Hiruzen persuaded me to die

Jiraiya looked sad.

Minato Namikaze was his most proud disciple.

Not only did Minato long for peace…

Even his appearance—those clear blue eyes—matched the "Child of Prophecy" foretold by the Great Toad Sage!

When Minato became the Fourth Hokage, Jiraiya was convinced he had found that child.

The one who would lead the Ninja World toward peace, step by step.

But the result?

Minato Namikaze had barely held the position of Hokage for over a year…

When Jiraiya, traveling outside, received the news of Minato and Kushina's deaths—it was like a bolt from the blue!

In his mind, the son of prophecy had only just begun to shine… yet died so young.

Only Naruto Uzumaki, the newborn child, was left behind.

"I believe in Naruto!"Jiraiya said firmly.

"Even though Naruto is still young, he has a special power.""He's endured pain… He understands pain. He can inspire others."

Hyuga Naraku nodded.

He agreed with that.

Whether due to Ashura's influence or not… Naruto truly was special.

But—

"Then let's hope Naruto grows up quickly,"Naraku chuckled, a faint smile curling his lips."Otherwise, there may not be much left for him to do."

Jiraiya was stunned.

Naruto was only five years old this year.

But now?

Kumogakure, Kirigakure, and Sunagakure had already signed new peace treaties with Konohagakure.

It was clear—

As long as Hyuga Naraku was around, those three ninja villages wouldn't dare move against Konoha.

Just like during the First Hokage's era.

If Naruto didn't grow up fast enough… perhaps, as Naraku said—

Even if he could change hearts and inspire others…

By then, the world might already be at peace.

"Power alone can't bring true peace."Jiraiya muttered after a long pause.

Naraku didn't argue.

That statement wasn't wrong.

But it missed something important:

Lose power, and you lose peace.

The First Great Ninja War, which broke out after Hashirama Senju's death, had already proven that.

"Sigh…"

Seeing Naraku unmoved, Jiraiya sighed.

Their ideologies differed; he couldn't force Naraku to accept his views.

However, on the topic of Sage Mode, he still wanted to persuade him.

"You really should consider Mount Myōboku's Sage Mode.""The Great Toad Sage won't force you to accept the prophecy or any role."

To Jiraiya, Naraku wasn't just Konoha's Hokage.

He was the linchpin holding the fragile peace of the ninja world together.

That's why—

He didn't want this extraordinary junior to suffer an accident.

Sage Mode training was dangerous.

If natural energy couldn't be controlled, one could turn into a statue of stone.

"I'm confident I can manage the risks of Sage training,"Naraku said.

In fact, based on his analysis, practicing Sage Mode might not be dangerous for him at all.

But since he hadn't tried it yet, he didn't make bold claims.

"Alright then,"Jiraiya nodded and didn't press further.

"Do you want me to help you sign a contract with Katsuyu and go to the Shikkotsu Forest to practice Sage Mode?"

Tsunade asked, her expression suddenly a bit strange.

Hyuga Naraku noticed something was off in her eyes.

They looked suspiciously like Kakashi's eyes when he encountered the latest edition of Icha Icha Paradise after years of abstinence.

"Yes."

Naraku nodded."I heard the three great sacred lands each have their own Sage Mode inheritance. I wonder if the First Hokage's Sage Mode came from Shikkotsu Forest?"

Tsunade shook her head.

"I'm not sure about that."

Her grandfather, Hashirama Senju, passed away when she was still a child.

Not long after, her great-uncle Tobirama Senju died on the battlefield.

Back then, she didn't even know what Sage Mode was.

"I can help you sign a contract with Katsuyu, but on your end…"

Tsunade's tone turned strange.

Her fingers twitched.

Then slowly, she squeezed out a few suggestive words:

"Does that mean… payment?"

Hyuga Naraku: "…"

In a sense, Tsunade might be the most "realistic" among the Sannin.

She would give it her all—

As long as it didn't involve selling herself.

In the original series, Shizune nearly sold the pig Ton-Ton to help Tsunade repay debts.

"You're not still in debt, are you, Lady Tsunade?"

Naraku asked, half-speechless.

"How could I be!"Tsunade flared up, as if her tail had been stepped on."I'm Tsunade-hime of the Sannin! I always pay my debts!"

…She really shouldn't have said that.

Now Naraku was completely certain.

Tsunade hadn't returned just to visit Hiruzen Sarutobi one last time.

She had another motive—to hide from her creditors.

Disgraceful!

A Sannin of Konoha, and not a single decent one among them!

"I can make you Director of Konoha Hospital."

Naraku said.

"And I'll give you double the salary."

At that moment—

Tsunade's eyes lit up.

Her mind started calculating at lightning speed.

Double the hospital director's salary…

How long would it take to repay her debts?

One year? Two years? Thirty?

Tsunade frowned slightly.

That would make her nearly fifty by the time she was debt-free.

"If that's not enough—triple it."

Naraku held up three fingers.

"Triple!"

Tsunade's heart almost leapt out of her chest.

She hadn't made any decent money in years of wandering.

She even gained the nickname "The Legendary Sucker."

Every casino welcomed her with open arms—because she always lost.

Senju clan wealth? Gone!

Even if it meant being tied to a job in the village…

At least she'd have a stable income.

Seeing her swayed expression, Naraku raised another finger.

"Quadruple."

"Deal!"

Tsunade blurted out immediately.

Five years!

Just five years and she'd be free!

In that time, she could also explore other ways to earn money.

Her future looked promising!

"Very good,"Naraku nodded."From today onward, you are the Director of Konoha Hospital."

Spending four times the salary to secure Tsunade?

A profitable investment!

But—

Naraku made a mental note.

Someone had to keep an eye on Tsunade.

If she started slacking or skipping work…

She wouldn't get away with it.

Tsunade, unaware of his inner thoughts, cheerfully performed a hand seal:

"Summoning Technique!"

With a puff of smoke, a slug over half a meter long appeared before them.

"Katsuyu, this is Konoha's Fifth Hokage.""He wants to sign a contract with you and learn the Sage Mode of Shikkotsu Forest."

Tsunade spoke happily.