"Maybe I should just use all the techniques from the manga."
After hesitating at the door, Jiraiya made up his mind—he'd try every technique without overthinking it. With that, he pushed the door open and stepped into Tsunade's residence.
"Jiraiya, you're back!"
Tsunade's face lit up as soon as she saw him. She ran straight to him and wrapped him in a tight hug.
"One mission, and you've changed this much?" Jiraiya teased, giving her a smile as he took in her appearance.
Without another word, he scooped her up in his arms and kissed her deeply. It wasn't until Tsunade grew weak in the knees that Jiraiya set her back down.
"I have good news. We can make our relationship public now."
"Really?"
Tsunade's eyes widened with excitement. She'd been waiting for this moment, though she'd held back out of concern for Jiraiya's future.
"It's true. I'm now the acting Anbu Commander, and the Hokage doesn't oppose my ties with the Senju clan. He even supports us making our relationship public."
"There won't be any consequences for us now," Jiraiya reassured her with a firm squeeze.
Tsunade couldn't help but let out a soft gasp, her eyes filled with affection and desire.
"Since I'm the acting Anbu Commander now, what kind of reward will you give me?" Jiraiya murmured in her ear.
"Anything you want," Tsunade whispered back with her eyes closed.
"You said it. No take-backs."
Jiraiya lifted her princess-style and carried her toward the bathroom.
"Hmm."
Tsunade knew what he had in mind. Though a little nervous and shy, she didn't resist.
They bathed together, and when they were clean, Jiraiya carried her to the bedroom.
"Let's just follow the manga," he teased.
Tsunade didn't reply—her face was already flushed with embarrassment. At his request, she lay down on the bed, and Jiraiya joined her.
Some time later, both of them were lying on the bed. Jiraiya was in a contemplative "sage mode," while Tsunade basked in the lingering afterglow.
Because it was Tsunade's first time, Jiraiya had been careful not to push her too hard. Since they were making their relationship public, he planned to move into the Senju clan residence.
"Not again!"
"Wait until you get back from seeing the Hokage," Tsunade gasped, startled by his stamina. She still hadn't recovered.
Jiraiya chuckled, got dressed, and left the Senju compound for the Hokage's office.
When he arrived, he saw Danzo already there.
"Jiraiya, you'll lead an Anbu squad to accompany Elder Danzo on a mission to attack a key town in the Land of Rain," Hiruzen Sarutobi ordered.
Jiraiya gave Danzo a quick glance, a cold smile forming in his mind, but nodded.
"Yes, sensei. I'll work with Elder Danzo and capture the town."
It was obvious this joint mission had been Danzo's suggestion. Hiruzen wouldn't assign Jiraiya to work with Danzo unless Danzo had a motive.
Danzo had likely proposed this in hopes of eliminating him. Traveling to the Land of Rain would present countless opportunities for Danzo to strike.
But Jiraiya saw this as a blessing in disguise. It would also give him plenty of chances to deal with Danzo for good.
"Sensei, Isamu is an elite Jonin with impressive skills. He's always wanted to serve the village. I'd like to bring him along and assign him to the Anbu under my command," Jiraiya said.
"Approved," Hiruzen responded without hesitation.
Jiraiya had repeatedly reassured the Hokage that he had the Senju clan under control and that they wouldn't do anything to harm the village's interests. Hiruzen's wariness of the Senju had significantly decreased.
"Lord Hokage, you cannot allow Isamu to join the Anbu!" Danzo protested sharply.
"You've already stepped down from the Anbu. Stay out of it," Hiruzen said, his tone unyielding. "My decision is final."
Hiruzen had no intention of arguing with Danzo over this matter.
"Go prepare. You'll leave this afternoon," he said, cutting off any further objections.
Danzo's face darkened, but he left without another word.
"Jiraiya, Isamu is strong, and it's fine to take him to the battlefield. However, don't let him accumulate too much prestige or merit. He should remain a tool for you—never your equal. Understood?" Hiruzen warned.
Hiruzen wanted the Senju clan to support Jiraiya but didn't want them using him as a stepping stone.
"Don't worry, sensei. I've got it under control," Jiraiya replied.
After leaving the Hokage's office, Jiraiya gathered his Anbu squads. Orochimaru led one squad, Tsunade another, and Yuhi Mitsune the third. Isamu would act as the overall field commander and Jiraiya's bodyguard.
This arrangement, however, hadn't yet been approved by Hiruzen. Jiraiya planned to report it after the mission's completion.
By midday, they gathered at the village gates. Danzo arrived with eight of his most trusted Root members—a lineup that included an elite Jonin, three Jonin, and four elite Chunin.
These were Danzo's core loyalists, and he had brought them all with one purpose: to find the perfect opportunity to eliminate Jiraiya.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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