86. Sakura Haruno – 1
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Winning or losing the game no longer matters. In the end, Tsunade has a reason for returning to Konoha, and Naruto has gained an older sister.
And Jiraiya…
"By the way, Naruto, didn't you say that you caught Jiraiya peeking at the women's bath?"
Jiraiya immediately becomes alert, discreetly distancing himself from Tsunade, thinking, 'This kid promised not to mention this. What is he up to?'
"Yeah, he even taught me a jutsu and told me not to mention it to my mom," Naruto says, completely betraying Jiraiya, though not specifying that he wasn't supposed to mention it to his sister. "So, Sis, you'll keep this a secret, right? Don't tell Mom."
"Heh, no problem," Tsunade grins, clenching her fist. "I'll help him keep that secret."
Jiraiya takes a few steps back, sweat forming on his forehead. "Wait, I can explain—"
Before he can finish, Tsunade's fist slams into his chest.
Jiraiya: "AHHHHHHH!!!"
A human-shaped hole appears in the wall of the inn. Across the street, Jiraiya is embedded in the wall.
Tsunade cracks her knuckles in satisfaction. "Much better."
Sasuke and Sakura, who have never seen anything like this, stand frozen in shock. "Will… will he die?" Sakura asks.
Naruto feels a bit guilty. "We were just playing around. I didn't want to get him killed." He tugs at Tsunade's sleeve. "Granny, did you hit him too hard?"
"It's fine," Tsunade says confidently. "At most, he'll break a rib. He's not going to die...wait, what did you just say?"
"Oh." Naruto nods, trusting her expertise as a medic. He grabs the money from the table and waves it to everyone. "Let's go! The Pervy Sage is treating us to dinner!"
"Come here you brat!" Tsunade shouts in anger.
Everyone has a great meal, and, of course, Naruto knocks Jiraiya out of the wall afterwards.
The injuries aren't serious—just a fractured rib. In the ninja world, such an injury is nothing, especially considering it comes from Tsunade.
After they eat and drink their fill, and while Tsunade isn't drunk, Naruto asks, "Sis, when are we leaving?"
"As soon as Jiraiya recovers. Don't worry, we'll get back to Konoha before the Chunin Exams," Tsunade assures him, thinking about how there will be fewer casinos once they return.
Jiraiya doesn't argue. He merely bandages his chest and applies some medicine. Tsunade doesn't even bother to use medical ninjutsu on him.
Naruto points at Sakura. "Since you're not doing anything, why not take on an apprentice?"
Tsunade glances at Sakura, who immediately straightens up and looks at her expectantly.
"No, teaching is such a hassle," Tsunade replies. After all, it would cut into her gambling time.
"Come on, Sakura is talented," Naruto insists. "She might even master your medical ninjutsu completely. She already has a good foundation."
Tsunade wraps her arm around Naruto's neck and whispers, "Naruto, let me tell you something. That girl's mind is clearly on that Uchiha boy. No matter how nice you are to her, it won't change that."
"Don't tease me," Naruto wriggles free. "I have a girlfriend back in Konoha! I'm recommending Sakura because she's genuinely talented."
"Really? Shizune, test her," Tsunade relents, deciding to give Sakura a chance.
"Yes," Shizune says, proceeding to ask Sakura some basic medical questions.
Sakura, who has thought all hope is lost, eagerly answers the questions, glad for the opportunity.
Naruto, meanwhile, picks up the pig from the table and pets it. It doesn't feel as nice as Akamaru, but it still feels nice to pet it. Naruto switches to play mode.
"Poyo~" The Pig doesn't dare resist, fearing Naruto might cook it.
At first, the questions are simple enough that even Naruto can understand them. But soon, the conversation between Shizune and Sakura devolves into an incomprehensible medical Exam.
To Naruto, it sounds like:
Shizune: "@#%¥…&*@?"
Sakura: "*&…%…&."
"What the heck are they talking about?" Naruto thinks. "I can understand the words individually, but together it's all gibberish."
Are all medical students this knowledgeable?
Ten minutes later, green chakra glows from Sakura's hand. Tsunade nods approvingly. "Very good. From now on, you're my apprentice."
"Yes! Tsunade-sensei!" Sakura jumps up excitedly, bowing to her new teacher before turning to Naruto and Shizune. "Thank you, Naruto! And thank you, Shizune-sensei!"
"Congrats!" Naruto cheers, happy for her. In the ninja world, having a good teacher makes all the difference.
Shizune congratulates her new junior as well. Only Jiraiya looks at Sakura sympathetically, knowing how tough being Tsunade's apprentice can be.
Then he thinks, 'Maybe she'll beat me up less in the future.' That idea brightens his mood.
The next day, the group of six heads outside the village to find a suitable training ground.
Jiraiya, still nursing his injury, sits off to the side, offering advice to Naruto and Sasuke. Shizune holds Tonton and teaches Sakura while Tsunade…
"Boom!"
"AHH!!"
Between lectures, there are frequent explosions and screams—most of them are of Sakura's—coming from the training ground. Naruto and Sasuke exchange worried looks.
Tsunade's punches leave forming huge craters, and the ground is riddled with spiderweb cracks.
"Will Sakura survive this?" Sasuke whispers, his eyes wide.
He glances at Jiraiya with newfound respect. 'He took a punch from her and only broke a rib? Truly worthy of the Sannin.'
Jiraiya, lost in thought, isn't paying attention to Sasuke's gaze. He is remembering a time Tsunade broke six of his ribs for peeking at her bath. Absentmindedly touching his current injury, he sighs. 'Youth… so full of regrets!'
Meanwhile, Tsunade is explaining the three rules of medical ninjas to Sakura:
1. A medical ninja must never stop treatment until their comrades die.
2. A medical ninja must never be on the front lines.
3. A medical ninja must never die before their comrades.
The first rule requires cultivating a strong sense of duty. The second depends on the strength of teammates.
But the third—Tsunade is training Sakura herself for that one. The training method? Combat.
"If you can dodge my attacks, great. If not, endure them. If you get hurt, don't worry, I'll heal you. It'll even double as live instruction. Once you can withstand dozens of my moves, you'll be considered qualified."
Tsunade's teaching is simple, brutal, and effective.
Unlike her previous training with Naruto and Sasuke, this time Tsunade isn't holding back.
By the end of the day, the training ground is devastated, filled with deep craters and cracks. Sakura is battered, having fallen countless times, covered in scrapes and bruises.
And that is with Tsunade pulling her punches, keeping her attacks within Sakura's reaction range.
Tsunade is strict. "Today was just an introduction. Tomorrow, I won't go so easy on you!"
"Yes, thank you, Tsunade-sensei!" Sakura grits her teeth, determined not to give up. This is the hardest training she has ever experienced, but she has the resolve to push through.
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