Naruto: Being a Shinobi with no System But...

He couldn’t just say outright that he’d come to find Tsunade and bring her back to Konoha as Hokage—that would only get him thrown out before he could even sit down.

So instead, Roshi brought up Sage Mode training.

It wasn’t a lie. That had been one of his original goals before setting out anyway. The method Katsuyu had provided required one to withstand the pull of natural energy for long periods of time.

Roshi had faith in his Chakra reserves, but when it came to dangerous training like this, an extra layer of safety never hurt.

”Sage Mode training, huh? Go talk to Katsuyu yourself,” Tsunade replied impatiently, waving him off.

”I already understand the training method,” Roshi said softly. ”I just need Chakra support. That’s why I came to you.”

That unexpectedly gentle tone made Tsunade’s shoulders twitch. Goosebumps crept up her arms.

Her face twisted in distaste. She rubbed her arms, muttering, ”Kid, you’re creeping me out.”

”So you prefer bluntness over politeness, Lady Tsunade?” Roshi said, his usual calm returning. ”In that case… please assist me with my training.”

”That’s even worse,” Tsunade groaned, though her tone had softened slightly. ”And why exactly should I help you?”

”Planning to arm wrestle me for it?”

”I wouldn’t dare.” Roshi’s reply was steady. ”Name your terms, and I’ll do my best to meet them.”

Tsunade pouted. ” ’Do my best’? That doesn’t sound very convincing…”

Shizune quietly nudged Tsunade under the table. ”Lady Tsunade…” she whispered.

”Don’t bother me. We’ll talk tomorrow,” Tsunade said, yawning and stretching. ”You can pay the bill for today, kid.”

Shizune blinked, looking mortified. Having a junior pick up the tab was hardly dignified for a legendary Sannin. She was about to protest, but Roshi stopped her.

”No problem,” he said evenly. ”This is a small matter.”

Something about the quiet weight of his words made Shizune freeze. Though he looked young, there was always something ageless in his eyes—like he’d seen far too much already.

The next morning, Tsunade again had Roshi settle the hotel bill. Then, in true Tsunade fashion, she gambled away her remaining funds at the casino—losing everything but walking out with the satisfied glow of someone who’d won anyway.

”Since you’re asking for a favor,” she said with a sly smile, ”you’ll serve as my attendant for now. Once I’m satisfied, I’ll help with your Sage Mode training.”

That malicious grin made Shizune uneasy.

But Roshi simply smiled—polite, serene, almost submissive. ”Of course, Lady Tsunade.”

The sweetness in his tone made Tsunade’s skin crawl. She flinched violently, hair standing on end.

”Don’t talk to me like that!” she barked.

”This is merely the etiquette of an attendant,” Roshi replied pleasantly.

”Ugh—! I’m going to be sick,” Tsunade muttered, clutching her mouth.

”I was simply determining what tone you prefer,” Roshi said, his smile fading into calm neutrality. ”You always seem dissatisfied with my manner of speaking.”

”Enough! Enough!” Tsunade waved him off, visibly drained. The thrill of gambling was long gone, replaced by mild exasperation.

Shizune watched in quiet realization. So this… is how you handle Lady Tsunade.

She tried to imitate his tone. ”Lady Tsunade…”

”Silence, Shizune,” Tsunade snapped instantly.

”Yes, Lady Tsunade…” Shizune muttered, sulking. ”Why doesn’t it work when I do it…”

After leaving the land of Hot Water, the three traveled south, crossing the Land of Fire until they reached the far southeastern coastline—a lonely, wind-beaten stretch where an old pier jutted into the endless sea.

The place had long been abandoned. Most of the boardwalk had rotted and collapsed, leaving only gray-black fragments of wood that the waves ceaselessly battered.

Roshi glanced around, puzzled. ”Lady Tsunade, this doesn’t look like the kind of place with a casino or tavern.”

Tsunade didn’t answer right away. Her golden hair danced in the salty wind as she stared into the horizon—where the ocean met the sky, and something long buried flickered behind her eyes.

”Of course not,” she finally said, voice softer. ”Years ago, this pier was thriving. Ships used to depart from here for a country famous for its sealing arts.”

Sealing arts. Abandoned pier. Roshi pieced it together. ”Uzushiogakure?”

Tsunade smirked, breaking the solemn air. ”Exactly. And from here, we’ll run to the ruins. No boats allowed.”

Roshi turned toward the vast horizon—nothing but ocean in sight. ”A general direction and distance would help.”

”What? Scared?” Tsunade teased. ”If your Chakra control slips and you end up as fish food, don’t expect me to pull you out.”

”I just need navigation,” Roshi replied calmly. ”If you’re not sure of the exact spot, we can improvise.”

Tsunade scowled, then jerked her chin eastward. ”That way. Maybe a little south. Now keep up—I’m not waiting if you fall behind!”

Before he could reply, she leapt off the pier, Chakra rippling at her feet as she landed lightly on the sea’s surface. Shizune followed a moment later.

For Roshi, this wasn’t unfamiliar—long-distance travel across the sea was something he’d done before. Even if Uzushiogakure was farther away, it didn’t bother him.

Tsunade, initially taking the lead, slowed slightly when she realized he was keeping up with ease.

”Attendant,” she said suddenly, smiling faintly—and then her fist shot toward his ribs without warning.

But Roshi had been expecting it. Chakra flared beneath his feet as he slid backward, his hands already forming seals.

”Water Release: Water Wall!”

A thick curtain of water surged up between them. Tsunade’s fist struck it with a thunderous boom, the surface shuddering before exploding into mist and spray.

By the time the air cleared, Roshi was already ten meters away, poised and steady.

”Not bad!” Tsunade grinned, shaking droplets from her hand. ”Since we’ve got time to kill, let’s see if you’re really qualified for Sage Mode training!”

And just like that, the journey turned into a moving battlefield.

Tsunade attacked without rhythm—a sudden punch here, a feint there, sometimes even using the waves themselves to ambush him. Each clash churned the sea into chaos.

Shizune watched anxiously, wanting to intervene but knowing better. Tsunade called it a ”test,” but she wasn’t holding back at all.

Still, surrounded by endless water, Roshi had the advantage. Every ripple was a potential weapon and shield.

Eventually, Tsunade landed a solid hit to his chest—satisfaction flashing in her eyes.

They both paused, breath misting in the ocean breeze.

Ahead, through the rising mist, the broken outline of Uzushiogakure’s ruins began to emerge.

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