Chapter 20 Tsunade and Jiraiya
Chapter 20 Tsunade and Jiraiya
The person Jiraiya was referring to was undoubtedly Tsunade, who was deep inside the casino, reeking of alcohol.
Kakashi never expected that on his one mission, he would encounter two of the Legendary Sannin...
Since her younger brother Nawaki and her lover Dan Kato died in battle, Tsunade suffered from severe hemophobia, abandoned her ninja career, and wandered around, spending her days in casinos and taverns.
Kakashi stood quietly behind a wooden pillar outside the casino, his gaze piercing through the crack in the paper door as he watched Jiraiya push it open and enter.
Although he didn't say much on the surface, he did not object to Jiraiya's suggestion to bring Tsunade back.
Tsunade is one of the Legendary Sannin.
It is one of the symbols of Konoha's fighting strength. Now, the ninja world is brewing with storms and undercurrents.
The return of another Kage-level fighter is a hope for survival for Konoha, not a burden.
Besides, Tsunade is a top-tier medical ninja...
Kakashi silently observed the commotion inside the casino.
As soon as Jiraiya sat down, before he could even utter a few words, he was blasted backward by a thunderous fist, crashing through the wall and landing heavily, raising a cloud of dust.
boom!
The wine glass rolled away, and a corner of the casino fell silent instantly.
Tsunade, still looking slightly drunk, stood rooted to the spot, yet exuding an overwhelming aura of power.
"What does the destruction of the ninja world have to do with me?"
Her voice was hoarse, with a hint of drunken arrogance.
"Naruto and stuff like that are so boring."
These words instantly made Kakashi slightly annoyed...
Jiraiya must have mentioned the position of Hokage during his trip, specifically the age of Hiruzen Sarutobi, and similar remarks about the position of the Fifth Hokage.
But Tsunade... refused.
They rejected it harshly, in an extremely direct manner, even with an attitude that seemed to tear apart the past.
Kakashi couldn't help but glance at Jiraiya.
Jiraiya was brushing the dust off his clothes as he stood up, looking somewhat helpless.
He had clearly grown accustomed to his former companion's volatile temper and aloof manner.
Tsunade's gaze suddenly shifted to Kakashi.
"Kakashi, you seem... quite dissatisfied with me?"
Her tone was subtle; she was still slightly drunk, but her voice had calmed down.
Kakashi's expression remained calm: "No, the Hokage only ordered me to come and bring Jiraiya back to the village."
The word "you" was never mentioned in the conversation.
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, looking at Jiraiya with a half-smile: "Jiraiya, did you hear that? They said they're only taking you."
Jiraiya quickly waved his hand: "No, no, if the old man knew, he would definitely want you to come back with him."
Tsunade snorted coldly: "Hmph... Hope is hope. I think you're just feeling guilty."
Can't we just have a proper conversation?
Kakashi turned around, intending to leave the chaotic scene, but unexpectedly heard Tsunade's muttered words behind him: "Look, he doesn't seem to agree with you, Jiraiya."
Her tone carried a hint of regret and sarcasm, yet also a deeply hidden sense of loneliness.
Kakashi stopped, turned to look at Jiraiya, then at Tsunade, but ultimately said nothing.
This woman is no longer the heroic princess of Konoha.
She was trapped by the past, imprisoned by pain, and her self-destructive behavior was nothing more than locking herself in a cage from which she could not escape.
But it is precisely because of this that it shows she still cares about Konoha.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have denied it so vehemently.
Silence lingered in the air for a long time, broken only by the creaking of the wind rustling through the broken walls and tiles.
Kakashi finally came to his senses and turned to look at the woman sitting at the broken table, still slightly drunk.
"Lady Tsunade..."
He was inwardly disgusted, but on the surface, Kakashi maintained a very calm tone.
"Konoha is your hometown, and the Hokage is also your teacher."
"And you are the best medical ninja in the ninja world."
"If a great disaster were to strike in the future, the power of someone like you would be far greater than that of most combat-type ninjas."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow and replied casually, "Heh...starting your high-sounding lectures again?"
Her tone was ambiguous, neither mocking nor nonchalant, but a subtle flicker of emotion rippled through her eyes.
Seeing that Tsunade reacted...
With a hint of sarcasm in his heart, Kakashi's voice deepened even further: "Hokage..."
He took a deep breath, as if murmuring to himself, "There used to be a guy who always said he wanted to become Hokage."
"He always laughs carefree, and when he acts, he's more impulsive than anyone else... But he's the kind of person who, once he makes a decision, will do everything in his power to achieve it."
He looked up into Tsunade's eyes: "So, what seems boring to you might... be the most precious dream in someone else's eyes."
He paused for a moment, then floated toward the dilapidated ceiling of the casino.
"I've also thought that one day... if I could, I'd like to become Hokage."
Both Tsunade and Jiraiya were taken aback when these words were spoken.
Tsunade narrowed her eyes, her tone subtle: "You?"
Jiraiya, who hadn't said a word until now, suddenly turned around, his eyes filled with shock.
"Kakashi...you actually have such thoughts?"
"I never thought I would say it out loud."
Kakashi covered his eyepatch...
At this moment, the Sharingan began to sting intensely...
"But...maybe it's that guy's influence. I used to think he was too noisy, too silly, and too unreliable, but now..."
The image of that boy's Naruto declaration, written in childish handwriting yet brimming with passion, flashed through my mind.
Those were Uchiha Gen's words, a short essay written for the future, for Konoha, and for hope.
I can't even understand why I remember it so clearly.
That essay was like a seed, taking root and sprouting unknowingly deep within my mind...
He'll start saying things like, "I also want to become Hokage..."
Previously, it was impossible to export such a thing.
Tsunade tilted her head slightly as she looked at him. The alcohol made her look languid, but a complex emotion was faintly visible in her eyes.
"You've changed, Kakashi. I used to think you were like a heartless creature... but now it seems you can be passionate too."
Kakashi didn't answer, only staring at the darkening sky beyond the broken wall...
"The Hokage position is not about power or fame, but about responsibility."
"Protect everyone, even if only one person is left alive, we cannot let him walk alone."
These words stunned Tsunade.
It was as if certain memories were struck by those words and resurfaced in her mind.
She didn't speak, but simply lowered her head and continued drinking the now bitter sake in her hand.
"Let's go..."
Jiraiya burst into laughter upon hearing this...
"As expected of you, Kakashi."
Although the atmosphere was becoming increasingly relaxed, Kakashi was completely unaware that his closed Sharingan was experiencing a significant boost in its ocular power...
but...
So, I used to want to become a Hokage too...
Some memories of the past gradually become blurred, while others gradually become clear.
Truth and falsehood are indistinguishable...
N-A-A