He Had Actually Improved This Much!

Tsunade had intended to refuse. She and Watanabe weren't even in the same league, so sparring would be pointless.

But when she turned around, she met Watanabe's earnest gaze.

She saw the longing in his eyes—the longing to grow stronger.

"Do you want to grow as quickly as possible so you can fulfill your dream of bringing peace to the world?"

Tsunade guessed, and her resolve wavered.

Though Watanabe was much weaker than she was, she couldn't think of any reason not to help a boy like him grow.

"Would you?"

Watanabe asked again.

Tsunade looked away and said casually, "Since you treated me to lunch, I'll reluctantly agree."

Watanabe was overjoyed. To win a girl over, you first had to win over her stomach. It seemed he'd made the right choice treating Tsunade to lunch!

With Tsunade's help, and Karma Reversal to boot, his strength was sure to improve dramatically in a short time.

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

Tsunade pursed her lips discreetly.

It's not like I'm a glutton. I'm not helping him because I'm craving his cooking.

Though his food really is delicious.

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

Tsunade nodded primly. "Whatever."

She didn't care where they sparred. The grove or Watanabe's house would both do.

The two returned to class and sat in their respective seats without speaking again.

Before long, the bell rang, and the culture teacher hurried in, clutching a stack of lesson plans.

Watanabe had achieved his goal of arranging a spar with Tsunade. Excited and fired up, he resolved to seize this opportunity and grow stronger as quickly as he could.

It took Watanabe a full ten minutes to calm down. He pretended to listen attentively in class, but in reality, he emptied his mind and entered lazy mode.

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

Meanwhile, Tsunade was somewhat distracted.

The more time she spent with Watanabe, the more she felt he was special, unlike anyone she knew.

All she saw in Watanabe were good qualities. She hadn't found a single flaw.

"You're the dead last in class, yet you share my grandfather's dream. How do you dare?"

Tsunade couldn't help glancing toward the back corner of the classroom. Watanabe was staring intently at his textbook, looking as if he were diligently absorbing knowledge.

"That guy takes everything he does so seriously."

[Slacking: Chakra (Vitality) +5...]

Watanabe, who had been slacking off intently, suddenly sensed something odd. He raised his head and met Tsunade's furtive gaze.

Watanabe froze for a moment, then gave Tsunade a warm smile.

Oh no!

Tsunade's face instantly flushed. It was like getting caught cheating at a casino. She quickly looked away, her heart pounding hard in her chest.

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

Tsunade suddenly realized she had no reason to feel guilty.

Even so, she didn't dare look back at Watanabe again and began paying attention to the lesson.

The Ninja Academy's classes were boring to Watanabe, especially the culture lessons. Fortunately, he had Karma Reversal and could grow stronger by slacking off.

Before he knew it, he'd spent the entire afternoon lazing his way through class.

After school, everyone headed home. Tsunade glanced at Watanabe, then walked out of the classroom.

Watanabe understood what she meant and followed after her without a word.

"Tsunade, my big yellow dog just had a litter. Do you want to come to my house and see them?"

Inuzuka Kiba tried to ingratiate himself with Tsunade, grinning.

"I have something to do. I'll pass," Tsunade replied briskly.

"Uh, all right. They're really cute, though..."

Watching Tsunade walk away, Inuzuka Kiba shrank his neck dejectedly. Konoha's Little Princess really was haughty.

Not long after they left the school gates, he heard footsteps beside him again.

Tsunade turned around. Seeing that it was Watanabe, she asked nonchalantly, "Where's that grove you mentioned?"

"Behind the shopping district. It's just a few minutes away, and it's quiet there. No one usually goes."

"Mm."

Just as Watanabe had said, the grove was peaceful, with birdsong, fragrant flowers, 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 let her true thoughts slip. Her fair cheeks flushed slightly.

She knew perfectly well that although they called it a spar, Watanabe would simply be taking a beating from her.

"Just like the other day. You don't have to hold back, but keep your strength within a range where you won't kill me," Watanabe said simply.

"Understood."

Tsunade nodded. She was sparring with him solely to help him gain practical experience.

Besides, she knew Medical Ninjutsu. No matter how badly she roughed Watanabe up, she could heal his injuries afterward.

"Tsunade, here I come," Watanabe said.

Tsunade waved a hand, looking as if she were telling him to go ahead.

So Watanabe bravely charged in.

"Thud."

Then Tsunade punched him flying.

[Under attack: Vitality +25, Defense +14, Pain -20...]

This is great! This is exactly what I wanted!

Watanabe couldn't get enough of it. His blood surged through his body, leaving him feeling wonderfully invigorated.

He got back up and attacked Tsunade again.

"Thud."

He was sent flying once more.

[Under attack: Vitality +22, Defense +11...]

This was far more efficient for improving his strength than simply slacking off.

"Again."

Like a starving man throwing himself at a loaf of bread, Watanabe flung himself at Tsunade, seizing every chance to grow stronger. He kept getting back up after each defeat.

"Thud, thud, thud, thud..."

Tsunade sent him flying again and again, and he kept getting back up. His vitality burned fiercely inside him like a blazing furnace.

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

He was so tenacious!

Watanabe's tenacity shocked her.

She was beating him one-sidedly. Anyone else would have run off long ago, yet Watanabe only fought harder, stubbornly persevering without the slightest intention of backing down.

What kind of will is driving you to grow? Is it your dream of bringing peace to the world?

Tsunade wondered.

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

"Thud."

Another punch struck Watanabe in the abdomen.

[Under attack: Vitality +26, Defense +14...]

This time, Watanabe wasn't sent flying. His abundant vitality and sturdy defense finally let him withstand Tsunade's strength. He countered with a punch of his own, aiming for her stomach.

"Huh?"

Tsunade exclaimed in surprise. She hadn't expected Watanabe to improve so noticeably, so quickly. He could actually take her attack head-on now.

She deftly slapped his fist aside, then struck his shoulder with her palm.

Watanabe let out a pleased grunt. He still didn't retreat. Using a trade-blows-for-blows approach, he attacked Tsunade fiercely, recklessly charging ahead.

"He actually improved this much!"

Tsunade's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Thud."

Caught off guard for a moment, she took a hit to the abdomen from Watanabe.

Watanabe's punch wasn't very powerful, but it threw Tsunade off balance. She staggered backward and fell.