Upon reaching her Jiraiya took a more laid-back approach trying to disarm any hostility or vigilance she may have as to why he has been following her.

"How've been things Tsuna-Hime"

Despite his best efforts to disarm the caution of Senju Tsunade, she remained on guard to what her former teammate has to say, and despite waiting for a minute to noone talking.

"What do you want Jiraiya, this better be important"

With those words leaving her mouth, Jiraiya's goofy smile suddenly left him, exchanged with a more serious one, seeing this Tsunade raised an eyebrow curious as to what he was gonna say.

"It's serious, we need to talk, away from here if possible"

Tsunade has never seen Jiraiya this serious outside of either a war or a battle and sometimes he took those as jokes aswell, curiosity overtaking Tsunade she stood up and motioned for Jiraiya to lead the way.

Getting the message Jiraiya left the casino with Tsunade not far behind, and behind her was three kunoichi, following closely.

Upon reaching a clearing Tsunade scanned the area looking for traps and whatnot, and upon feeling nothing she looked at Jiraiya with arched eyebrows while the same kunoichi stood farther away.

'If it was the old Jiraiya he would have brought me to either a bar to get me drunk or to a hot spring, this must be serious'

Understanding the severity of the situation, her curious look disappeared dawning on a serious expression.

With Jiraiya still not facing her, a minute passed until he spoke.

"The village needs you bac–"

"No"

An immediate response came out, making Jiraiya sigh.

"This isn't something you can deny Tsunade, the village really does need you now"

Growling at the prospect of returning to a place she despise, she narrows her eyes and took a stance, seeing this Jiraiya narrowed his eyes.

"I'm not here to fight Tsuna-Hime, but I will need you to return back"

Jiraiya stood his ground, eyes locked with Tsunade's. The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken words and old memories. The clearing around them seemed to echo with the gravity of their conversation, the silent forest a stark contrast to the vibrant chaos of the casino they had just left.

Tsunade's eyes were hard, filled with a mixture of anger, defiance, and something else Jiraiya couldn't quite place. Pain, perhaps. She had always been difficult to read when it came to matters of the heart and the village. The three kunoichi who had been with her in the casino stood at a respectful distance, their eyes darting between the two Sannin, sensing the importance of this moment but unsure of how to intervene, if at all.

"Tsunade, please listen,"

Jiraiya began again, his voice softer this time, trying to reach the part of her that still cared, that still held some semblance of loyalty to Konoha.

"The village is in turmoil. We need someone that can man the front, someone that can improve the hospitals, and while your at it might aswell take on the hat that sensei has been dying to get rid of"

Tsunade clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. The mention of the position that her loved ones, once idolized and dreamed to become was like a dagger to her heart, reopening old wounds.

"And what makes you think I care? I left that village for a reason, Jiraiya. I have nothing left there. Everyone I loved is gone."

Jiraiya took a step closer, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Naruto is still there. Your godson. He needs guidance, someone who can teach him, protect him. You know he has the potential to be great, but he can't do it alone. And neither can the village."

The mention of Naruto seemed to strike a chord. Tsunade's eyes flickered with a hint of something—perhaps guilt, or maybe a suppressed sense of duty. But it was fleeting, quickly replaced by her usual mask of indifference.

"I'm not fit to be Hokage, let alone being Hokage I don't even know if I'm fit to go back to the hospital"

Tsunade muttered, shaking her head.

"I'm a gambler, a drunk. I have no place leading a village. They'd be better off without me."

Jiraiya sighed deeply, running a hand through his white hair.

"We all have our flaws, Tsunade. But despite them, we've all done our best for the village. You're stronger than you give yourself credit for. The people need hope, and you can give them that."

Tsunade's jaw tightened, her eyes flashing with anger.

"Hope? What hope is there when all I've brought is death and suffering? Dan, Nawaki… Everyone I've ever loved has died because of me. I won't let that happen again."

Jiraiya reached out, placing a hand gently on her shoulder.

"Tsunade, blaming yourself for their deaths won't bring them back. You have a chance to honor their memories by protecting the village they loved. By being the leader they believed you could be."

For a moment, Tsunade looked away, her gaze distant as she battled her inner demons. The weight of her past hung heavily around her, threatening to crush her spirit. But Jiraiya's words planted a seed of doubt, a small crack in the wall she had built around her heart.

The silence stretched between them, heavy and oppressive. Finally, Tsunade spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.

"What if I fail again? What if more people die because of me?"

Jiraiya's grip on her shoulder tightened, his eyes filled with unwavering determination.

"Then we fail together. But at least we tried. At least we fought for something worth fighting for. Don't let fear hold you back, Tsunade. The village needs you now more than ever."

Tsunade closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she struggled with her emotions. The weight of her past and the uncertainty of the future loomed large, but beneath it all was a glimmer of hope. A hope that maybe, just maybe, she could make a difference.

When she finally opened her eyes, there was a resolve there that hadn't been present before. She looked at Jiraiya, her voice steadier now.

