The next day.
Naruto was knocking on the door early in the morning. After washing up, Shindai said goodbye to Pakura and Hikaku Uchiha, telling them to help train Hinata, then left home with Naruto.
Curious, Naruto asked, "Shindai, what method did you mean yesterday for getting that perverted old man under control?"
Shindai corrected him, "Don't be so polite—he's your teacher's master. Just call him Pervy Sage."
Thinking about it for a moment, Naruto replied, "Huh? Pervy Sage? Sounds like he's just as bad as the Perverted Old Man. Whatever, anyway. So what's this method to get him under control?"
Shindai grinned mischievously, "Let me show you a picture."
He pulled out a photo of The Tsunade Puppet and handed it to Naruto.
Looking at the photo, Naruto frowned slightly, "This feels kinda familiar..."
Shindai explained, "Of course it does. This is another one of the Konoha Sannin—Tsunade-sama."
Puzzled, Naruto asked, "Shindai, why are you showing me a picture of Tsunade-sama?"
Shindai chuckled darkly, "Because Jiraiya-sama has a crush on Tsunade-sama~"
Naruto's expression immediately turned gossipy, "The Pervy Sage has a crush on Tsunade-sama? But aren't they both super old? I'm almost thirteen already! Why haven't those two gotten married yet?"
Shindai sighed, "Don't let Jiraiya-sama's lecherous behavior and his writing of forbidden books fool you—he's actually quite innocent-hearted. He's had a secret crush on Tsunade-sama all this time. Unfortunately, Tsunade-sama had a lover during The Second Great Ninja World War who died, leaving emotional scars.
"I think Tsunade-sama probably senses how much Jiraiya-sama cares about her, but...too bad, Naruto! That's why everything depends on you!"
Confused, Naruto stared at Shindai, "Huh? Depends on me? What do you mean, depends on me?"
Shindai patted Naruto lightly on the shoulder, "You should help bring Jiraiya-sama and Tsunade-sama together, naturally! After all, you're Naruto Uzumaki!"
Suddenly, a weight seemed to settle on Naruto's shoulders.
Shaking his head, Naruto protested, "I wanted to know how to control the Pervy Sage—not become a matchmaker!"
Shindai looked at Naruto helplessly, "When will you ever use that head of yours? The photo's right in front of you, and you still haven't figured it out. Later, when Jiraiya-sama asks you to transform into Naruko, just transform into Tsunade-sama instead. That'll definitely reel Jiraiya-sama in. Get it now?"
It finally clicked for Naruto, "Ohhh! Now I get it!"
Shindai and Naruto arrived at the woodland outside Konoha where they found Jiraiya.
"Hey, finally showed up, huh… Oh! It's Shindai. Long time no see!"
Seeing Shindai, Jiraiya smiled and greeted him warmly.
Shindai smiled back, "Yes, it's been a long time, Jiraiya-sama."
Jiraiya pulled Shindai aside eagerly and asked, "After so many years, your skills have surely improved a lot, right? Isn't it time to upgrade my Puppet?"
Shindai grinned and said, "Can't do it."
Jiraiya was surprised, "Huh? How come you can't upgrade it?"
Shindai replied, "Because the design is too outdated. It's better to make a custom one instead. So… how about a custom model, Jiraiya-sama?"
Jiraiya frowned, "You brat, you're still just after money after all these years. Fine, go ahead and make me a custom one. Money isn't an issue for me now!"
Shindai nudged Jiraiya playfully with his elbow, "Looks like Make Out Paradise is really making waves. No problem, the new model will definitely satisfy you, Jiraiya-sama."
"Perverted Sage!"
Naruto called out to Jiraiya. Since this was the first time he'd heard that title, Jiraiya didn't respond immediately.
Naruto shouted again, "Perverted Sage!" Jiraiya finally understood and turned around in confusion, pointing at himself and asking, "Naruto, are you calling me?"
Naruto formed a Tiger hand seal while wearing a provocative grin, "Open those eyes wide and watch carefully—Seduction Technique!"
"Poof!"
Naruto was enveloped in smoke. When it cleared, both Jiraiya and Shindai widened their eyes in shock.
Naruto had transformed into Tsunade—but wearing a swimsuit!
Both Jiraiya and Shindai simultaneously started nosebleeds and gave Naruto a thumbs-up.
Perfect!
Suddenly, Naruto rushed behind Jiraiya, squatted down, and formed a Tiger seal with his hands.
Jiraiya was confused—what was he doing?
"I've been tolerating you for days! Tolerate! Tolerate—tolerate, tolerate, tolerate!"
"Konoha Taijutsu Ultimate Art! [One Thousand Years of Death!]"
Naruto stabbed forward directly.
"Yow~"
Jiraiya flew up from the pain immediately.
Shindai shivered unconsciously. Naruto using One Thousand Years of Death while transformed as Tsunade… it was something both terrifying and impressive at the same time.
A moment later, Jiraiya clutching his backside grumbled, "Damn it, this must've been something you taught Naruto, right, Shindai? Why are you still such a sneaky bastard!"
Shindai retorted, "I'm the sneaky one? Shouldn't this be entirely your fault for making Naruto hold so much resentment!"
Jiraiya defended stubbornly, "I'm just trying to strengthen Naruto's mental resilience!"
Shindai glanced toward Naruto continuously using Summoning Jutsu by the riverside and said, "By the way, Naruto's Seal has already developed cracks—he used Nine-Tails' power twice."
Jiraiya's expression immediately became serious, "I've already noticed. Since Minato-san didn't reinforce the seal, it means he hopes Naruto can master Nine-Tails' power, becoming a perfect Jinchūriki, am I right?"
Shindai nodded. "That's right. Minato-sama wanted Naruto to access the Nine-Tails' power after he turned sixteen, but personally, I believe the earlier the better."
Jiraiya looked at Naruto with great interest. "I see...freely releasing and utilizing that massive Nine-Tails' Chakra within is indeed difficult to control. Naruto's body is still too small to serve as a proper vessel for the Nine-Tails' Chakra. Most likely to avoid excessive strain, Naruto instinctively resists the Nine-Tails' power.
If danger and anger are the keys to unlocking the Nine-Tails' Chakra, then one must learn to remember the method of [Opening Gate] physically. So...let's let Naruto give it a shot. I want to see whether Naruto can control the Nine-Tails' power or not."
Shindai asked in surprise, "Try it directly?"
"Yeah," Jiraiya called out to Naruto. "Naruto, come with us to a place."
Naruto stopped what he was doing. "Where to?"
"You'll see when we get there."
"Fine."
Naruto followed Jiraiya and Shindai forward.
They walked until they reached a cliffside where all three of them stopped.
Puzzled, Naruto asked, "What are we doing here?"
Jiraiya spoke solemnly to Naruto. "Your cultivation ends here!"
Naruto exclaimed in shock, "Wait, what? I haven't even learned anything yet!"
Jiraiya cut him off sharply, each word deliberate: "Naruto, right now...you're gonna die!"
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