Meeting Tsunade Again & News About Jiraiya

The next day...

"Lady Tsunade, why have you changed your appearance again?" Shizune asked in astonishment, looking at Tsunade, who had tied her hair into a single ponytail and now looked like a young girl.

She knew that Tsunade had disguised herself this way before to avoid debt collectors.

But now, they were about to meet that young man named Bai Ye, so there was no need for such deception.

"What do you know? That man is of unknown origin. If I meet him in my true form, he'll immediately recognize me as the Fifth Hokage of Konoha. How can I gather information from him that way?" Tsunade said in a lecturing tone.

"Alright, alright. Lady Tsunade always knows best," Shizune sighed helplessly. As a secretary, she had learned that questioning her boss was often pointless—especially when her boss was a strong-willed and stubborn woman.

"By the way, Lady Tsunade, even if we go, how do you plan to get any useful information? Even the most foolish spy wouldn't easily reveal their secrets," Shizune continued.

In her opinion, this trip was bound to be a waste of time.

"It's not we, it's me. You're not coming. Besides, we don't need to uncover every detail about him—just his stance on Konoha," Tsunade said, her expression turning serious.

Recent events had kept her extremely busy, leaving her with little time to handle additional matters.

After all, Konoha was now facing a powerful enemy—the Akatsuki, an organization feared across the ninja world.

As the village housing the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, a confrontation with the Akatsuki was inevitable.

So, if Bai Ye had no hostile intentions toward Konoha, Tsunade was willing to stop investigating his background.

In fact, if there was even a slight chance, she would rather recruit Bai Ye to Konoha's side to help fight against the Akatsuki.

The strength he displayed earlier was far beyond that of ordinary ninjas.

However, Tsunade knew this was unlikely.

With the Akatsuki threatening the ninja world, most people preferred to stay out of conflict. Why would anyone willingly stand against them?

Speaking of the Akatsuki, Jiraiya had gone to the Land of Rain to gather intelligence. Why hadn't he returned yet?

A sense of unease crept into Tsunade's heart as she frowned slightly.

"Lady Tsunade, I received word that Bai Ye has left the hotel and is eating ramen at Ichiraku's," Shizune's voice broke her thoughts.

Ramen?

This guy really is carefree.

Tsunade couldn't help but mentally complain.

"By the way, Lady Tsunade, are you sure you don't need me to come along? What if he has bad intentions toward you? That could be dangerous," Shizune asked with concern.

Even though Tsunade's current appearance lacked her usual appeal, she still looked youthful and pure.

If Bai Ye had any ill intentions, she could be in trouble.

Tsunade rolled her eyes.

"Do you even know your own strength? Do you think I can't handle myself? You're staying here to finish the paperwork on my desk."

With that, Tsunade turned and left.

Shizune stood there, frozen in shock.

At Ichiraku Ramen Shop

"This ramen is really good!" Bai Ye finished his bowl of ramen and looked at the shop owner.

As expected of Naruto's favorite ramen—it truly lived up to its reputation.

And considering the Ichiraku Ramen shop had survived even the devastation of Pain's attack, it was nothing short of miraculous.

"I'm glad you like it," Teuchi, the ramen shop owner, replied with a smile.

"By the way, I don't think I've seen you around Konoha before. Where are you from?" Teuchi asked casually, though Bai Ye could tell he was subtly probing for information.

Bai Ye smirked.

Has Konoha's intelligence network become so outdated that even a ramen shop owner is gathering information?

"I came from a faraway place," Bai Ye answered calmly. "I wanted to see the village founded by two legendary ninjas. And now that I'm here, I must say—it's a wonderful place."

His words carried an underlying message—he held no hostility toward Konoha.

In truth, there was nothing in Konoha that particularly interested him.

The Nine-Tails?

Compared to the power of the Rinnegan, Tenseigan, or the Divine Tree's fruit, it was nothing special.

It couldn't pique his interest at all.

Teuchi understood Bai Ye's meaning but remained cautious. After all, who could say whether this "wandering traveler" was telling the truth?

"I'm full. Thanks for the meal," Bai Ye said as he stood up, leaving the ramen shop.

As he walked away, he sensed a familiar presence approaching.

A presence with... a rather unique and overwhelming characteristic.

He smirked.

The legendary big spender.

Well, she certainly lives up to her reputation.

With mild amusement, Bai Ye left Konoha and wandered into a quiet forest outside the village.

After days of rest, it was time to put his plan into action.

Standing under a large tree, he pondered his next move.

At that moment, a cheerful voice called out from behind him.

"Big brother! What a coincidence! We meet again!"

Bai Ye rolled his eyes.

Coincidence? In this secluded forest?

But instead of exposing Tsunade's lie, he turned around and pretended to be surprised.

"Well, this is unexpected," Bai Ye said, looking at Tsunade. "Little sister, what brings you to Konoha?"

"Me? I'm originally from Konoha Village," Tsunade replied in a girlish tone. "But you don't seem to be from Konoha, big brother. What brings you here?"

Hearing her deliberately youthful voice, Bai Ye found it amusing.

Tsunade must be in her fifties by now. What's with the whole 'innocent girl' act?

Shaking his head slightly, Bai Ye easily caught the underlying meaning of her question.

She was trying to probe him.

Instead of wasting words, Bai Ye got straight to the point.

"I came to Konoha to bring you news about Jiraiya."

"What did you say?!"

Tsunade's voice instantly shifted.

Her youthful disguise disappeared, revealing her true appearance.

Her expression was serious, her gaze locked onto Bai Ye.

Bai Ye observed her carefully and couldn't help but acknowledge—she was as legendary as people said.

Of course, as someone whose true age was greater than hers despite appearing much younger, Bai Ye felt no particular excitement.

Tsunade's voice turned urgent.

"What did you say about Jiraiya?!"

Her concern was evident, mixed with a growing sense of dread.