Chapter 120: Should I Try Using Cuteness Jutsu? - The White Eyed Princess of Konoha
### Chapter 120: Should I Try Using Cuteness Jutsu? Jiraiya was nearly driven mad by Hinata's antics, and he found himself contemplating just throwing her out for Orochimaru to deal with. Forming seals swiftly with his hands! "Ninja Art: Needle Jizo!" Jiraiya's hair instantly grew long, enveloping both himself and Hinata, each strand becoming as sharp as steel needles. Orochimaru's tongue flickered around but found no opening, unable to reach anyone inside. Resigned, he reluctantly retracted his tongue. Jiraiya retracted his hair and leaped off Gamabunta's head, with Hinata swiftly following. Since Manda had already retreated to the Ryuchi Cave, Gamabunta's involvement in the battle was no longer necessary. Gamabunta's massive size made him an easy target for Orochimaru's tactics. Shaking his enormous head, Gamabunta said to Jiraiya, "I'm reaching my limit anyway. Since you don't need me here, I'll head back!" Without turning, Jiraiya waved a hand and replied flatly, "Thanks for your hard work!" Hinata, however, turned her gaze back to Gamabunta, enthusiastically saying, "Great Toad! You want a snakeskin wallet, and I want to eat snake meat and soak snakeskin in liquor. If we ever have the chance, I'll come to Mount Myoboku to find you, and together we can raid Ryuchi Cave. How about it?" "Heh... Sounds interesting!" Gamabunta didn't explicitly agree, merely disappearing with a 'boom' into a puff of smoke. Jiraiya didn't bother questioning how Hinata knew about Mount Myoboku and Ryuchi Cave. After all, the Hyuga clan's long-standing traditions... Jiraiya and Orochimaru locked eyes, a spark dancing between their gazes. Jiraiya's expression was serious and intent, whereas Orochimaru's visage was slightly twisted and sinister. When he left Konoha, Jiraiya was nowhere near Orochimaru's match. But now, facing Orochimaru, Jiraiya had the distinct upper hand. For ordinary ninjas, reaching the level of the Third Hokage was generally considered the pinnacle of their abilities. With some guidance from strong mentors, even those with average talent could potentially reach or approach that level. Orochimaru and Jiraiya, one a genius, the other a fool, both had reached the peak of an ordinary ninja's strength. The difference lay only in the speed at which they achieved it. After reaching this peak, furthering one's strength required unique methods. Jiraiya relied on Sage Mode, while Orochimaru depended on forbidden techniques. However, with his hands sealed and even summoning techniques reliant on Kabuto's assistance, Orochimaru couldn't rival Jiraiya. Quickly assessing the situation, Orochimaru's expression twisted as he hissed, "This time, consider it your victory..." "I'll find a way to restore my hands even without Tsunade." "I will destroy Konoha... Until we meet again, my comrades! Jiraiya, Tsunade..." Seeing Orochimaru ready to flee, Hinata's confidence surged, her expression bold and defiant, as she taunted, "Uncle Snake, are these just final threats before you run? Like the Big Bad Wolf, you'll be back, won't you?" Orochimaru: "..." Orochimaru's gaze turned to Hinata. Unfazed by her minor disrespect, his body slowly sank into the ground, his voice seductive, "Hinata, your talent is outstanding, yet Konoha is not the place for you—it’s corrupt and degraded. Stay there, and you'll be marginalized... Come to my Sound Village!" "I can teach you the art of immortality..." Turning his gaze towards Jiraiya, he added a menacing edge, "I... am eternal!" "Tch!" Hinata scoffed lightly, facing Orochimaru with unbridled arrogance, "Tsunade is my big sister figure. I can do as I please in Konoha. Who am I afraid of?" "Farewell, Hinata!" Kabuto, with a warm smile, looked at Hinata and said softly, "Today was quite interesting!" With that, Kabuto vanished in a puff of smoke! "Whoo~" Jiraiya exhaled a long sigh, then burst into hearty laughter, "Hahaha... Finally, Orochimaru has retreated. Let's go back and try to persuade Tsunade again!" "Okay!" Hinata replied with a lackluster tone. Fighting Zabuza and Kisame yielded some rewards, but battling Orochimaru didn't give her anything at all! What a miserly boss! Moreover, Hinata was genuinely afraid she'd have nightmares about Orochimaru's tongue. He actually wanted to lick me! Back in Tanzaku Town, Tsunade and Shizune were dining at a small restaurant. Thanks to Hinata’s Byakugan, Jiraiya quickly located them. Sitting across from Tsunade, Jiraiya was silent for a moment before stating blandly, "I've chased Orochimaru away." Tsunade's chopsticks paused mid-air, and after a moment of silence, she replied softly, "Oh, I see." Following that, she continued eating and drinking as usual, only her pace of drinking had notably increased. "Well..." Looking at the leftovers on the table, Hinata decided to use her ultimate trick. "Actually... I've witnessed Orochimaru's resurrection technique. When he attacked Konoha, he used it. He summoned the First and Second Hokage to fight against the Third Hokage together!" Tsunade's gaze shot towards Hinata, her voice stern, "What did you say?" Using her eyes, Hinata gestured at the table, I have stories, you have wine... uh! No, I have stories, do you have food? Tsunade ignored Hinata's subtle hint, her aura overpoweringly strong, her eyes locked onto Hinata. Indeed, your elder is always your elder. Having recognized Tsunade as her big sister figure, these matters evidently weren’t something she could leverage against her. Under Tsunade's intense aura, Hinata felt incredibly small; this woman was indeed extraordinary! "Uh... It's just when Orochimaru attacked Konoha, he used a jutsu to summon the First and Second Hokage, and together they besieged Third Hokage! It seemed like they were under Orochimaru's control too!" 'Bang!' Tsunade slammed her fist on the table, gritting her teeth, "Orochimaru... How dare you desecrate the dead!" In her fury, Tsunade inadvertently used her monstrous strength. At this point, it wasn't just the table—she'd hammered a huge hole into the entire floor of the restaurant. Hinata glanced at Jiraiya, who remained unfazed: just pay some money, so what? Spending money for the sake of his woman, he was willing! Though Tsunade had previously rejected the position of Fifth Hokage without any hesitation, Naruto's words had rekindled memories of Nawaki and Dan’s dreams. I want to become Hokage! What do the deceased leave behind? Konoha carried too many painful memories for Tsunade, and she feared that returning to the village would bring back those sorrowful times she wished to forget—scenes and memories tied to her loss. The First, the Second, the Third, Nawaki, Dan... they all died because of 'Hokage.' The two most beloved by Tsunade died pursuing the dream of becoming Hokage, causing her to resent those two words "Hokage." But people die, dreams do not. The dreams of predecessors must be passed on by those who follow. In Tsunade's eyes, Naruto was that person who had inherited Dan and Nawaki's dreams. Seeing the hint of hesitation in Tsunade's expression, Jiraiya couldn't contain his joy. This was a far cry from her prior outright refusal. Meanwhile, Hinata was pondering: "Since Naruto’s persuasive talk has had an effect, should I try using my cuteness jutsu?"