" Chunin Ninja Exams Application Form?"
Naoki Senju took the application form with a puzzled look. Although it was blank and unsigned, Shizune had already been promoted to Jonin, Guren had just been appointed as Special Jōnin, Tsunade was a key player in the Second Shinobi World War and one of the battlefield commanders in the Third Shinobi World War. Therefore, this Chunin Ninja Exams application form could only be for him.
"What does the Third Hokage mean by this? Testing my strength doesn't require such methods."
Just to be on the safe side, Naoki Senju even carefully examined the application form, and found no hidden small print in the corners, thus eliminating the possibility of hidden clauses.
Tsunade on her hand and pondered for a moment. Relying on her familiarity with Konoha and the Third Hokage, she barely guessed a possibility:
" The Old Man Third probably wasn't trying to test your strength, but rather to deepen your bond with Konoha. While the Chunin Ninja Exams primarily test individual strength and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances in battle, trust between teammates is also part of the test. This time, the Old Man Third will definitely assign you two teammates. Are you looking forward to it?"
This is an open conspiracy, an open conspiracy that cannot be avoided.
Seeing Tsunade's teasing smirk, Naoki Senju calmly accepted the Chunin Ninja Exams application form and signed his name.
"Not at all. The Third Hokage would either select younger ninjas from the Anbu or some ninjas with special identities, just to see my reaction."
"Hey, don't think so badly of people. Maybe the Old Man Third arranged two beautiful teammates for you, hoping to use their looks to deepen your bond with Konoha?"
"... Sister Tsunade, you're overestimating people's wickedness."
7 PM, Hokage Building.
After finishing his workday, the Third Hokage carefully took a box from under his desk. He glanced around nervously, making sure no Anbu members were secretly guarding it, before itching to tear off the black cloth covering the box, revealing a crystal ball.
"Hmm~ Should we start with the women's bathhouse or the changing room today? I heard there's a new high-end hot spring resort that recently opened, maybe we should start with the new one..."
After a moment's hesitation, Hiruzen Sarutobi decided to start with the place he knew best: the women's bathroom. He decided on the one!
A layer of white mist appeared on the surface of the crystal ball. Hiruzen Sarutobi waited patiently. After a few seconds, the mist dissipated slightly, revealing a stunning view in the bathroom... a slender waist swaying from side to side, a curvaceous and alluring figure, and completely naked young skin...
Hiruzen Sarutobi unconsciously took a deep drag on his pipe, his breathing quickened, his heart raced, and his body temperature rose... If it weren't for his advanced age and declining health, young Hiruzen would surely have proudly raised his head in a gesture of respect. Unfortunately, the young Hiruzen once peed three feet against the wind now wets his shoes even with the wind at his back...
But this did not spoil Hiruzen Sarutobi's enjoyment of the beautiful scenery. Looking at beautiful women made him happy, and a happy mood made him live longer. This was his secret to health.
An hour later, Hiruzen Sarutobi a long sigh of relief, his wrinkled, age-spotted face radiating a sense of ease and contentment.
While enjoying a blissful, detached state of mind, Hiruzen Sarutobi an itch on his nose and sneezed for no apparent reason, knocking over a pile of documents on his desk.
"Who's been talking badly about me behind my back...?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi muttered something, then reluctantly squatted down to pick up the documents scattered on the floor. In the corner of one of the documents, the name of Naoki Senju was clearly written, and two other names were also clearly recorded next to it— Neji Hyuga and Rock Lee.
The next morning, Tsunade took Shizune and Naoki to Konoha Hospital. She had already put on a show; if she didn't go and perform surgery on Asuma, it would be a slap in the face to the Third Hokage. Even because of their past teacher-student relationship, Tsunade wouldn't let Asuma lie in the hospital.
Shizune is an indispensable surgical assistant, and Naoki is brought along to remove the remaining Wood Release Chakra from Asuma's body; otherwise, even if Tsunade were to do it herself, it would be quite troublesome.
Furthermore, it would allow Naoki Senju to observe the strength of Genin world's number one medical-nin, and thus pay more attention when training in Medical Ninjutsu. At the very least, he should at least get to the basics, otherwise it would be too embarrassing for Princess Tsunade.
Upon learning that Princess Tsunade would be performing surgery herself, the hospital director, along with all the medical-nin, waited at the entrance of Konoha Hospital early in the morning to welcome the medical sage.
From the perspective of the history of Medical Ninjutsu, all medical-nin in the Shinobi World can be considered Tsunade's disciples, and every medical-nin holds Tsunade in high esteem.
In the history of ninjas, the Sage of Six Paths is remembered by all ninjas for inventing Chakra and Ninjutsu. Princess Tsunade, on the other hand, is considered the ancestor of all ninjas for raising the status of medical-nin, developing more Medical Ninjutsu, and establishing the code of conduct for medical-nin medical-nin.
" Lady Tsunade, please."
The dean led the way with a deep bow, followed by the medical-nin behind him who bowed respectfully in unison.
" Lady Tsunade, please!"
Their voices were loud and uniform, clearly indicating that they had rehearsed countless times.
Seeing this scene, Tsunade felt a surge of pride; all her efforts for the medical-nin system had not been in vain.
"Alright, no need for formalities. Let's prepare the operating room. You can bring a few young medical-nin in to observe."
The dean was overjoyed and bowed again, his voice now much more sincere.
"Thank you for your Lady Tsunade!"
Tsunade waved casually and walked into Konoha Hospital amidst a welcoming entourage of medical-nin.
As expected, no matter how high the admiration or worship, nothing brings happiness as much as tangible benefits... Naoki Senju followed behind Tsunade, lost in thought.
"The sterile room is ready, the patient has completed preoperative preparations, and the anesthetic drugs are prepared. We can begin surgery at any time. Lady Tsunade, this way please."
In the eyes of some young medical-nin, the once high-ranking and powerful Dean now looked like a little brother, following closely behind Lady Tsunade. This gave them a new goal to strive for—one day, they would also make the Dean kneel and lick their boots!
As the operating room lights came on, Asuma's surgery officially began. Hiruzen Sarutobi also deactivated his Telescope Technique, and the real-time monitoring images on the crystal ball vanished, returning it to its original state as a clear, ordinary crystal ball.
" Tsunade performed the surgery herself, instead of instructing Shizune, so it seems her hemophobia has been completely cured, but..."
However, all of this happened too coincidentally. Although it's unknown when Tsunade's hemophobia was cured, the Anbu immediately found Tsunade's whereabouts in the Land of Fire's casino after Asuma's serious injury, even though she had just appeared in the Land of Water not long ago...
It seems there's a powerful force manipulating everything from behind the scenes, playing Konoha like a puppet.
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep drag on his pipe, the tobacco burning rapidly. The fiery red light illuminated Hiruzen Sarutobi face, and his cloudy eyes regained their sharpness, as if he had returned to his former peak.
" Danzo, I hope you weren't behind all this, otherwise Root would have no reason to exist..."