Hokage: Immortal, I Open Unlimited Eight Gates

Chiba looked confused, pretending to be clueless, and said, "What are you talking about, Jiraiya-sama? I don't understand what you're saying."

"...?"

Jiraiya furrowed his brows, unable to determine if Uchiha Chiba genuinely didn't understand or was just feigning ignorance.

"Oh, it's nothing," Jiraiya said, scratching his head awkwardly.

Seeing Jiraiya's self-doubt, Chiba couldn't help but feel a little proud. His acting skills weren't bad, after all—even Jiraiya couldn't see through him. Thinking of this, Chiba decided not to linger any longer. After all, he was here to deliver lunch, not engage in idle conversation.

"Jiraiya-sama, if there's nothing else, I'll go deliver the lunch box now. Goodbye."

Jiraiya waved dismissively and replied, "Goodbye, kid."

As Chiba walked away, Jiraiya suddenly realized something—he still didn't know the boy's name.

Oh well, Jiraiya thought to himself. I'll ask him next time.

With that, he headed toward Tsunade's office.

After delivering one lunch box to Uchiha Genka, Uchiha Chiba proceeded toward Tsunade's office, carrying the second one.

Just as he was about ten steps away from the office door—

Boom!

The wooden door suddenly flew open, and a figure was sent hurtling out, slamming into the hospital wall.

Looking closer, Chiba realized it was none other than Jiraiya, who had just parted ways with him moments earlier.

Tsunade's angry voice echoed from within the office, "Jiraiya, you b*****d! Do you know that, thanks to you, my spa has had no business for an entire month?!"

"You still dare to show your face here? Have you forgotten how powerful my fists are?!"

Jiraiya, clutching the swollen side of his face, attempted to defend himself. "Tsunade, you can't entirely blame me for your poor business! The weather's freezing—it's normal for people to stay home instead of visiting!"

That explanation only made Tsunade angrier. She had intended to stop at just one punch, but now she couldn't let it slide.

"The weather? Don't give me that nonsense! The colder it gets, the more people flock to hot springs to warm up! This is your fault!"

Watching the scene unfold, Chiba couldn't help but enjoy the spectacle. Even though he had seen Tsunade's temper before, it was always entertaining to watch—especially since he wasn't the one getting hit.

Still, this is a hospital, Chiba thought. If this continues, it's bound to attract attention.

Sure enough, staff members had already started gathering to watch. Chiba could imagine the gossip spreading like wildfire:

"Did you hear? Tsunade-sama punched someone in the hospital!"

"Wait, what? Tsunade-sama killed someone in the hospital?!"

"What? Tsunade-sama is dead?!"

Realizing how ridiculous the rumors could get, Chiba decided to intervene. Stepping forward, he grabbed Jiraiya and dragged him back into the office.

Once inside, the three of them stared at each other in silence for a moment.

Placing the lunch box on the table, Chiba addressed Tsunade, "Sister Tsunade, here's the lunch I brought for you."

Tsunade glanced at the lunch box, then at the boy. She suddenly felt embarrassed—he must have seen her punch Jiraiya.

Though Chiba had witnessed her violent tendencies before, it was different at home. Beating up her brother, Senju Nawaki, was natural sibling behavior. But hitting someone outside, especially Jiraiya, seemed more... unrefined.

She wanted to explain, even if it sounded like an excuse. But just as she opened her mouth, Jiraiya interrupted, covering his swollen face and muttering, "Tsunade, isn't your brother Nawaki? What's the deal with this kid?"

Tsunade snapped, "What? Can't I have a godbrother now?"

Jiraiya's curiosity had been casual, but Tsunade's defensive tone caught his attention. It seemed she cared more about this "godbrother" than her biological brother.

Although puzzled, Jiraiya chose not to press further. With a grin, he said, "Alright, alright."

Tsunade, not wanting to dwell on the topic, turned back to Chiba and asked, "Chiba, when did you get back? Is your mission complete?"

While speaking, she opened the lunch box. She had missed the boy's cooking during the past few days.

"I just got back today," Chiba replied with a smile.

Tsunade nodded and began eating, ignoring Jiraiya, whose face was still swollen.

After a bite of fried chicken, Tsunade turned to Jiraiya and asked, "So, why did you come to see me today?"

Hearing the question, Jiraiya suddenly remembered why he had come in the first place. He had been so caught up in the chaos that he nearly forgot.

"Oh, right! Orochimaru's back in the village today. Since all three of us are here, I thought we could get together."

"Orochimaru already agreed, so I came to ask you, Tsunade. How about it? Let's grab some drinks tonight!" Jiraiya asked eagerly.

"Hmm..."

After some thought, Tsunade nodded. "Alright. We haven't had a gathering in a while. Same place as always?"

Seeing her agree, Jiraiya grinned—although his swollen face made the smile look rather grotesque.

Tsunade grimaced at the sight. "Ugh, stop smiling like that. It's creepy. Anyway, I'll come by after work. Now leave."

Jiraiya waved his hand. "No way! I'll wait here and go with you after work."

"You staying here will just get in the way. I know the way, so leave."

"Don't be so heartless, Tsunade. We've been friends for over ten years! And why chase me out while letting this brat stay?" Jiraiya pointed at Chiba, who had been quietly observing the scene.

Chiba was taken aback. Why am I suddenly being dragged into this?

Before he could reply, Jiraiya continued, "Is it because this kid's handsome? Well, I'm not bad-looking either!"

Uchiha Chiba sighed. "Jiraiya-sama, I'm Tsunade-sama's godbrother, so—"

Before he could finish, Jiraiya interrupted, "Yeah, yeah, I know."

Chiba frowned. "Jiraiya-sama, don't you know it's rude to interrupt someone while they're talking?"

Tsunade chimed in, "Chiba's right. Honestly, Jiraiya, act your age."

Faced with their combined criticism, Jiraiya gave up. "Fine, fine. Go ahead, kid. I won't interrupt this time."

But Chiba shook his head. "Forget it. I've lost the mood to say anything."

"You brat..."

Before Jiraiya could finish, Tsunade interrupted him this time.

"Jiraiya, just go already. I need to get back to work after lunch."

Realizing he wouldn't win, Jiraiya gave in. "Fine, fine. I'll head there first. Don't forget to come after work, Tsunade!"

As Jiraiya left, Chiba silently watched the scene, a faint smirk on his face.