Kūra's Side…
With Naruto's recommendation, Kūra Haruno successfully became Tsunade's disciple in this world—thus becoming Karin Uzumaki's junior disciple.
After Tsunade assumed the position of Hokage, the higher-ups of Konohaga Kūre gradually began delegating authority. After all, if their former teacher were to see them making things difficult for Tsunade… well.
The unfortunate trio still firmly believed that Tobirama-sensei resided within Nagi's body. As a result, whenever they saw Nagi, they were filled with unease.
While managing Konoha Hospital, Tsunade discovered Karin and her mother.
Given that the Senju and Uzumaki clans were distant relatives—and that both her grandmother Mito and Kūshina Uzumaki belonged to the Uzumaki clan—Tsunade felt inclined to take special care of them.
She soon discovered the mother and daughter's unique constitution and remarkable aptitude for Medical Ninjutsu. Without hesitation, she accepted Karin as her disciple.
Sasuke's Side…
Sasuke continued traveling back and forth to Orochimaru's base. Eventually, he found it too troublesome and began staying there for extended periods.
Naruto's Side…
In preparation for confronting the Akatsuki, Jiraiya took Naruto on a journey of training.
"Yay! In this world, I also became Lady Tsunade's disciple!" Kūra cheered.
"Ino Yamanaka: All right, Kūra, shouldn't you thank Naruto properly? Without his recommendation—and the fact that you're teammates—Lady Tsunade wouldn't have accepted you so easily."
"Uh… Thank you, Naruto."
It was the first time in her life Kūra had thanked him.
"Hahaha, no problem, Kūra! Oh right—are you free tomorrow? Maybe we could—"
Smack!
Kūra punched Naruto square on the head.
"Naruto! Say that to Hinata instead!"
She shoved him toward Hinata.
"N–Naruto- Kūn!"
Hinata's face turned bright red as Naruto suddenly stood so close. Her eyes rolled upward—well, as much as they could—and she fainted from excitement.
"Uh…"
Naruto scratched his head awkwardly. After seeing that in another world he and Hinata were married—with children, no less—he didn't quite know how to face this version of her anymore.
Six Months Later
Nagi continued training relentlessly.
One day, while meditating, he suddenly sensed something. Opening his eyes, he retrieved a Flying Thunder God Kūnai from his pouch.
"Hm? This is Naruto's Flying Thunder God marker?"
Before leaving, Naruto had been given a marked Kūnai. If anything happened, he could channel chakra into it, allowing Nagi to sense it instantly.
At the time, Nagi had joked:
"Naruto, you can also activate it if you miss me."
"I—I wouldn't do that! Pervy Sage, let's go!"
Naruto had flushed red and dragged Jiraiya out through the gates of Konohaga Kūre.
Now—
Without hesitation, Nagi activated a long-distance Flying Thunder God Technique.
Whoosh!
Moments later, he appeared before Naruto and Jiraiya.
"Whoa! Nagi, I missed you so much!"
Before Nagi could even take in his surroundings, Naruto wrapped him in a tight hug.
Nagi gently patted his back.
"All right, Naruto. I'm here. What happened?"
Naruto finally let go, his face slightly red and reluctant to speak.
"Ahem. Nagi, long time no see."
Jiraiya coughed.
"Long time no see, Jiraiya-sensei. Did you need something from me?"
Nagi turned his gaze past Jiraiya—
Behind him stood two women.
One had orange-and-white hair, faint wrinkles on her face that couldn't conceal her beauty. In her youth, she must have been stunning.
The other had glossy black hair tied into a ponytail and striking green eyes. She looked only slightly older than Naruto and Nagi.
"Shizuka: That's me and my master."
"Nadeshiko Kagami: Indeed. It seems Jiraiya has come to fulfill the promise from years ago."
"Tsunade: A promise? What promise?"
"Jiraiya: Ahem—nothing, Tsunade. It's nothing."
"Nadeshiko Kagami: Hahaha, Jiraiya—you're still the same as ever."
"Mito Uzumaki: So this is little Shizuka? Yes… Mai does resemble her."
Jiraiya rubbed the back of his head awkwardly.
"Ahem. Nagi, I once made a promise with this woman here. The promise was…"
After hearing the explanation, Nagi understood.
It was essentially a marriage-by-combat agreement.
However, Naruto had repeatedly refused to duel Shizuka, citing Kūra as his excuse.
As for Kagami—
When she learned Jiraiya had arrived in Nadeshiko Village, she already felt satisfied.
For years, she had never forgotten him. Longing had turned into illness; her body had gradually grown frail.
Just when she thought she might not survive the coming years, Jiraiya appeared.
In truth, the so-called "postponed promise" had merely been an excuse to see him one more time.
Back then, she had witnessed Jiraiya's unwavering devotion to Tsunade. She had envied the woman who held his heart.
So she agreed to his terms—hoping he wouldn't forget her, hoping he would someday visit.
And today, he had.
The illness of her heart vanished instantly.
But What Actually Happened…
Several hours earlier—
"Pervy Sage! That's so unfair!!"
Naruto chased Jiraiya, shouting angrily.
"Hmph! What would a kid like you understand? I was merely gathering inspiration!"
"Stop running!"
"Get back here!"
"Catch that old pervert—and the young one too!"
A large crowd was chasing them.
They had just checked into a hot spring inn.
Jiraiya, as usual, attempted to peep.
Unfortunately, he was discovered.
In a critical moment, he skillfully tossed the telescope to Naruto. Naruto, outraged, immediately tossed it back.
The innkeeper, having seen both names on the guest registry, labeled them both peeping perverts.
They fled into the forest—and by sheer coincidence, stumbled into Nadeshiko Village.
Luckily, someone there recognized Jiraiya.
Word quickly reached the village chief.
Upon hearing the news, Kagami immediately rose, carefully applied makeup, grabbed the utterly bewildered Shizuka beside her, and pushed open the door—
"Tsunade: Heh. Jiraiya, you really are blessed with romantic fortune."
"Jiraiya: Ah—well—that's…"
"Tsunade: Shut it. You delayed her entire life. She nearly…"
"Jiraiya: I… I… It was all because… Sigh. After all these years, I'm sorry, Kagami."
"Nadeshiko Kagami: It's all right, Jiraiya. The fact that you came is enough for me."
Seeing her words, Jiraiya's gaze dimmed.
Reflecting on his life, he realized—
He had always been running away.
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