Third Person's POV

Gai carried Sasuke as Naruto and Jiraiya prepared to depart. Gai told Jiraiya to bring Tsunade back and Naruto promised him that they will find her and bring her back for sure, Gai smiled as he complimented Naruto's guts and gave him a green spandex that he said also made Lee stronger. Jiraiya slumped from the clothing and Naruto only sweatdropped as he accepted it. The two parties now separated ways, Gai who was carrying Sasuke is making his way back to Konoha while Jiraiya and Naruto are making their way to the next town.

During their travel Naruto was thinking about Itachi and Kisame who were a part of the Akatsuki, he stopped in his tracks as he looked at Jiraiya
"Hey, Ero-Sennin" he called, Jiraiya stopped and turned his back to look at Naruto and hummed in response
"Hm?" Naruto looked down as his face fell
"Those guys, why are they after me? I mean, I have a few guesses but you know why, right?" he asked, Jiraiya wasn't going to tell him but he thought it was best for Naruto to know
"They're not exactly after you, they're after what's inside you" he answered as Naruto widened his eyes, he held his stomach where the seal is with a worried look
"They're after Kurama..? Why?..." he mumbled as Kurama looked the other way.
"Why are they after him?" Naruto asked Jiraiya as Jiraiya thought for a while
"Honestly, I can't really say. Just that now that the Kyūbi no Kitsune is sealed inside you, they might want that power in their control" Jiraiya answered, Naruto's grip tightened as he heard Jiraiya's answer, 'What? Control? Kurama..' Naruto thought in a bit of frustration as Kurama only opened his eyes

"That's how it's always been. Different Shinobi wanting to control our power for whatever means, that's why they seal us into hosts" Kurama stated as Naruto clenched his fist and gritted his teeth, in his mindscape, he turned to see Kurama sitting cross-legged
"This organization Akatsuki, they're not just after me right? There are 8 of us, most likely they'll also go after them too, right?" he asked as Kurama only closed his eyes

"Maybe"

"That can't happen! I won't allow it! I won't let you and the other Biju get taken away just to be controlled! They're just gonna take advantage of you! Even Biju have feelings, ya know!" he ranted in frustration as a few tears dropped from thinking about the other 8 Jinchūriki and Biju being controlled. Kurama's gaze softened as he looked at his host, after letting a few tears drop Naruto wiped them away and looked at Kurama in determination
"I'll get stronger. I'll train harder so I can protect you guys, and when I'm ready, we'll head out and gather everyone so we can work together and have each other's backs. I promise" Naruto said with a smile, Kurama smiled widely as he rubbed Naruto's head with one finger

"Do your best kit"

"I will!"

Back to reality, Jiraiya tells Naruto not to worry since he will protect him but Naruto cuts him off saying that he'll have to train to get stronger. Naruto pumps himself up and tells Jiraiya that they'll find Tsunade and get her to heal Sasuke so he can get some training from him. Jiraiya smiles at Naruto glad to see that Naruto wasn't all that upset and is motivated to train to get stronger.

Along the way, Naruto asks more about Tsunade and Jiraiya answers him from what he recalls and from the rumors he heard. After telling Naruto he isn't sure of how long it will take to find her, Naruto slumps from the news and thought that he'll have to wait a little longer until he can get some training from Jiraiya, but Jiraiya reassured him that they'll be training as they travel, Naruto leaped in joy as he took out the green spandex that Gai gave him, both Jiraiya and Kurama's face fell
"Uh.. no, no. I told you that is definitely out. I won't be seen walking with someone dressed like that" Jiraiya said trying to convince Naruto to not wear the spandex, Naruto tilted his head to the side as he blinked twice in confusion
"Why?" he asked as Jiraiya slumped more, Kurama sighed

"Kit, just. No" he told Naruto as Naruto sighed
"Fine!" he said as he folded the spandex and kept it in his bag, both Jiraiya and Kurama sighed in relief. Jiraiya told Naruto that as he trains he will be gathering information on Tsunade in the town they just arrived at.

The streets were bustling, filled with people and food stands, Naruto looked around in amazement since this is his first time seeing a town full of life.
"Woah! This is my first time for this kind of thing!" he told Jiraiya, he spent most of his time training that he never got to attend festivals held back in Konoha, well the villagers wouldn't let him so being in this town excited him. After seeing the excitement of the blonde, Jiraiya smiled
"You go have yourself some fun before we start training. The festival should still go in and we'll stay here for the duration. We'll train here too!" and with that, Naruto jumped in happiness as he took out his toad wallet. Jiraiya looked at the wallet in shock to see the toad look like it wants to vomit, Naruto told him that he's been saving a lot from the missions he took to buy things he wants in the future.

