Chapter 133: The Search for Tsunade
The Konoha Council convened in the Hokage's office, its atmosphere heavy with the weight of recent events. The Jounin and Clan Heads, alongside the ever-present Elders, sat in a semicircle. The room buzzed with discussions about the village's future. The loss of Hiruzen Sarutobi had left a gaping void, and the question of succession loomed over them.
Shikaku Nara stood, his hands tucked into his pockets. "Given the circumstances, we need a Hokage who can inspire trust and stability. Jiraiya-sama is the most logical choice."
Danzo Shimura, the ever-watchful Elder, tapped his cane against the floor. "Jiraiya is strong, yes. But his... temperament is not suited to leading a village. He is too independent and often absent."
Hiashi Hyūga, stoic as ever, countered. "That independence has brought Konoha valuable intelligence and allies. He is one of the Sannin and has the respect of the people."
Homura Mitokado nodded in agreement. "Even if temporary, Jiraiya is a stabilizing choice. Let us take a vote."
The room murmured as the council members raised their hands, the decision nearly unanimous.
Minutes later, Jiraiya was summoned. He arrived with his usual swagger, his bright red haori swaying as he entered. "So, you called me, huh? What's this about?"
Shikaku stepped forward. "Jiraiya-sama, the council has unanimously voted for you to take up the mantle of Hokage."
Jiraiya's grin faltered, his expression growing serious. He crossed his arms, gazing out the window toward the smoldering remains of Konoha. "I appreciate the vote of confidence, but I can't accept. There's someone far better suited for the job."
Danzo frowned, his fingers tightening on his cane. "And who might that be?"
Jiraiya smirked. "Tsunade. She's one of the Sannin, like me. A medical genius and someone with the strength to crush mountains. If there's anyone who can restore Konoha to its former glory, it's her."
Koharu Utatane, one of the Elders, raised a brow. "And what of you, Jiraiya? What will you do?"
He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "I've got something important to do. Naruto needs to grow stronger, and I'm taking him on a training journey. Besides..." He paused, his gaze turning thoughtful. "I've got an interest in this guy I've been hearing about—calls himself the Shinigami."
The room buzzed with murmurs. Shikaku stepped forward. "You mean Harry, the mysterious shinobi who appeared during the invasion?"
Jiraiya nodded. "That's the one. He's... intriguing, to say the least. I'll get to know him while we're out there."
Jiraiya left the meeting and found himself wandering the village in search of Naruto. He spotted the boy near the training grounds, standing alongside a tall man whose outfit immediately drew Jiraiya's attention. The man's robes shimmered with dark, shifting energy, intricate patterns glowing faintly. His presence was commanding, yet oddly relaxed.
"Yo, Naruto!" Jiraiya called out, waving.
Naruto turned, his face lighting up. "Pervy Sage! What's up?"
Harry, standing beside the boy, turned his piercing green gaze toward Jiraiya. The older man felt an involuntary shiver—this "Shinigami" was no ordinary person.
Jiraiya approached, his eyes narrowing as he took in Harry's energy. "So, you're the guy everyone's been talking about. Shinigami, huh? That's a big name to carry around."
Harry smirked. "It's not a name—it's a title. And who might you be, old man?"
Naruto jumped in before Jiraiya could retort. "He's the Pervy Sage! He's supposed to train me to be stronger!"
Jiraiya groaned. "It's Jiraiya, you brat." He turned to Harry. "I've heard you're teaching Team 7. Let's see what you've got."
Harry shrugged. "If you insist. But first, the kid needs to pack. We're leaving for this mission, right?"
The trio headed to Naruto's house. As they approached, Harry's sharp eyes noticed the graffiti and threatening messages scrawled across the walls. His expression darkened. "Why haven't you dealt with this?"
Naruto shrugged. "Dunno. It's not like I care what they think."
Jiraiya chuckled nervously. "The kid's got a thick skin. Comes with the territory."
Inside, Naruto hastily began packing, stuffing far too many items into his bag. Harry sighed, stepping in to sort things out.
"You don't need all this junk," Harry said, pulling out a stuffed frog and a broken kunai. "Take ninja tools, a sleeping bag, ration bars, and a spare change of clothes. Water can be found in rivers or lakes."
By the time they finished, Naruto's bag was manageable, and his house looked less like a disaster zone. Harry even took the time to clean the place with a wave of his hand, leaving it spotless.
Jiraiya whistled. "You're handy to have around."
Harry smirked. "Try not to get used to it."
The group set off from Konoha, making good progress toward their destination. Along the way, Jiraiya explained their mission: to find Tsunade and convince her to return as Hokage.
Naruto, ever enthusiastic, asked, "What's so special about her?"
"She's one of the Sannin," Jiraiya said. "A legendary ninja. And she's going to be your new Hokage."
Naruto's eyes lit up. "Hokage? That's my dream! I'll show her how awesome I am!"
Jiraiya grinned. "First, you need to train. I'm going to teach you a jutsu called the Rasengan. It's advanced, but you'll manage."
Naruto puffed up with pride. "Bring it on!"
Jiraiya handed Naruto a balloon. "Step one: blow this up using only chakra."
Naruto frowned. "You mean catra, right?"
Harry chuckled, stepping in. "Let me try." He held the balloon and focused, quickly inflating it with chakra, making it blow up from Power.
Naruto gaped. "That's not fair!"
Harry smirked. "Keep up, kid."
As the journey continued, Harry immersed himself in mastering chakra, intrigued by its versatility. Watching Naruto train, he mirrored the boy's exercises, from chakra control to walking horizontally on trees. Though Harry's power was immense, he saw chakra as a unique challenge—one he intended to master without relying on his other abilities.
The group pressed on, each step bringing them closer to their destination—and the next chapter of their adventure.
To Be Continued...