Main world.
Spring, Konoha Year 24.
The border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rivers.
Country of Roran Aid Station · Land of Rivers Station.
Spring sunlight fell on the simple wooden building, lighting up the wooden sign by the entrance that read "Country of Roran Aid Station." Little Tsunade stood at the door, her golden ponytail swaying gently in the breeze. She was sixteen that year, dressed in a white medical robe and carrying a medical kit. Last year's nervousness was gone from her face, replaced by a steady, seasoned calm.
The Relief Station had been operating for several months. The number of wounded it treated had grown from a handful to dozens, then from dozens to over a hundred. Little Tsunade's hands had grown steadier, her gaze more composed. She had seen too many wounds, too much blood, too much suffering. She had not grown numb; she had simply learned not to let her emotions show on her face.
"Teacher, more wounded have arrived." A medical ninja came out of the wooden building, a hint of urgency in their voice.
"How many?"
"Three. From the border patrol. They ran into Wandering Ninja."
Little Tsunade nodded and entered the building.
Inside, three wounded men lay on crude hospital beds. Bandages wrapped their bodies, blood seeping through them. Pain showed on their faces, but the moment they saw Little Tsunade, a glimmer of hope flashed in their eyes.
"Doctor... save me..." a young ninja said weakly.
Little Tsunade walked over to him, crouched down, and removed his bandages. The wound was in his chest, deep enough that it had nearly reached his heart. Her brow furrowed slightly, but her hands remained steady. She took medicine and medical instruments from her kit and began cleaning the wound, stitching