He was about to go on his way but Jiraiya stopped him and took his wallet, he gave Naruto 300 ryo which Naruto complained because his wallet and savings were stolen but Jiraiya reminded him of the Shinobi's Three Taboos which are booze, women, and money. Naruto had no worries with the booze and women but Jiraiya told him that he may lose himself to money which happened to Tsunade, Naruto pointed out how Jiraiya is basically ruined with women but Jiraiya shoved that thought away. He let Naruto hold on to his bag as he go on an information-gathering mission, Naruto suspected his actions for a while but decided not to question it. With that, they separated ways to do their thing.

Naruto went around the village buying different food that fit the budget, he then went to a hill to indulge himself in the food. Watching his host eating to his heart's content, Kurama sighed as he rested his head on his arms

"Don't eat too much, you'll get a tummy ache" Kurama warned as Naruto nodded
"I know" he said as he took another bite of the okonomiyaki he bought. After eating everything he bought, he burped as he rubbed his bloated belly. He peered over the busy streets of the town and smiled,
"You know Kurama, I really enjoyed it" Naruto said as Kurama's ears perked up
"I easily bought food from the stalls and even interacted a bit with the vendors. It's really nice to see those smiling faces instead of the glares I get from the villagers. I don't even remember buying anything as myself but as a Henge back in Konoha..." Naruto continued as Kurama frowned

"I-"

"Say you're sorry again and I'll seal you back in a cage" Naruto interrupted as Kurama scoffed
"It's not your fault Kurama, you know that-"

"I don't have to hear that explanation from you again. I already know" Kurama interrupted as Naruto smiled. Naruto leaned back as he rested his head on his hands and out his right leg over his left leg and looked at the clear blue sky.
"I wonder how everyone is? Kakashi-sensei, Sasuke, Sakura-chan..." Naruto mumbled
"And I wonder what the other Jinchūriki do. Do they train? Eat then sleep it off?" Naruto asked as he laughed then suddenly turn serious
"I'm going to train hard every day and come back stronger. That way, I can protect them better! And when I'm ready, I'll gather everyone and maybe I'll create a safe place for us to go to!" Naruto said as he smiled in determination making Kurama smile. He then stood up as he stretched
"But! Gotta do some workout first!" he said. And by workout, he meant having fun. Naruto begged Kurama to let him play a few games and with defeat, Kurama let him.

After buying a mask and accidentally tripping on a rock, Jiraiya's bankbook fell out. Being the curious boy he is, Naruto took a look and his jaw dropped to see the many 0's in the bankbook. Sighing as he kept it, he bought two grilled squid for the both of them and went to look for him.
"Tch, if he had that many money then he should be treating me. Instead! He just had to take my money!" he ranted, Kurama got into thinking and said

"Kit, don't you think he used your money for his pervy desires?" Kurama asked as Naruto shook his head
"No way. He said he's doing an information-gathering mission. There's no way Ero-Sennin would-" Naruto stopped upon hearing a familiar loud laugh and decided to inspect it.

He entered a building to see Jiraiya sitting on a couch with two ladies at his side, his face red from the alcohol he drank. Naruto twitched as he looked at him and notices his wallet, Gama-chan, open and flat on the table. He looks closely at Gama-chan then at Jiraiya
"Repeat those Three Shinobi Taboos again!" he yelled at Jiraiya
"You're breaking all three at once! You bastard!" he yelled furiously as he positioned himself as if he will attack Jiraiya with the two grilled squids. Feeling threatend, the two ladies left.

"W-wait, Naruto!"

"I don't wait! You used all of my hard-saved money! Take this and this and this!" he yelled as he smacked Jiraiya's head
"N-Naruto, stop! I'll pay it all back! I'm sorry, p-please!" as they argued, two men entered the building
"You! You! You made my Gama-chan all flat!" he accidentally let go of one of the gilled squid and it hit the suit of one of the men leaving a stain.

"Oi! Look what you did!" one of the men shouted, the two Shinobi looked their way, Jiraiya in confusion and Naruto in annoyance
"You stained aniki's designer suit! You'll have to pay for it!" the bald guy added as Naruto sent them a glare.
"So what if your suit is stained? Just wash it!" Naruto argued as the bald guy twitched

"Ha? What did you say?"

