Naruto: Mikoto and Tsunade, don't let either of them go.

Page 145

“Kyuu-kun, this is Mei Terumi’s first time going to such a far place, please look after her.”

Upon hearing Master Yuan's words, Uchiha Kakuzan immediately took Mei Terumi's hand and continued:

"Rest assured, Master Yuan. Terumi Mei is still the mother of my child. I will protect her no matter what."

After chatting for a few more minutes, Mei Terumi realized it was getting late, so she didn't waste any more time. She waved her hood at Genji and the others and took her leave.

Seeing this, Uchiha Kakuyama nodded to them and then used a space-time ninjutsu to take everyone across infinite space and into the forest not far from the gate of Konoha Village.

······

Among the group, apart from Mei Terumi, it was basically the first time for everyone to experience space-time ninjutsu. At this moment, looking at the suddenly changed space, their eyes were somewhat dazed.

Of all these people, Mei Terumi was the first to speak. Through the shadowy branches and leaves, looking at the gates of Konoha Village not far away, Mei Terumi asked:

"Kyuu-kun, is that Konoha Village over there? It's huge!!"

The group's location was on higher ground, so they could vaguely see the general outline of Konoha Village, which is why Mei Terumi was so impressed.

Upon hearing Mei Terumi's words, everyone turned their gazes towards her. None of them had ever been to Konoha Village before, so they naturally wanted to take a good look at this village ranked number one in the ninja world.

After everyone had been watching for a while, just as Uchiha Kakuzan was about to say something, he suddenly looked at a certain place. Before the people there could come over, Uchiha Kakuzan waved his hand, causing them to leave quickly.

Mei Terumi naturally noticed Okayama-kun's actions as well, and looked at him with a hint of doubt in her beautiful eyes.

After seeing Mei Terumi's expression, Uchiha Kakuzan paused slightly before continuing his explanation:

"This area is already considered a sensitive area of ​​Konoha Village. Anbu members patrol here from time to time. With so many of us and no way to cover ourselves up, of course we will be discovered."

However, I sent them away just as they were about to come over.

As the head of the Anbu, Uchiha Kakuzan naturally had his subordinates in the Anbu. Seeing their boss there, they were no longer worried about whether these people would cause any damage to Konoha.

Mei Terumi nodded upon hearing what Okayama-kun said, and then said playfully:

"Kiu Shan-kun, I'm entrusting the rest to you."

Upon hearing Mei Terumi's words, Uchiha Kakuzan naturally understood her meaning. After nodding, he led the group towards Konoha Village.

······

Konoha Village Hokage Office

At this moment, Tsunade had already stood up, staring angrily at the woman in front of her who was wearing the Hokage's wind-controlling robe and had an extraordinary figure. The Hokage's wind-controlling robe was moving without wind, and the enormous chakra on her body was constantly boiling.

Beside Tsunade, Shizune was now huddled to the side, trembling and clutching the piglet.

As the person who has spent the most time with Tsunade, Shizune naturally knows her very well.

Tsunade's confrontational stance was something Shizune had never witnessed before.

After a long while, when even the little pig next to her dared not breathe, Tsunade's wind-riding robe finally came down, and her expression gradually softened as she calmly said:

"You must be Mei Terumi, the Fifth Mizukage of Kirigakure? Welcome to Konoha. As the Hokage of Konoha, I am very pleased to welcome you."

The tense atmosphere in the room was broken by Tsunade's words, which eased the oppressive feeling and made everyone feel much more relaxed.

Faced with Tsunade's overtures, Mei Terumi's expression softened considerably. She nodded to the incredibly imposing woman before her and said:

"You guessed right, the Fifth Hokage, I am the Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumi. I am honored to be able to come to Konoha Village this time..."

At this moment, Uchiha Kakuyama was somewhat puzzled by the behavior of his two women.

However, he wasn't stupid. He knew that if he dared to say anything out of line, he would be severely punished, so he didn't dare to utter a single word.

The members of Kirigakure who were following behind Mei Terumi relaxed after seeing Tsunade's performance.

Just after Tsunade and Mei Terumi finished exchanging pleasantries, Tsunade clapped her hands, called over Shikaku Nara, and instructed him:

"Shikaku, the people from Kirigakure are all honored guests of Konoha. We are entrusting them to your care. Do not neglect these distinguished guests, understand?"

Nara Shikaku naturally nodded respectfully in agreement.

Seeing this, Mei Terumi gave an order to Ao, who had remained silent until now:

"Ao, then you should talk to Mr. Shikaku and hand over all the matters concerning our Kirigakure's participation in this Chunin Tournament."

Qing, who was wearing an eye patch, nodded and replied:

"Yes, Lord Mizukage."

At that moment, Tsunade had a sudden thought, a slight smile appearing on her lips, and said to Mei Terumi:

"Lord Mizukage, I wonder if I would have the honor of inviting you to stay at the Senju clan's old residence."

