Playing Charades

Shizune and Tsunade quickly ended their whispering, then turned to look at Takizawa Dan with a gaze unlike any he had seen before.

"Wait... you two... what is this? I'm warning you, I'm still just a child!"

The sense of wariness in Takizawa Dan's heart grew increasingly intense, and he couldn't help but take two steps back.

"Little brother Takizawa Dan, don't be nervous. It's just an entrance test!"

Seeing Takizawa Dan so frightened and backing away, Shizune found it amusing and couldn't help but let out a soft, "Pfft."

"Huh? An entrance test?"

Takizawa Dan was puzzled by this and couldn't help but look toward Tsunade.

"Ahem... Takizawa Dan, this is a rule I established long ago. Every new disciple must undergo a test." Tsunade cleared her throat. "Although I already concluded that you excel in combat during the Chunin Exams, the ritual must still be observed."

"That's right, little brother, don't be afraid. It's just a formality. Master Tsunade has already said she's taking you in, so why would I intentionally make you fail?"

Shizune added with a playful smile.

Takizawa Dan understood now, and his heart felt a little more at ease.

It was just a test; the other side would go easy on him, and he would pull his punches—just going through the motions would be enough.

However, this also showed that Tsunade was someone who truly valued tradition. Even though she had already decided to take him on, she still insisted on holding an entrance test to make the process official.

Although the process was indeed a bit tedious, Takizawa Dan didn't dislike it; on the contrary, he felt a newfound appreciation for Tsunade.

Just as Takizawa Dan was preparing to accept the challenge and spar with his senior sister, Shizune, while holding back, a blue fragment suddenly fell from her body.

The angle of its fall was quite peculiar, tracing a parabola that landed right at Takizawa Dan's feet.

"Master Tsunade, wait a moment, let me tie my shoelace!"

Takizawa Dan quickly spoke, bending down to pretend to tie his lace while hurriedly picking up the fragment.

"Mm, alright. No rush, take your time."

Tsunade said with great magnanimity.

Shizune was even more relaxed; since she had already decided to go easy on him, she didn't mind waiting a little longer for Takizawa Dan.

Swish!

When no one was looking, the fragment suddenly drilled into Takizawa Dan's mind.

[Congratulations to the host for obtaining a non-combat skill: Advanced Medical Ninjutsu!]

[As a reward for unlocking your first non-combat skill, Advanced Medical Ninjutsu has been upgraded to Top-tier Medical Ninjutsu. The host now possesses the highest level of medical expertise in the entire ninja world!]

[PS: Shizune's current medical level is Advanced Medical Ninjutsu; Tsunade's current medical level is Quasi-Top-tier Medical Ninjutsu!]

[Host's current abilities: Basic Taijutsu, Basic Gentle Fist, Multi Shadow Clone Technique, Wind Style: Kamaitachi Jutsu, Wind Style: Floating Catkin Jutsu, Water Style: Great Waterfall Technique, Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence, Secret Technique: Barrier Jutsu, Top-tier Medical Ninjutsu!]

The moment the system prompt sounded, Takizawa Dan felt a stream of information rush into his mind.

In an instant, he felt countless pieces of information regarding medical arts emerge deep within his brain, each one incredibly profound.

This must be the Top-tier Medical Ninjutsu, making him the person standing at the pinnacle of medicine in the entire ninja world!

However, what surprised Takizawa Dan slightly was that, according to the system, it was understandable that Shizune was only at the Advanced level, but even Tsunade was only at the Quasi-Top-tier level—still a step below him!

But upon reflection, Takizawa Dan understood.

After all, medicine was a field that evolved and perfected itself alongside technological development. Based on his knowledge, it seemed that only Orochimaru in the entire ninja world had truly grasped the core technology!

In a place like Konoha, where they didn't even have televisions, it was already an extraordinary feat for Tsunade to have become the current medical saint through self-study.

"Takizawa Dan, what are you still standing there for? Why aren't you getting ready to spar with me?"

At that moment, Shizune's dissatisfied voice pulled Takizawa Dan back to reality.

"Oh, oh, I was just distracted, my apologies."

Takizawa Dan hurriedly patted his forehead, putting on a very embarrassed expression.

"Honestly, can you focus?" Seeing him like this, a look of utter disappointment appeared in Shizune's eyes.

To be distracted in the middle of a fight—she truly wondered what was going on in this kid's head. It was fortunate she had decided to go easy on him; otherwise, in a real battle, he would have lost his life long ago.

"I'm sorry, it won't happen again."

"Hmph, enough talk. Attack me now!"

Shizune gripped the kunai in her hand and assumed a stance.

She had decided to let Takizawa Dan attack first, block three of his strikes, and then throw a symbolic punch that he would definitely be able to dodge. That way, Takizawa Dan would pass.

It wouldn't cause her to lose face, it would cater to Takizawa Dan's feelings, and in Tsunade's eyes, this back-and-forth spar would naturally look acceptable.

Just as Shizune was fully focused, preparing to receive Takizawa Dan's attack, she saw the boy opposite her relax his body and shake his head.

"No, I've changed my mind. I don't want to fight."

"You wouldn't happen to be scared, would you? You coward!"

Shizune narrowed her eyes at Takizawa Dan, shaking her head repeatedly.

A flicker of disappointment appeared in the depths of Tsunade's eyes.

She and Shizune had hinted to Takizawa Dan to such an extent, even offering him victory on a silver platter, yet Takizawa Dan didn't even have the guts to attack?

With such a cowardly and spineless disposition, even with great talent and strength, it would be difficult for him to achieve anything of note.

Could it be that she had truly misjudged him?

However, Takizawa Dan smiled and said, "Don't be so anxious; I haven't finished speaking yet."

"I have decided to compete with Sister Shizune in medical ninjutsu!"

Although Takizawa Dan's voice was not loud, it was magnetic and sharp, echoing clearly throughout the entire room.

Tsunade and Shizune were both stunned upon hearing this!

"Y-you... what did you say?" Shizune's mind went completely blank from the sheer shock.

"I said I want to compete with you in medical ninjutsu." The expression on Takizawa Dan's face remained relaxed. "Since we are both of the medical ninja lineage, isn't it only natural to compete in medical arts?"

"No... that's not what I meant." Shizune waved her hands, rubbing her forehead with a sense of helplessness. "Takizawa Dan, I know you are confident, but do you realize I have been following Lady Tsunade for over ten years? The systematic medical training I have received is not something a brat like you, who has never studied medicine, can compare to. To put it bluntly, I have been learning medical ninjutsu from Lady Tsunade for longer than you have even been alive!"

Tsunade also looked at Takizawa Dan, frowning as she said, "That's right, Takizawa Dan. Shizune is not as weak as you imagine. Aside from me, she is a medical ninja unrivaled in the entire shinobi world. You will be no match for her."