"From my perspective, those two demands are essentially just one," Jiraiya said with a sly grin, looking at Tsunade.
"What do you mean?" Tsunade asked, confused.
"If I marry you, doesn't that take care of both demands at once?" Jiraiya replied smugly.
"Oho, Tsunade, if Jiraiya actually marries you, it would indeed be a tremendous contribution to the Senju clan," Orochimaru interjected with a chuckle.
"After all, with your temper, it's probably tough for you to find a husband. Your clan must be quite worried about it. If Jiraiya marries you, he'd be solving one of your family's biggest headaches. That would definitely count as an extraordinary contribution."
"Orochimaru, are you looking for a fight?"
Tsunade's anger flared instantly. She swung her fist at Orochimaru without hesitation.
"Dammit, I was just speaking the truth! Why do I always get beaten for it?"
Orochimaru was sent flying again, his expression a mix of frustration and indignation. He lay sprawled on the ground, still unable to comprehend why this always happened.
Watching Orochimaru eat dirt, Jiraiya shook his head.
"That unfiltered honesty of his will probably disappear soon. No wonder he ends up dabbling in artificial humans later, deciding to play both father and mother himself instead of finding a kunoichi to settle down with. The trauma must have started here."
After delivering the herbs to their destination, Sakumo Hatake turned to the group.
"Everyone, I'll go report to the Hokage. Once I'm done, dinner's on me—grilled meat at my treat!"
With that, he headed toward the Hokage's office.
...
"The herbs from the border have been delivered to the village without any losses," Sakumo said as he knelt on one knee before Sarutobi Hiruzen in the Hokage's office.
"Good work, Sakumo," Hiruzen replied with a warm smile.
"Serving the village is my duty and honor—there's no hardship in that," Sakumo said humbly.
"However, while guarding the herb fields, we were ambushed by an unidentified group of shinobi. We managed to eliminate all of them. Here's the battle report, along with their heads sealed in these scrolls."
Sakumo stood and respectfully placed the documents and scrolls on Hiruzen's desk.
To Sakumo, Sarutobi Hiruzen was more than the Hokage, he was a pillar of strength, the guardian who ensured Konoha's prosperity.
"You were ambushed?" Hiruzen's expression turned serious as he set down his pipe and picked up the report.
"As for Jiraiya..." Hiruzen paused, his brow lifting slightly in surprise as he read further. "He managed to take down a jonin single-handedly in such a short time?"
Even among the Great Shinobi Nations, jonin were considered elite warriors. For a mere chunin to kill one—this was a remarkable feat.
'Such an achievement deserves to be highlighted,' Hiruzen thought to himself.
It would reflect well on him, too, since Jiraiya was his disciple. News of this victory would bolster his own reputation as an excellent teacher, enhancing his standing further.
As for the chakra-absorbing blade mentioned in the report, Hiruzen noted it with interest but didn't dwell on it. With Enma, his summon capable of transforming into an indestructible staff, he had little need for other weapons.
After finishing the report, Hiruzen instructed, "Take these scrolls and investigate their identities thoroughly. Find out who they were working for."
"Understood, Hokage-sama."
An Anbu member emerged from the shadows, collected the scrolls, and disappeared just as silently.
"Sakumo, you and your team performed admirably. The rewards for this mission will be doubled. As team leader, you can choose one A-rank ninjutsu from these scrolls as your reward."
Hiruzen presented several scrolls to Sakumo.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama!"
Sakumo's heart raced with excitement. As a member of a small clan, A-rank techniques were a rarity. This opportunity was invaluable.
After careful consideration, Sakumo selected a scroll.
"Have Jiraiya come see me later," Hiruzen said as Sakumo finished.
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Sakumo replied, bowing before leaving the office.
...
"Hokage-sama is summoning you, Jiraiya. Better not keep him waiting," Sakumo said cheerfully when he rejoined the group. "We'll be at the Akimichi clan's barbecue place, so join us after you're done!"
Jiraiya nodded. He wasn't surprised by the summons. His extraordinary performance during the mission had undoubtedly caught Hiruzen's attention.
'I need the village's resources to grow stronger. The system alone isn't enough,' Jiraiya thought as he made his way to the Hokage's office.
Entering the room, he found Hiruzen seated behind his desk, his face beaming with satisfaction.
"Good to see you, Sensei," Jiraiya greeted warmly, skipping the formal kneeling. As master and disciple, such ceremonies were unnecessary between them.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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