Chapter 118: On the Possibility of Jiraiya and Tsunade - The White Eyed Princess of Konoha
Chapter 118: On the Possibility of Jiraiya and Tsunade Although it was planned to join forces with Jiraiya to confront Orochimaru, the actual departure didn't occur until five days later. How tragic! It was Hinata's first time witnessing Tsunade's monstrous strength firsthand. With a single punch, Jiraiya was knocked out cold and spent five whole days bedridden while recovering. Five days prior... Tsunade had been arguing with Shizune outside the inn when Hinata's loud yell prompted them to rush to her room. As they pushed the door open, there stood Hinata in her pajamas, her cheeks slightly flushed, while the notorious lecher Jiraiya was perched nonchalantly on the window sill. An array of scenarios instantly played out in Tsunade's mind. A certain underage girl asleep in her room, a certain white-haired pervert sneaking in through the window with nefarious intent... What made it worse was that the perverted white-haired man shamelessly proclaimed that the person he actually liked was Tsunade. Overcome with fury, Tsunade nearly decided to silence Jiraiya for good. Had it not been for Shizune restraining her, Jiraiya might not have lived to see the beginning of Shippuden... Strolling down the street, Hinata glanced up at Jiraiya and asked, "Are you really in any shape to fight like this?" Jiraiya kept massaging his chest, and if it weren't for Shizune's considerable medical ninjutsu skills, he might have been bedbound for months. "It's nothing! A man shouldn't be fazed by a little pain!" Hinata sighed helplessly. Truly, Jiraiya was the most reckless individual in the entire ninja world. "Actually, that day, I noticed something. When Tsunade heard you confess your feelings for her, she blushed a little." "Pervy Sage, you might have a chance!" Jiraiya beamed, "Really?" Hinata smirked triumphantly, "Of course! Want me to give you some tips?" "You?" Jiraiya side-eyed Hinata, scoffing, "What would a little girl know?" Hinata eyed Jiraiya with equal disdain, "Pervy Sage, your thinking is really outdated! In our generation, some people start dating at seven or eight years old. Don't underestimate me because of my age; I actually know more than you do." "Back in school, I had plenty of admirers." "I'm single not because I can't find anyone, but because I haven't found the right one. You're single because no one is interested in you. We're different!" Jiraiya felt as if he'd been hit with a massive blow. Curiously, Jiraiya asked, "Then tell me, how should I pursue Tsunade?" With the air of a 'romance expert,' Hinata proudly advised, "At Tsunade's age, don’t be fooled by her youthful appearance. Deep down, she’s seeking a strong and reliable partner." "And you..." Hinata glanced at Jiraiya with a mischievous smile, "Though you often seem unserious, deep down you're more reliable than most, and you've known Tsunade for a long time, which naturally puts you at an advantage." Jiraiya chuckled, "Kid, you don't get it! The more familiar two people are, the lower the chances of being together... because they're too familiar!" Hinata retorted disdainfully, "You're the one who doesn't understand, old man!" "Tsunade's not young anymore, and there's no young guy she might be interested in. She doesn’t have time to meet new people, which is exactly your opportunity!" "Just be dependable and show up when she's vulnerable. Eventually, she'll be yours!" Pondering Hinata's words, Jiraiya found a trace of reason. "Haven't found Orochimaru yet?" Jiraiya shifted the topic. He wasn't as optimistic as Hinata; Tsunade might still be thinking about those two people... "Why rush? We've found him. Let's go!" Outside a residential house near Tanzaku Town... "Will she agree?" Kabuto, uncertain, remarked, "If she agrees, then your hands can be healed, but if she refuses?" At this point, Kabuto was still a spy for multiple factions, searching for his path in life. Initially placed by Orochimaru to infiltrate Sasori’s group, and later manipulated by Sasori to approach Orochimaru, he also had dealings with Konoha's Danzo, making him a multi-faceted spy. But accompanying Orochimaru to the Sound Village, Kabuto witnessed many intriguing things. Orochimaru's brilliance gradually captivated Kabuto, especially his ideals, which Kabuto found mesmerizing. To learn all the ninja techniques in existence, to pursue truth... If the truth were found, could self-discovery follow? Orochimaru, cold sweat on his face, with a voice as chillingly pervasive as always, replied, "Then we'll have to force her to comply." Kabuto, unsure, questioned, "Will she willingly obey you?" Orochimaru sneered, "That's where you come in." "Rest assured, I know her best, including her weaknesses—she will agree..." Before he could finish, Orochimaru abruptly turned toward the door. "Hahaha! My old friend is here—won't you come out and catch up?" Hearing the voice from outside, Orochimaru chuckled ominously, licking his lips, "Jiraiya..." Slowly rising, Orochimaru moved towards the door with Kabuto closely in tow. With a creak, they opened the door. Orochimaru's slit-like pupils narrowed at the sight—not only was Jiraiya there, but that little Byakugan girl from Konoha was present too. How delightful! Orochimaru extended his tongue in excitement. "Yo! Uncle Snake, long time no see, how are you?" Hinata greeted warmly, sticking out her tongue with a light-hearted "bleh-bleh-bleh." Orochimaru and Jiraiya: "..." Jiraiya watched as Orochimaru awkwardly retracted his tongue... Oh dear! That was a habit Orochimaru had since his youth, and yet Hinata managed to make him stop. Orochimaru eyed Hinata with a raspy voice tinged with excitement, "I didn’t expect to encounter you here, Hyuga Hinata! What a thrilling surprise." Hinata gazed cutely at Orochimaru, countering, "Just how excited are you to see me? Excited enough to dance?" With a rigid neck, Orochimaru turned to Jiraiya, speaking in a sinister tone, "What are you here for, fool?" Jiraiya, lacking Hinata's levity, seriously scrutinized Orochimaru and demanded, "What exactly did you say to Tsunade?" Orochimaru replied with feigned naivety, "I only mentioned that if she helps me heal my arms, I would resurrect the two people dearest to her... Jiraiya, you cannot stop me!" Jiraiya roared with anger, "Once your arms are healed, what else do you plan to do?" "HAHAHAHA..." Orochimaru's laughter was wild and unrestrained, halting abruptly. His gaze turned icy as he looked at Jiraiya, retorting coldly, "Of course, I will continue with my unfinished plan... the plan to destroy Konoha!"