Chapter 26: **Chapter 26: Protected by Her**
After Tsunade's little "outburst," the atmosphere at the table became a bit awkward. Shizune stayed quiet, lowering her head as if lost in thought, which was very much in line with her usual demeanor.
"Alright, that should do it!"
Shiro withdrew his hands, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
"What? You actually know how to heal? I thought you were just trying to take advantage of Shizune!" Tsunade exclaimed in surprise, glancing at Shiro.
It was clear from Shizune's complexion that she had mostly recovered.
Shiro twitched slightly, wishing he could punch Tsunade in the face.
When handling serious matters, Tsunade was dependable and strong, but in private, she could be a bit unhinged.
"He's the genius who learned the Rasengan in just a few minutes. Learning something like healing techniques? Probably just takes one look for him!"
"What! You're a genius? No wonder! To master chakra shape transformation at your age—you're not just a genius, you're a monster!"
Tsunade stopped mid-sentence, realizing something wasn't right, and quickly turned her head away.
"Yo, Tsunade! Long time no see!"
Jiraiya waved with a grin. Behind him stood a blond-haired boy dressed exactly like Shiro.
Tsunade rolled her eyes in annoyance and downed her drink.
Jiraiya looked a bit embarrassed but still shamelessly took a seat.
The already tight seating arrangement for four people became even more cramped with Jiraiya and Naruto joining.
Shizune, ever the polite one, quickly stood up and stepped aside.
"Actually, I'm here for something very important," Jiraiya began.
"To ask me to become the Fifth Hokage?" Tsunade glanced at Jiraiya indifferently.
If Shiro hadn't shown up, she might have been surprised. But now that Shiro had explained the situation, she was calm as ever.
Though, back when Shiro mentioned it, her mood had been pretty bad.
Jiraiya froze for a moment, then burst into laughter.
"Shiro, huh? Looks like you've got everything sorted out already. No wonder you're called the Hero of Konoha!"
Hearing the words "Hero of Konoha," Tsunade's interest was piqued. She set down her drink and turned to Shiro.
"A Hero of Konoha? Now that's interesting. Tell me more!"
"Oh, so the kid hasn't told you anything yet? Well, let me fill you in."
The more Tsunade listened, the more impressed she became. A twelve-year-old boy, attacking Orochimaru at a crucial moment and driving him away? Even Tsunade couldn't help but give him a thumbs up.
Shizune, on the other hand, was gripping her clothes tightly, only letting out a deep breath at the end.
"Not bad! I like this kid!" Tsunade's smile widened, unable to hide her satisfaction.
It was like a parent beaming with pride after their child scored top marks in an exam.
"Shiro, did Jiraiya teach you to get close to me through gambling?" Tsunade suddenly asked.
"No! I wasn't trying to get close to you!" Shiro instinctively replied.
Tsunade frowned. Her question was casual, and she would've forgiven him no matter the reason. After all, Shiro was someone special.
But if he lied, even though it wouldn't be a big deal, a little knot would still remain in her heart. Their relationship wouldn't be as close as before.
"I just wanted to win your money!" Shiro admitted.
Tsunade, who had just taken a sip of her drink, spat it all out, her face filled with rage.
"You little brat! I'll deal with you later!"
She huffed, directing her anger toward Jiraiya.
"Jiraiya! What have you been teaching Shiro to make him like this?"
"I didn't teach him to gamble!" Jiraiya protested, his mouth twitching. Who would've thought Shiro would only pick up the bad habits!
"Is that so..." Tsunade's sharp gaze bore into Jiraiya, making him sweat nervously.
She then turned to Shiro. "Did Jiraiya ever make you do something you didn't want to do?"
"No! Definitely not!"
"Actually…"
Before Shiro could finish, Jiraiya's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly leaned in.
"Think carefully! What did I make you do?"
Bam!
Too late. Tsunade had already punched Jiraiya square in the face.
"Shiro, don't be afraid. Just tell me everything!"
"Well… Jiraiya-sama asked me to use the Transformation Jutsu to turn into a girl..."
Bam!
Another punch, and this time, a five-meter-wide crater appeared in the ground! If Jiraiya hadn't dodged quickly, he'd be completely done for.
"Jiraiya! Stop dragging Shiro into your nonsense! He's under my protection!"
Jiraiya didn't dare say a word in response, nodding rapidly like a chicken pecking at grain.
"So that's the Fifth Hokage?" Naruto muttered to himself, watching the scene unfold.
"Yes, I'll be the next Hokage of Konoha. And who are you, kid?"
"Me? I'm Naruto Uzumaki, the future Hokage!"
Hearing the name "Uzumaki," Tsunade's body trembled, and her gaze softened.
"Oh? You want to become Hokage? But with Shiro around, do you think you can pull it off?"
"I'll surpass Shiro and become Hokage for sure!"
Tsunade crossed her arms and chuckled.
Before meeting Shiro, if anyone else had said that, she wouldn't have completely dismissed the idea.
But Shiro's talent was terrifying. Learning the Rasengan in minutes, mastering chakra shape manipulation, and possessing a bloodline limit—it was impossible for anyone in this generation to surpass him.
If nothing changed, Shiro would undoubtedly be the Sixth Hokage. Unless, of course, he didn't want the job.
"You want to be Hokage? Then let me test if you're qualified!"
Tsunade stepped out into the street, raising a single finger.
"I won't bully you. I'll use only one finger. If you can land a hit on me, I'll acknowledge that you have a chance to become Hokage. How about it? Wanna give it a try?"
Naruto, recalling the violent scene earlier, hesitated, but the idea of only facing one finger gave him a sliver of hope.
"Alright! Let's do it!"
They stood in the middle of the street. Naruto tightened his headband and crossed his hands.
"Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Dozens of Naruto clones appeared, charging at Tsunade from all directions.
"Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu, huh? Not even close!" Tsunade smirked, and with one finger, she struck the ground.
Boom!
A shockwave rippled out, dispersing all the Naruto clones in a puff of smoke.
"Take this!" Naruto shouted, a blue spinning sphere forming in his hand.
"Rasengan!"
With Tsunade protecting Shiro, and you all protecting me, how about showing some love with more recommendations?
(End of Chapter)