In Naruto, build the strongest Hidden Mist Village.

Chapter 158 Kakashi, Kushina, Tsunade, Jiraiya
While Hyuga Hizashi was still planning to identify a large number of usable subordinates before Kushina gave birth, Kakashi's life was quite boring.

After returning alive from the battlefield and becoming a Konoha hero praised as Konoha's absolute nightmare during the Third Shinobi World War, he received the same treatment as his father before he was condemned.

A hero of Konoha, a future pillar of Konoha, and the most reliable genius in the Hokage lineage.

Naturally, he briefly became Hiruzen Sarutobi's ANBU, and after Danzo came to power, he officially relinquished his ANBU duties, ready to become a Jonin instructor for a Jonin team at any time.

A bright future awaits.

Life, however, became as still and lifeless as a dead pool.

Without the relentless, hot-blooded idiot Might Guy and Uchiha Obito who challenged him.

Norin Nohara, who could quietly enjoy the breeze and appreciate the beauty of life, was also gone.

My teacher, who used to love me dearly, now lives a life as negative as I do.

Two equally negative people are unlikely to have a good experience.

Although my teacher's wife has changed, she is no longer as shrewish as she used to be.

However, given that he was pregnant, had a special status, and was being closely monitored by Danzo's Root ninjas, he could not possibly experience any joy in life from his teacher's wife.

Of course, the most important thing is...

He lost his goal.

Konoha did indeed conduct human experiments using Wood Release techniques, which wasted many innocent children and even led to the defection of one of the legendary Sannin.

But there has never been any data containing Obito.

Perhaps it was because they had never used Obito, or perhaps it was because that successful experiment led Konoha to seal everything away.

However, it remains unknown where to begin the investigation.

In fact, Kakashi wondered if Obito's long absence meant that something despairing had happened.
If that's the case, he will never forgive Konoha.

Now, even without confirmation that the village was the one that dealt such a harsh blow to Obito, he can't say he has much attachment to the village anymore.

More importantly, the escalating conflicts caused by Danzo's rise to power also affected him.

This ingrained mindset of betrayal has become increasingly ingrained and is gradually becoming impossible to eradicate.

The irony is that a traitor was given the hope of becoming Hokage by the Third Hokage.

He was still muddle-headed and incompetent, unable to see anything clearly.

Just like how I didn't see the right and wrong of my father's matter back then.

"Kakashi."

The deep voice coming from outside the door pulled Kakashi back to reality, and he got up to open the door.

"Asuma?"

"it's me."

Asma caught his breath as he looked at the message that had been delivered without delay.

"This was specially instructed by Lady Kushina to be given to you."

"Ah."

Kakashi, upon hearing that the message was given to him by Kushina, also became serious.

Kakashi hurriedly opened the book and froze on the spot upon seeing the familiar, delicate handwriting.

Kakashi, I don't believe in Danzo. Can you protect me?
This scene, which should have been a heartwarming one between master and disciple, caused Kakashi immense pain.

Not long ago, he sent Kaguya Naoki the news that Kushina was going to give birth.

At that time, he still maintained his past lifestyle, mentality, and mindset, and felt that it was nothing unusual for the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki to be taken care of by Kirigakure.

Moreover, he did not reveal any information about the protective forces or the deployment of ninjas.

Even the timing of this birth can be found out with a little effort.

But this can also be considered a form of betrayal.

Just as Konoha betrayed him, if his master's wife found out, it would surely break her heart.

He knew what that feeling was like.

So, in order to make up for it.

Kakashi gripped his sword tightly; he was determined to protect Kushina from harm.

Suddenly, he paused again.

After giving Asuma a nonchalant smile, Kakashi sent another scroll of inquiry to Kirigakure.

Shortly after, after receiving assurances from Kirigakure that they would never attack Kushina, and a scroll instructing Kakashi to protect Kushina properly.

He then entered Kushina's courtyard.

"teacher."

Kakashi bowed respectfully to Minato Namikaze, who was sunbathing in the courtyard.

It's really hard to feel any ill will towards such a gentle and kind teacher who always has a smile on her face.

"Thank you for your help, Kakashi."

How hypocritical! Still the same hypocritical person.

