Tsunade glanced skeptically at the porcelain jar on the ground. "Gojo, what's this vase doing here? Some kind of new decor?"
Gojo adjusted his blindfold and smirked. "This, my dear Tsunade, is a relic from the Sand Village—an artifact once used to seal One Tail."
Tsunade crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "And how, pray tell, did you come by something so...significant?"
Gojo's smirk widened. "I, uh...borrowed it."
"Borrowed?" she repeated, her tone laced with disbelief. "More like you snatched it!"
"Tomato, tomahto," Gojo replied, waving a hand dismissively.
The room fell into a stunned silence. Even for someone like Gojo, who had a history of bending the rules, this casual attitude about stealing another village's treasure was on another level.
"Great. Just great," Tsunade muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose. "The Five Kage Summit is tomorrow, and now I have to explain why the Sand's prized relic is in Konoha's possession."
Gojo stretched lazily, seemingly unbothered. "Relax, Tsunade. They won't care about a little thing like this."
"Won't care?" she snapped. "You set the Third Tsuchikage's beard on fire last time we met! They still haven't forgiven you for that."
"Hey, it was an accident," Gojo said, holding up his hands in mock innocence. "How was I supposed to know his beard was so flammable?"
Tsunade sighed deeply, already feeling a migraine coming on. "You're coming with me to the Summit tomorrow. No arguments. I'm not stepping foot into that den of sharks without my most powerful guard."
"I'll pass," Gojo said, lounging back against the wall. "Too much effort. Besides, you've got other ninjas for that."
Tsunade's eye twitched. Her fists clenched. "Gojo Satoru," she hissed through gritted teeth, "I am not asking."
Gojo tilted his head. "Why do I feel like you're about to try and bribe me?"
"Bribe you?" she barked, slamming her fist onto the table. The sheer force cracked the wood, sending a shockwave through the room.
Anbu agents stationed nearby wisely made their exit. Protecting Hokage? Sure. Getting caught in the crossfire of Tsunade and Gojo's squabbles? Not a chance.
"Good...so strong," Sakura murmured, watching her master with wide eyes. She turned to Naruto. "You think I could ever be that powerful?"
Naruto shuddered, recalling his own 'training sessions' with Tsunade. "Trust me, Sakura-chan, you don't want to."
Back in the room, Gojo casually caught Tsunade's incoming fist, holding it effortlessly in his hand. "Alright, alright. What's the big deal? Why do you need me so badly?"
Tsunade's expression softened for a moment. "Because..." she began, looking away. A faint blush crept across her cheeks. "You're the one I trust the most."
Gojo leaned closer, his smirk back in full force. "Sorry, didn't catch that. Could you say it louder?"
"You're the one I trust the most!" she shouted, grabbing him by the collar and yanking him closer. Her face was practically glowing red with frustration.
Gojo winced, sticking a finger in his ear. "No need to yell, Tsuna. You'll damage my delicate ears."
Tsunade's fists trembled, but she took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "Guess how I'm feeling right now, Gojo?"
"Amused?" he ventured.
"Wrong," she said sweetly, her smile sharp and dangerous. She channeled chakra into her fist, causing the ground beneath them to quake. The punch stopped mere millimeters from Gojo's stomach, her restraint the only thing keeping the entire room from collapsing.
Naruto, watching from a safe distance, turned pale. "Remind me never to make Granny Tsunade mad."
"Agreed," Sakura said, nodding solemnly.
Gojo, unfazed, let out a small chuckle. "Alright, alright. I'll come with you to the Summit. But only because you asked so nicely."
"Nicely?!" Tsunade's voice echoed through the room, but before she could retaliate, Gojo placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Relax, Tsunade. I'm just teasing. You know I'll always have your back."
She huffed but didn't push him away. "Fine. But no antics this time. I mean it, Gojo."
"Antics? Me?" he said, feigning innocence. "Perish the thought."
Tsunade wasn't convinced but decided to let it slide for now. "Oh, and we're bringing Kurenai, too. Her genjutsu could be useful."
Gojo nodded, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Good idea. Two beautiful women are always better than one."
"You're insufferable," Tsunade muttered, turning on her heel to leave. "Be ready by morning."
As she left, Gojo leaned against a tree, pulling out a familiar orange book. "Work hard, kids. Maybe one day you'll be as cool as me."
Naruto groaned. "Does he ever take anything seriously?"
"No," Sakura replied flatly, focusing back on her training.
Nearby, Sasuke was already storming off towards the waterfall, muttering something about unlocking his Mangekyō Sharingan. Gojo barely glanced up from his book.
"Good ambition, Sasuke!" he called lazily. "Don't let your emo vibes hold you back!"
Naruto, meanwhile, puffed out his chest and approached Gojo. "Alright, teach me Sage Mode! I'm ready!"
Gojo tilted his head. "Oh? And why should I?"
Naruto grinned confidently. "Because I'm going to be Hokage one day, and I'll surpass even you!"
Gojo laughed, patting Naruto on the head. "Big dreams, kid. Let's see if you've got what it takes."
And with that, the group prepared for what was sure to be a chaotic Five Kage Summit—because with Gojo around, how could it be anything else?