Naruto: Starting with Infinite Chakra

"Jiraiya, I have a question for you. You don't have to answer if you don't want to."

"What method or technique did you use to sense the enemy in advance? According to Tsunade, when I asked her to deliver the message, she couldn't sense a single enemy."

Sakumo Hatake asked curiously as he wrote in his notebook.

"It's a family secret technique," Jiraiya replied.

There was no way he could reveal the truth about Sage Mode or the Eye of Insight. If word got out, Danzo would have him captured for experimentation.

Danzo was practically a shadow scientist in the world of shinobi. In the later years, when Orochimaru went rogue and conducted research in Konoha, Danzo had lent him plenty of assistance.

Sakumo wasn't convinced by Jiraiya's explanation. As far as he knew, Jiraiya's family barely had any notable ninjas, let alone any distinguished bloodlines. The rare chakra-absorbing ninja blade that emerged from their lineage was already remarkable. The idea of a powerful sensory technique being part of their heritage seemed even more far-fetched.

But everyone had their secrets. Sakumo decided not to press further.

"I've finished the mission report. Take a look and see if there's anything you'd like to adjust."

Sakumo handed the report to Jiraiya.

Jiraiya glanced over it and nodded. "I have no objections."

Sakumo's report was thorough and honest. He detailed Jiraiya's contributions: detecting the enemy, staying behind to cover their retreat, and single-handedly defeating a Jonin. There was no embellishment, and Sakumo didn't take any credit for himself.

A less scrupulous team leader might have written the report differently, downplaying others' efforts to boost their own reputation.

After chatting briefly, Jiraiya left Sakumo's room.

...

"Jiraiya, what was that annoying guy talking to you about alone?"

As soon as he stepped out, Tsunade pulled him aside, her curiosity evident.

"Just asking some questions about the enemy," Jiraiya replied casually.

"I can't believe you're this strong now, taking down a Jonin on your own. When we get back to the village, you've got to help me train! You must've learned some secret techniques to improve this much."

Tsunade's tone was half-serious, half-teasing.

"And what's the payment for my tutoring?" Jiraiya grinned.

As a core member of the Senju clan, Tsunade surely had access to excellent training from her clan's elders. If she still insisted on his help, it was obvious she had other motives.

Jiraiya wasn't being vain, her feelings were clear during the battle with Ryuga. The way she had looked at him… if that wasn't love, then love didn't exist in this world.

"And what payment do you want?" Tsunade shot back.

"I want you. Think you can manage that?" Jiraiya said with a mischievous smile.

Tsunade's heart skipped a beat, joy welling up inside her despite herself. Her face grew warm, but she quickly masked her emotions with a glare, raising her fist.

"You're dead, Jiraiya! I'll kill you!"

"If you really want to kill me, go ahead. I won't stop you."

Jiraiya stood his ground, arms spread wide, eyes shut in mock resignation.

Tsunade's raised fist wavered before she finally let it drop. She couldn't bring herself to hit him anymore.

Orochimaru, watching from nearby, blinked in disbelief.

"Tsunade hesitated?" he muttered. "That's not like her."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Tsunade turned to him.

"You're not as hot-tempered as you used to be," Orochimaru replied.

"Oh? So, you're saying I had a bad temper before?" Tsunade asked with a too-sweet smile.

"Absolutely."

Orochimaru's bluntness earned him a punch that sent him sprawling.

"Why hit me? I was just being honest!" Orochimaru groaned as he picked himself up, a rare look of frustration crossing his face.

Women truly were terrifying.

After several more days of hard work, the herbs were finally harvested and loaded onto carts.

"Finally, we can head back to the village!" Tsunade exclaimed, stretching with a satisfied smile.

Ever since the last ambush, Sakumo had ordered the villagers to quicken the pace. Thanks to their collective effort, the task was completed faster than expected.

"Stay alert during the return trip," Sakumo instructed, his tone grave. "This is the most dangerous part."

Transporting valuable herbs made them an easy target for enemy shinobi.

He then assigned positions to each ninja guarding the convoy.

"Jiraiya, you'll be with me at the rear," Sakumo said.

It made sense—the two of them were the strongest in the group, and Jiraiya's sensory abilities were invaluable.

Jiraiya nodded and joined Sakumo at the back. The convoy moved slowly, burdened by the heavy cargo. It took over two days to reach Konoha, but they encountered no enemies along the way.

As the village gates came into view, the tension in the group finally eased. The ninja escorting the herbs collectively let out a sigh of relief.

"I'm heading straight to the hot springs when I get home," Tsunade declared with a yawn.

"You Senju have those famous medicinal baths, right? When are you going to let me try one?" Jiraiya teased.

The Senju's secret medicinal baths were said to strengthen the body, making it as hard as steel with regular use. However, these baths were closely guarded and only accessible to those who had greatly aided the clan or married into it.

"If you want to try it, you'd better dream on—or marry into the Senju," Tsunade replied with a smirk.

----------------

Pls Drop some Power Stones

Read more than +100 chapters and support me on Patreon

Patreon(.)com/Jixo