Taijutsu Naruto and Water Release Sakura.

"I have fully understood your intentions."

The Third Hokage pondered for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "If you feel that the child Naruto is acceptable, and he has earned your approval, then if you wish to teach him, go ahead. There is no need for any reservations."

He had been keeping an eye on Naruto's performance over the past two years. Although the boy remained as boisterous and thick-skinned as ever, he had uncharacteristically stopped pulling pranks and no longer slept in class, instead transforming into a child who practiced diligently and trained hard.

This child was working hard to earn everyone's recognition.

Noticing this, he felt a great sense of relief.

Thinking of this, the Third Hokage smiled and continued, "Naruto's constitution is very special; one could say he is perfectly suited for practicing taijutsu. You are getting on in years, and you shouldn't take your exquisite taijutsu skills to the grave with you. It is a good thing to have a disciple to inherit your mantle."

Chen Baojun nodded and said solemnly, "I understand, Lord Third!"

"Mm." The Third Hokage nodded, revealing a kind smile, and encouraged him, "I also look forward to seeing what kind of ninja Naruto will become after inheriting the secrets of the Konoha Dragon God."

"By the way, that child grew up without the love of parents, and the villagers keep their distance from him because of the rumors about the Demon Fox. Aside from his technical training, he will need you to look after him in other aspects as well."

Chen Baojun was silent for a moment before saying earnestly, "I understand. I will not fail your expectations."

"Heh heh, I trust you. Alright, it is getting late. You should head back and rest early. This old bag of bones needs to go to sleep as well."

"Yes!"

"Naruto practicing taijutsu, huh?"

"I wonder what kind of ninja he will become in the future?"

After Chen Baojun left, the Third Hokage looked at the photograph of the Fourth Hokage hanging on the wall and muttered to himself.

"I never expected that Naruto would not inherit the talent for ninjutsu and sealing jutsu from you and Kushina, but instead embark on the path of taijutsu."

The next day, shortly after lunch, Sakura, led by her father Haruno Kizashi, headed toward the home of Maruboshi Kosuke.

Halfway there, Sakura asked with some hesitation and conflict, "Dad, is this really okay? Isn't it too rude to visit Grandpa Kosuke so suddenly?"

"It's fine, Sakura!"

Haruno Kizashi was a tall man in his thirties with dark pink hair styled into a ridiculous pentagram shape, looking as if a Patrick Star was growing out of his head; it looked quite comical.

He flashed his white teeth and said cheerfully, "Before coming here, I already greeted Senior Kosuke yesterday about visiting today."

"But..." Sakura muttered softly, "Won't it be too abrupt, too intrusive, and disturb Grandpa Kosuke?"

"Hahaha, it's fine!" Haruno Kizashi put his hands on his hips and laughed loudly, seeing his daughter looking uneasy. "Don't be nervous, Sakura. Seeing you so tense, let me tell you a joke to relax."

Sakura immediately became expressionless: "No!"

Haruno Kizashi ignored his daughter's refusal and began his joke.

"Once upon a time, there was a steamed bun. He was walking along and got hungry. Guess what happened next?"

Haruno Kizashi asked with a mysterious look, yet Sakura remained completely expressionless.

"In the end, he actually ate himself! Pfft, hahahahahaha!"

Haruno Kizashi clapped his hands and laughed, his eyes crinkling with joy, and he was almost brought to tears by his own laughter.

"He actually ate himself, how stupid, hahahahaha!"

Haruno Kizashi recovered from his laughter and, seeing his daughter still expressionless, asked curiously, "Eh? Is this joke not funny? Then let me tell you another one."

"Once upon a time, there was a matchstick..."

"Enough, Dad!"

Sakura interrupted Haruno Kizashi's cold joke with black lines on her forehead and pulled him along.

"Let's hurry to Grandpa Kosuke's house. Let's not keep him waiting."

"Uh..." Haruno Kizashi swallowed the rest of his cold joke with a look of reluctance.

"Alright!"

The father and daughter continued toward Maruboshi Kosuke's house, and along the way, Haruno Kizashi still couldn't forget the joke he hadn't finished.

"Sakura, this joke is really funny, let me finish it."

"No!"

"Once upon a time, there was a matchstick..."

