Liuxia vs. Tsunade!

"What? You want to learn Summoning Technique?! You're still too young! Wait until you graduate from the Ninja Academy before you even think about it!"

Tsunade had just enjoyed a sumptuous dinner. Now she was sprawled on the sofa without a hint of ladylike grace, seemingly still savoring the taste of the delicious roast chicken they'd had at dinner. But Liuxia's request nearly made her leap off the sofa in shock. The little guy had made astonishing progress over the past two years, but letting him learn Summoning Technique now seemed far too soon.

"Tsunade, I'm not that little anymore. Back in Grandpa's day, I'd have been old enough to go to war!"

"Besides, Liuxia's really strong! He took care of the ninjas who were giving us trouble all by himself today!" Kushina Uzumaki chimed in.

"That's right, that's right! Xia is amazing. Nobody in our class can beat him!" Nawaki said around a mouthful of watermelon.

"Ninjas? What exactly happened? How could any ninjas dare cause trouble for you in Konoha?" Tsunade asked sternly.

"What! The Shimura Clan is so arrogant and overbearing! They even dared to bully my people! I'll teach them a lesson!" Tsunade roared, shaking her clenched fist. She couldn't stand anyone daring to bully her younger siblings. It was nothing less than a provocation and an insult!

But just as Tsunade was about to storm off, Liuxia reacted quickly, grabbed her arm, and held on tight, afraid she'd slip away. He knew what Tsunade was like. If he didn't seize his chance, she might leave and hide somewhere to drink and gamble. Finding her again then would be next to impossible. (Good kids shouldn't drink or gamble!)

"Tsunade, don't rush! These are minor problems. We can handle them ourselves. But before that, please promise to teach me Summoning Technique!" Liuxia said urgently, his gaze firm and determined. Tsunade was a summoner contracted with Shikkotsu Forest, and he'd been coveting that for a long time. His Wood Release was waiting for him to unlock its potential at the Three Great Sage Lands.

The Three Great Sage Lands were Shikkotsu Forest, Mount Myoboku, and Ryūchi Cave. Ryūchi Cave was definitely out of the question—he didn't want to risk ending up as snake food. Mount Myoboku and Shikkotsu Forest were the obvious first choices, since the Senju Clan had long-standing contracts with them. They were practically family! If that didn't work, he could always try to sweet-talk that old pervert, the Pervy Sage!

Looking at Liuxia's sincere expression, Tsunade couldn't help softening. After thinking it over, she also decided to use the opportunity to test his strength and set a condition. "How about this? If you can hold out against me for the time it takes an incense stick to burn, I'll acknowledge your strength and teach you Summoning Technique. What do you think?"

Liuxia nodded without hesitation, accepting Tsunade's challenge. He knew this was a rare opportunity. An incense stick's worth of time—and he was eager to find out just how wide the gap was between him and someone at Kage Level! A fierce battle was about to begin. Could Liuxia pass Tsunade's test? Let's wait and see... Just kidding!

The group strode toward the training ground. Nawaki and Kushina followed close behind. As they walked, Kushina was filled with nervous anticipation.

"Nawaki, do you think Liuxia will pass Tsunade's test?" Kushina couldn't help asking, her voice trembling slightly. All she knew about Tsunade was the violence she'd witnessed when they first met. She had no idea how strong Tsunade really was.

Nawaki thought for a moment. "Hmm... That's hard to say. My sister's incredibly strong, but Liuxia's strong too. Whenever I train with him, I get beaten so badly I can't fight back. But my sister definitely won't hurt him. Let's wait and see."

Nawaki's words eased Kushina's worries a little. She had an inexplicable faith in Liuxia and was certain he could overcome any difficulty.

The seconds ticked by, and at last they reached the center of the training ground. Liuxia stood quietly, regulating his breathing. He slowly drew the Crimson Blood Sword from his waist. Its blade glinted coldly, its tip angled toward the ground. His gaze was focused and sharp as he fixed it on Tsunade.