"Fine. I'll return to the village. But only because the people need help. And only because Naruto deserves better."

Jiraiya smiled, relief flooding his features.

"Thank you, Tsunade. You won't regret this."

Tsunade nodded, though her expression remained guarded.

"Don't make me regret this, Jiraiya. I'm trusting you."

With that, they turned and began walking back toward the inn, the three kunoichi trailing behind them.

As they walked, Jiraiya glanced at Tsunade, a hint of a smile playing at his lips.

"You know, I never doubted you for a second, Tsuna-Hime."

Tsunade snorted, rolling her eyes.

"Yeah, right. Just make sure you keep your perverted tendencies in check, or I'll knock you out myself."

Jiraiya chuckled, feeling a sense of camaraderie and relief. Despite the seriousness of their mission, it felt good to be back with his old teammate, working together for the greater good.

And so, with a newfound sense of determination, they made their way back to Konoha, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The road would be long and fraught with difficulties, but with Tsunade by his side, Jiraiya knew they could overcome anything.

-Days Pass-

As Jiraiya and Tsunade walked back towards the village, the three kunoichi trailed behind, maintaining a respectful distance. Tsunade occasionally glanced over her shoulder at them, her mind clearly wrestling with her decision to return. Jiraiya noticed her unease and decided to break the silence, hoping to learn more about the young women accompanying her.

"So, Tsunade," he began casually, "who are your friends?"

Tsunade paused, glancing back at the three kunoichi. "These are my disciples," she said, her tone softening slightly. "Kouran, Kato Shizune, and Yatsu Murasaki."

Kouran stepped forward first. She was tall, with long blond hair that cascaded down her back and striking red eyes that seemed to glow with intensity. She gave Jiraiya a polite nod, her expression calm and composed.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Jiraiya-sama,"

Kouran said, her voice firm yet respectful.

Next, Shizune moved up, her onyx eyes meeting Jiraiya's with a hint of recognition. She was a fair-skinned woman of average height, with shoulder-length jet-black hair that framed her face.

"Shizune?"

Jiraiya's eyes widened in surprise.

"It's been a long time. You've grown."

Shizune smiled warmly.

"It's good to see you again, Jiraiya-sama. I've been traveling with Tsunade-sama, learning and assisting her."

Lastly, Yatsu Murasaki stepped forward. She had long blue hair and red eyes, her demeanor more reserved than the other two. She bowed slightly, her expression serious.

"Jiraiya-sama," Yatsu said softly, "it's an honor to meet you."

Jiraiya smiled at the trio, genuinely impressed.

"You've got quite the team, Tsunade. They seem capable."

Tsunade nodded, a hint of pride in her eyes.

"They are. Each of them has their own strengths and skills. They've been invaluable to me."

As they continued walking, Tsunade's earlier curiosity resurfaced, mingled with her ever-present skepticism.

"Jiraiya, you still haven't told me why it's so crucial for me to return to the village. What's really going on?"

Jiraiya's expression darkened, and he took a deep breath before speaking.

"The outside world is in a delicate state. The tensions between the major villages are higher than ever. It feels like we're on the brink of another Great Shinobi War."

Tsunade's eyes narrowed.

"And what about inside Konoha? Surely the village isn't in such dire straits that they need me specifically."

Jiraiya nodded gravely.

"Unfortunately, things inside the village are just as bad, if not worse. Danzo is gaining more power, influencing decisions from the shadows. His methods are extreme and dangerous, and he's slowly rotting Konoha from the inside out."

Tsunade clenched her fists, her anger barely contained.

"That snake. I always knew he was trouble. But why now? Why does my presence matter so much?"

Jiraiya glanced around, ensuring they were still alone, before lowering his voice.

"There's also the matter of the Uchiha. Tensions have been rising, and there's talk of a possible coup. If that happens, it could tear the village apart."

Tsunade stopped in her tracks, the weight of Jiraiya's words sinking in.

"A coup? From the Uchiha? How did it come to this?"

"It's been brewing for a while"

Jiraiya explained.

"The Uchiha feel marginalized and oppressed. Hiruzen tried to manage the situation, but with him being out of options, with him being put in a tight spot he needs all the assistance he can get. If you return, you can bring balance and prevent a catastrophe."

Tsunade looked down, her thoughts racing. She had left the village to escape the pain and responsibility, but now it seemed fate was calling her back to face both. She looked at Jiraiya, seeing the earnest plea in his eyes, and then at her disciples, who watched her with unwavering trust.

"Do you really think I can make a difference, Jiraiya?"

She asked, her voice betraying a hint of doubt.

"I know you can,"

Jiraiya replied without hesitation.

"You've always been strong, Tsunade. Stronger than you yourself believe. The village needs that strength now more than ever."

Tsunade closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. She thought of Dan and Nawaki. She thought of Naruto and the future of Konoha. When she opened her eyes again, they were filled with determination.

