The Sakura Legend

Outside the Izakaya

Tsunade felt the force transmitted from her finger and increased her chakra output. When she saw Sakura use Chakra Enhanced Strength, she already knew that Sakura, like herself, was a ninja with extremely precise chakra control. This Water Cutter technique also surprised Tsunade, but Sakura was still too young, and the power wasn't enough. If she were a few years older and had sufficient chakra, Tsunade wouldn't have been able to block it so easily.

The Water Cutter was a continuous, precisely focused ninjutsu. Its power depended on the amount of chakra and the skill of control. Sakura didn't lack control skills, but her chakra reserves were low. For the sake of the subsequent battle, she could only exert her full power at the moment of release. However, maintaining such power consumed a lot of chakra, so the follow-through was lacking.

Generally speaking, as long as the initial power could break through the enemy's defense, a slightly weaker follow-through wouldn't matter. But if the initial attack couldn't break through the defense, she would have to increase chakra output to enhance the power. However, increasing chakra output was obviously not suitable for Sakura, who was currently lacking in chakra, and she also had to consider subsequent combat.

At this moment, several more water bullets suddenly appeared from the front. Tsunade raised her other hand and knocked the water bullets away, then said, "Alright, that's enough. Let's stop here."

Sakura's sneak attack had failed earlier, and she had taken advantage of Tsunade blocking the Water Cutter to fire several Water Bullets at her, but Tsunade had blocked them all one by one. Is this the power of a "Kage"? I've already used my full strength, but Tsunade hasn't even moved and blocked my strongest attacks. My most powerful attacks are completely ineffective against Tsunade. Even if I could trap her, what good would it do? Besides, Tsunade hasn't even moved.

"Not bad, kid. You have a talent for chakra control," Tsunade said, looking at Sakura. "What's the name of the Water Release technique you used just now?"

"Water Cutter," Sakura stood still, slightly panting, and replied.

"Hmm… Water Cutter, very descriptive. Your chakra control skills are good, and your idea isn't bad either. Adding Earth Release sand to the Water Release to increase the Water Cutter's power, and without needing hand seals, it should be considered a relatively high-level combination ninjutsu," Tsunade nodded and said.

"How about it, Tsunade? I told you this kid is very talented. When she demonstrated it to me, she even cut through stone. Only you could block it," Jiraiya said from the side.

"How did you learn Chakra Enhanced Strength?" Tsunade ignored Jiraiya and continued to ask.

"It's not difficult, just chakra control techniques," Sakura replied.

"Hmm, it seems the old man was right. He wanted to send you to me. You do have the talent to learn medical ninjutsu. To be able to do this at your age isn't just about hard work; it also requires talent," Tsunade continued, "You've passed the test. So, for the next three years, you'll be by my side, learning medical ninjutsu."

"Yes, Tsunade-shishou," Sakura immediately changed her address, seeing that Tsunade had agreed. This way, I'll have three more years to increase my strength.

"Tsunade, the old man's intention isn't just for you to teach her medical ninjutsu," Jiraiya reminded Tsunade, hearing her wording.

"You don't need to tell me. How I teach is my business. Since you've sent her here, you have to follow my rules," Tsunade glared at Jiraiya.

What's going on? Hearing Jiraiya's words, Sakura felt that learning the Yin Seal might not be so simple. Was Tsunade only planning to teach her medical ninjutsu? That would be a waste of time. She wasn't planning to become a medical ninja. Sakura only wanted to learn enough medical ninjutsu to heal injuries; she didn't want to become an expert. After all, she only had so much energy. She knew her own situation; she wasn't a genius. She was only considered a genius by those around her. Everything she had now was because she had started early. It was uncertain what would happen in the future.

"Sigh… Then I won't say any more. This kid is yours now. Just have her return to the village in three years," Jiraiya knew Tsunade's temper and didn't say anything further.

"Then, Sakura, you'll follow Tsunade and learn medical ninjutsu well. I'm leaving tomorrow," Jiraiya turned to Sakura and said.

"Ah? Jiraiya-sama, you're leaving tomorrow? Aren't you going to stay with us?" Sakura asked. Sakura felt that since Jiraiya had found Tsunade, he would stick to her. She hadn't expected him to leave tomorrow.

"Yes, I have a mission. Bringing you to find Tsunade and become her apprentice was also one of my missions. Since it's completed, I won't stay with you," Jiraiya said.

"Alright," Sakura replied, a little reluctantly. Although Jiraiya had many flaws, being with him was quite fun. Sakura wasn't a serious person to begin with, and the month she spent with Jiraiya had been filled with a lot of joy. Now that Jiraiya was leaving, she felt a little sad.

"Then, Tsunade, let's go back inside and have a good chat. It's been so long since we've seen each other; I have a lot to say to you," Jiraiya's true nature was immediately revealed, his lecherous gaze fixed on Tsunade's…

"Hmph, come in," Tsunade didn't refuse. After all, there weren't many people of their age left to talk to.

"Shizune, take Sakura to a room to rest. Don't worry about me," Tsunade instructed Shizune.

"Yes, Tsunade-sama. But please don't drink too much," Shizune said, a little worried about Tsunade. Today, she had met an old acquaintance; she didn't know how much Tsunade would drink.

"Alright, go and take Sakura. If Sakura hasn't eaten enough, take her to get something to eat," Tsunade said, leaving Shizune with her back to her.

"Hello, Shizune-senpai. My name is Sakura Haruno. Please take care of me," Sakura politely introduced herself to Shizune. After all, Shizune was her senior.

"Hello, Sakura. My name is Shizune. Please come with me. Do you need to eat something?" Shizune said with a smile, holding Tonton in her arms.

"Yes, yes. I fought with Shishou earlier, and now I'm hungry again," Sakura nodded repeatedly.

"What would you like to eat?" Shizune asked, a little helpless. It had only been a short while. Sakura must have eaten a lot before coming here. She had a feeling that their budget might not be enough in the future.

"I saw a barbecue restaurant on the street earlier that looked good. The advertisement on it said..."

The next day

Jiraiya ultimately left, not staying another day. In the morning, Sakura saw a hungover Tsunade being helped into her room by Shizune. Her three years of training were about to begin. She had a thought regarding what Tsunade said yesterday about teaching only medical ninjutsu.

Shizune had become Tsunade's apprentice even earlier than she had, but she hadn't seen her with the Yin Seal. Perhaps the difficulty of learning sealing jutsu was high, so Tsunade needed to assess her learning progress. If she met Tsunade's requirements, Tsunade would naturally teach her.

Then, I'll strive to learn everything Tsunade knows in these three years. Only then will I have the opportunity to greatly increase my strength in the time that follows. Sakura made up her mind.