A drenched middle-aged man stood before Tsunade.
"Tsunade, are you jealous?
Bang.
Tsunade's fist sent Jiraiya flying faster than he appeared. He crashed into the bath, splashing water everywhere. Shouts and chaos erupted from the hot spring.
In a teahouse, Dosuke sat to the side. He refilled Tsunade's teacup from the pot when it was low.
Tsunade sipped her freshly filled cup.
Jiraiya, soaked and propped on one arm, lay across from her. "Tsunade, even if you need something, you do not have to hit me like that," he said.
"Oh? Tell me what is wrong with my method." Bang. Tsunade slammed her teacup onto the table.
Seeing Jiraiya dodge the question, she grew annoyed.
"Fine, what do you want?" Jiraiya raised his hands in surrender. His face turned serious.
"This is Dosuke, my disciple. You know him," Tsunade said. She pointed to Dosuke as he poured tea.
"I know, the genius who almost beat Kakashi," Jiraiya said. He pointed at Dosuke. "Kid, I caught you when you passed out in that match."
"Thank you, Master Jiraiya. Please, have some tea." Dosuke filled Jiraiya's cup.
"Polite kid. Even says thank you. Hard to believe Tsunade taught you. You are nothing like her," Jiraiya said. He smiled at his teacup.
"Oh? What kind of student should I teach?" Tsunade cracked her knuckles. They made a popping sound.
Jiraiya fell silent.
"You said you needed me. Spit it out," he said. He was eager to change the subject under her glare.
"Dosuke wants to learn the Flying Thunder God Jutsu. I am not great with ninjutsu like that. So I am asking you," Tsunade said.
"Flying Thunder God?" Jiraiya said. "No one in the village knows it except its creator, the Second Hokage, and that kid Minato."
Jiraiya slapped his forehead. His mouth fell open. "Wait, you want Minato to teach him. But you are too embarrassed to ask, so you came to me."
"Idiot, stop babbling. We are close, are we not? My disciple is your disciple," Tsunade said. A hint of pride was in her voice.
"Hey, Tsunade, you admit we are close!" Jiraiya grinned. He let out a sleazy laugh.
Bang.
The table's snacks and tea rattled.
"Laugh again, and I will knock your teeth out," Tsunade snapped.
Jiraiya straightened up. He coughed twice. "Do not worry, Tsunade. I will take the kid to Minato," he said.
"Thank you," Tsunade said. She bowed slightly.
"I will keep an eye on him. Do not worry," Jiraiya replied.
Tsunade leaned forward. She lingered for a moment. A shadow fell over her head. Jiraiya had not told her to sit up. He only promised to watch Dosuke.
She glanced up. Jiraiya's neck stretched toward her. His white hair blocked the light. His eyes locked on her chin. Nosebleeds dripped. Drool pooled in his open mouth.
Tsunade followed his gaze. Bending forward had pushed her chest forward. It exposed more than she meant.
"Jiraiya!" Tsunade stood. She smashed her fist into his head. The table splintered.
"Dosuke, let us go." Tsunade grabbed her coat from the hanger. She called to him.
"Master Jiraiya, are you okay?" Dosuke sat stunned. He held the teapot in his hand. He had not processed Tsunade's swift punch.
"I am not dead yet. I did not expect Tsunade's fist to still hit so hard. Kid, meet me at the village gate tomorrow morning," Jiraiya said. Then he passed out.
"Dosuke, hurry up!" Tsunade shouted from the door.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
"Coming, teacher." Dosuke set the teapot down. He stepped out.
At the door, Tsunade turned to the shop owner. "When he wakes, that guy pays for the damage." She left without looking back.
Dosuke apologized to the owner. Then he ran after her.
"Dosuke, train hard with that guy. I cannot help with Flying Thunder God. I am working on a new sealing technique. So I will not oversee your training," Tsunade said.
"Since he told you to meet at the village gate tomorrow, pack up and go." Tsunade strode toward Konoha Hospital.
Dosuke watched her leave. His heart stirred. Tsunade had sought Jiraiya to get Minato to teach him Flying Thunder God.
It was Minato's secret technique. Tsunade could not force him to teach it. Minato likely would not refuse. But having Jiraiya, his teacher, ask made it easier.
Tsunade's effort warmed Dosuke's heart. In this dangerous world, someone cared for him.
He smiled. Then he ran home.
At his door, music blared from inside.
Dosuke paused, confused. * Did I leave the radio on? * he thought.
He opened the door gently. The radio in the living room played a song.
From the kitchen, clouds of oily smoke poured out. Gray-blue haze coated the ceiling.
A savory aroma mixed with the smoke. It filled the small room. * What is this? Thumbelina cooking for me? This is Naruto, not a fairy tale, * Dosuke thought.
He shook his head. * I will find out if I look, * he decided.
Dosuke tiptoed to the kitchen door. He peeked inside.