Upon hearing Tsunade's words, not only was Shizune stunned, but Uchiha Kakuzan and Mei Terumi also turned their gazes to Tsunade. They had not expected Tsunade to say such a thing, and they were all dumbfounded for a moment.

Chapter 436 Jiraiya's Purpose

Why would Tsunade, her arch-enemy, invite her to stay at her house?

Mei Terumi hadn't expected Tsunade to say something like that. After a slight pause, she smiled and said:

"Since the Fifth Hokage has extended such a warm invitation to me, it would seem petty of me to refuse. Besides, I'm quite curious about the once-powerful Senju clan, so I'll accept without hesitation."

Upon hearing Mei Terumi's words, Tsunade's face also broke into a bright smile.

However, for some reason, Uchiha Kakuyama sensed a kind of malice directed at him from Tsunade's smile, which made him shiver.

Mei Terumi and the others were guests after all. After staying in the Hokage's office for a while, they followed Shikaku Nara. Mei Terumi was led out by Shizune, presumably to Tsunade's residence.

For a moment, only Uchiha Okayama and Tsunade remained in the Hokage's office.

After everyone left, Tsunade's smile gradually faded, leaving only a quiet expression as she looked at the remaining Qiu Shan-jun with a half-smile.

Seeing this, Uchiha Kakuzan felt a chill run down his spine. He gave a forced smile before continuing:

"Tsunade-nee, I have something to take care of, so I won't take up any more of your time."

Upon hearing Qiu Shanjun's words, Tsunade raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile flashing in her eyes, before continuing:

"Kiu-san, let me tell you something strange. I don't know why, but just these past few days, those two old guys on the elders' council suddenly submitted their resignations to me. And not only that, on the very day they resigned, their clans also gave back most of the resources they had seized from Konoha Village. Isn't that a bit strange?"

Upon hearing Tsunade's words, Uchiha Kagami raised an eyebrow slightly before casually replying:

"Maybe they had a change of heart. After all, they know that if they really anger you, they will definitely settle scores with you. When that happens, it won't be as simple as just resigning."

Upon hearing Qiu Shanjun's words, Tsunade gave him a half-smile before continuing:

"However, according to the information I have received, before this, Shimura Danzo seemed to have led the remnants of Root out of the Root base, but we don't know where they went. After about half a day, he returned to the Root base."

Not long after Shimura Danzo returned, those two old men came to me and begged for forgiveness.

At this point, Tsunade's pretty face was already close to Uchiha Kakuyama's, her eyes fixed on him with a half-smile, her delicate hand lightly touching his chest, as she said with a smile:

“Kiyama-kun, you say there’s no connection between these things? You know, ever since you subdued Shimura Danzo and disbanded Root, he’s been holed up in the Root base all day and has never come out.”

Uchiha Kakuzan knew that Tsunade had already guessed what was going on, so he reached out and gently tugged at her pretty cheek before saying with some tenderness:

"Tsunade, you guessed right. I sent Danzo Shimura out to deal with those two old guys. They're just taking advantage of their age and all they do is make things difficult for me, Tsunade. If I wasn't worried about the negative impact, I would have sent them to see the Second Hokage long ago, so he could see the good students he's taught."

Upon hearing Qiu Shan-jun's words, a touch of emotion flashed in Tsunade's eyes. She nestled into his arms and, after a long while, said in a muffled voice:

"I can handle these old guys, but the relationships involved are too complex, so I'm a bit constrained."

Uchiha Kakuzan didn't refute Tsunade's words, but simply reached out and gently patted her back.

After a while, Tsunade seemed to remember something, climbed out of Qiushan-jun's arms, and continued:

"Kiyama-kun, according to intelligence, Jiraiya may be returning to Konoha Village soon, but we don't know if his return is related to Orochimaru."

Upon hearing Tsunade's words, Uchiha Kakuzan was slightly taken aback, then nodded and said with a smile:

"Tsunade, it seems that the three legendary Sannin of Konoha will be gathering in Konoha this time. Do you have any thoughts on this?"

In fact, the three of them hadn't seen each other since Orochimaru defected from Konoha. Although their paths had diverged long ago, especially Tsunade, who, thanks to Uchiha Kakuzan's intervention, inherited the Hokage position several years earlier than planned.

However, no matter what, they were all members of the same team before, and they had gone through countless life-and-death situations together. This kind of bond is the most intense and pure, and it is not something that can be given up so easily.

Therefore, after hearing what Qiushan-jun said, a hint of nostalgia flashed in Tsunade's eyes before she continued:

"Regardless of their purpose in coming to Konoha, if they do anything detrimental to Konoha or Lord Qiu, they will be my enemy, and I will absolutely not allow it."

Upon hearing Tsunade's words, a hint of emotion flashed in Qiu Shanjun's eyes before he continued to comfort her:

"Actually, I know more or less about their purposes. Jiraiya's purpose should be very simple. He must have received some information and came to Konoha to find the Child of Prophecy."

