Naruto: Unlimited Kekkai Genkai

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari

----------

Tsunade narrowed her eyes upon hearing this, but her smile remained bright.

"Is it Elder Ebizo of Suna? You're an old acquaintance. I remember your brother and sister's puppetry and Chiyo's poison very clearly. Why didn't she come over? I miss her very much."

Tsunade and the siblings had fought before, but that was at the beginning of the war, when Tsunade and the others had not yet been transferred to Amegakure.

At that time, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru's primary focus was Suna, and both sides knew each other well, especially Tsunade, whose medical ninjutsu restrained Chiyo's puppet techniques.

Later, due to the pressure from Amegakure, the three were transferred away, and Hatake Sakumo, who had shown his brilliance on the battlefield, took over command.

Therefore, the three were just as familiar with Chiyo as Hatake Sakumo, particularly Tsunade, who still recalled the poison that had given her trouble.

"Thank you for your concern, Princess Tsunade of Konoha."

"My sister Chiyo also misses you dearly."

"Even though we've just learned your wedding date is approaching, we of Suna will still send you our blessings."

"The groom is the Hokage of your village, correct? He is young and talented."

"Princess Tsunade, don't be concerned about others' opinions; we will bless you."

Ebizo remained composed and showed no anger.

Tsunade's mouth twitched slightly, and after taking a deep breath, she smiled. "Really? It's an honor. I just wonder if Chiyo has managed to maintain her beauty after all these years. I've heard that the wind and sand of Suna are rather unkind to women."

Ebizo remained silent, thinking of his sister's relentless efforts for the village, and seemed at a loss for words.

So cruel!

Baki and Pakura exchanged glances, both thinking the same thing, and unconsciously took two steps back.

How could such a beautiful woman say something so cold? Though it wasn't an outright insult, the meaning of her words was crystal clear.

"Ahaha, don't worry, welcome to Konoha. Do you need me to escort you to your residence?" Tsunade quickly changed the subject.

"Don't trouble yourself, Princess Tsunade. We know the way," Ebizo replied.

"Really? It seems Suna has done an excellent job gathering intelligence on Konoha over the years."

Tsunade waved her hand. "Then I won't hold you up. By the way, the Hokage will meet with you today. Please wait for that."

Without another word, Tsunade left.

Jiraiya and Orochimaru exchanged looks, the former swallowing hard while the latter gave him a look that seemed to say, good luck. Behind them, Yahiko and his companions were too scared to speak.

Tsunade hadn't left a favorable impression. She seemed like a volcano on the verge of eruption, making everyone feel a creeping sense of dread.

"What should we do? Should we keep our distance? It seems like Jiraiya-sensei might not make it through today," Yahiko whispered.

Nagato looked confused, and Konan said, "We will act according to the situation. When Jiraiya-sensei is about to be beaten to death, we'll plead for mercy, and you will step in."

Nagato was even more confused and pointed at himself. "Why me?"

Yahiko smiled and said, "You have the best personality. Lady Tsunade will forgive Jiraiya-sensei for your sake."

As the group walked away, Ebizo remained silent for a moment, then said, "Let's go, don't waste time."

"Yes!" Baki and Pakura responded, while Sasori stayed silent, though his eyes flickered as he watched Tsunade and the others leave.

Jiraiya's fate was already clear—his bruises and swelling had worsened after they got back.

He was trembling as he walked, though it was unclear if it was due to the physical pain or something deeper. "How could it be Hara? Why was it him?"

Jiraiya kept repeating the same words, as if caught between unwillingness and relief, though his eyes held a strange look whenever he glanced at Tsunade. "If you keep looking at me like that, I'll kill you."

Tsunade, having returned to Jiraiya's house like it was her own, rummaged through his things and soon found a bottle of strong liquor.

"Ahhhh, that's my treasured Yagawa wine worth 500,000 ryo, don't open it!!!"

Jiraiya screamed, but it was too late.

Tsunade didn't listen, and with a flick of her thumb, the cork flew off. She then took several swigs.

"Good wine!" Tsunade's eyes lit up.

Jiraiya collapsed to the ground as if his soul had been taken away, his eyes vacant.

"What should we do?" Yahiko looked over at Konan.

Konan shook her head, signaling him to stay still.

Tsunade then spoke, "You have three days to rest, so take the time to get ready. This Chūnin Exam is very important for you three little brats. Even though you're from another village, I hope you do well. After all, you are Jiraiya's disciples."

"Yes, Lady Tsunade!" The three responded in unison, not daring to make any sudden moves.

At that moment, the door swung open, and a voice was heard.

"Is it true that Senior Jiraiya has returned?"

Tsunade's expression shifted upon hearing the voice, becoming unnatural. Whether it was due to the alcohol or something else, her face flushed slightly.

Orochimaru smirked, casting a glance at Tsunade before turning his attention to Jiraiya, amusement clear in his eyes.

"Ah? Is it Hara?"

Jiraiya reacted immediately, standing up and widening his eyes.

Then, Ishigami Hara, wearing the Hokage's ceremonial robe, walked in.

"Long time no see, Senior Jiraiya."

As the Hokage, it might seem odd to address others so formally, but showing respect to true elders was still important.

"You b*****d!"

Jiraiya took two steps forward, inspecting Ishigami Hara closely, then pointed at Tsunade and couldn't help but ask, "You actually managed to win over Tsunade? How did you do it?"

"Oh, Tsunade initiated this whole thing."

Ishigami Hara spoke nonchalantly, his face completely unbothered, like a scoundrel.

Tsunade couldn't take it anymore.

"You b*****d, stop running your mouth, b*****d!"

She rushed at him as she spoke, instinctively throwing a punch.

"Stop it, don't scare the kids..."

Tsunade froze mid-action, her face turning red as if recalling something, then she gritted her teeth, sat down with an angry huff, and turned away from Ishigami Hara, sulking.

Ishigami Hara looked over at the three teenagers present, smiled warmly, and asked, "Are you the Genin sent by Amegakure for this exam?"

Yahiko quickly responded, "Yes, Hokage-sama!"

Ishigami Hara smiled and nodded. "Very good. I look forward to seeing your performance."