The Sakura Legend

Konoha, Year 57, September

After a year and a half of training, Sakura had finally mastered the Water Cutter technique. By infusing water projectiles created through Water Release nature transformation with sand materialized through Earth Release nature transformation, she significantly increased the Water Cutter's power, giving it formidable piercing ability. She had also developed Water Bullet, adding sharp, Earth Release-infused stones to the water projectiles, increasing both their range and power compared to standard Water Bullets.

The completion of Water Cutter provided Sakura with a relatively powerful combination ninjutsu. Although the addition of Earth Release increased chakra consumption considerably, the resulting power was satisfying. From the scroll the Third Hokage had given her, Sakura selected several practical techniques: Earth Release: Hardening Technique, Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld, Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall, Water Release: Water Prison Technique, and Water Release: Water Clone Technique.

Sakura felt these techniques were best suited for her current stage, focusing on trapping enemies and defense. Combined with her already potent Water Cutter, if she could immobilize or delay an enemy, a single Water Cutter strike would be enough to inflict severe, if not fatal, damage. However, the key was real-world combat experience, learning how to effectively combine these techniques and manage her chakra to use the most appropriate jutsu at the right time. This was what Sakura needed to practice next.

For now, Sakura had temporarily abandoned using the Chakra Enhanced Strength. That technique consumed too much chakra for her current level. Her best option was to rely on skillful application of techniques to maximize the effectiveness of her learned jutsu.

Hokage's Office

"So, old man, is this why you called me back?" Jiraiya asked after hearing the Third Hokage's explanation.

"Yes. Based on what happened that night, Naruto was resisting the Nine-Tails' chakra with his own will. Therefore, I want him to begin training to control the Nine-Tails' power," the Third Hokage replied, nodding.

"Tch. Old man, you've become awfully impatient. The Nine-Tails isn't like other tailed beasts; it's not that easy to control. Based on what you described, that was just an accident. The key is the suppression provided by the Wood Release sealing jutsu," Jiraiya said, somewhat dismissively. "Naruto's current willpower is nowhere near strong enough to resist the Nine-Tails' corruption. If it weren't for the Wood Release suppression, things wouldn't have been so easy that night."

"I understand that. But the fact remains that Naruto was able to resist with his own will. He manifested four tails that night. Perhaps he could control a smaller amount of chakra," the Third Hokage continued.

"Old man, you're underestimating the Nine-Tails' chakra. The Nine-Tails' chakra is drawn out based on the jinchuriki's emotional state. Releasing the Nine-Tails' chakra makes the jinchuriki's emotions even more unstable. Without immense willpower, it will eventually lead to becoming the Nine-Tails. Although Minato left the key to allow Naruto to control the Nine-Tails' chakra, if his own strength can't suppress it, it will ultimately end in failure," Jiraiya stated. "Even Kushina couldn't perfectly control the Nine-Tails' chakra; she could only suppress it. Only Mito was able to master the Nine-Tails' chakra back then. Besides, Naruto is far behind where Kushina was at that time. In any case, I won't agree to this."

"Let's try. I believe Naruto will succeed," the Third Hokage insisted.

"Old man, why are you in such a hurry? This isn't like you. Do you want Naruto to die?" Jiraiya looked at the Third Hokage in surprise.

"Of course not. It's just... Sigh... Maybe I am being too impatient," the Third Hokage sighed. "Recent events have made me worried. Naruto's four-tailed rampage... I expected Danzo to step forward and demand to take control of the jinchuriki, but he didn't. And the Uchiha massacre has made neighboring powers restless. Konoha's situation isn't good right now. I'm worried that war will come too quickly for Naruto to mature."

"I see. Don't worry too much, old man. All the nations are still recovering. Their losses in the last war weren't any less than Konoha's. As for Danzo, don't worry. I'm watching him. I won't let Minato's sacrifice be in vain," Jiraiya reassured him.

"Sigh... Alright. If you were to become Hokage, I don't think anyone would be more suitable," the Third said.

"No, no, no, forget it, old man. You know I'm not interested in that stuff," Jiraiya hurriedly replied.

"Then I have a task for you now, Jiraiya," the Third Hokage stated.

"Old man, you really know how to order people around. I just got back, and I immediately rushed to see you. I haven't been back in years, and there are so many places in the village I need to 'research'," Jiraiya said, a lecherous grin spreading across his face.

"Ahem, ahem... Let's get back to business," the Third Hokage said, coughing awkwardly. "I need you to find Tsunade and bring her back. No matter what, convince her to return to the village."

"Hm? Tsunade? Didn't you agree to let her leave the village? There's nothing special happening right now, so I doubt she'll want to come back," Jiraiya said, puzzled.

"We've discovered a very talented civilian girl in the village. She's very suitable to inherit Tsunade's skills. I want Tsunade to personally train her," the Third Hokage said seriously.

"A genius, huh? You know I don't believe in geniuses. To become a powerful ninja, the only way is with an unrelenting spirit of never giving up," Jiraiya stated seriously.

In Jiraiya's mind, the key to becoming a strong ninja was the unwavering determination to never give up. Talent only determined the starting point. If one had talent but lacked perseverance, they would never become a truly powerful ninja. This was the belief Jiraiya had held throughout his life, and he had lived by it. In his youth, he wasn't as naturally gifted as Orochimaru or Tsunade, but his unyielding spirit allowed him to stand alongside them, earning the three the title of "Konoha's Legendary Sannin." It was Jiraiya's unwavering determination that made him who he was today. A late bloomer!

"Perhaps she meets your requirements, and she is very talented. If her ninjutsu aptitude wasn't so compatible with Tsunade's, I might have had her become your apprentice," the Third Hokage said.

"You know I don't take disciples lightly. The Great Toad Sage's prophecy..." Jiraiya began, but the Third Hokage interrupted him.

"I know. That's why I want you to find Tsunade and introduce her," the Third Hokage said. "The Child of Prophecy, peace... Do you still believe in that prophecy?"

"As long as I can still move, I won't give up," Jiraiya said firmly.

"Alright then. As your teacher, I hope you succeed. I hope I live to see that day come," the Third Hokage said wistfully. "Go and find Tsunade now. Try your best to bring her back. That little girl's talent is the best I've seen among the village's new generation. She's the only one who can inherit Tsunade's skills. At least, let's leave some hope for the village."