Trash Station: Chapter 42

Minato wore a sunny smile, while Ren shook his head. "That's simply impossible. Within the class, my overall strength ranks first, while yours ranks second. Naruto would never place first and second in the same team.

"Besides, with Tsunade's support over the past few years, Medical Ninjutsu has developed rapidly in Konoha. The emergence of Medical Ninjutsu has allowed injured ninja to recover quickly and return to the battlefield, further elevating the status of medical ninja and influencing many high-ranking decisions. Of the three people assigned this time, one will definitely be set on the path of becoming a medical ninja.

"A medical ninja, a combat-oriented ninja, and an intelligence-oriented ninja. That is the kind of team Naruto wants. Therefore, the two of us are even less likely to be assigned together. We're both all-rounders and can each become the core of a team. Putting us together would be a waste."

Minato could only smile bitterly at that.

Just as Minato smiled bitterly, a powerful force appeared.

"Boom..."

The classroom door shattered, and a white-haired middle-aged man appeared.

The man landed in an instant, then said with a bitter smile, "Tsunade... don't be so violent!"

At the sight of him, the enormous classroom erupted with excitement. Even Minato was no exception. "Lord Jiraiya."

That was right. This man was Jiraiya. Then a beautiful blonde woman walked in behind him—undoubtedly Tsunade.

As Tsunade entered, her gaze immediately fell on Ren.

Ren was startled inwardly. Why is it Tsunade? Wasn't she on the battlefield? How does she have time to return and serve as a Jonin instructor?

While Ren was surprised, everyone else was incredibly excited. Over the past few years, the Sannin had grown increasingly famous on the battlefield. Although they had yet to fight Hanzo and earn the title of the "Sannin," Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade were undoubtedly outstanding among Konoha's Jonin.

Especially since all three were disciples of the Third Naruto, Hiruzen Sarutobi. That background alone made them anything but ordinary.

Graduation

The quiet classroom stirred with commotion as Jiraiya and Tsunade arrived.

Normally, freshly graduated Genin would only be assigned ordinary Jonin instructors. Only particularly gifted individuals would be assigned powerful Jonin. But Jiraiya and Tsunade were far more than ordinary Jonin.

Jiraiya's strength was beyond doubt. His ninjutsu in cooperation with the toads on the battlefield had filled many people with anticipation. If one became Jiraiya's disciple, there would be a chance to sign a contract with the Toad Clan. To many, that was an immense opportunity.

Tsunade was even more extraordinary. Backed by the Senju Clan and now the leader of medical ninja, her position in Konoha was immensely influential. Becoming Tsunade's disciple would practically be a step into the heavens.

Thus, the appearance of the two of them left everyone excited.

"220." Suddenly, a hoarse voice rang out. "You two came so quickly. Were you really that anxious? That child Ren isn't going to run away!"

As the words fell, Orochimaru slowly entered the classroom, his snake-like eyes landing on Ren.

Ren smiled. He no longer felt as uneasy as before, but seeing Orochimaru still made him somewhat awkward.

Tsunade stared at Ren and said, "Orochimaru... Nawaki has already become your disciple. What are you doing here?"

Orochimaru chuckled and looked toward Ren. "Come to think of it, I quite like Ren. That perfect physique... truly a perfect existence."

Tsunade shook her head. "Get lost... Ren, Kushina, Mikoto, the three of you come with me. From now on, you'll be my disciples!"

As soon as those words fell, the students in the class were stunned. After all, they were merely students and naturally knew nothing of the relationship between Ren and Tsunade. But looking at the situation before them, they could tell that Ren's background was anything but simple.

Ren stood up. "All right... after going around in circles, I still ended up with Tsunade."

Ren walked down, with Mikoto and Kushina following behind him.

Jiraiya shouted unhappily, "Tsunade... there are only four good prospects in total, and you took three all at once. You have to give me at least one. Come to think of it, Kushina's personality is quite similar to mine!"

Tsunade narrowed her eyes, fury flashing within them. "With Ren with me, do you think Kushina would go anywhere else? If you don't want a beating, behave yourself!"

Jiraiya instantly fell silent and could only look toward Minato. "Hmm... it'll be this blond brat, then. You, come with me!"