Tsunade stood tall with her arms crossed. The night breeze brushed her hair and stirred the fallen leaves on the ground. The atmosphere was tense, as if a life-or-death battle were about to begin.

Liuxia took a deep breath, clearing his mind of distractions. He focused completely on the shifting currents in the air, ready for Tsunade's attack. Tsunade's face was expressionless, her eyes radiating authority and confidence. She was fully prepared, waiting for her opponent to make his move.

"Come on! Let's see how much you've grown!" Tsunade said, her eyes full of anticipation.

"I won't disappoint you, Tsunade!" Liuxia replied confidently. He gripped his sword hilt with his right hand and formed the Seal of Confrontation with his left.

"The Seal of Confrontation, huh? Oh, what a pain!" Tsunade grumbled, but she didn't hesitate for a moment. She swiftly formed the Seal of Confrontation too.

Liuxia attacked without hesitation, hurling more than a dozen Shuriken at Tsunade at incredible speed. They struck one another in midair with a series of crisp metallic clinks, changing their trajectories and closing in on Tsunade from multiple directions!

Is this kid a member of the Senju Clan or the Uchiha Clan? His Shuriken throwing is flawless in every way—the force, speed, and angles are all perfect. But to a true strong opponent, ninja tools are nothing more than playthings!

BOOM!

The burst of chakra from Tsunade blew the Shuriken away. She charged at Liuxia and launched a Strength of a Hundred Fist straight at him.

So fast! Liuxia couldn't dodge in time. He gripped the Crimson Blood Sword tightly, trying to use it to block the blow, but he'd still underestimated Tsunade's monstrous strength. One punch sent him flying into the woods more than ten meters away.

"Kid! Is that all you've got? I'm not even warmed up yet!" Tsunade didn't pursue him. She simply stood there again with her arms crossed.

"Water Release: Water Dragon Jutsu!"

A mighty water dragon soared out of the dark woods and sped toward Tsunade. She reacted instantly, shattering it with another Strength of a Hundred Fist. Before she could recover from the punch, Liuxia was already in front of her with the Crimson Blood Sword in hand, thrusting straight at her abdomen!

Tsunade spun around sharply. The blade skimmed her waist, slicing through her clothes and revealing the snowy-white skin beneath. Liuxia's expression didn't change. He turned the blade and pressed in close, aiming for a vital spot! Liuxia's relentless attacks left Tsunade feeling utterly frustrated, unable to put her monstrous strength to use. But Tsunade was worthy of becoming one of the future Legendary Sannin. She found an opening and kicked Liuxia away!

"Not bad! I'm getting fired up! Watch out! Heavenly Foot of Pain!"

Tsunade leaped into the air and brought her foot crashing down toward Liuxia. He felt a rush of wind pressure, as if he were facing an ancient beast.

BOOM!!!!

Nawaki and Kushina felt the earth tremble and looked anxiously toward the battlefield. A crater more than a meter deep was all that remained where Liuxia had been standing. As the dust cleared, Tsunade was the only one standing in the crater.

That was a Shadow Clone. So where's the real one? Hmm! Above!

Sure enough, Tsunade looked up—and a mighty water dragon came hurtling toward her!

Strength of a Hundred Fist!

Just as I thought, a technique like that can't hurt Tsunade at all! Is this the power of Kage Level? I still don't have a way to break through her defense! Looks like I'll have to use that move!

"Where are you looking?! You dare get distracted while fighting me?"

Liuxia hurriedly dodged backward. Tsunade's fist slammed into the ground before him, splitting it open once more. The earth shook beneath Liuxia's feet. As he was still trying to steady himself, Tsunade launched another Heavenly Foot of Pain.

THUD!

Another Shadow Clone? Just how many did this kid make?! Tsunade complained inwardly. Can't he have a real man-to-man fight with me, trading punches?!