Konoha: Tsunade, I am the Hokage

Chapter 72 I, Tsunade, will protect everything in Konoha!

Konoha, with its beautiful scenery, is truly eye-catching.

"One hundred laps! One hundred more laps! Youth never gives up!"

"Charge!"

Matt Kai charged forward frantically.

Behind them, Genma Shiranui and the others held their breath and forced themselves to keep up.

They don't care about speed, they only care about getting it done.

This is still the case now.

A little over a month ago, they were lucky to run 300 laps, but now they can run 400 laps, a remarkable improvement.

"Are you all here? Is it too late to join now?"

"Kyohiko?"

Everyone turned their heads.

Kyohiko and Kakashi stood on a tree, and in the next instant, the two of them swooped down and appeared between the three of them.

Everyone gathered around.

This was not their first meeting. They had met once in the past month to exchange some insights about physical techniques. It didn't involve advanced skills, but both of them made contributions and thoroughly established the rules.

"Kyohiko, Kakashi? What brings you two to training today? Didn't I hear you went to the Jonin promotion ceremony?"

Genma Shiranui then sighed with great envy, "I'm two years older than you, and I'm still a genin. I haven't even participated in the Chunin Exams yet."

"There will be opportunities, it's just that this year was special and we couldn't participate. You guys are quite strong, you'll definitely be able to next year."

Jingyan said solemnly.

This is not meant to be a consolation; after a period of rigorous training, Genma Shiranui and Ebisu's abilities have indeed improved considerably. While they certainly cannot compare to those like Guy and Kakashi, who have trained since childhood, they are still much stronger than before.

He was definitely an elite among his classmates.

however.

Comparing goods can lead to losses.

Compared to Kyohiko's Jonin level, even Kakashi's 6-year-old Chunin level pales in comparison.

Are you hungry? I brought some food.

Kyohiko picked up the sushi.

Matt Kai immediately exclaimed, "Great! We'll need the energy to run after we finish eating!"

He hurriedly took the things and ran to the riverbank next to him, where the five of them sat down and began to chat.

Ebisu sighed, saying that now only they were training together.

A month ago, many people ran and trained together, but not many could stick to it. Only a handful of people did not last long.

Jingyan had some recollection of that person because it was Uchiha Obito.

"He didn't come either?"

"Yes, I haven't seen him much lately, and he doesn't even do good deeds on the street anymore."

Genma Shiranui, a toothpick dangling from his mouth, muttered, "Tsk, could something have happened?"

"The graduation exams are coming up soon, and he probably wants to take them too."

Jingyan immediately understood the reason when he thought of Lin.

Back in school, Obito had Rin as a friend, so he didn't feel any urgency. But now that Rin has participated in the medical ninja early training program, she's practically half-graduated from the ninja academy.

That guy wants to graduate too?

He couldn't help but sigh afterwards.

Time can feel both long and short; in the blink of an eye, another two or three months will pass and another year will be gone.

Fortunately, all the efforts were not in vain.

Jingyan snapped his thoughts back to the present.

He looked at Genma Shiranui and Ebisu.

The two have different areas of expertise.

Genma Shiranui excels at manipulating ninja tools, but his ninjutsu is relatively average. However, his taijutsu has improved significantly recently.

Ebisu was skilled in ninjutsu and genjutsu.

but.

in fact……

"Ebisu, we chatted together at the last gathering, and I said then that your theories were very solid and your logic was clear."

"Kyohiko said."

"Thanks."

Ebisu became somewhat reserved upon hearing this. At the gathering half a month ago, he was unaware that Kyohiko was about to be promoted to Jonin. Now that he knew the news, he unconsciously felt a sense of distance due to their different statuses.

Kai, however, remained nonchalant: "His strengths are one thing, but he talks a good game but can't actually do anything. What's the use of talent if he still has to practice?"

The words were direct, but...

Everyone nodded, including Ebisu himself.

However, Kyohiko smiled and said, "What I mean is, you can try to start from the theory, break down ninjutsu, and improve and master it from the inside out. Everyone's situation is different, so the learning method cannot be generalized."

Theory and deconstruction are both essential for being a teacher.

Ebisu was able to become a special Jonin through education, which shows he had talent. However, it's a pity that he could understand many techniques but couldn't learn or improve them.

Kyohiko couldn't offer guidance before, but this time the Water Formation Wall has been upgraded, and it comes with a lot of knowledge about hand seals and ninjutsu disassembly, so he can share some useful information.