Upon hearing Qiu Shanjun's words, a look of realization flashed in Tsunade's eyes.

Over the years, Tsunade had vaguely guessed some of the things Jiraiya had been doing. The reason he had been wandering and roaming the ninja world for so many years was not only because of his lively nature and unwillingness to be restrained, but also because he was searching for some prophetic child according to the instructions of the toad sage of Mount Myōboku.

It's kind of funny, Jiraiya abandoned everything for that so-called child of prophecy, even abandoning his own village.

But in the end, the prophesied child came from his village and was the son of his most beloved disciple.

As his master, he completely failed in his duty, allowing Naruto to grow up malnourished like a weed.

Honestly, Jiraiya really did let down his disciple, Minato Namikaze.

And to be honest, in the entire Naruto series, Naruto was the most qualified to turn to the dark side, yet he ultimately became the prophesied child who would save the world.

Tsunade already knew Naruto and Sasuke's identities from Qiushan-jun, and upon hearing Qiushan-jun's words, she nodded in understanding and said:

"Looks like he's doing this for Naruto. Oh, right, Naruto's on a mission in the Land of Waves, hasn't he come back yet?"

Chapter 437 Arrival at Sand Village

Upon hearing Tsunade's words, Qiu Shan-jun was slightly taken aback. He mentally calculated the days before speaking:

"Yeah, he should be back soon. I won't let him miss the Chunin Exams."

Upon hearing Qiu Shanjun's words, Tsunade finally realized what he meant, looked at Qiu Shanjun, and said thoughtfully:

"Speaking of which, although Qiushan-kun taught Naruto a lot of things, including the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique and the Spinning Spin Ball, he didn't take him as a disciple. Was it so that he would become Jiraiya's disciple?"

Upon hearing Tsunade's guess, Uchiha Kagami didn't hide anything, but nodded, then said with a hint of smugness:

"Not only that, I also taught Naruto the Flying Thunder God Technique and the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques. I guess that when Jiraiya wants to teach Naruto, the only thing he can use is the Sage Mode from Mount Myōboku."

Uchiha Kakuzan felt a surge of joy at the thought of Jiraiya's humiliation.

Uchiha Kakuyama also likes Naruto, and with the company of Uzumaki Karin and Uzumaki Rin, Naruto is no longer the pitiful little guy who had no one to love or rely on.

He wanted to see how Jiraiya would make amends to Naruto.

As for Qiu Shanjun's purpose, Tsunade had a vague idea of ​​it and gave him a charmingly coquettish look.

Uchiha Kakuzan seemed quite pleased with Tsunade's disapproving look, and after chuckling twice, he continued:

"As for Orochimaru, I suspect that he may have vaguely sensed something, which is why he used the Sound Village he founded as a pawn to carry out the Konoha Crush plan in order to confirm certain things."

Uchiha Kakuzan never underestimated Orochimaru.

Although Orochimaru himself did not possess a bloodline limit and was not the strongest in combat, he still managed to stand at the pinnacle of the ninja world through his intelligence and ingenuity.

If it weren't for Uchiha Kagami's Uchiha clan bloodline and the system he possessed, he truly wouldn't be able to compare to Orochimaru.

Just as Tsunade grabbed Qiushan-kun's hand and was about to say something, she suddenly heard a knock at the door.

Tsunade coughed, returned to her desk, and sat down, saying in a deep voice:

"Come in."

The person who entered was a very ordinary-looking young man with a gentle demeanor. If it weren't for the scar on the bridge of his nose, one would never associate him with a ninja.

Upon entering the Hokage's office, he naturally saw Uchiha Kakuyama. After a slight pause, he bowed to him and said:

"Iruka greets Lord Qiushan."

When Uchiha Kakuzan saw Iruka, he was slightly taken aback, then smiled and nodded, looking at Tsunade with a hint of confusion.

In Uchiha Kakuyama's memory, Iruka was a teacher at the Ninja Academy at this time, but judging from his current state, he should be working for Tsunade now.

Tsunade, of course, knew of Qiushan-jun's doubts and explained:

"I felt that Iruka was quite meticulous with some government documents, so I transferred him to work at the Hokage Building. Of course, Iruka still goes to the school to teach when he has time,"

Hearing Tsunade's words, Uchiha Kakuyama nodded in understanding. It seemed that Iruka's change was just a small butterfly effect caused by his own actions.

After Tsunade finished speaking with Qiushan-kun, she turned her gaze back to Iruka and asked:

"Iruka, what do you want?"

Upon seeing this, Iruka quickly bowed to Tsunade before continuing:

"Lord Hokage, the people from Sunagakure have just arrived. Would you like to receive them?"

Upon hearing Iruka's words, Tsunade was slightly taken aback. She hadn't expected such a coincidence that the people from Kirigakure and Sunagakure arrived on the same day, which surprised her somewhat.