Two days later in Konoha.
Jiraiya was sprawled comfortably in the living room of Naruto's new house, enjoying this rare moment of leisure.
He hadn't had the chance to truly appreciate this new place yet. Admittedly, Tamako had excellent taste—the whole house felt incredibly cozy. Of course, perhaps it seemed especially peaceful because the energetic Naruto wasn't around.
The living room featured a large semicircular sofa bathed in sunlight. The room wasn't decorated much yet—perhaps Tamako was waiting for Naruto to return so they could decorate it together.
Jiraiya had grown increasingly fond of this place too. The house had been built into the mountainside, located on the backside of Hokage Rock, carved out by an expert Earth Release ninja to create a recessed space within the mountain. The entrance was at the mountaintop, leading down to the actual structure.
He was sure that building this house must have cost Naruto most of his bounty money and even some rewards from long-untouched A-rank missions—but for an old friend like himself, it was worth it all.
Maybe when Naruto returned, he could persuade the kid to save one of the rooms for him. That brat wouldn't dare let his poor teacher sleep on the streets, would he?
"I hope this tea isn't too strong or hot, Master Jiraiya," Tamako entered the room carrying a tray with two teacups, placing it on the coffee table before the sofa. "How are your injuries?"
Jiraiya smiled appreciatively as he picked up the cup. In a raspy but warm voice, he replied, "Still alive, so I guess I'm fine. The wounds will heal... But I really miss my arm." He sniffled dramatically. "I miss that flexible, obedient arm so much."
Tamako giggled softly while handing him the tea. "I'm also very glad to hear Lord Naruto is safe and sound. Actually, I invited you here today for another reason too."
She sat down opposite him and continued, "He's worried about fighting the one who defeated you. He says he isn't strong enough to defeat Pain yet. I'd like to ask you—is there any way for him to gain more power? Right now, he can't control more chakra."
She sipped her tea, narrowing her eyes slightly while looking at him, "Also, I must tell you, removing his seal isn't the answer. That would be a terrible idea, Master Jiraiya."
Jiraiya looked expressionlessly at Tamako, "Well, anyone can play armchair critic after the fact... I know I shouldn't have done that then, but now I've lost the means to reinforce the seal with the key."
"The key..." Tamako murmured thoughtfully, taking another sip of tea. "Master Jiraiya, exactly what is this 'key'?"
She frowned cutely. "It's rather confusing. I don't understand anything about this 'key,' and Naruto's seal itself is based on our village's own sealing techniques."
Jiraiya gave a rough chuckle, took a sip of tea, and said, "Well, naturally, you should already know the seal wasn't designed by me. Do you know Naruto's origins?"
Tamako nodded.
Jiraiya continued, "Obviously, he probably has told you everything already. Minato was actually better at sealing techniques than I was—his skill was close to yours, maybe even surpassing it."
Tamako laughed. "So you're saying I'm stronger than you?"
Seeing Jiraiya glaring at her, she softly chuckled. "I'm not surprised the Fourth Hokage was stronger than me. His sealing techniques were truly amazing. That used to be my favorite field of study—I learned a great deal from them."
She noticed Jiraiya writing something down in a notebook that had suddenly appeared on his knee.
"You're taking notes on this?"
Jiraiya nodded, wearing a lecherous grin across his face.
"That kid is practically a walking encyclopedia of research material. 'Studying the Fourth's Sealing Arts' will definitely take up a major section of my next book."
Tamako quirked her lips slightly.
"Fine… So what do you think we should do? The description of your master's brief fight with Pain and what you've told me has left me a bit worried."
Jiraiya's expression turned serious.
"When I fully recover, I'll find Naruto and teach him one last thing. After that, he truly won't need me anymore, no matter what happens. We have all the information needed to defeat Pain. I figured out his secret during the battle and already told Tsunade about it. The bodies I brought back have also been analyzed. Now all that's left is to tell Naruto and prepare him. He won't lose again."
His gaze was determined, but he saw Tamako slide one shoulder strap of her kimono down, revealing part of her bare shoulder.
She traced her fingers over the summoning tattoo she used to contact Naruto and looked up at Jiraiya.
