The Sakura Legend

Konoha Training Grounds

Sakura had already left the Konoha training grounds, leaving Sasuke and Naruto to continue practicing their tree climbing.

Actually, back at the training grounds, Sakura had sensed a chakra signature different from the usual ones that monitored her. Although Sakura wasn't a sensor-type ninja, skillful chakra use could enhance one's senses. Ultimately, it was the incident earlier in the year that had frightened her, leading her to learn defensive techniques, trapping techniques, and even medical ninjutsu. The goal was simple: to increase her chances of survival against powerful enemies. She didn't need to be overwhelmingly strong; she just needed to stall for time and create an opportunity. Powerful ninjutsu weren't necessary; just enough to be effective.

Sakura initially thought the person monitoring her would leave once she returned home, but they continued to follow her. Logically, after the Third Hokage had been frank with Sakura, the ANBU surveillance had lessened significantly. Sakura was currently in the village and wasn't a target of enemy villages, so the Third had withdrawn the ANBU detail to avoid wasting manpower, only occasionally checking on Sakura's learning progress. And Sakura hadn't disappointed the Third Hokage; she had quickly mastered the techniques on the scroll.

Sakura reasoned that it probably wasn't an enemy. Konoha had tightened security; it should be difficult for enemies to infiltrate now. So, the person following her must have other motives. However, Sakura remained cautious. If it was an enemy, she couldn't go straight home; that would endanger her parents.

Therefore, Sakura headed directly for the Hokage Tower. The Third Hokage should still be there. If she went to the Hokage Tower and the person was still following her, she could report it directly to the Third. When in doubt, go to the Hokage. She was still weak; she knew when to be cautious. Sakura wouldn't foolishly lead the person to a secluded area and say, "I know you're there, come out." If it were an ally, that would be fine, but if it were an enemy, she'd be courting death. So, Sakura strode purposefully towards the Hokage's office.

Jiraiya, upon reaching the training grounds, had witnessed Sakura using Swamp of the Underworld to trap both Sasuke and Naruto. He'd also heard her explanation to Sasuke, and he already thought Sakura was quite talented. However, if that was all, Jiraiya wasn't confident he could convince Tsunade to return to the village. If he didn't learn more about Sakura, Tsunade probably wouldn't even consider returning, let alone taking her as a disciple, even with the old man's orders.

So, Jiraiya planned to intercept her at a deserted location along the way and test her. But unexpectedly, the kid headed straight for the Hokage's office, making him instantly frustrated. He had just told the old man he'd go check her out, and now she'd discovered him and he had to turn back. It was too embarrassing.

Sakura had reached the Hokage Tower and was about to go up when Jiraiya, realizing he couldn't hide any longer, quickly appeared.

"Hey, kid, are you doing this on purpose?" Jiraiya said, reaching out to grab Sakura's shoulder.

Sakura hadn't expected that even at the foot of the Hokage Tower, the person following her would still try to attack. Without a second thought, she immediately channeled chakra, using the Hardening Technique to protect her body, and then countered with a Water Bullet aimed at Jiraiya.

Jiraiya hadn't expected Sakura to react so fiercely, but it suited his intentions. He'd use this opportunity to test her. So he formed hand seals: "Ninja Art: Needle Jizo!"

Seeing this signature technique, Sakura immediately knew who it was: Jiraiya, one of the Legendary Sannin. But why was Jiraiya back in the village at this time? Was it because of Naruto's incident? Had the Third Hokage summoned him back?

But Sakura didn't have time to think. Realizing the person following her was Jiraiya, Sakura stopped her attack and respectfully greeted him, "Jiraiya-sama, hello."

"Huh? Y-You… hello," Seeing Sakura suddenly retract her chakra and bow to him, Jiraiya, who was about to use another ninjutsu, was momentarily stunned. "You know me?" Jiraiya hadn't been in the village for a long time, and he was surprised that someone from the new generation recognized him.

"Yes, I often hear Lord Hokage mention you. He says you're his most outstanding disciple, but he told me to avoid getting too close to you," Sakura replied again.

"Why would the old man tell you to avoid me?" Jiraiya found it a bit strange. Just now, in the Hokage's office, the old man had even wanted this kid to become his apprentice.

"Lord Hokage said you're quite lecherous and often peep at women's bathhouses," Sakura answered respectfully, her expression of respect towards Jiraiya appearing completely genuine. But inside, Sakura was having a blast. Serves you right for scaring me. I'll tease you a bit. However, her respect for Jiraiya was real. Jiraiya had given Naruto a fatherly feeling and had risked his life to gather intelligence on Pain for the village. These were all things that earned Sakura's respect.

Hearing Sakura's answer, Jiraiya's face showed an awkward expression, his mouth twitching. That old man, he says everything. As if he didn't do the same.

"Ha... haha... hahaha, don't listen to that old man's nonsense. Listen carefully, I am the Toad Sage of Mount Myoboku, Jiraiya!"

Seeing Jiraiya summon a toad and strike a classic pose, Sakura offered a polite but distant smile.

"I-Is that so? Then, Jiraiya-sama, is there a reason you've been following me?" Sakura didn't believe Jiraiya would follow her without a reason. Logically, Jiraiya's return to the village was due to Naruto's rampage; the Third probably didn't trust Naruto's situation and had summoned Jiraiya back. But shouldn't Jiraiya be following Naruto? Why was he following her all this way?

"You brat, who said I was following you? I saw you were about to enter the Hokage Tower, so I stopped you. A kid like you shouldn't bother the Hokage with trivial matters. Go back and train your ninjutsu properly. Sooner or later, you'll become Hokage too," Jiraiya said, trying to cover up.

Sakura continued to give Jiraiya a polite but distant smile, looking at him without saying a word.

"Alright, alright, you win, kid. I do have something I need to talk to you about. Come with me to see the Hokage," Jiraiya said, holding his forehead.

Sakura followed behind Jiraiya, wondering what business he had with her. They entered the Hokage's office, and the Third Hokage, seeing Jiraiya bring Sakura in, asked,

"Why did you bring Sakura?"

"Lord Hokage, I plan to take her with me to find Tsunade," Jiraiya said. With Sakura present, he finally refrained from calling the Third "old man." He had to maintain some semblance of decorum in front of the younger generation.

"Hmm…" The Third Hokage took a puff from his pipe. "Tell me your reasoning."

"I've thought it over, Lord Hokage. Tsunade probably won't return. Tsunade suffers from hemophobia. As you said, this child is a talent for learning medical ninjutsu, and you likely want to cultivate a medical talent like Tsunade. However, if Tsunade returned to the village but didn't treat injured ninja, it would cause criticism. Therefore, she won't return to the village. After all… there are too many painful memories for her here. Suffering from hemophobia, she can't even forgive herself for not treating the injured."

"So, I want to take this child with me to find Tsunade and have her learn medical ninjutsu from Tsunade. Although Tsunade's hemophobia means she probably won't have many opportunities to practice, she's still young. It's a seed of hope. Isn't that the reason you want Tsunade to return to the village now, old man?" Jiraiya concluded.