Main World.
Winter, Year 18 of Konoha.
Konoha, Ninja Academy.
The sky had cleared after the snow, and sunlight fell on the snow-covered playground, reflecting a dazzling white glare. A few younger children were building snowmen, their laughter clear as wind chimes in winter. The older children gathered beside the training ground, watching several Chunin demonstrate Shuriken-throwing techniques, their eyes intent as they occasionally exclaimed in admiration.
Little Tsunade took part in neither activity. She sat on the steps outside the school building, her chin resting in her hands, her golden ponytail swaying gently in the cold wind. Her gaze was somewhat unfocused, as though she were thinking about something.
"Tsunade."
A familiar voice came from behind her.
Little Tsunade turned to see Sakura Haruno standing behind her, dressed in a thick, light-gray padded coat, her long pink hair falling over her shoulders and a warm smile on her face.
"Teacher!"
Little Tsunade sprang to her feet and threw herself into Sakura Haruno's arms.
Sakura Haruno gently hugged her and stroked her hair.
"Teacher, I heard you killed the Two-Tails' Jinchūriki with one punch!"
Little Tsunade looked up, her eyes filled with admiration.
"Can you teach me that move?"
Sakura Haruno crouched down to meet her eyes.
"That was the power of my Kekkei Genkai-Quake Release."
She held out a hand, palm up. A wisp of pale golden Chakra gathered in her palm, then-vibrated. Little Tsunade felt the ground beneath her feet tremble slightly, the dust in the air dance, and even her bones resonate.
"So powerful..."
The light in Little Tsunade's eyes grew brighter and brighter.
"The Strength of a Hundred Technique increases my strength, and Quake Release increases my destructive power."
Sakura Haruno withdrew her hand, and the vibrations stopped.
"Combined, they let me kill the Two-Tails' Jinchūriki