Chapter 62: Naruto and Tsunade's First Meeting
"Yes," Fugaku nodded firmly. "Insulting customers is a grave taboo. Starting tomorrow, before the technicians begin their shifts, you must hold a short unified meeting to remind them of the rules of Pansi Cave. Anyone who cannot follow them will be dismissed. Don't worry—there are plenty of people ready to take their place."
"Yes, understood," Uchiha Ryoichi replied obediently.
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Meanwhile, on another street, Lady Tsunade walked leisurely, her mood unusually light. She didn't look like someone who had returned to cause trouble.
Shizune followed closely, holding her little pig, Tonton, half a step behind, her eyes taking in everything around her. Ninja had convenient space scrolls, so their luggage was stored there—no need to carry heavy bags while traveling.
This place is far more prosperous than I remembered… Shizune thought.
She recalled leaving the Village shortly after the Third Shinobi World War ended. Back then, Konoha had been desolate. Many families were broken—fathers, sons, brothers lost to the chaos of war.
Seven years had passed. Everything had changed. No matter the pain, time softened all wounds.
Shizune sighed quietly.
"Shizune, come quickly!"
Tsunade's cheerful voice rang out. Shizune looked up to see her master paused at a steaming street stall, waving while holding a skewer of dango in one hand.
Shizune quickly placed Tonton on the ground, unzipped her small black leather bag, counted out some coins, and addressed the somewhat scruffy middle-aged stall owner. "How much, boss?"
Before he could answer, a lively voice interrupted:
"Sasuke! I want to eat this!"
Shizune turned her gaze to see a blond-haired boy, looking pitiful, tugging at a cool-faced black-haired boy while pointing at the stall.
"Eat what? Haven't you had enough ramen already?" Sasuke asked dryly.
"But I'm hungry! Really hungry! My stomach is rumbling if you don't believe me," Naruto whined, gesturing wildly.
Sasuke noticed curious glances from nearby passersby, suppressed his irritation, and said flatly, "Ah… Auntie bought snacks?"
Naruto's eyes lit up, then shifted to the fragrant dango on the stall. His mouth watered. He tried to argue, but the words came out weakly. "Sasuke… you want dango too, right? It smells so good, doesn't it?"
"No." Sasuke's response was as cool as ever.
Naruto drooped his head in defeat, wiped drool from the corner of his mouth, and began to step away… until a melodious voice like a bell rang out.
"Wait, little one."
Naruto stopped, turning weakly. A beautiful woman with short black hair was waving at him while addressing the stall owner:
"Emm… boss, please give this little one four skewers of dango. I'll pay for them together."
Kind-hearted Shizune had purchased the treats. Naruto's eyes sparkled as he ran to the stall, nearly tripping over Tonton. The little pig squealed, hiding behind Shizune.
"Thank you, sister! You're so beautiful!" Naruto exclaimed.
Shizune smiled, patting his head gently. "Hehe, little one, you're very handsome too."
Naruto's gaze fell on Tonton. "Sister, is this your companion? That pearl necklace—so cool!"
Shizune chuckled, lifting Tonton to show him off. "See? Isn't it neat?"
Sasuke, walking behind, cast a sidelong glance. A small pink pig wearing a pearl necklace and a red outfit. Cool? Really? he thought, stepping back discreetly. He didn't want to be influenced by Naruto—or this foolish woman.
"You haven't been in the Village, have you?" Naruto asked curiously while munching dango.
Shizune smiled. "I haven't returned in seven years, so it's normal you haven't seen me."
Naruto chewed thoughtfully. "What's your name, sister? I'll repay your kindness someday!"
Shizune smiled softly. "Little one, no repayment is needed. I'm Shizune, and this is Ninja pig Tonton. What's your name?" She waved Tonton's trotters in greeting.
Naruto swallowed, beaming. "I'm Uzumaki Naruto! I'm the man who will become Hokage!"
His confidence made it seem as though destiny itself had already chosen him.
Shizune's eyes widened slightly.
Tsunade, standing nearby with her hands on her hips and enjoying a skewer, froze for a moment. Naruto's confident smile and unwavering gaze stirred memories—of a young boy whose words and dreams were cut tragically short.
"Sister, don't worry! I will become Hokage! I can handle the battlefield!"
Her younger brother Nawaki's words echoed painfully. A promise made, then lost to an Exploding Tag trap, claimed on the battlefield.
"Nawaki…" Tsunade's fingers unconsciously touched the crystal pendant at her chest.
Only Sasuke, cool as ever, displayed no reaction, already used to Naruto's boastful claims. He had heard them countless times—about becoming Hokage, about fighting on the front lines—his ears long since numb to the proclamation.
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