"I said wash it! Unless you can't?" Naruto mocked as the bald guy turned red in rage
"You're paying for it! The suit costs 100,000 ryo!" he said as Naruto rolled his eyes and Jiraiya laughed

"That's a bit of a stretch to say a dorky suit like that cost 100,000 ryo"

"You better step down if you know what's good for you" the man with the stained suit said
"Aniki used to be a Chunin from Iwagakure, the legendary dark Ninja, feared by all!" the bald guy boasted as Naruto and Jiraiya had wide cocky smiles
"Come again? Legendary what?" Jiraiya asked as the stained-coat man grew a tick mark
"You seem to want to get hurt!" he yelled as Jiraiya chuckled and stood up
"Sure. I just needed a sparring partner" Naruto said but Jiraiya stopped him
"Naruto, perfect timing. I'll show you a jutsu now. Watch very carefully!" Jiraiya said as he gathered chakra to his right hand, the blue chakra visible and shaped into a ball. The stained-coat man charged at Jiraiya and Jiraiya hit him with the chakra ball sending him flying to the other building and leaving him with a spiral-like wound. Naruto's eyes widened as he smiled widely
"Amazing!" he beamed. Jiraiya took a water ballon and walked to the two mem with Naruto following behind him.
"I was holding back quite a bit, you guys are so weak" the stained-coat man grunted and took another look at Jiraiya. His eyes widened as he stuttered

"Y-you.. are the Legendary..."

Jiraiya apologized to the vendor and the stained-coat man offered to pay so he gave Jiraiya his wallet and Jiraiya bought all of the vendors balloons and water balloons, Naruto inspected the wound for a bit and the two left to train.

They went to a hill not far from the village. Jiraiya put down the bag of water balloons and took one of them to demonstrate to Naruto on what to do, he explained what to do in the three stages then demonstrated the first stage. After that, Naruto decided to try, he took one water balloon and tried to pop it by compressing his chakra and rotating inside. He failed, the balloon did pop, not even in the way Jiraiya demonstrated, so Naruto decided to try again. He failed again and tried again Jiraiya only smirked as he told Naruto that he'd do some information gathering again, Naruto suspected him but let him go anyway since he's sure that even though Jiraiya messes around he still gets the job done. Naruto spent the whole day training on the Rasengan with Kurama watching over him and Jiriaya gathering some info on Tsunade's whereabouts.

About 3 days have passed and Naruto was still on the first stage. He tried to rotate his chakra but it didn't pop. He panted as he lied down on the grass. In his mindscape, he looked at Kurama while said fox huffed and looked away

"I'm not giving you any hints" he said, Naruto sighed
"Figures" he went silent for a while until a question came to mind
"Hey, what was it like for Tou-chan? When he tried to make the Rasengan?" Naruto asked in excitement, Kurama crossed his arms and sighed

"Kit, I was sealed inside your mom not your dad" Kurama said
"I know but, surely Kaa-chan has watched Tou-chan in the process, right?" Naruto asked, Kurama thought for a while then nodded

"He was dedicated, true to his title as the Yellow Flash and the Yondaime Hokage" Kurama said as Naruto developed stars in his eyes

"But you're still not getting any hints" Kurama quickly added as Naruto slumped in defeat
"Figured it out huh? As expected of the strongest of all 9 Biju" Naruto said monotonely as Kurama twitched

"You'll be able to figure it out on your own, just keep trying" Kurama said as Naruto sighed
"Yeah sure.." he said then opened his eyes back to reality. He sat up and sighed again
"How am I supposed to do this?" he asked no one in particular, a cat came out of nowhere and played with one of the waterballoons. The cat rolled it from side to side until it popped scaring the cat away, Naruto watched the cat then an idea came to mind
"I got it!" he yelled out in joy.

The sun was setting and Jiraiya decided to check on Naruto before they head back to the inn. When Jiraiya arrived at where Naruto was training, Naruto already turned with a huge grin on his face.
"Ero-Sennin!" he said, Jiraiya went wide-eyed for a while as Naruto tried to hold in his excitement
"Watch me! You better watch me Ero-Sennin! Watch real close!" he said as Jiraiya put a hand in front
"Alright, alright. Show me" he said as he crossed his arms, Naruto nodded then held up a waterballoon with his left hand. He let his chakra flow with in, compressed it, and rotated it, then used his right hand to help the rotation. With the perfect image in his head, it popped the way he wanted it to. He looked at it happily then back at Jiraiya, Jiraiya smiled
"Good! You accomplished the first stage!" he said, Naruto cheered and jumped. Then it was interupted with Jiraiya's demonstration of the second stage which Naruto finished in one week, then the third stage which he also finished in one week.