As for Kakashi, he's still acting like an idiot, still wanting to protect the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

I'll show you that you can't protect anything!

Squatting in the nearby jungle, Obito Uchiha watched the harmonious scene below without feeling anything but intense disgust!

Why are you all allowed to live here, while Lin was left behind?
Since you're willing to do this, don't blame me.

A chilling and sinister aura emanated from Obito Uchiha.

What follows is all the suffering you will experience.

You deserve it!
-
"I've finally found you, Tsunade."

On a dark night, outside an old, dilapidated tavern, the white-haired man put away the once bold and unrestrained expression on his face.

He let out a long breath, calming his nerves as he prepared to meet that person.

He abruptly pulled back the curtain, walked straight to the corner, and found Tsunade sulking alone because she had lost money.

Looking at her slightly flushed face and the gray hairs showing, Jiraiya took a deep breath, grabbed a glass of wine that had just been filled on the table, and couldn't wait to pour it into his mouth.

This was to cover up the blush on her face.

"Jiraiya!"

Tsunade looked at the empty wine glass, clenched her fist, and made a fierce gesture.

"Tsunade, this is an izakaya, don't be too impulsive."

Jiraiya hurriedly backed away, scratching his head as he spoke.

"Alright, you, stop wasting my time here."

"roll."

Tsunade poured herself another glass of wine, gulped it down, and her cheeks became even redder.

"I have something important to discuss with you."

"Oh?"

"Important?"

Tsunade finally looked up from the table and gazed at Jiraiya's rosy face, which was filled with seriousness.

He slowly propped himself up and stretched his arms out in a big yawn.

The two bouncy spheres inevitably bounced, and Jiraiya's eyes involuntarily and instinctively followed them.

He stared at the breathtaking thing for a long time, mesmerized.

"What, do you really want to die?!"

Tsunade's shout startled Jiraiya.

All the unspeakable scenes shattered and disappeared in an instant, and Jiraiya quickly came back to his senses and became serious.

"Tsunade, I've come to invite you back to the village to become Hokage."

"Looks like you really want to die, Jiraiya."

"I."

"roll!"

A fist carrying a fragrant breeze slammed heavily towards Jiraiya's cheek, full of power and skill.

Because Jiraiya only managed to glide through the air in a perfect arc before crashing heavily to the ground, creating a large crater, but ultimately did not damage the izakaya.

"Tsunade."

Jiraiya tirelessly returned to pray once again.

He hoped that Tsunade could shoulder the responsibilities she should bear.

"I told you, do you want to die?"

The chilling killing intent that erupted drew everyone's attention.

But when they saw the white-haired Konoha ninja and the blond-haired Konoha ninja, vaguely recalling the legend of the Legendary Sannin of Konoha, they quickly turned their heads away.

"I don't want to die. But..."

Jiraiya let out a deep breath.

"Tsunade, the village has reached a point where none of us can act recklessly anymore."

"Konoha is our hometown and our memory."

"Don't you really want to protect the village? No matter how much you hate it there, it's still your hometown, isn't it?"

Tsunade's eyes flickered, and she slightly raised her chin, seemingly urging Jiraiya to continue.

"Orochimaru defected, and even after the old man stepped down, things didn't calm down. He started vying with Danzo for the Hokage position."

"Not to mention Danzo, he was a complete bastard Hokage. The Sand Village turned against him, the Uchiha clan was restless, and there were many more undercurrents lurking around."

"so what?!"

Tsunade's voice was loud, but it couldn't hide the panic in her eyes. "Aren't you still searching for the Child of Prophecy? Don't you still not want to become Hokage?"

Jiraiya was speechless.

Tsunade gave a mocking smile.

"It seems the village's situation isn't too dire, to the point that you still don't seem to have any intention of taking on a major responsibility."

"I."

Jiraiya wanted to explain.

"All right."

Tsunade interrupted, her expression suddenly becoming serious and composed.

Jiraiya also got serious.

Is a turning point about to arrive?

"I'll take a bet with you."

Jiraiya's body swayed involuntarily.

"What time is it?"

"Let's use this bet to see if I'll go with you!"

Jiraiya suddenly broke into a smile.

A genuine smile.

If we can win the bet against Tsunade, we can get her back to the village.

