Marvel: Trading with Worlds

Uchiha Fugaku was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Water Country Battlefield. The Uchiha clan directly contributed 100 ninjas, including 50 guards and 50 family ninjas. 

In addition to the Uchiha clan, the Hyuga clan also provided substantial support. After all, the Byakugan is the nemesis of Kirigakure ninjas.

Except for a small number of powerful Mist Shinobi Jōnin, who can use chakra to completely conceal their presence in the mist, other Mist Shinobi cannot achieve this. 

Assassination techniques below the level of Jōnin are rendered completely ineffective against the Byakugan.

Regarding the Uchiha clan's strong desire to fight, it was evident that many ninjas weren't particularly fond of them. 

However, when war arrived, the Uchiha clan rushed to contribute to the village. This was commendable, even if their role as the village's security force didn't always make them popular.

Although the issue of Kirigakure's border raids and the threat of war was resolved, Sarutobi Hiruzen's goals weren't entirely achieved, which left him visibly displeased.

After the Jōnin meeting, Jiraiya went directly to Orochimaru, slinging an arm over his shoulder and smiling.

"Orochimaru, how about grabbing a drink? Should we invite Tsunade too?"

Hearing the word "drink," Tsunade licked her lips but quickly became wary.

"You're paying, Jiraiya!" she said firmly.

Jiraiya asked in mock confusion, "Aren't you celebrating my victorious return? Shouldn't you be paying?"

"Are you asking for a fight? Out of the three of us, who actually returned victorious? You were the slowest! This time, it's on you!" Tsunade declared, raising her fist in mock threat.

She then set aside the morning's accumulated paperwork and directed both Jiraiya and Orochimaru, "It's decided. Let's go to the first izakaya."

This izakaya belonged to Kain and had three floors. The interior was luxuriously decorated, offering a wide selection of alcohol. In addition to its own side dishes, the surrounding restaurants provided more options. 

However, the prices were steep. Given Tsunade's legendary drinking capacity, even Jiraiya would feel a pinch in his wallet after a single visit.

Although Jiraiya had plans to write novels, he was still haunted by Kain's shadow, as all his submissions had been rejected by publishers. 

His current income relied entirely on mission rewards, but his tendency to spend money in izakayas and custom shops while gathering information left his savings perpetually low.

"Alright, but just one drink. I've got other things to do this afternoon, so don't overdo it," Jiraiya said reluctantly, watching Tsunade walk away before whispering to Orochimaru.

Once they arrived at the izakaya, Jiraiya took charge of ordering. The menu's prices were anything but modest, and Jiraiya was determined to avoid any unnecessary expenses.

"This, this, and this… and two bottles of soju," he said.

Tsunade, unimpressed, snatched the menu from him.

"Jiraiya, you're too stingy! This is supposed to celebrate your victory and return. You can't skimp on us like this!" she complained.

Tsunade ordered another pile of dishes, and judging by the quantity, it seemed she intended to have dinner as well. 

This left Jiraiya heartbroken for a long time, even considering the possibility of sneaking out without paying. 

However, he quickly dismissed the thought—if he dared to ditch Tsunade with the bill, he'd undoubtedly end up in the hospital.

After weighing the pros and cons, Jiraiya resigned himself to the expense and prepared to "bleed" once again.

When the shochu and side dishes were served, Jiraiya and Tsunade had a few drinks. Despite the hefty price tag, Jiraiya admitted that the quality of the food and drink was noticeably better than other places he had visited.

After two glasses, Orochimaru broke the silence and addressed Jiraiya directly:

"Jiraiya, don't beat around the bush. If you have a question, just ask. Between the three of us, your drinking capacity is the worst."

Jiraiya frowned in mock offense and replied, "That's only because Tsunade and I don't use chakra to dispel alcohol. If we did, it wouldn't be so clear who would win."

He sighed, set down his glass, and grew more serious. There was no need to skirt around the issue among friends like them.

"Orochimaru, are you seriously running for Fourth Hokage? Why? From what I know of you, you don't seem like the type to care about being Hokage."

Orochimaru chuckled softly and responded, "Jiraiya, do you really think you know me so well? Isn't becoming Hokage the ultimate goal for every shinobi in Konoha? And what do you even understand about Hokage? Why shouldn't I try?"

Jiraiya was momentarily stunned by Orochimaru's pointed questions. He sat in silence, holding his glass in a daze, before finally snapping out of it.

Tsunade, who had been half-listening, perked up at the mention of Hokage. She casually pulled the side dishes and shochu closer to her side, clearly uninterested in the topic.

 If Nawaki hadn't given up his own ambitions of becoming Fourth Hokage, she might have been more involved.

"Hokage is the soul of the village," Jiraiya said firmly. "In critical moments, the Hokage must have the resolve to sacrifice themselves for Konoha. Orochimaru, you're an outstanding ninja, but you lack the spirit it takes to become Hokage. Whether it's the First Hokage or the Second, they—"

Orochimaru interrupted with a smirk.

"I would eliminate any threat to Konoha before it even arises. If there are no enemies, there's no need for the Hokage to sacrifice anything. Jiraiya, if sacrifice is required, it's because of a lack of ability."

Tsunade narrowed her eyes at Orochimaru, visibly irritated.

….

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