Scars of the Past

"I... I am already an adult, perfectly capable of controlling my own actions. What do you mean by that? Are you trying to say I'm still just a child who isn't even as good as you?"

Shizune couldn't help but retort.

Undoubtedly, Takizawa Dan's words just now had truly stung her.

For the longest time, Shizune had been known throughout the ninja world as Lady Tsunade's most capable assistant and disciple. Although the praise she received couldn't compare to Tsunade herself, she was still met with countless accolades and compliments wherever she went.

After all, unless absolutely necessary, who would willingly provoke a doctor?

Everyone might one day suffer a broken bone or a serious injury requiring urgent treatment. If they offended someone and that person refused to treat them later, what would they do?

Therefore, this was undoubtedly a very realistic issue.

But regardless, such a person was not someone a mere child like Takizawa Dan could lecture at will. If word of this got out, how would Shizune be able to hold her own in the circle in the future?

Takizawa Dan glanced at Tsunade, only to see her shaking her head slightly at him.

The meaning was clear: Shizune was not yet ready to accept such forceful correction from the outside, so it was best not to use coercive methods to bring her to her senses.

Takizawa Dan frowned. Shizune's personality flaws, which had formed due to childhood trauma, were particularly problematic.

Since Tsunade wouldn't let him correct her directly, he would have to wait for time to pass and use psychological therapy slowly.

Sighing silently to himself, Takizawa Dan shook his head, deciding to set the topic aside and find an opportunity to resolve it later.

"Didn't you just say that while you acknowledge my performance in decision-making, you are skeptical regarding my actual medical therapy skills?"

Takizawa Dan didn't delve deeper into the previous issue, instead shifting to another matter.

"Hmm? That is true. Tell you what: as long as you can surpass me in medical theory, then I, Shizune, will willingly admit that you have won!"

A hint of craftiness flickered in Shizune's eyes.

In truth, this behavior was bordering on being a sore loser.

While human intelligence levels were generally similar, there was no doubt that the accumulation of time under equal circumstances was lethal!

If nothing else, Shizune had spent a full twenty years studying, mastering a near-infinite amount of medical knowledge. How could a mere Takizawa Dan possibly compare?

Sure enough, Tsunade looked a bit embarrassed, her face even flushing slightly.

Just as she was about to step in to uphold justice for Takizawa Dan and declare such a competition unfair, Takizawa Dan laughed.

"Fine, let's compete. Big Sister Shizune, I want to tell you one thing today: even when it comes to medical theory, I won't lose to you!"

That statement was far too arrogant; even someone like Shizune couldn't help but frown repeatedly upon hearing it.

It was good to have dreams, but if one chased them blindly without regard for reality, that wasn't chasing a dream—it was digging one's own grave.

However, since Takizawa Dan insisted, Tsunade had no choice but to let the competition begin.

During the contest, Takizawa Dan unexpectedly displayed skills that left the entire room in awe.

For every question Tsunade asked, he was able to answer a step ahead of Shizune, almost without needing to think. The key was that he was completely error-free, which left both Tsunade and Shizune clicking their tongues in wonder.

If not for the fact that Tsunade had come up with the questions on the spot and varied their difficulty, they might have suspected Takizawa Dan of cheating!

"Takizawa Dan... how are you able to answer so quickly?"

Shizune asked, full of confusion. "Have you studied medicine before?"

"Uh... well, because my body was quite weak before, I couldn't go to the Ninja Academy, right?" Takizawa Dan's eyes darted around as he casually came up with an excuse. "So, since I was just idling at home, I thought I might as well study some medical texts to learn something useful. Maybe I learned this knowledge back then!"

Takizawa Dan's explanation was somewhat far-fetched, yet there seemed to be no other reason that could explain it all.

Otherwise, was he a monster in disguise or a reincarnation?

Even if Takizawa Dan were willing to tell Tsunade and Shizune about the system he had obtained, he doubted the two would believe him at all.

"Heavens, this is truly incredible. You actually learned medical ninjutsu entirely through self-study? And you've mastered so much theoretical knowledge!"

Tsunade took Takizawa Dan's explanation at face value, and the way she looked at him even took on a bit more brilliance.

If everything he said was true, then she had finally found a suitable successor for her legacy.

To be honest, Tsunade passing her medical skills to Shizune was actually a matter of necessity. After all, she had no better disciples around, so she had to make do with what she had.

However, the appearance of Takizawa Dan gave Tsunade hope.

This kid's talent was even greater than her own when she was young, and his future achievements would definitely not be limited to this!

If she didn't take him on as a disciple, it would be a total waste of talent!

"Shizune, are you convinced now? Whether it's in medical theory or his own decision-making and adaptability, Takizawa Dan surpasses you."

Tsunade looked at her female disciple and said in a cold tone.

"I am convinced. Little Brother Takizawa Dan is truly an outstanding person. It is wonderful that Lady Tsunade has found him! This time, I truly lost; it was my own overconfidence."

Although Shizune offered her congratulations, a trace of disappointment surfaced in the depths of her eyes.

It seemed that Takizawa Dan would be favored from now on. Would she still be able to enjoy the special treatment she had as Tsunade's head disciple?

"Good, a person who stands by their word is worthy of being my disciple!" Tsunade nodded, her gaze softening with a bit of approval. "Since you have admitted defeat, you should fulfill your promise and hand over that Ninjutsu Scroll Launcher!"

Tsunade knew when to show grace and when to assert authority. At this moment, she didn't hesitate to take the initiative to help Takizawa Dan claim the item from Shizune.

Shizune looked at the launcher in her hand with lingering attachment, but in the end, she gritted her teeth, closed her eyes, and handed the object over to Tsunade.

This thing was a treasure, something she had always loved and couldn't bear to part with.

Having to hand it over just like that was truly painful for her.