Main World.
Spring, Year 25 of Konoha.
Land of Rivers, Country of Roran Aid Station.
Spring sunlight spilled into the aid station's courtyard, making the white walls shine. The courtyard was small but clean, with a few unknown flowers and plants growing in a corner. Their seeds had been left by wounded people passing through and casually buried in the soil; unexpectedly, they had survived. Little Tsunade stood in the center of the courtyard, her golden ponytail swaying gently in the breeze. She was seventeen this year, a little taller than last year. The baby fat had faded from her face, her jawline had grown more defined, and her gaze had become deeper than before.
She had been here for over two years. More than two years was enough for someone to go from inexperienced to practiced, from nervous to composed. She had seen too many wounds, too much blood, too many deaths. She had not grown numb; she had simply learned not to wear her emotions on her face.
"Lady Tsunade, more wounded have arrived." A Medical Ninja ran in through the entrance.
"How many?"
"Three. From a border patrol in the Land of Grass. They were caught in a landslide."
Little Tsunade nodded and headed toward the entrance.
Three wounded people were carried into the aid station. Bandages wrapped their bodies, blood seeping through them. Their faces were filled with pain, but the moment they saw Little Tsunade, a glimmer of hope flashed in their eyes.
"Doctor... save me..." A young ninja's voice was faint.
Little Tsunade crouched and unwrapped the bandages. The wound was on his leg, with bone exposed, but it was not too deep. Her brow furrowed slightly, her hands steady. She took out medicine and medical instruments and began cleaning the wound, stitching it,