Now he can form the Rasengan but he needs to train more to maintain it, he's been training for a few days until one day, he collapsed. A stinging pain shot through from his arm to his body as he tried to catch his breath, he tried to raise his arm but as he raised it higher the pain would worsen so he stopped midway. Kurama insisted that he rests for the day so Naruto slowly tredged back to the inn, cleaned up and patched his arm then went to sleep. Jiraiya came back not long after he dozed off, he notices the bandage and patches on his body especially his arm, he smiled proudly at the boy, glad to see that he's working hard. Before he went to sleep, he made sure to work on some progress for his next novel.

When Naruto was feeling better, Jiraiya told him that he found some clues on Tsunade's whereabouts. So the two made haste to the possbile location of the Slug Princess. They arrived at the town with the moon up, before going to an inn they decided to fill their stomachs. They entered a restaurant nearby, before getting a table Jiraiya went wide-eyed shocked to see a familiar face. Naruto looked to where he was looking and sees the blonde woman with a flushed face from drinking with a black haired woman by her side trying to get her to stop drinking, she was looking their way as well. Naruto mentally asked 'Is that..?' Kurama nodded

"Yeah. One of the Legendary Sannin Tsunade"

Both Jiraiya and Tsunade pointed fingers at each other with shocked and somehow mad expressions, because Jiraiya was looking for her and because Tsunade didn't want to be found.

"Tsunade!"

"Jiraiya?"

Jiraiya and Naruto sat with Tsunade and her assistant Shizune, as the two Sannin's talked Naruto propped his elbow on the table and rested his chin on his palm then took a good look at Tsunade. 'Hm.. to think that she's actually around 50 or so years old...' he thought as he picked up his chopsticks and took a bite of his food. He sensed that things are getting serious for Orochimaru's name was brought up so he decided to listen. Tsunade took out a deck of cards and started shuffling them, she then placed them on the table
"Why have you been looking for me?" she asked, Jiraiya took the deck of cards and started shuffling them
"I'll cut to the chase" he said before he placed the deck on the table
"Tsunade, the village has come to the decision to name you as the Godaime Hokage" Jiraiya continued, Tsunade froze while Shizune widened her eyes and Naruto choked, even the pig Tonton's mouth went agape. Tsunade then grabbed the deck and distributed 5 cards for them to play leaving the rest of the deck on the middle. Naruto finally swallowed his food, 'Godaime Hokage?' he questioned, he held his chin thinking 'I do understand. The village needs a Hokage to get things in order and they thought of letting one of the Legendary Sannin take the position. That Orochimaru is a no and Ero-Sennin is too pervy so this Tsunade could be the right choice... but she's a gambler!' he thought ad Kurama sighed in annoyance

"Will you shut up?"

Jiraiya asked if she knew about what happened to the Sandaime Hokage and Tsunade answered that Orochimaru told her about it himself. Out of anger from knowing that Orochimaru killed Hiruzen, Naruto asked why Orochimaru did what he did, Tsunade raised a brow at him
"Who's this brat with you?" she asked, Jiraiya chuckled
"This is Uzumaki Naruto" he answered, Tsunade widened her eyes slightly as she looked at the blonde, 'This kid is the Kyūbi's...' her thoughts trailed off as Naruto's face fell, 'I bet she's thinking about me being your host, ya know' he thought as Kurama groaned

"Everyone in Konoha but your generation and younger think of that when it comes to you" Kurama said as Naruto mentally scoffed, he then went back to asking Jiraiya why Orochimaru was still walking around, Jiraiya gave Naruto a stern look and told him to sit down and shut up. Naruto didn't want to but Kurama adviced him to follow so Naruto clenched his fists and sat back down. Jiraiya gve up three cards and took 3 new ones from the deck
"I'll say it once again. The village decided to have you as the Godaime Hokage" he repeated, Tsunade glanced at Jiraiya from her cards
"So what's your answer? Do you accept, Tsunade?" he asked, Tsunade closed her eyes as she though. Jiraiya patiently waited for her response for about 20 seconds. She finally opened her eyes and set down her cards

