Chapter 44

"Stop fighting?!" I repeated Tsunade's words, my heart filled with shock!

Why is Tsunade doing this? Does she think my fighting style is too damaging to her? Or...? I suddenly realized another possibility!

"Is it because of your heart...?" I asked bitterly.

"That's right..." Tsunade looked up at the night sky. The moonlight tonight was exceptionally bright, shining down on the earth and casting a silvery glow, clearly imprinting the shadows of me and Tsunade on the ground.

"Your heart is too badly damaged. Even if I manage to repair it, it's very likely it won't be the same as before after the wound heals. What's even more terrifying is..." Tsunade suddenly stopped.

But I already guessed what Tsunade was thinking.

"Is it possible for the heart to break again due to the excessive strain of strenuous exercise?" I gently uttered Tsunade's unfinished question.

Human cells can only divide 50 times in their lifetime, while heart muscle cells almost never divide or renew themselves. I know that Medical Ninjutsu repairs the heart using cells derived from hair, but using them on the heart is probably too much of a stretch. After all, the heart is very different from ordinary muscle tissue.

"Being a purely supportive medical-nin isn't bad either... it's safe, and you can save a lot of lives." Tsunade didn't answer my question, but instead changed the subject, "With your talent, if you focus on developing Medical Ninjutsu, your achievements will surpass mine sooner or later."

Although it sounds like a promising future, I'm not happy at all. I never wanted to become a pure medical-nin, nor did I want to become a medical-nin who needed protection from teammates.

I want to keep fighting, to fight in a way that gets my blood pumping! But this is precisely what my body won't allow.

"Is that really what you think, Tsunade- sensei?"

I don't know why, but I, who didn't cry in the excruciating pain, who didn't cry in the face of despair, who didn't cry even when my heart was pierced and I was about to die, suddenly had tears in my eyes.

"Sakura... you can't always hold on until I come to perform surgery. If you continue fighting, you'll eventually face a real crisis...!"

"I'd rather die." The aching in my chest made me realize my true feelings; it wasn't the wound that hurt, but my heart. My desire to fight would never change, so I uttered those words without hesitation.

"If we don't eliminate the enemy, even the strongest Medical Ninjutsu won't be able to protect everyone... I want to continue fighting; I don't want to be a heavily guarded medical-nin. A life without fighting is too boring! Tsunade- sensei, this is my decision!"

"You will die...!" Tsunade.

"No way...! Even if my heart were completely pierced, I still survived, didn't I? I'm immortal! If my heart can't handle the strain of strenuous exercise, then I'll use Ninjutsu to help it!"

Last time, I Water Release to directly control blood circulation, and reflecting on it afterwards, I felt greatly inspired! Using Ninjutsu to control bodily functions is not difficult for me, especially since I am also proficient in medical knowledge! This is the source of my confidence to continue fighting! Although going deeper into this area might lead to becoming inhuman or a mad scientist, in this world of ninjas, strange Ninjutsu is everywhere, and weakness is the original sin!

"Moreover, I believe that sooner or later we will come up with a better way to eradicate heart problems!"

"Sigh--" Tsunade let out a long sigh.

"I give up! Sakura, you're even more stubborn than me! Fine, whatever you want! After you're discharged from the hospital, you can continue doing missions in the Anbu. The Chunin Ninja Exams are coming up soon, and the Anbu will have to take on the important task of proctoring them, so you'll have to work even harder!"

"I'll try to find a solution for your heart problem. Actually, it would be a lie to say there's no cure. I already have some ideas about your treatment!"

In any case, you should focus on recovering from your injury first!

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Body Flicker Technique. Dodging the enemy's Ninjutsu.

An ice mirror appeared behind the enemy, Kunai condensed in my hand.

Thrust! The Kunai pierced through Kisame's back. The sluggish feeling of penetrating flesh did not stop the Kunai's advance. The wind- Nature Transformation Chakra made his body as fragile as tofu. His heart shattered, and his heartbeat instantly disappeared. A fatal blow!

Water Release: Wind Cutter Water Blade!

Using Kisame's corpse as cover, the water blade swept through the air in a fan shape, slicing Kakuzu's five clones to pieces!

Ice Release: Annihilation of Water Flight!

The water shield blocked the itachi's sneak attack from behind, and in the blink of an eye, it transformed into Senbon, piercing the itachi with countless holes!

The last Hidan was firmly bound by my Water Release and pinned to the ground.

"It's over...!" I sneered, gripping my ice sword and plunging it towards his heart!

Hidan suddenly laughed eerily. Wait... why isn't he dead yet?! How could I forget that Hidan is immortal?!

"You think you've won? Look around you...!"

Caw--Caw--! The harsh, hoarse cries of Crow echoed all around. The corpses of Kisame, Itachi, and Kakuzu on the ground transformed into a flock of Crow that scattered and flew into the sky!

Upon closer inspection, I saw Kisame, Itachi, and Kakuzu standing unharmed opposite me, their Sharingan coldly staring at me!

Everything that just happened was fake! No, wait, there's one thing that's real—

"Hahahaha, hahaha!" Hidan laughed loudly! Looking down, I saw him lying on the ground, his heart pierced by my blade, but his skin had turned pitch black, and strange patterns were drawn beneath him! This was Hidan's Secret Technique, I suddenly realized—

I am dead!

Ho!

I woke up with a start in my hospital bed! I was covered in sweat, my heart was racing, and I was experiencing sharp, stabbing pains in my chest!

It turned out... it was just a dream.

As the drug's suppressive effect wore off and my Chakra returned, I used Medical Ninjutsu to quickly calm my restless heart.

