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In the Hidden Leaf Village, Sasuko left the hospital quietly after a brief talk with Sakura. Her usually stoic face was tinged with a faint flush as she walked off with a small paper bag in hand.
She still couldn't believe it. Won went through this much pain every single month?
And they bled? Willingly tolerated it?
Terrifying.
It was sothing the old her couldn't even begin to understand.
"Hey, Sasuke! Long ti no see! You here to visit Sakura too?"
Naruto's chipper voice cut through the air.
Sasuko didn't even glance his way.
Completely ignoring him, she brushed past him like a cold gust of wind and kept walking.
Her mood wasn't great today and Sakura had warned her to try not to get angry for the next few days.
And the easiest way to stay calm?
Ignore Naruto, the human migraine.
"Oi! Sasuke! Don't ghost like that! That really hurts, you know!"
"You wouldn't believe it! I totally crushed that panda-eyed guy with—"
Naruto kept yamring like an insect buzzing near her ear.
She halted.
He didn't notice.
"Sasuke, did you just stop? Good! Listen, I was just about to—"
Whap!
Her long hair whipped as she spun around its soft scent lingered in the air and brushed Naruto's nose, making him freeze.
Wait... Sasuke slls... nice?
Hold up, what am I even thinking—
POW!
A fist slamd straight into his gut.
Naruto's smile twisted into a wince as he doubled over like a shrimp.
"S-Sasuke... why...?"
"Don't test . I'm not in the mood."
"Ugh..."
Naruto collapsed to his knees, clutching his stomach as he watched Sasuko's silhouette disappear down the road.
Did she just evolve into Sakura?!
Damn. That really hurt.
---
Elsewhere atop the Hokage Tower...
A pervy grin stretched across Jiraiya's face as he peered through his spyglass, enjoying what he oh-so-proudly called "research ti."
"You're doing that creepy thing again..."
"I'm collecting material, thank you very much!"
Lowering the spyglass, Jiraiya turned around to face two stern figures Homura and Koharu, the village's aging advisers.
"Oh, it's you two. What brings the esteed council mbers here?"
"No need to act clueless you already know."
Jiraiya's playful expression dropped. He stared at them seriously, clearly annoyed.
"Alright, alright. I heard the Sand Village talks went well."
"That's not the concern right now," Homura said coldly.
The Hidden Leaf had just received formal notice: The Fourth Kazekage was assassinated Orochimaru had orchestrated everything. The Sand had surrendered, agreeing to a new alliance and handing over so political leverage.
But even with the treaty signed, the Leaf was dangerously weakened.
Homura's eyes narrowed. "We have to prepare as if another disaster is coming."
Koharu added, "Every neighboring nation might see this as an opportunity to strike."
"That's why we're forming an Ergency Response Unit composed of our best shinobi."
"Before that," Homura continued, "we need a strong, trustworthy leader."
Silence fell.
Jiraiya already knew where this was going.
"War is just one spark away. It's not just Orochimaru we have to watch anymore."
"So listen closely," Koharu said.
"The Fire Daimyō has agreed we need a new Hokage."
"You're up, Jiraiya."
Of course. He sighed, raising his hand to stop them mid-sentence.
"Sorry. I'm not the guy for that job."
"But you're one of the Legendary Three! If even you won't take the position, then who?"
"There's soone better."
Their brows furrowed.
"Tsunade."
"The Princess?" Koharu blinked. "We don't even know where she is."
"I'll find her," Jiraiya said. "And I'll bring her back."
"But—"
Jiraiya waved it off. "Between her and a guy who spends his evenings peeping into bathhouses, I think we both know who's more fit to lead."
The elders exchanged glances.
He had a point. The granddaughter of the First Hokage Tsunade wasn't just powerful; she was practically Konoha royalty.
"...Very well," Homura finally said. "We'll consider your proposal."
"But we'll assign three ANBU to accompany you and assist in the search."
"No need. I'm not planning to run off."
"...Still, I'd like to bring soone with ," Jiraiya added. "A new rising star."
Before they could respond, another voice echoed from behind.
"In that case, may I offer soone for the mission?"
Hizashi Hyuga stepped out, calm and composed.
The advisors raised their brows. What was he doing here?
"Elders, Lord Jiraiya," he said with a bow. "I'd like to recomnd Neji Hyuga for this mission."
His request drew surprise.
"I believe you've seen his recent performance. But more importantly... I'd like him to restore his eyesight."
A silent mont passed.
They all knew Neji had lost his sight during the recent crisis. Normal dical-nin couldn't guarantee recovery, but perhaps Tsunade could.
Jiraiya scratched his head. "I've got no problem with that."
Homura and Koharu looked at each other, then nodded. If Neji served as both a support and passive observer for Jiraiya, it could actually work to their advantage.
"Approved."
Hizashi smiled faintly. "Then I leave him in your care, Lord Jiraiya."
Jiraiya groaned. "No need for the formalities..."
And with that, the decision was made.
---
Not long after, deep in the Hyuga lab...
Neji got the update and nearly dropped the tablet he was holding.
"...Seriously?"
He couldn't help but laugh.
His uncle had just played the perfect political sneak attack.
Sure, it all looked like it was done for Neji's benefit. Getting the great Jiraiya to help find Tsunade? A dical genius who might restore his vision?
Too bad he'd already recovered his Byakugan.
What now? Dig out his working eyes just to reinstall the original stock?
"Uncle Hisashi, you really threw into the deep end with this one..."
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