"Impossible. I decline" she answered earning shocked expressions from everyone but Jiraiya. Naruto quietly groaned in frustration from the conversation as Jiraiya assures him that Tsunade will accept. She then comments about his apprentice being a fool with a big mouth who's also funny looking which triggered Naruto and made Kurama laugh. Jiraiya then started talking about how Naruto could measure to the Yondaime's standards, how he was talented, brilliant, popular, and as handsome as his teacher.
"But all that didn't save him from dying young. Throwing his life away all for the sake of the village" Tsunade said, Naruto furrowed his brows'What?'
"Money's one thing, life's another. To risk your life against all odds, that's an idiot's bet" she added, Naruto gripped on his chopsticks making it snap as he trembled in anger. She continued to talk about the Hokage's dying to protect the village mocking them, she notices Naruto's angered state and scoffed. She sighed as she leaned back
"Ha. Becoming Hokage, count me out. Only a fool would do that" she said. Naruto finally snapped, he slammed the table as he stood up and attempted to hit Tsunade but Jiraiya grabbed his collar
"Stop. People are watching" Jiraiya warned as he dragged Naruto back, Tsunade sneered as Naruto slammed his fist on the table
"I'm not gonna ket her sit there and make fun of Jiji! I'll knock that sneer off her face!" he yelled out. Tsunade smirked as she stood up
"Are you challenging me? Heh, you'e got guts. Let's take this outside kid" she said.

"Kit, you have to calm down" Kurama said, 'Don't tell me to calm down Kurama! I won't let her get away from insulting Jiji and my own father!' he replied mentally.

They all went outside, Tsunade smiled as she pointed a finger
"One finger. It's all I need to take you down" she said, she gestured Naruto to come at her
"What are you waiting for boy?" she asked slyly, Naruto growled as he looked at her angrily. He charged at her as he took out a few shuriken and threw them at her which she dodged easily. He took out a kunai and attempted to stab her but she used her one finger to grap the kunai from its ring at the end of the handle then used it to remove Naruto's forehead protector. Naruto stepped back from the action, just when he opened his eyes Tsunade flicked his forehead and sent him rolling but he was able to get back on his feet. The kunai and his forehead protector landed in front of him, he clicked his tongue 'She's good. As expected from a Legendary Sannin' he thought

"Hey kid! One question before you pass out" she yelled as Naruto turned his attention at her
"Tell me, why so touchy about the Hokage?" she asked. Jiraiya and Shizune turned to Naruto for his answer. He breathed as he thought of his answer
"Because unlike you, that's my goal..." he said, he looked up at her with determination
"Becoming Hokage is my dream!" he answered. Tsunade widened her eyes as she sees her lover and little brother next to him, remembering them say the same words Naruto said. Tsunade felt emotional as she looked down, Naruto decided to take this chance and use the Rasengan. He started forming the chakra in his hand as Jiraiya smirked, Tsunade regained her composure as she sees Naruto charging at her with the Rasengan. 'That jutsu, it's-' she thought then used her finger to create a crack below Naruto making him fall and hit his Rasengan in the cracked surface then tumbled backwards.

She flipped her hair as she put her left hand on her waist 'Unbelievable. I never expected the Yondaime's jutsu. It's not like the real thing though' she thought as she looked at the small crater the Rasengan made. Naruto got stuck on the crack and flailed his legs as he tried to get out, Shizune then helped him out. Tsunade turned to Jiraiya
"Jiraiya! Were you the one who taught him the Rasengan?" she asked
"Of course I did. I'm his teacher aren't I? What of it?" he replied
"Ha! You and the Yondaime are the only ones who can use that jutsu. What's the point of teaching it to someone who can never master it? You old fool! Giving him false hopes like that. Filling his head with stupid ideas, making him think he could actually be Hokage someday" she scoffed, Naruto clicked his tongue as he stood up
"I'll show you who's stupid! Give me three days and I'll have that jutsu down flat!" he declared, Kurama looked at the blonde

"Oi Naruto.."

"Watch what you say kid. I might just hold you to it" Tsunade said as she smirked, Naruto scoffed
"I never go back on my word. That's my ninja way!" Naruto said. Tsunade then suggested a bet, if Naruto masters the jutsu in one week then she'll admit she's wrong and that he's worthy of becoming Hokage and will give him her necklace, and he can't master it in that week then Naruto will admit that Tsunade is right and she will get all the money from Gama-chan. With that, she left with Shizune while Naruto and Jiraiya went to an inn to rest.

