He Actually Improved So Much!

Tsunade initially wanted to refuse, as she and Watanabe were not opponents of the same caliber, making sparring meaningless for both of them.

But when she turned her head and met Watanabe's sincere gaze.

She saw a desire on Watanabe's face, a desire to become stronger.

"Are you hoping to grow quickly so you can achieve your dream of world peace?"

Tsunade guessed, her heart wavering.

Although Watanabe was much weaker than her, she didn't seem to have any reason not to help such a boy grow.

"Can we?"

Watanabe continued to ask.

Tsunade averted her gaze and nonchalantly said, "Considering you treated me to lunch, I'll reluctantly agree."

Watanabe was overjoyed. To win a girl's heart, you must first win her stomach. It seemed his decision to treat Tsunade to lunch that day was absolutely right!

With Tsunade's assistance, coupled with Karma Reversal, his strength would undoubtedly increase significantly in a short period.

"Thank you! If you like it, I'll cook for you every day from now on!"

Tsunade subtly curled her lips.

I'm not a glutton, and it's not because I'm craving your food that I'm helping you.

Although what you make is indeed delicious.

"There's a small grove behind the commercial street. How about we go there after school?" Watanabe suggested.

Tsunade nodded reservedly. "Whatever."

She had no preference for the sparring location; the small grove or Watanabe's house would both be fine.

Upon returning to class, the two sat back in their respective seats without further conversation.

Soon, the class bell rang, and the cultural studies teacher bustled in, carrying a stack of lesson plans.

Watanabe was excited and energized by achieving his goal of sparring with Tsunade, determined to seize this opportunity to become stronger quickly.

It took Watanabe a full ten minutes to calm his emotions. He pretended to listen attentively in class while actually zoning out and slacking off.

[Slacking: Chakra (Blood Essence) +5, +4, +5...]

Meanwhile, Tsunade was somewhat distracted.

The more she interacted with Watanabe, the more special he seemed to her, unlike anyone she had ever known.

She only saw shining points in Watanabe, not a single flaw.

"You're the dead last in class, yet you have the same dream as Grandpa. How dare you."

Tsunade couldn't help but glance towards the corner in the back row. Seeing Watanabe staring intently at his textbook, appearing to be diligently absorbing knowledge.

"This guy is so serious about everything he does."

[Slacking: Chakra (Blood Essence) +5...]

Watanabe, who was diligently slacking off, suddenly sensed something unusual. He looked up and met Tsunade's furtive gaze.

Watanabe blinked, then offered Tsunade a gentle smile.

"Oh no!"

Tsunade's face instantly flushed red. It felt like being caught cheating at a casino. She quickly averted her eyes, her heart pounding fiercely in her chest.

"Wait, I didn't do anything. Why should I be afraid of him?"

Tsunade suddenly realized, feeling her guilt was unfounded.

Despite her thoughts, she didn't dare to look back at Watanabe again and began to listen to the lesson seriously.

The Ninja Academy's lessons were boring for Watanabe, especially the cultural studies. Fortunately, he had Karma Reversal, allowing him to grow stronger by slacking off.

Unknowingly, the entire afternoon slipped away as he coasted through.

After school, everyone headed home. Tsunade cast a faint glance at Watanabe before leaving the classroom.

Watanabe understood her intention and followed her tacitly.

"Tsunade, my dog, Da Huang, just had a litter of puppies. Do you want to come see them at my place?"

Inuzuka Kiba said with a smile, trying to get closer to Tsunade.

"I have something to do, I won't be looking," Tsunade replied crisply.

"Uh, okay. They're really cute..."

Watching Tsunade's retreating figure, Inuzuka Kiba shrunk his neck sheepishly. The Little Princess of Konoha is truly proud.

Not long after leaving the school gate, footsteps sounded beside him again.

Tsunade turned her head, saw it was Watanabe, and said nonchalantly, "Where is this small grove you mentioned?"

Watanabe: "Behind the shopping street, it's only a few minutes' walk. It's very quiet there, nobody usually goes."

"Mhm."

Just as Watanabe said, the small grove was indeed quiet, with birdsong and pleasant scenery.

"How do you want me to beat you— no, how do you want to spar with me?"

On the grass, Tsunade accidentally blurted out her true thoughts, her fair cheeks flushing slightly.

She knew very well that while they called it a spar, it would only be Watanabe getting beaten unilaterally.

"The same as last time is fine. You don't have to go easy on me, but keep your strength within the range that won't kill me," Watanabe stated his request simply.

"Understood."

Tsunade nodded. This spar was entirely for Watanabe to gain practical combat experience.

After all, she knew Medical Ninjutsu. No matter how badly she beat Watanabe, she could heal his injuries in the end.

"Tsunade, I'm coming," Watanabe announced.

Tsunade waved her hand, looking as if he could attack whenever he pleased.

So, Watanabe bravely charged forward.

"Bang."

Then he was sent flying by a punch from Tsunade.

[Under Attack: Blood Essence +25, Defense +14, Pain -20...]

Awesome! This is exactly the feeling I wanted!

Watanabe exclaimed with delight, his Blood Essence surging through him with invigorating comfort.

He got up and continued to attack Tsunade.

"Bang."

He was sent flying again.

[Under Attack: Blood Essence +22, Defense +11...]

The efficiency of improving his strength this way was far greater than simply slacking off.

"Again."

Watanabe lunged at Tsunade like a starving man pouncing on bread, seizing the opportunity to become stronger, fighting on despite repeated failures.

"Bang, bang, bang, bang..."

Tsunade sent him flying again and again, and he got up again and again. His Blood Essence burned fiercely within him like a vigorous furnace.

When Tsunade sent him flying for the thirteenth time, a look of emotion appeared on her beautiful face.

So tenacious!

Watanabe's tenacity shocked her.

He was being beaten unilaterally, yet instead of running away like most people would, Watanabe grew stronger with each fight and endured, showing no intention of retreating.

What kind of will is supporting your growth? Is it the dream of world peace?

Tsunade mused inwardly.

She believed that someone like Watanabe couldn't remain weak forever, even if his talent was limited.

"Bang."

Another punch struck Watanabe's abdomen.

[Under Attack: Blood Essence +26, Defense +14...]

This time, Watanabe wasn't sent flying. His surging Blood Essence and solid Defense finally allowed him to withstand Tsunade's power. He counterattacked with a punch towards Tsunade's stomach.

"Huh?"

Tsunade exclaimed in surprise, not expecting Watanabe to improve so noticeably and quickly, to the point where he could now withstand her attack head-on.

She deftly batted away Watanabe's fist and struck his shoulder with a palm.

Watanabe grunted comfortably. His stance remained firm, and he continued his reckless, trade-blows assault on Tsunade.

"He's improved this much!"

Tsunade's beautiful eyes widened in extreme surprise.

"Bang."

Caught off guard for a moment, her abdomen was hit by Watanabe.

Watanabe's force wasn't strong, but it caused Tsunade to lose her balance, staggering backward.