Konoha: The Honored One

Gojo tilted his head, his usual carefree grin absent as he looked at Sasuke. "A lot of people crave power, but how many actually become strong?" His tone grew softer, almost somber. "The stronger the power, the heavier the price."

Raising a finger, he tapped Sasuke on the chest, directly over his heart. His azure eyes glimmered with mischief. "Ask yourself, brat—do you have what it takes to pay the price?"

Sasuke didn't hesitate, his voice steady with conviction. "If it means gaining power, I'll pay any price. Even if it kills me."

Gojo raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh? That's quite the statement for someone still stuck in the genin grind."

But Sasuke wasn't backing down. His hands clenched into fists, the Sharingan blazing in his eyes. Memories of his clan's massacre and the nightmarish image of his parents' lifeless bodies filled his mind. Revenge burned in his chest like a second heartbeat.

Gojo smirked, dragging out the silence just enough to annoy. "Alright then," he said at last. "The price…"

Sasuke and Sakura leaned in, the tension palpable. For once, Gojo seemed serious, and they both braced for what sounded like an ominous consequence.

Gojo reached into his infinity pouch and dramatically pulled out—

A maid outfit.

"The price," he declared, shaking the frilly costume like it was some legendary artifact, "is this."

Silence.

Sakura nearly fell over, blinking at the absurdity. Sasuke's Sharingan flickered off as his brain momentarily short-circuited. "What?" he deadpanned.

"You heard me, emo boy," Gojo said with a wicked grin. "Day after tomorrow, you wear this outfit. Black stockings included."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "You can't be serious."

"Do I look like I'm joking?" Gojo said, tilting his head innocently. Sakura and Sasuke responded in unison. "Yes."

Ignoring them, Gojo pressed on. "There's no such thing as free power, kiddos. If you want me to turn you into a Kage-level powerhouse, you've got to pay the price. And that price is entertainment. Specifically, my entertainment."

He dangled the wig and stockings like they were sacred relics. "So, you'll put this on, pretend to be Naruto's girlfriend, and go on a date with him."

Sakura slapped a hand to her forehead, mortified. "That's… That's horrible!"

Sasuke's jaw tightened. "You're joking."

Gojo crossed his arms. "Nope. And if it helps, you can use a transformation jutsu to, you know, really sell the girlfriend vibe. But I want the whole show. Make me laugh, and I'll power you up."

Sasuke stared at the maid outfit, his hands itching to tear it to shreds. The temptation was strong, but the lure of power was stronger. "Fine," he said through gritted teeth. "But I'm not dating Naruto."

"Aw, come on," Gojo teased. "You've already kissed him twice. What's a date after that?"

Sakura groaned loudly, muttering, "Why do I even try to stop this?"

Sasuke snatched the outfit and stomped away, muttering under his breath. "When I'm Kage-level, I'm never speaking to him again."

Gojo, watching Sasuke's retreating figure, chuckled to himself. "Man, kids these days are so dramatic."

Sakura looked at him with exasperation. "Do you really think this is helping?"

He flicked her forehead lightly, causing her to wince. "Don't leave decisions to others. Right or wrong, a good ninja learns to trust their judgment."

Sakura rubbed her forehead, a small smile forming. "Thanks, Gojo-sensei. I'll think about it."

"Good girl," Gojo replied, ruffling her hair playfully before standing up. "Now go on; you've got work to do."

Gojo activated his Limitless Technique and vanished into thin air, a smug smirk on his face.

Meanwhile, at the hospital, Tsunade tossed and turned in her sleep, sweat beading on her forehead. Her lips moved, a single name escaping in a faint whisper. "Gojo…"

Sitting at her bedside, Gojo's expression softened. He reached out, gently holding her hand. "I'm here," he said quietly.

Tsunade's eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, she simply stared at him. Then, without warning, she flung her arms around his neck, clinging to him like a lifeline. "Don't leave me," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Please…"

Gojo hesitated before wrapping his arms around her, one hand gently stroking her hair. "I'm not going anywhere," he said firmly. "No one can take me down. I'm invincible, remember?"

Tsunade let out a shaky laugh, her tears soaking his shirt. "You're such an idiot."

"Yep," Gojo replied cheerfully. "But I'm your idiot."

Tsunade pulled back, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Drink with me?"

Gojo leaned back with a teasing grin. "Sure, but only if you feed me. Mouth to mouth."

Her fingers pinched his waist mercilessly. "Careful, or you'll be drinking through a straw."

"Ouch!" Gojo yelped, rubbing his side. "Okay, okay, no need to get violent! Geez."

Tsunade rolled her eyes, slipping on her shoes. "Come on, idiot. Drinks are on you."

Gojo sighed theatrically, letting himself be dragged along. "Man, I spoil you."