NABC Chapter 420 All-Out Attack
Chapter 420 All-Out Attack
Chapter 420 All-Out Attack
"Alright, it's about time we went," Jiraiya said casually.
"You must come back alive." Tsunade, no longer hesitant, stated directly, "If even you die, I..."
Seeing that Tsunade was truly heartbroken, Jiraiya immediately and cheerfully ruined the atmosphere, "Will you cry for me? I'm so happy~ But, it can't compare to Dan's time, can it?"
"Idiot!" Tsunade cursed, her carefully built-up emotions ruined, but she never raised her head.
"Then, let's take a gamble with your favorite kind of gambling." With Jiraiya's casual joke, he finally saw those wavering brown eyes.
"You bet I'll die, because you always lose at gambling. As a condition, when I come back alive..." Jiraiya had been smiling, but he became extremely serious as he said this. Those captivating eyes he had gazed upon for decades had never shone so brightly, but... he couldn't be so selfish.
Tsunade has already lost a lover once; there's no need for her to add to her troubles.
"Hahaha, just kidding!" Jiraiya laughed it off, burying his true feelings, and said, "I should thank you. Men become stronger after being dumped. You can't be a real man if you don't have the courage to joke about something like this. This will be material for my next novel."
It's definitely better for those two old guys to undermine each other than to confide in each other; just thinking about it gives me goosebumps.
Everything he cared about had been arranged; it was time to set off.
Jiraiya left Tsunade with a dashing silhouette, then slowly walked towards the gate along Konoha's main path. Several shop owners he frequented greeted him along the way, but when it came to serious matters, he was quite earnest; he only exchanged a few lighthearted remarks before passing by. However, he could certainly try the food stalls along the way, such as spicy chicken, grilled fish, and red bean soup. And of course, most importantly, there was Ichiraku Ramen!
Although he had just had a few drinks with Tsunade, he hadn't actually eaten much. Snacks could be packed to take on the road, but ramen tasted best when eaten fresh. Before entering, Jiraiya lamented that he hadn't invited Naruto, but when he lifted the curtain, he found Naruto sitting in the corner watching him, clearly waiting for him.
I almost forgot, this kid's perception is too strong. He probably already noticed his anxiety, so it's not surprising that he was caught in a trap.
"Hey, you lecherous sage, I ordered an extra serving of chashu miso ramen, wanna eat together?"
"It's rare for you to treat me, kid." Jiraiya strode over, extending his fist as usual, but instead of a punch, his palm landed on Naruto's head. Jiraiya ruffled Naruto's blond hair and said helplessly, "Can't you just call me that properly this once?"
"Didn't I call him that? It's clearly you who's being too inappropriate, Master." Naruto didn't flinch at all, his tone still nonchalant, but he obediently called him Master.
Jiraiya was satisfied and sat down to eat ramen with his apprentice. Looking back, he realized he hadn't actually spent that much time with Naruto. The child's genius was a huge test for a master. He felt he hadn't really taught Naruto much; the boy was drifting further and further away, seemingly leaving him, his master, behind. If Naruto's wish remained unchanged, then of course he needed to become stronger, but that path was destined to be lonely and arduous... It seemed he really had to strive to live on.
"Are you going out again?"
"Yes, adults are very busy~"
"It's not like I'm not busy."
"Uh... I forgot you're a little adult."
"I won't ask where you're going, just take this."
Jiraiya was completely unprepared for what Naruto had produced. Upon seeing the familiar yet unfamiliar three-pronged kunai, he froze. The incredibly familiar touch as he held it in his hand left him utterly bewildered. The kunai looked brand new, but its handle was engraved with a unique four-character mark, almost as if Minato had made it himself. The only difference was the familiar amulet hanging from its ring—the very kind Naruto had given him.
Upon seeing the special kunai, Jiraiya understood that the Third Hokage's seal was ineffective against Tsunade. Although they didn't mention it, it made it easier for Naruto to investigate his origins. Konoha only had a few Uzumaki clans; finding out their identities was only a matter of time, wasn't it?
"I cannot accept this."
"Who said I was going to give it to you? Remember to return it to me when you come back."
Naruto's answer was quite ruthless, but Jiraiya felt reassured. He had thought that once the kid knew what he was going to do, he would definitely stick to him like glue, but it turned out that the kid had indeed grown up and knew what he should and shouldn't do.
This means that he should come back alive; it is enough for him to receive the blessings of the two most important people in his life at the time of parting.
However, there was something else he was quite curious about.
"Where did you get this?"
"borrowed."
"what?"
In short, Naruto personally escorted him out of Konoha's gates, repeatedly reminding him to run if he couldn't win and not to foolishly fight head-on. Life was more important than intelligence; just come back alive.
As for how much Jiraiya listened to? That's beyond his control.
Amegakure is the legendary headquarters of Akatsuki. The fact that they've sent people to investigate signifies that Konoha is about to launch a full-scale attack on this dangerous organization, making the capture of Itachi Uchiha an urgent matter. This task naturally falls to Naruto, as they truly want to bring back the reckless Sasuke. As for Itachi, Tsunade already knows there's more to his mission than meets the eye; bringing him back might be the best witness to identify Danzo. That's why she's dispatched Naruto, the most knowledgeable person about the Uchiha clan in Konoha, hoping his silver tongue will be of some use.
Naruto, who had just returned, rejoined the team. This time, they even deployed a full reconnaissance team, including the entire Team 8. With sight, smell, insect detection, and Naruto's sensory abilities all employed, they were determined to find Sasuke Uchiha!
Actually, this arrangement is a bit too redundant, because even if Naruto doesn't leave Konoha, he knows where Sasuke is; the kid hasn't even left his perception range. However, his companion with the Uzumaki clan's chakra is not easy to deal with. The Uzumaki's Kagura Mind's Eye can not only sense, but also hide. If he really hides, Naruto will have to use his super senses to find him. It's definitely easier to just keep an eye on Itachi. Once Itachi has chosen a battle location and completely stopped, Naruto should come over to test him and, while he's at it, give him Shisui's eyes.
If it weren't for wanting to meet Itachi alone, he wouldn't have gone through all this trouble. It's all Akatsuki's fault for their relentless surveillance; even without Kisame, Zetsu was always there. And all these years, Itachi hasn't used genjutsu on Shisui—even just once!