Naruto: I exposed famous scenes!-Chapter 69: Twilight Promise - Jiraiya and Tsunade’s Fateful Wager !

"Hopeless!" the Fourth Raikage bellowed.

Yet, gazing at Tsunade's resolute figure, a memory stirred within the Raikage, a tale worth recounting.

He recalled a time, over a decade past, when he and his brothers ventured into another village, seeking a forbidden technique. They were ambushed by bounty hunters hired by their target. One of his brothers was struck by a debilitating cursed technique, nobody but only Tsunade was said to be able to cure.

Finally locating her, he challenged her to a test of strength – an arm wrestling match.

Her grip was monstrous. Had he not relied on his lightning-fast reflexes to momentarily overpower her, he surely would have been defeated then and there.

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In Hidden Stone Village,

Ōnoki: "So, after Sarutobi's passing in that previous revelation, Tsunade became Konoha's next Hokage!"

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"Thinking about it now, it makes a certain sense," he mused.

Kurotsuchi: "I also understand why Jiraiya was investigating Akatsuki. He was trying to gather intel for Tsunade! No wonder he was willing to die rather than retreat!"

Ōnoki nodded slowly. "Jiraiya's feelings for Tsunade... that's a tale in itself."

Kurotsuchi: "Grandpa, tell me!"

Ōnoki placed his hands behind his back and began to speak in his characteristic drawl.

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In Hidden Sand Village,

Chiyo: "Hmph! That Tsunade woman becoming Hokage? Unbelievable!"

Ebizo: "Sister, are you still bitter because her medical ninjutsu surpasses yours?"

Chiyo: "If she didn't exist in this ninja world, who else could possibly counter my poisons?!"

Gaara: "... "

Kankuro: "... "

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Within the Five Great Nations,

Konoha was the most profoundly shaken. The grief over Jiraiya's demise was still raw, but the image of what followed struck them with renewed astonishment.

Koharu Utatane: "Tsunade as Hokage? Won't the village descend into chaos?"

Homura Mitokado: "Drinking, gambling, brawling... a true master of all! Who in their right mind thought installing Tsunade as Hokage was a good idea?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi: "Don't look at me! I'm already beyond this world!"

The other clan representatives exchanged knowing glances and subtle smiles. For them, aligning themselves strategically was paramount for survival in Konoha. Straying from the established order, as the Uchiha clan, will only led only to annihilation.

"It's truly a fortunate turn for Tsunade-sama to become Hokage! With Jiraiya-sama's unwavering support... a legendary Sannin, the Third Hokage's student, and the granddaughter of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama!"

Yet, on Tsunade's face, there was no hint of joy, only a profound sense of self-reproach. The pieces finally clicked into place. She now understood why Jiraiya faced death without fleeing. His mission to investigate Akatsuki was all for her sake, for the sake of her role as 'Hokage'.

Her fists clenched tightly, and she couldn't help but utter a frustrated curse. "That idiot! Doesn't he realize that for intelligence, I needed him alive more than anything?!"

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In Hidden Sound Village,

Orochimaru watched the scene unfold, a peculiar smile playing on his lips. "Jiraiya... his affection for Tsunade remains as unwavering as ever!"

"It seems, though, that Tsunade has inadvertently stolen his luck!"

But this revelation also stirred memories of their shared youth as the legendary Sannin. One night in particular stood out vividly.

Jiraiya, ever 'the would-be hero' , had concocted a plan to rescue Tsunade, casting Orochimaru in the role of the menacing villain.

But who could have foreseen that Tsunade, plagued by a streak of gambling losses, was in an exceptionally foul mood that night? Upon witnessing Orochimaru's staged robbery, the enraged Tsunade had pulverized the entire road with a single, earth-shattering kick.

It was a sobering thought. Had that kick landed on him... well, he likely wouldn't be around to reminisce.

"Jiraiya," Orochimaru murmured to himself, a hint of amusement in his voice, "when will you ever truly mature?"

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[The image continues...]

[Bathed in the warm hues of dusk, Tsunade and Jiraiya sat side-by-side on a park bench, a comfortable silence settling between them. They watched the children nearby, their carefree laughter echoing in the twilight.]

[Tsunade's brow furrowed with concern. "Akatsuki... the power of the one who commands those individuals is unfathomable! And this time, you willingly walked into the lion's den."]

[Jiraiya's expression turned grave. "Well then... it's almost time for me to depart."

He stood, preparing to leave. Tsunade, her gaze lowered, spoke softly, a hint of vulnerability in her voice.

"Promise me you'll come back alive! If you die too, then I..."

Jiraiya chuckled, a wry smile touching his lips. "Would you cry for me? If so, I'd be overjoyed! Though, hopefully not with the same intensity as when my arm was... well, you know."]

[Tsunade shot him an exasperated look. "Idiot!"

"Then, let's make a wager, using your favorite pastime. Bet on my death! After all, you always lose your bets!"

Tsunade stared at him, a mixture of shock and disbelief in her eyes. She couldn't fathom him suggesting such a gamble.

Jiraiya hesitated for a moment, then said with a newfound seriousness, "However... when I return alive..."]

[Hearing this, a faint blush crept onto Tsunade's cheeks, her heart suddenly pounding with anticipation. She leaned forward, waiting for him to continue.

But Jiraiya simply burst into laughter, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Just kidding ! Just kidding ! I owe you a great debt, you know. A man only grows stronger after being used and discarded!"]

["Do men truly need to be strong?" Tsunade asked, a hint of sadness in her voice.

"Almost always! . And happiness... well, that shouldn't be a man's sole pursuit."

Tsunade shook her head, a small, helpless smile gracing her lips. "What a ridiculous philosophy!"

"Hahahaha!"]

[His laughter subsided, Jiraiya turned his back, his gaze fixed upon the tranquil sight of Konoha bathed in the golden light of the setting sun.

Tsunade watched his solitary figure, her voice firm as she spoke. "If anything happens, contact me with a toad immediately. I'll be there in an instant."

"Don't worry about it! And don't leave the village. You are the Hokage!"]

["There are other candidates, aren't there? Kakashi, for one. And Naruto will have his chance someday! Jiraiya "

Jiraiya grinned, a touch of pride in his expression. "You still hold Naruto in high regard!"

"Didn't you pour a significant amount of effort into training him?"

"No... it's just a nostalgic feeling. It reminds me of the time I taught Minato." A shadow of sorrow flickered across Jiraiya's face.]

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