Becoming a disciple

Chakra light flickered, illuminating Tsunade's skin, fairer than snow.

She remembered when she was twelve and had finally mastered the Chakra Scalpel after practicing for so long. She had been overjoyed, then gone to a casino and lost every last penny...

That wasn't important!

What mattered was that a genius who had already mastered the Chakra Scalpel at just six years old stood before her!

No, this went beyond genius. This kid was a monster!

If she learned that Yecheng had mastered the Chakra Scalpel technique in just a few minutes, her jaw would probably drop clean off!

The atomic-level chakra control granted by the Six Eyes was just that outrageously unreasonable!

Tsunade suddenly burst out laughing, spread her arms, and pulled Yecheng into her embrace, pressing him against her chest.

"Kid, you're my disciple from now on! Let me hear you call me Teacher!"

At this sight, everyone knew that his apprenticeship had finally been settled.

Shizune hurried forward to urge Tsunade to mind how she behaved, while also feeling happy to have a new junior fellow disciple.

Especially when her little junior fellow disciple was so cute!

Iruka patted his chest and sighed in relief. Nothing disastrous had happened after all. Then he felt happy for Yecheng.

The Third Hokage smiled and nodded. Just as he had expected, Tsunade was quite pleased with Yecheng as her disciple.

This way, Yecheng's talent wouldn't go to waste, and they could indirectly keep Tsunade in the village, achieving several things at once.

Meanwhile, Yecheng only felt his face pressed against something incredibly soft, delicate, smooth, and wonderfully springy!

Only after being manhandled by Tsunade for quite a while did he finally escape and say helplessly, "Teacher."

"Good, good, good!"

Tsunade was overjoyed to have taken in such an extraordinarily gifted disciple.

Having someone inherit all her knowledge and skills, rather than taking them to her grave, was simply the greatest blessing!

Shizune was fairly talented too, but she was still far from capable of inheriting everything Tsunade had to offer.

Over the years, Tsunade had wandered far and wide. Although she had wanted to try out gambling establishments in different places, she had also hoped to try her luck at finding an exceptionally talented disciple.

Now that she had returned to Konoha, her wish had instead come true. It truly was a twist of fate.

"My dear disciple, you haven't had lunch yet, have you? C'mon, your teacher will treat you."

With a wave of her hand, Tsunade grabbed him and was about to take him out to eat.

Having lived two lives and knowing the original story well, how could Yecheng fail to notice the rift and strange atmosphere between Tsunade and Hiruzen Sarutobi?

This was the perfect chance to give them an opportunity to talk!

He immediately said, "Since I'm the one becoming your disciple, how could I let you pay, Teacher? Let me treat you!"

As he spoke, he turned toward Hiruzen Sarutobi. "I also owe this to Lord Hokage's strong recommendation. Please join us for a simple meal!"

Yecheng had given sound reasons, leaving neither of them any grounds to refuse.

Inside the Akimichi Clan's barbecue restaurant.

Yecheng deliberately chose a table for six. It allowed the four of them to dine at the same table while keeping a little distance between them, making it easier for Tsunade and Hiruzen Sarutobi to talk.

Old and shrewd, Hiruzen Sarutobi instantly understood Yecheng's kind intentions and couldn't help thinking even more highly of him.

What a good child.

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't bring up any blood-pressure-raising matters. He simply chatted with Tsunade about everyday life, how old acquaintances were doing, and amusing stories from their younger days.

He only reminisced, maintaining their bond.

Having gained a precious disciple, Tsunade was also in a wonderful mood. She even lowered her guard somewhat toward Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had recommended Yecheng, and had a proper conversation with him.

The two chatted and laughed in a relaxed, cheerful atmosphere, just like an ordinary family gathering.

Meanwhile, Yecheng and Shizune kept their heads down and turned the meat, grilling food for the two of them. As for the conversation, it went in one ear and out the other, with neither retaining a word.

Everyone enjoyed the meal.

Each person achieved the outcome they wanted. It was a win for all four of them-a complete sweep!

[Successfully became a disciple of Princess Tsunade, one of the legendary Sannin. Favorability increased. Fate Points +42]

[Current Fate Points: 82]

[Current Lifespan: 17]

Becoming her disciple had not only added another year to his lifespan but also earned him a whopping 42 Fate Points. What an incredible haul!

He was another step closer to his next ten-pull!

That afternoon, back at the Ninja Academy.

Yecheng felt completely at ease.

All this time, Danzo had put him under immense pressure, to the point that he couldn't even sleep soundly.

Having a jonin standing in his yard first thing in the morning was genuinely frightening.

Now that he had become Tsunade's disciple and had her backing, even Danzo would never dare offend him lightly.

This was something only Tsunade could achieve. The reason was simple: unless absolutely necessary, no ninja wanted to offend a medical ninja, especially when Tsunade was the strongest medical ninja in the world!

After all, no ninja dared guarantee that they would never be injured or need treatment in their lifetime.

Forcibly dragging Yecheng into Root after he had already become Tsunade's disciple?

What a joke. That was no different from courting death!

When Hinata Hyuga saw Yecheng return, she immediately wanted to approach him, but the timid girl still couldn't beat Ino Yamanaka to it.

Ino skipped over, looking at Yecheng with curiosity.

"Yecheng, Yecheng! What did Iruka-sensei call you out for just now? I heard Lord Hokage and Lady Tsunade both came!"

Yecheng saw her golden hair shining dazzlingly in the sunlight. Her fair, bright forehead looked particularly lovely too, her bangs fluttered in the breeze, and those blue eyes were focused entirely on him.

"Nothing much. Lord Hokage just thought I had some talent and had me become Lady Tsunade's disciple."

"Whaaat?!!!"

Everyone was stunned by his words.

"Lady Tsunade? You mean Lady Princess Tsunade, one of the legendary Sannin?!"

"Even the Third got involved, so of course it's her! Yecheng, you actually became Lady Tsunade's disciple! Ah, I'm so jealous!"

"Damn it, I want to become Lady Tsunade's disciple too! Damn it!"

"..."

The children immediately voiced their envy and jealousy.

Yecheng simply responded with a smile, without showing off any further.

A teacher could show the way, but training was up to the individual.

Whatever heights he reached in the future would ultimately depend on himself.

Naruto suddenly asked from beside them, "Tsunade... who's that? Is she really strong? How does she compare to the Hokage?"

Everyone: ...

Seriously, dude, where did you come from? Didn't your family ever teach you...

Oh, it's Naruto. Never mind, then.

Sakura couldn't stand it anymore. She punched Naruto on the head, then planted both hands on her hips and explained it to him.

"...Anyway, Lady Tsunade is every female ninja's idol! She's who everyone wants to become! Do you understand now?"

Naruto made a fist with his right hand and smacked it into his left palm with a "doot."

"Now that you put it that way, I get it! So she's the Hokage of women, right?"

"Huh?"

"You didn't listen to a single thing I said!"

Sakura was nearly driven mad with anger and threw another punch.

"Hmph. Annoying."

Sasuke Uchiha glanced over at them, then paid them no further attention and walked up to Yecheng instead.

"Yecheng, fight me."