"Enough, Dad!"

"..."

At Maruboshi Kosuke's house.

Maruboshi Kosuke's home could not be called luxurious or spacious, nor could it be called simple or cramped; it was just an ordinary, modest Japanese-style cottage.

In the guest room, Haruno Kizashi was chatting with Maruboshi Kosuke, while Sakura sat meticulously to the side, quiet and wordless.

"Senior, I came to see you today because of Sakura," Haruno Kizashi said, getting straight to the point after a few pleasantries.

"Sakura?" Maruboshi Kosuke smiled and looked at the quiet Sakura sitting to the side.

Seeing him look over, Sakura nodded obediently.

"Sakura is graduating from the Ninja Academy in a couple of years, isn't she? You are an experienced ninja, Senior, so I was hoping Sakura could ask you for advice from time to time. I want her to become an excellent ninja just like you. If you could even guide her in the capacity of a teacher, that would be even better."

Maruboshi Kosuke laughed, "Kizashi, you are a Chunin, while I am merely a Genin. If you let me guide Sakura, aren't you afraid I might lead her astray?"

"How could that be, Senior?" Haruno Kizashi said with a serious expression. "Although you are only a Genin, I have been on many missions with you. I know your strength is far beyond that—it far surpasses my own. You are being too humble, Senior."

Eh?

Does Dad also think Grandpa Kosuke is very strong?

Sakura felt a surge of astonishment in her heart.

Maruboshi Kosuke fell silent for a moment. Looking at the earnest Haruno Kizashi and the expectant Sakura beside him, he suddenly asked, "Sakura, what is your best ninjutsu?"

"Ah?" Sakura was taken aback, then quickly replied, "It's Water Release, Grandpa Kosuke!"

As she spoke, Sakura opened her palm, and a lifelike liquid creature appeared in the center of her hand.

"Water Release, is it?" A look of reminiscence crossed Maruboshi Kosuke's eyes as he praised, "Good chakra control and a solid foundation in Water Release. Sakura, you have a real talent for it."

A look of joy appeared in Sakura's eyes: "Thank you for your praise."

Maruboshi Kosuke smiled, then his expression suddenly straightened, becoming serious and earnest.

"Sakura, do you have any very important companions?"

In his youth, he had been eager for success during a mission and issued a rash order that led to the deaths of two comrades. Consequently, he swore an oath to the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, to remain a Genin forever, earning him the nickname "The Eternal Genin."

If Sakura wanted to receive his guidance, or even become his student, talent alone was not enough; she had to demonstrate that she valued her companions!

"Companions?"

Sakura pondered for a moment. In an instant, the figures of Sasuke, Ino, and even Naruto flashed through her mind.

"Yes!"

"Then, when you become a ninja in the future, will you protect your companions when they are in danger, even to the point of sacrificing your own life for them?"

Maruboshi Kosuke's tone was no longer kind and approachable; instead, it became extremely oppressive. Haruno Kizashi remained silent, standing quietly to the side.

Faced with Kosuke's questioning, a flicker of hesitation crossed Sakura's heart, and she did not know how to answer.

She had not yet grown into the Haruno Sakura of the future who would dare to use her life to protect her companions; for now, she was just an innocent, naive girl with a heart full of youthful dreams.

Her desire to become stronger was merely for the sake of Sasuke.

"Grandpa Kosuke." After a long silence, Sakura looked up, a flash of determination in her eyes.

"I cannot answer that question right now. Or rather, I might not be able to sacrifice my life for my companions at this moment, but I want to possess the power to protect them, and I want to become a ninja who dares to use her life to protect her companions!"

She might not be able to do it now, but will she keep working toward that goal?

She is an honest child, at least.

Well, I shouldn't be too harsh on a child...

After all, she is still just a child.

Maruboshi Kosuke's stern expression vanished, replaced by a smile.

"Then work hard, Sakura!"

After a pause, Maruboshi Kosuke continued, "In my spare time between missions, you can come to me for advice. I will teach you some ninja skills and the art of Water Release!"

"Eh!?" Sakura's expression turned to one of pleasant surprise. She had thought her hesitation and answer would have disappointed Grandpa Kosuke, but she hadn't expected...

"Thank you, Grandpa Kosuke!"