The Shinobi World has always been plagued by war—a result of its inability to achieve unity. Back then, Hashirama Senju had the strength to unify the world, but his inherently kind nature held him back. Consequently, the major factions carved up the land, and conflicts naturally erupted.
Jiraiya, however, had a different vision. He planned to grow stronger and unite all shinobi under a centralized village system. Those who refused to comply would be eliminated to achieve complete unification.
"Toad Sage, I still have things to take care of in the Shinobi World, so I'll be heading back now," Jiraiya said to Fukasaku.
The Toad Sage nodded, and Jiraiya reversed the summoning technique, returning from Mount Myōboku to the Shinobi World.
Earlier that morning, as he prepared to enter Mount Myōboku for training, an ANBU operative had come looking for him, instructing him to report to the Hokage's office by noon.
Now that it was midday, Jiraiya decided to head to the Hokage's office. As he stepped out of his house, he spotted Tsunade approaching, carrying an assortment of food.
Ever since Jiraiya passed the Senju clan's trial, his relationship with Tsunade had rapidly deepened.
These days, Tsunade often delivered meals to him. If it weren't for the fear of arousing suspicion among the village's higher-ups, Jiraiya might have already moved into the Senju compound. After all, living in the same house as Tsunade was a far cry from merely meeting her regularly.
Tsunade and Jiraiya were both students of the Hokage, so occasional interactions between them raised no eyebrows. However, Jiraiya moving into the Senju clan's territory would suggest a direct alliance between him and the clan—something the village leadership would never allow.
Jiraiya was, after all, the most promising talent of the new generation. The higher-ups wouldn't permit the Senju clan to claim such a gifted shinobi for themselves.
"Jiraiya, when will you finish your training at Mount Myōboku? You're there so often these days that we barely get to see each other," Tsunade said, a hint of frustration in her voice.
She and Jiraiya were in the throes of new love, and even a short separation felt unbearable. Jiraiya's recent training sessions at Mount Myōboku often lasted the entire day, leaving only the evenings for them to meet.
Jiraiya had been transparent about his training at Mount Myōboku. There was no point in hiding it, as his eventual summoning of toads in battle would reveal the connection anyway. Moreover, openly acknowledging his association with Mount Myōboku increased the village's respect for him and ensured greater access to resources.
Mount Myōboku, as one of the Three Great Sage Regions, was well-known among the village's leaders. The First Hokage himself had trained in the Shikkotsu Forest, another of the Three Great Sage Regions, and many members of the Senju clan still maintained summoning contracts with the slugs of that region.
The other major clans envied this deeply and had long sought ways to access the Three Great Sage Regions themselves, hoping to gain similar power. However, without being chosen by the sages, it was nearly impossible to find or enter these sacred places. Even if someone stumbled upon them, entry was only granted with the permission of the region's leaders.
"My training at Mount Myōboku has reached a good stopping point. Starting today, I won't need to go there every day," Jiraiya said, taking the lunchbox from Tsunade's hands.
"That's wonderful!" Tsunade exclaimed, leaping into his arms in delight.
Her ample curves pressed against Jiraiya's face, and he quickly summoned a shadow clone to carry the lunchbox. With his hands now free, he wrapped them around her, lifting her off the ground as they returned to his house.
Since Tsunade had brought lunch, there was no reason not to enjoy it together before heading to the Hokage's office.
The meal Tsunade prepared was lavish, with an impressive variety of dishes.
"You must be working so hard during your training at Mount Myōboku. Make sure to eat everything," Tsunade said, cutting a piece of meat and bringing it to Jiraiya's lips.
Taking a bite, Jiraiya smiled and asked, "How's your training at the Shikkotsu Forest going?"
Tsunade had also been training in the Shikkotsu Forest, honing her medical ninjutsu and learning to develop her monstrous strength further.
"I'm making good progress. It won't be long before I reach jōnin-level strength," Tsunade said proudly.
Jiraiya nodded in approval.
In the original timeline, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru only gained fame as the Legendary Sannin after their battle against Hanzō of the Salamander during the Second Great Ninja War. Their accomplishments were closely tied to the powers they gained from their respective Sage Regions.
Even Orochimaru had secured a summoning contract with Ryūchi Cave, though Jiraiya wasn't sure if he had already contracted with Manda, the cave's strongest summon. Knowing Manda's demanding nature, Jiraiya doubted Orochimaru's current strength was enough to form a contract with the giant serpent.
After finishing lunch, Jiraiya pulled Tsunade into his arms, and she rested her head on his chest. He allowed his hands to wander, savoring her softness. Their relationship had grown deeply intimate, with only the final step remaining undone.
"It's only been a few days, and you've already gotten bigger," Jiraiya teased, giving her a playful squeeze.
"You're terrible," Tsunade murmured, her face flushed with embarrassment.
The two spent some time chatting before reluctantly parting ways. Tsunade left to continue her training, while Jiraiya headed to the Hokage's office.
"Sensei, you called for me?" Jiraiya asked as he entered the office.
He found Hiruzen Sarutobi frowning at a stack of documents. Upon seeing Jiraiya, the Hokage set the papers aside and greeted him with a smile.
"How's your training at Mount Myōboku going? Smoothly, I hope?"
Jiraiya grinned. "Sensei, while the Toad Sages aren't as meticulous as you when giving pointers, my training has been going well."
Hiruzen's smile grew even wider at the compliment. If only all the shinobi in Konoha were as considerate as Jiraiya!
Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to have Jiraiya teach a seminar on interpersonal skills someday.
"Jiraiya, I called you here today to administer the jōnin exam. If you pass, you'll officially become a jōnin of Konoha," Hiruzen announced.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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