As for whether we win or lose, isn't that obvious?

How could he possibly lose to the infamous Fat Sheep?

Foolish Jiraiya.

Tsunade couldn't help but slightly raise the corners of her mouth.

She didn't say whether she would go with him if she won or if she lost.

"Come on, let's see how lucky you are!"

Tsunade appeared quite bold, and Jiraiya glanced at the mountain peak with suspicion before looking away.

"Wait!" "Wait!"

Jiraiya had no time to look at the Miracle Mountain, which was trembling with pride; he was only staring at the dice, his face full of disbelief.

"How could I possibly lose to Tsunade?"

"Again, again! This time I want to gamble!"

……

"Not a single drop left!"

After losing all of his meager fortune, Jiraiya, still defying fate, started gambling again.

The bet was on alcohol.

Now, he has even drunk all the wine.

They lost 32 games in a row.

He lost 32 games in a row to Tsunade!

This is such an unbelievable record, how could they lose to such an easy target?

Jiraiya felt like he was about to lose all face.

The same is true.

His red-bottomed face really looked like his skin had been ripped off.

I lost.

Not only did they lose face, they also lost the future of Konoha.

Jiraiya felt like a complete failure.

It seems he didn't accomplish much in his life.

Orochimaru has defected.

Neither of the two disciples were able to protect them properly.

The village was also thrown into chaos.

Everything was a failure.

"I'll go with you."

"understood."

"I'm leaving now."

"Wait, huh?"

"What did you say?"

Jiraiya looked up from the table with disbelief, staring at the woman in front of him whose face had suddenly become serious, and couldn't help but ask.

"what did you just say?"

"You damned white-haired devil!"

I said, I'll go with you!

Tsunade crushed all the dice on the table.

"Still not leaving?"

"Go for a walk."

Jiraiya, fearing that Tsunade might change her mind, swayed as he struggled to walk towards the door.

"Let's rest for the night first."

Jiraiya pointed to the inn not far away. His ruddy face and the dark sky made it impossible to see his lewd expression.

"I heard there's only one room there, so why don't the two of us make do? It's only for one night."

boom!
"Wake up."

"Okay, okay, stop hitting."

Jiraiya quickly got up.

However, he laughed while touching his aching forehead.

"You're really coming with me? I thought I was dreaming."

"Stop talking nonsense."

Tsunade was unusually serious, which seemed quite strange.

Jiraiya stopped provoking her, fearing that Tsunade might change her mind, and hurriedly headed towards Konoha.

Along the way, Tsunade simply looked at the road ahead and felt the remnants of the dice in her hand.

One thing kept replaying in my mind.

I won again.

They won so much.

just.

Every time I win, it seems like nothing good ever happens.

If these guys really destroy the village...

Then, how should I face Grandpa, Duan, and Shengshu?

"Tsunade."

"Ok?"

Tsunade thought Jiraiya was going to bother him again, so her tone was inevitably cold.

"This time it's serious business."

Jiraiya shook his head helplessly.

"Kushina is going to give birth."

"An unexpected event may occur."

"Therefore, please try your best to summon as many clones of Lord Living Slug as possible."

Then let them protect and heal the injured villagers.

As Jiraiya spoke, he couldn't help but ask a worried question.

"In that case, it shouldn't trigger your hemophobia, right?"

Upon hearing the words "hemophobia," Tsunade suddenly looked helpless and gave an awkward smile.

"Jiraiya, I'm afraid I can't do that. After all, I am able to share the vision of Lord Katsuyu."

"If that's the case, how am I supposed to treat the injured? After all, the mere sight of blood makes me tremble with fear, to the point that I can't even maintain my chakra."

"I can only trust you."

Tsunade gave a pale smile.

"is it?"

"Then I'll reluctantly believe in myself for once."

"After all, you're right, you bastard, that's my hometown!"
-
Meanwhile, all forces around the world are preparing their trump cards and silently waiting for the right opportunity.

After Jiraiya and Tsunade returned to the village, more than a dozen sunrises and sunsets had passed, and dusk was approaching.

Kushina Uzumaki, who was fast asleep, suddenly opened her eyes and covered her protruding belly.

A new life is about to be born into this world.

(End of this chapter)