While Hinata dropped a "truth bomb" at Orochimaru's base and indirectly catalyzed a pair of fresh Mangekyo Sharingan, back in Konoha, Jiraiya's journey had not stopped.
"I say, how long are you going to stay this stubborn, woman?!"
Jiraiya looked helplessly at Tsunade, who was leaning against the tavern entrance with her arms crossed; beside him, Naruto also looked indignant.
After leaving in a sorry state a few days ago, Jiraiya reflected deeply. He reviewed the situation carefully and felt the problem lay in the strategy—he had been too hasty last time, throwing the burden of being Hokage at her right from the start.
This time, he decided to change his approach.
Tsunade glanced at him with bleary, drunken eyes and let out a boozy hiccup.
"Why are you here again? The bet made it very clear: don't mention the Hokage matter again. My answer is already clear, I'm not interested!"
"I'm not here to persuade you to become the Hokage, at least not entirely." Jiraiya scratched his messy hair, trying to make his expression look a bit more sincere.
"It's about this kid, Naruto."
"Him?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow. Her gaze fell upon Naruto's dazzling blond hair and azure eyes. Her expression flickered for a moment before quickly returning to indifference.
"What does he have to do with me?"
"He might be related to your Hemophobia." Jiraiya's words were shocking.
The Aura around Tsunade instantly became dangerous: "Jiraiya, are you looking for death?"
"Don't be hasty, let me finish!" Jiraiya waved his hands hurriedly.
"I'm not trying to reopen your wounds. I mean, this kid's Physique is very special. He is the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and possesses immense vitality. This kind of power might have a miraculous effect on healing certain deep-seated physical and mental traumas. I want to ask you, as a top-tier Medical Ninja, to observe him and see if it's possible to find a clue to overcome your Hemophobia. This has nothing to do with the Hokage position; it's only about yourself."
This reason was half-true. Nine-Tails Chakra was indeed special, but whether it could treat Hemophobia was completely unknown.
Jiraiya's real purpose was to create more opportunities for Tsunade and Naruto to interact. He believed in Naruto's incredible influence and that it might subtly thaw Tsunade's frozen heart.
After all, he was the child of prophecy.
Tsunade fell silent for a moment, scrutinizing Naruto, then looked at Jiraiya, who had an "I am very sincere" face.
She truly loathed her Hemophobia, which prevented her from fully utilizing even her most prideful Medical Ninjutsu.
"Hmph, I can observe him." Tsunade finally relented, though her tone remained cold.
"But I won't give him any promises, nor will I return to Konoha. Furthermore, during the observation period, all your expenses—including my wine money—will be covered by you!"
Jiraiya's lips twitched.
"I lost all my money to you last time. With that much money, you're still making me cover the expenses??" Jiraiya spoke up, attempting to bargain.
"Oh, those? I lost them all gambling."
Tsunade made a shrugging gesture, her tone casual as if it were no big deal.
Jiraiya:...?
"What??? What did you say? That was a fortune! It's only been a few days?! You've already gambled it all away??"
Jiraiya's voice rose several octaves.
"Hmph, shout a few more times and I'll take back my promise." Tsunade spoke drunkenly, a smile on her face.
Jiraiya was instantly choked up and eventually chose to compromise.
"Fine, Great Auntie, you win."
Naruto, who hadn't spoken the whole time, didn't quite understand what was happening, but he could feel that the Pervy Sage was working hard, and this time it seemed to have some effect.
He clenched his fists and swore to himself that he would seize this opportunity and make this Granny Tsunade change her mind!
...Meanwhile, Hinata had returned to her own courtyard.
The preliminary cooperation reached with Orochimaru meant she needed to provide some basic information regarding "Spiritual Power characteristics" as the first step of the technical exchange.
She didn't choose to write it herself; that would be a waste of time. With a thought, several Clones were summoned, and she spoke to them.
"Do something for me. Based on my understanding of the basic characteristics of Spiritual Power, compile an 'Overview of Basic Spiritual Power Characteristics.' The content should include the difference between Spiritual Power and Chakra, the basic performance of Spiritual Power in perception, soothing, and purity, as well as some examples of low-level Spiritual Power applications."
Hinata paused and added another point, fearing they might make a mistake.
"Oh, right. Anything involving the core of the Cultivation Technique, high-level applications, or Divine Sense must be excluded. Only show him the basic parts that are useful."
"Don't worry, main body. It'll be quick; we aren't that stupid."
"Exactly, exactly. Do you really need to give us extra reminders for something like this?"
The Clones expressed dissatisfaction with Hinata's redundant reminders and quickly sprang into action, starting to discuss what content to include.
Hinata's main body sat to the side, appearing to rest with eyes closed, but in reality, her Divine Sense sank into her body to continue comprehending the Cultivation Technique. At the same time, she set aside a wisp of her mind to pay attention to Konoha Village and some external movements.
She wanted to prepare a stripped-down version for Orochimaru—well, not exactly stripped-down, but rather just the things he could use without any extras, to avoid any mishaps.
As for what Orochimaru could research from this "stripped-down" version, or whether he would tinker with some "strange things" combining Chakra technology and Spiritual Power characteristics, that wasn't something she needed to worry about now.
Perhaps it might even bring some unexpected "surprises" or "shocks."
[Ding! The host has initiated an "Academic Fraud" (crossed out) "Technical Data Compilation" assembly line, efficiently advancing the cooperative project.]
[Uncle Snake is heart-to-heart with you, but you're playing mind games with him? The host is using Clones for scientific research and paper writing; you're truly a time-management Great Master. Even a certain Mr. Luo would have to admit defeat.
points gained: 1,000 points!]
(These aren't reward points; the System just felt the need to come out and roast you.)
[Current points: 57,550 points.]
Listening to the System's roasting, Hinata became even more certain that the developer of this System was definitely not serious—probably a straight-laced closet pervert.
She was actually quite curious to see what kind of sparks would fly when science and the mysteries of Cultivation truly collided.
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