"Alright, Jiraiya,"

The group continued their journey back to Konoha, the weight of their mission pressing heavily on their shoulders. Tsunade walked with purpose, her disciples close behind, ready to support her in whatever challenges lay ahead.

As they neared the village, Jiraiya couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of hope. With Tsunade present, perhaps Konoha could overcome its internal strife and stand strong against the threats looming on the horizon. Together, they would face whatever came their way and fight for the future of their home.

As they continued their journey, the weight of their conversation bore heavily on both Jiraiya and Tsunade. The familiar forests surrounding Konoha seemed like a distant dream, as the harsh reality of their mission pressed down on them.

"Tsunade"

Jiraiya began, the gravity in his voice evident.

"There's something else you need to know. The village hospital has been suffering since you left. The quality of care has dipped significantly. They need someone with your expertise."

Tsunade's concern deepened, her brow furrowing.

"How bad is it, Jiraiya?"

"It's bad"

Jiraiya admitted, his voice heavy with regret.

"Your absence left a void that no one has been able to fill. The medical staff is overworked and undertrained. Lives that could be saved are being lost."

Tsunade's fists clenched.

"And what about Naruto? You said he was in the hospital a few months ago. What happened?"

Jiraiya's face darkened, the painful memory of Naruto's suffering flashing in his mind. He looked away, unable to meet Tsunade's piercing gaze.

"I… I don't have the heart to tell you, Tsunade. It's too cruel."

Tsunade's anger flared, her fists trembling with rage.

"Tell me, Jiraiya. I need to know."

Jiraiya took a deep breath, his voice shaking slightly.

"A few months ago, Naruto was brought to the hospital after being attacked by villagers. They beat him severely, leaving him with injuries that should never be inflicted on a child. The hospital staff did their best, but…"

He trailed off, unable to continue. Tsunade's eyes blazed with fury and pain, her heart breaking for her godson. She quickened her pace, her mind racing with thoughts of Naruto's suffering.

After a moment of silence, Tsunade abruptly stopped and turned back to Jiraiya, her eyes filled with desperate intensity.

"Is Naruto okay, Jiraiya? Tell me the truth."

Jiraiya hesitated, his expression pained.

"I… I don't know. When I found out what happened, I left immediately to find you. I haven't been back to check on him since."

Tsunade's face paled, her worst fears beginning to take shape. She took a deep breath, steadying herself.

"Then we don't have time to waste. We need to get to the village, now."

With renewed urgency, Tsunade and her team quickened their pace, determination etched on their faces. The journey to Konoha would take weeks, but they moved with a newfound sense of purpose, driven by the need to protect and heal.

As they walked, Tsunade looked at her disciples, her voice firm.

"Kouran, Shizune, Murasaki, we need to be prepared. The village is in a state of crisis, and we have to be ready to step in and help immediately."

Kouran, with her long blond hair and red eyes, nodded resolutely.

"We're ready, Tsunade-sama. We'll do whatever it takes."

Shizune, with her onyx eyes and shoulder-length black hair, smiled reassuringly.

"We've trained for this. We won't let you down."

Yatsu Murasaki, with her long blue hair and red eyes, spoke softly but confidently.

"We're with you, Tsunade-sama. We'll support you in any way we can."

Tsunade felt a swell of pride for her disciples. They were strong and capable, and their support gave her strength.

"Thank you, all of you. Your support means everything to me. Together, we'll make sure Konoha becomes a place of safety and strength once more."

As they made camp for the night, the group sat around the fire, the flickering flames casting shadows on their faces. The atmosphere was heavy with anticipation, each of them lost in their thoughts about the mission ahead.

Jiraiya broke the silence, his voice reflective.

"Tsunade, do you remember the times we fought together? The battles we won, the lives we saved?"

Tsunade nodded, her eyes distant.

"I remember. Those were hard times, but we always managed to pull through. We fought for our village, for our friends."

Jiraiya smiled faintly.

"We need that strength now more than ever. The village is on the brink of chaos, and we have to bring it back from the edge."

Tsunade looked at him, her eyes fierce with determination.

"We will, Jiraiya. We'll save the village, and we'll protect Naruto. I won't let him suffer any longer."

With that resolve, they continued their journey, the path ahead long and fraught with challenges. But together, they were ready to face whatever came their way. They would rebuild Konoha and protect those they loved, no matter the cost.

As they traveled, Tsunade's thoughts remained with Naruto, her heart aching for the boy who had suffered so much. She vowed to herself that she would make things right, that she would be the protector he needed.

Weeks passed as they traversed forests, crossed rivers, and climbed mountains, the landscape changing but their mission remaining clear. The closer they got to Konoha, the more determined Tsunade became.

Finally, as they reached the outskirts of the village, Tsunade felt a sense of urgency and hope. She turned to her disciples and Jiraiya, her voice strong.

"We're almost there. Let's go and show Konoha what we're made of."

With renewed determination, they made their way into the village, ready to face the challenges ahead and fight for a brighter future for Konoha and Naruto.