"I can deliver this message to Lord Naruto right now if you'd like."
Noticing Jiraiya's eyes lingering on her exposed skin, she narrowed her eyes.
"Lord Jiraiya!"
"Hmm?"
He answered with feigned ignorance, then awkwardly cleared his throat.
"C'mon, sweetheart, how about we spend some time together and reminisce?" He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
She stared at him blankly for a full minute before coldly replying,
"What you just said really offends me, but since you're missing an arm, I'll let it slide—for now. I'll relay your words to Lord Naruto and punish you properly when he returns."
As she began channeling chakra into her marking, she saw Jiraiya's face pale and smirked inwardly in satisfaction.
******
The Great Bridge of the Land of Waves.
Sasuke and Suigetsu stood at the bridge's entrance, gazing at the magnificent structure.
If he hadn't seen the name on the bridge himself, Sasuke could hardly believe he had returned here.
Suigetsu noticed how fixedly Sasuke stared at the bridge's name and took a drink from his canteen before asking,
"What do you think, Sasuke?"
Sasuke snorted coldly and stepped onto the bridge.
"It means nothing to me. Let's go."
The gravesite of Zabuza and Haku.
Two simple, unnamed tombs stood as the only significant markers on this hillside overlooking the Great Bridge of the Land of Waves.
Beside one of the graves lay a massive cleaver-like sword, its blade bearing two crescent-shaped notches.
"Never thought I'd find it here."
Suigetsu walked up to the blade and wrapped his hand around the hilt. "I'm taking this, Zabuza-senpai."
He pulled hard, ripping the blade free from the ground, then struck a fighting pose. "This is the Cleaver Sword of Momochi Zabuza, the Demon of the Mist. Whoa, this thing's heavier than I thought!"
Sasuke watched Suigetsu drive the sword back into the ground, secured it with leather straps, then unscrewed the handle.
"You even know how to use that thing?" Sasuke scoffed.
Suigetsu scoffed in response.
"The weapons of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist are passed down through generations. I nearly died just to join their ranks. With this sword, I might actually stand a chance against you."
He shrugged, hoisting the blade onto his back. "Since Jugo's joining us, I figured I might need it."
A flicker of amusement crossed Sasuke's face.
"Fine. Let's go then. I've already gotten what I wanted. We're heading south next, right?"
"Exactly." Sasuke said, turning away from the graveyard. "Come on. We still have a long way to go."
******
Naruto and his group of three moved swiftly through the Land of Waves.
This time, Naruto didn't visit Inari and his family. He knew it was better for fewer people to know about his movements now.
They quickly scouted the northern part of the Land of Waves. But they found nothing — a full day wasted.
So Naruto decided to lead them toward the eastern harbor — the closest port heading toward the Land of Water, from which Sai could fly to their destination.
The harbor they were at now was near the town close to Grandpa Tazuna's house.
Maki gazed at the familiar scenery, curiosity sparking in her eyes.
"You really defeated Zabuza when you were just a genin?"
"Hey, hey," Naruto grumbled as he led the team toward the harbor. "It was Kakashi-sensei who defeated Zabuza. I beat Haku. Even with my chakra sealed, I'm still stronger than most genin."
##Sea South of the Land of Waves##
Sasuke and Suigetsu strode calmly atop the sea's surface, enjoying the rare moment of peace.
"Can I ask you something?" Suigetsu asked curiously.
Sasuke shrugged. "Go ahead."
"Why did you gather all of us together?" Suigetsu questioned.
Sasuke didn't mind letting him know. "I have a plan that requires a complete team to execute because our target is incredibly powerful."
"Why me though?" Suigetsu pressed.
"I've been planning this for a long time," Sasuke admitted. "I already knew I had to seek out each of you specifically because you all have unique abilities that can help me deal with some tough opponents."
"Alright, I get it." Suigetsu said, pulling down one of the many water bottles strapped to him and taking a drink. "What about Karin? She's totally loyal to Orochimaru—nothing like us at all. Besides, she's such a pain to be around. We've all been through hell with her before…"
Sasuke glanced at his companion. "I could find other strong fighters if I wanted, but she has something I need."
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>