However, the raw sense of powerlessness and despair from the dream lingered in my heart, refusing to dissipate. When did I become so vulnerable? How could I be so terrified by a dream? Was it because of that unforgettable despair and pain, or because of Tsunade's simple words last night?

I tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

The next morning, just after Tsunade finished changing my bandages, Kakashi followed Tsunade in carrying a bag of fruit.

"Long time no see, Sakura!" Kakashi said with a smile.

"We just saw each other yesterday afternoon, didn't we?" I rolled my eyes at Kakashi. "And the reason we haven't seen each other for so long is because you've been so busy you can't find me. You never even come to see me when you have free time!"

Over the past year, Team 7 has fallen apart. Sasuke defected, Naruto left the village, and Kakashi and I, who remained in the village, were mostly separated – one was learning Ninjutsu from Tsunade, and the other was conscripted by the village for missions. We've hardly seen each other at all, making Team 7 practically defunct. The few times we've met were when I've made progress in my Ninjutsu training and sought out Kakashi for sparring. However, once Naruto returns to the village, and I bring Haku back, Team 7 can set sail again!

I grabbed an apple, twirled it in my palm, and precisely channeled my wind Chakra to perfectly peel off the skin. Two characters in "No Thieves Underground" had tried a similar technique of peeling eggshells with their bare hands; I don't know if it's real or not, but with my superior Chakra control, I could peel it just as well (show off). Kakashi, having seen me show off my skills many times before, remained completely unmoved.

"So, what brings you here?" I cut the apple in half and handed one half to Kakashi.

"Can't I even come and show some concern for my own students?!"

My eyes and expression clearly indicated that I could only believe half of what Kakashi said.

"Alright, alright!" Kakashi said helplessly, "I also wanted to talk to you about those two! I want to know just how strong they are to have pushed you to that point!"

When I reported the situation yesterday afternoon, I only briefly mentioned some parts involving the secrets of my Ninjutsu, so some parts were a bit vague. Kakashi knows my Ninjutsu very well, so there's nothing I can't tell him.

"Kakuzu's reaction speed is very fast, and his defense is very strong." I looked at Kakashi seriously and said, "You know about the Lightning Flash Shadow Technique that I developed. I used that technique to Body Flicker Technique teleport behind him and launch a sneak attack, but he still saw through it. He is indeed very experienced! If you want to deal with him, it's best to hide and use Lightning Blade. A frontal charge will definitely be dodged, and ordinary Kunai can't pierce his hardened skin."

"His Chakra reserves are enormous. When he fought me, he unleashed over a dozen advanced Ninjutsu in quick succession. Overwhelming opponents are useless against him; he's practically a human cannon!"

After exchanging information for a bag of fruit, Kakashi Earth Flow satisfied. However, I was destined to be busy today, and a few minutes later, an unexpected pair arrived.

Shikamaru and Shiro.

If I didn't know they barely interacted, I would have thought they were a couple!

"We just happened to run into each other on the way, so we came together." Shikamaru pouted, giving off an expression that said, "It'll be troublesome if I don't explain clearly, so I'd better explain first."

"Shikamaru had something to discuss with us, so I came with him," Haku said with a smile.

Shikamaru wants to discuss something with us? To be honest, I'm not very close to Shikamaru, and we don't interact much. My impression of him is still based on the image I got from reading manga in my past life—highly intelligent, lazy, and averse to trouble.

Back in the Ninja Academy, Naruto often hung out with Shikamaru and the others; they were known as the "Four Idiots." Shikamaru wasn't stupid at all. I've seen his test papers from school; his low grades were simply because he didn't want to get high scores. In Shikamaru's words, "Showing off is too much trouble; leave that to you and Sasuke!"

Despite his lazy personality, Shikamaru is very sincere towards his friends. Choji is Choji teased because he's overweight, and Shikamaru always stands up for him and frequently tries to comfort Choji. I can't think of any reason why Shikamaru himself needs my help, but since it involves his friends, I do have a better idea of why Shikamaru.

"Shikamaru, you're not here like Kakashi to get information about Kakuzu and Hidan, are you?"

"If you'd like, that's fine too..." Shikamaru placed a bouquet of white flowers in a vase by the window, "But that's not my main purpose for coming here!"

I'm becoming increasingly certain that Shikamaru wanted to discuss something with us.

"Haku hasn't officially been promoted to Chunin yet, right? I have a suggestion: Haku could team up with Ino and Choji to participate in this Chunin Ninja Exams!" Shikamaru said in a deep voice.

Just as I expected!

Last year, only Shikamaru was promoted to Shikamaru Chunin his team. This year, Ino and Choji are facing the problem of finding a suitable person to form a team for the exam. Haku is my friend, very strong, and is currently only Genin, so it would be perfect to bring Haku to fill the gap.

If I bring Haku into this, then when I, as Anbu, participate in proctoring the exam, I'll take extra care of Ino and Choji! And if I deliberately bring this up in front of me, Haku will agree out of consideration for me! Shikamaru really thinks of all this! However, Shikamaru is still too calculating. Even if Haku isn't there, given my relationship with Ino, I'll take care of them; and Haku is the kind of person who can't refuse others, so if I just ask her directly, she'll agree.

"It's the weekend, everyone should be on holiday! Let's go eat first!" I took Haku's hand, not directly responding to Shikamaru, "We can talk about the Chunin Ninja Exams as we walk!"

Chunin Ninja Exams...?

Unexpectedly, in the blink of an eye, I went from Chunin Ninja Exams to becoming an examiner; from needing Kakashi's care to being entrusted with taking care of others!

Although a few fewer people made Konoha Twelve this year, everyone's skill level has improved significantly compared to last year. Neji and Lee probably already have Jonin -level combat power! This year's exam might even be more exciting and intense than last year's!

I'm really... looking forward to it!