Minato pointed at himself and said in surprise, "Me? It's really me?"

Ren also saw this and said, "That's right, it's you. From now on, train properly under Uncle Jiraiya. Although Uncle Jiraiya is somewhat lecherous, his strength is absolutely unquestionable."

By the time he finished speaking, Ren had already reached Tsunade. Kushina and Mikoto followed over as well, without the slightest sense of awkwardness.

Minato snapped out of his excitement and stared at Ren. "Ren... wait for me. I'll definitely surpass you!"

Ren turned his head and smiled lightly. "Surpass me? Then come."

In the entire class, apart from Mikoto and Kushina, Minato was the only one Ren had a decent relationship with.

At a training ground, Tsunade looked at Ren. "Is it strange?"

Ren nodded. "Weren't you all on the battlefield? How did you have time to return to Konoha and serve as Jonin instructors?"

In truth, Ren knew that once he graduated, Tsunade would definitely become his Jonin instructor. After all, Ren had already trained in Tsunade's taijutsu and learned Tsunade's Medical Ninjutsu. Thus, in many people's eyes, Ren was already Tsunade's disciple.

However, the war had broken out and continued for several years, and Tsunade had basically remained on the battlefield. If Tsunade did not return, Ren would need another Jonin to lead him, familiarize him with missions, help him accumulate experience, and eventually send him to the battlefield. Therefore, Ren had been wondering who would come to lead the team, but he had never expected Tsunade to return.

Tsunade held her forehead, looking somewhat troubled. "The Land of Rain suddenly joined the war, causing the deadlocked conflict to fall quiet. That gave me time to return!"

As she said this, Tsunade was clearly distressed. After all, the war had yet to end, and it truly drove people mad. Having remained on the battlefield for nearly six years was a torment to anyone's spirit.

After a moment of silence, Tsunade looked at the three of them. "Since I'm your Jonin instructor, I need to fulfill a Jonin's responsibilities. ...Fortunately, I'm very familiar with the three of you. Kushina trains in Sealing Jutsu, which I don't understand. However, Kushina's physique is also suited for taijutsu, especially the immense power unleashed by the Uzumaki Clan. Combined with my Strength Fist, it should be terrifying."

As she spoke, Tsunade even looked expectant.

Ren broke out in a cold sweat. Kushina was already incredibly strong to begin with, a trait inherited from the Uzumaki Clan. If she also trained in Tsunade's Strength Fist, wouldn't that be deadly?

Then Tsunade looked at Mikoto Uchiha. "Mikoto is from the Uchiha Clan, but her specialty is chakra control. In that regard, she can train in Medical Ninjutsu."

Ren understood this as well. Tsunade was very familiar with Ren, and she was even familiar with his two little girlfriends. She had thoroughly figured out Mikoto and Kushina's traits.

At that moment, Tsunade looked at Ren. "Ren... the last time we met was a year ago. I don't know how much you've grown over the past year, but I imagine it hasn't been bad. Later, when Nawaki arrives, you and Nawaki will spar once. Let me see how strong the two of you are."

Ren said, "Nawaki... he can come out now?"

Tsunade nodded, a trace of dimness in her gaze.

Seeing that dimness, Ren understood Tsunade's feelings. Ever since Mito Uzumaki died six years ago, the Senju Clan had been forced to return 0.7 to their ancestral lands. In truth, the Senju Clan's goal had always been the position of Naruto and power over Konoha. Originally, under Mito's suppression, the Senju Clan had no opportunity. When Mito died, they thought their chance had come, but Mito left behind her final words ordering them to return to their ancestral lands.

The Senju Clan wanted to defy Mito's words, but the Third Naruto stepped in, leaving the remaining Senju Clan with no choice but to return. When they left, Nawaki was taken back as well. According to the Senju Clan, Nawaki was the future clan head. Even if he remained in Konoha in the future, he first needed to grow stronger.

The Third Naruto then had Nawaki take Orochimaru as his master, with Orochimaru teaching him. This continued for six years, and Ren had not expected Nawaki to return now.

Combat Experience

Not long afterward, a familiar figure slowly approached.