Naruto was alone in the room since Jiraiya ran off somewhere, Kurama used this chance to give him a lecture

"That's what happens if you let your emotions get to you in battle Naruto. If it were a real one you would've died" Kurama said as Naruto sighed
"I get it already" he said. A knock was heard and Shizune came in to tell him about Tsunade and the necklace, that if anyone else wears it they die. About her younger brother Nawaki and her lover Dan. Naruto listened carefully as Shizune explained, after she finished he clecnhed his fist as he looked down at his feet. Naruto then walked past her and put on his sandals and headed to the door
"Where are you going?" she asked, Naruto glanced back at her as he held on the doorknob
"I need to start training" he then left. Naruto found a waterfall with plenty of withered trees, he formed a Rasengan and hit its trunk.

Morning came and Naruto kept on training, Kurama has been arguing with him for the past few hours about resting first before training but Naruto didn't listen, he insisted that he had to continue. Naruto panted as he lied back to the ground his hand aching especially.
"Damn it... I have to.. try.." Naruto said trying to form a sentence

"No. Naruto, go back to the inn and rest" Kurama said, Naruto slowly sat up as he grunted
"Just.. one more..." he said but Kurama wasn't going to let him

"Naruto! Rest. You can train early tomorrow. Just rest Naruto" Kurama said raising his voice at first but his tone became that of worry along the way. Finally thinking more about the Biju's suggestion, Naruto sighed
"Alright. I'll go back" he said as he stood up, Kurama smiled in relief making Naruto smirk and start teasing him so Kurama cleared his throat and tried to get Naruto to shut up. He rested for the night then went back to training by morning. That was the only time he rested, the next days he's been training without a break to eat or sleep. Kurama couldn't do anything because Naruto threatened him saying he'll seal him in the cage again if he tells him to rest so Kurama quietly watched.

It was the night before the deadline, Tsunade was watching Naruto as he struggled to master the Rasengan while she thought back to the offer Kabuto and Orochimaru gave her, she then left as Naruto lied back down on the ground. Naruto got back up, formed a Rasengan and hit the tree. It still made the same spiral crater, to know that he mastered it the tree needs to have a hole.

He walked a few steps back from the tree as he remembered Jiraiya's words, he clicked his tongue, 'I can image it but no matter how hard I try I just can't focud all my chakra into a neat little ball' he thought as he closed his eyes, but determined to master it he opened his eyes as he formed another Rasengan, he kneeled on one knee feeling weak from the heaviness of the jutsu at the same time it was due to not getting any rest. He then remembered Tsunade saying that he can never master it and saying that becoming Hokage is a stupid idea. He narrowed his eyes as he forced himself to stand up and charged at the tree, not satisfied with his work he did it to the rest of the trees nearby.

When he finally stopped he took a good look at the area, instead of seeing trees with spiral craters they had holes instead. He smiled
"I.. did... it.." he said, a feeling of exhaust came over him making him collapse to the ground. In his mindscape, Kurama looked over the blonde who lay still, he walked to him and wrapoed one of his tails around him. He then lied down resting his head on his arms

"You've done well kit" was all Kurama said. Shizune walked to the area and gasped at what she arrived at. She rushed to Naruto's side
"Are you okay, Naruto-kun?" she asked. She rushed back to the inn and treated him.

Tsunade and Jiriaya had a drink out and discussed a few serious matters. She treaded slowly up the stairs of the inn and turned to the hallway to see Shizune by the door

"Tsunade-sama..."

...

"How is he?" she asked
"He collapsed from exhaustion and his right hand is severely burned from concentrated chakra. He won't wake up until the day after tomorrow at the earliest" she explained after inspecting Naruto's state. Shizune asked if Tsunade will really go to Orochimaru tomorrow, she didn't answer and Shizune declared that she'd stop her by all means but Tsunade rendered her unconscious as she walked out the room.

The next day, Naruto slowly opened his eyes. After adjusting his sight to the brightness he groggily sat up and stretched. He noticed his right hand bandaged
"What happened?" he asked

"That girl brought you here and treated you. Also, that Tsunade came by to check on you" Kurama said, Naruto then looked on the floor to see a sleeping Shizune. He got up from bed easily and moved his arms to see it functioning well
"Thanks for healing me Kurama" Naruto said, Kurama scoffed and looked the other way. He walked to Shizune and poked her
"Oi, wake up" he said tying to wake her up. Shizune groaned as Naruto poked her more
"Oi! Get up!" he said more loudly, Shizune slowly opened her eyes to see Naruto
"Naruto-kun.." she said then widened her eyes as she shot up
"Wh-what time is it? No, what day is it?" she asked in a panic
"It's Monday. Why?" he answered, Shizune stared at him with wide eyes as she slowly sat more properly
"Amazing... are you feeling alright? You were supposed to be out for two days" she said, Naruto removed his bandage and flexed his hand to see it well
"I'm feeling alright. But anyway! I still have to deal with that old lady Tsunade! I'm gon a wipe that smirk off her face, ya know!" he beamed.

"So you've mastered the jutsu?"

"Yep!"

Shizune laughed at Naruto's attitude and just remembered that she had to go to Tsunade,
"Naruto-kun, stay here!" she said as she ran to the window and opened it just when a kunai flew past her. Sensing the familiar chakra, he ran to the window and sees Jiraiya. Jiraiya then told them about how Tsunade spiked her drink and Naruto mocked him about how he kept boasting about being a great ninja and got distracted by Tsunade's pretty face, Shizune gave him a glass of water to drink in which he gulped down easily and drunk more water.

Naruto picked up a chakra he felt before and looked back to see no one but a building, Jiraiya also sensed the chakra and settled down the glass
"Okay Shizune! It's time you tell us what your mistress amd Orochimaru. What kind of deal did they make?" he said seriously, Naruto turned his attention to Shizune, she suggested they come with her as she'll explain along the way. She told them about Tsunade healing Orochimaru's hands in return that he revive her brother and lover. On Tsunade's side, she turned down the offer and fought.

(Soo the fight happened the same way in the anime. Might I add that when they arrived, Naruto scoffed upon seeing Kabuto and thought 'I knew he was no good'. Okay, I'mm get to the part where Naruto used his Rasengan)

Tsunade trembled from the blood Kabuto showed earlier. She looks to Shizune panting on the ground with blood dripoing from her mouth and Naruto who lied on the ground, it reminded her of Nawaki and Dan's death. Her heartbeat races as Kabuto walked towards her, Kabuto reached to her but she smacked his hand
"Don't touch me!" she yelled, Kabuto clicked his tongue then started beating Tsunade. Kabuto brought back his fist to punch her but Naruto took the hit instead. Blood dripped from his forehead as he looked at Kabuto angrily, he formed a Rasengan on his hand and tried to hit Kabuto but he dodged and used his chakra and hit the back of his thigh, Naruto dropped down and held on to his thigh grunting in pain

"Don't worry Naruto. I'll heal it right away!" Kurama said as he started healing, 'Sorry Kurama...' he thought. 'Damn it! I still have to use two hands, if he gets one of my arms then it's over!' he thought. Kabuto started rambling about Naruto being just talk and told him to run away. As this was happening memories of the past came to Tsunade, including that of the current events like the bet, Kabuto continued to mock him as he started kicking him, before another blow Naruto held his foot and pushed him away
"I won't run away. I never go back on my word. That's my ninja way!" he yelled out as he stood up. Kabuto put chakra on his hand as he raised it
"You should've stayed out of this" he said and smacked Naruto towards Tsunade. Naruto slowly stood up ignoring the pain he felt
"Why?" she asked still trembling, Naruto finally stood up and did a hand sign
"Tsunade obaa-chan... get ready to pay up our bet, that cursed necklace of yours is about to be mine" he said as Tsunade widened her eyes
"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" he yelled out as he created a single clone.

"Naruto-"

'Trust me Kurama. Trust me'

"Enough! You don't have to protect me Naruto! Stop already!" she said, Kabuto took out a kunai and charged at Naruto. Tsunade told Naruto to run away but Naruto smirked
"Don't worry" he said as he used his left hand to grab Kabuto hurting it in the process. Despite the bleeding he held on tightly, he then held out his right hand to his clone
"Until I achieve my dreams, I'm not gonna die!" he yelled out as Hiruzen, Gaara, 7 other silouettes, and a slihouette of his father came to mind
"Let's see you dodge this time" he said as his clone gathered chakra to his right hand and a ball of chakra was formed. He then brought his hand back and pushed it to Kabuto's stomach. Kabuto used his hand with chakra and hit Naruto's chest
"Rasengan!" the jutsu sent Kabuto towards a boulder. Naruto panted as Tsunade watched with her mouth agape. 'He actually mastered it in a week' Tsunade thought. Naruto spat out blood from the pain in his chest, his vision started to blur until he collapsed.

"Naruto!" Kurama called out in worry. Tsunade went to his side and put her head to his chest, her eyes widened as she sat up
"His heart is failing" she said, she unzipped his jacket and put both of her hands on his chest and below that. The muscles surrounding his heart have been torn to shreds, she channeled chakra to her index and middle finger and slowly cut through his shirt 'Stop shaking!' she told herself. She then her hands together, left over right and started healing him. Kabuto startled rambling again as he stuggled to get up and Tsunade told him to shut up, 'He syopped breathing!' she thought in a panic. Kurama did his best to heal Naruto but he felt himself getting weaker

"It's getting dark.. my strength is fading... Naruto.. don't die on me damn it!.." Kurama yelled as he felt like crying. Suddenly, the mindscape brighten up. Tears fell down to the seal on Naruto's stomach, the source coming from Tsunade. 'Don't die! Don't die! Don't die!' she repeated in her head. She gasped as Naruto lifted his hand to her necklace and held it, he opened one eye and smiled
"Don't forget out bet" he said, Tsunade stared at him in disbelief as Naruto laughed
"Told you I'd win" he said as he closed his eye and his hand fell. In his mindscape, he turned to Kurama

"Naruto..." he said relieved to see his host, Naruto laughed
"Haha! Were you about to cry Kurama?" he asked, Kurama stiffened and huffed as he crossed his arms

"Shut up! I was just worried that I'd die since a Biju dies if there host dies. I was just worried about myself!" he said as Naruto continued laughing. After calming down he smiled at the large fox
"I said so before, I won't die until I achieve my dreams. Becoming Hokage, and reaching out to the other Jinchūriki. They need me, ya know" Naruto said as he grinned while Kurama scoffed. In reality, Tsunade held on to Naruto's wounded hand and healed it
"Becoming Hokage is your dream huh?" she said as Nawaki and Dan came to her mind once more while she removed her necklace
"Once more. Just one more time, for the last time. I want those words to be true" she said smiling as she gently raised Naruto's head and put on the necklace. Orochimaru tried to kill Naruto but Tsunade protected him, he stabbed Tsunade a second time with a sword from his mouth and smirked at her trembling, but then she stopped. She kicked Orochimaru in the face and stood up
"I finally remembered something..." Orochimaru stood up as he stared at her wide-eyed
"I've been chosen as the Godaime Hokage of Konohagakure!" she yelled as the mark on her forehead started spreading and she did a hand sign

"Infuin: Kai! Ninpou: Sozo Saisei! (Reserve Seal: Release. Ninja Art: Mitotic Rgeneration)" her wounds were instantly healed, as a sucker for jutsu Orochimaru was quite fascinated with this. The three Sannin then used and marked their left hand or arm and did hand signs, Kabuto did the work for Orochimaru since his arms are useless. The three of them put their hand on the ground and a formula came out

"Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" they yelled. A large purple snake for Orochimaru, Manda. A large blue and white slug for Tsunade, Katsuyu. And Gamabunta for Jiraiya. Tsunade asked Katsuyu to take Naruto to Shizune, a little Katusyu formed and carried Naruto away. The Sannin showdown started.

Okay. I'mma stop there cuz I can't handle the battle. In the next chapter they're gonna head home and it'll be the Sasuke Recovery Mission! The arc where boys became men! The update will take a while since exams are coming up but the school year is ending. Wifi-san will do her best until the end! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and look forward to the next. See you!

Read 3/29/21:
I'm pretty sure you guys noticed from the start that I've been following through what's in canon most of the chapters well that's because I originally planned it that way, following through canon with small changes. But let me tell you, after the Sasuke Retrieval arc it will be all on me, after Naruto successfully brings back Sasuke to the village (*cough* Wifi-san! Spoilers! Well I don't care, it was already stated in the book description anyway) everything from there will be events I thought of myself, there's no way I'm excluding a bit of the arcs like the Pain Invasion and War arc. When I first thought of this fanfic, the events I thought of started from the Sasuke Retrieval arc and so on, I wasn't able to plan anything for the events before that arc so that's why I went with canon with small changes. I didn't want to onpy focus on the Jinchūrikis vut I also wanted to inckude Naruto's bond with Team 7 (you'll understand why soon). So I hope this explanation was able to tell you guys why I made the story this way and I hope you'll continue reading and supporting this book. Thank you and I'm sorry

Wifizone shutting down
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