Not only Ebisu, but the other three listened attentively as well.

However, Matt Kai soon felt dizzy and disoriented, his head spinning, and he simply couldn't continue to comprehend anything.

After he finished speaking, Ebisu seemed to be deep in thought.

"I understand what you mean..."

Then, he shared some of his thoughts and techniques on fire-style techniques that he had recently studied.

Following that, Genma Shiranui also talked about the technique he had been inspired by last time and went back to study. Kakashi and Guy also shared some insights on techniques and progress.

Everyone gained some insights.

but.

Ebisu understood that his insights and experiences were not equivalent to the knowledge shared by Kyohiko and Kakashi, because the other party didn't really need the Fire Release techniques.

He could only secretly vow to study and cultivate himself even harder.

but.

Jingyan's main purpose in coming today was not the gathering, but rather...

"Kai, have you guys been on any missions lately?"

"Yes, I do, but I mostly do D-level missions. I rarely get to do C-level missions, and they're not very difficult."

Kai answered.

Kyohiko said, "In a while, you might be going on missions with me and Kakashi."

Kakashi remained silent.

"what?"

The three of them stood up together, all with expressions of disbelief.

They looked at each other in bewilderment.

Then, Genma Shiranui spat out the senbon he was holding and laughed, "As expected, isn't it? Guy is more hardworking and better than us. He's just not good at ninjutsu and genjutsu, but he doesn't have that weakness when he's with you guys."

He looked at Kai.

"Kai, you'll improve faster by being with them, congratulations!"

"I……"

Matt Kai was at a loss.

He was familiar with his two teammates and never considered forming a new team.

Ebisu asked worriedly, "If you're all working together, the mission won't be easy, will it? Are you Kyohiko the captain?"

"No, I'm too young. It would be difficult enough for me to even be a Jonin. How could I possibly lead a team? The one leading the team is Jonin Minato."

Jingyan dispelled their doubts.

Upon hearing this, Ebisu became even more worried.

"Minato-senpai... I've heard you're very strong, but with a team like that, the missions you undertake must be quite difficult, right?"

"Um."

Jingyan nodded.

Matt Kai looked at the two of them, knowing they were worried about him, and was secretly pleased, but his face lit up with a bright smile, showing his white teeth and giving a thumbs up.

"We've had enough of D-rank and C-rank; only difficulty brings challenge, and that's why we need Konoha's Azure Beast to step in!"

His gesture quickly turned the tide.

The Azure Beast of Konoha...

Genma Shiranui and Ebisu couldn't help but laugh.

This is the nickname Kai gave himself.

but.

The thought of parting made them truly unhappy.

"As ninjas, being grouped into genin is just the beginning..."

Kakashi couldn't help but say.

Seeing their state, he didn't finish his sentence.

Jingyan pulled him along.

"Kai, we're leaving now."

"Okay, thank you Kyohiko and Kakashi."

Although Might Guy wasn't very smart, he wasn't stupid either. He guessed that Kyohiko and Kakashi had come specifically for this matter, and that the gathering and exchange just now was actually in the hope that Ebisu and Genma Shiranui could become stronger.

"I won't bother you anymore."

Kakashi bows.

Then, the two left, leaving only Kai and the other two.

At this point, the three of them lost their desire to run.

……

The very next day, Minato Namikaze and Kyohiko gathered at the Hokage Building in Konoha, and Might Guy was also notified.

The new four-person team is assembled for the first time.

"The four of you are all young elites. The reason we brought you together is that we hope you can improve and grow together, and that Minato can also improve his leadership skills..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi explained his intentions.

Everyone, listen to the instructions obediently.

Thus, strange tales of the Will of Fire echoed in the meeting room, but Might Guy listened with great enthusiasm, occasionally letting out a roar in perfect harmony, giving Hiruzen Sarutobi a considerable emotional impact.

and so.

When everyone went to receive their missions, Hiruzen Sarutobi was very happy and pleased.

Downstairs, Might Guy excitedly said, "Kyohiko, what the Hokage said is so true, it's exactly what you meant!"

"Oh? Is that why you're so excited?"

Jingyan was surprised.

"Yes! What he said is pretty much the same as what you said, isn't it? We, the dust, help each other and progress together. Ultimately, isn't the Will of Fire about everyone progressing together and contributing to protecting the country, the village, and everyone else?"

Matt Kai felt a sense of pride in being a part of it.

Although he wasn't as ignorant as Naruto, he still felt—

Jingyan's explanation is almost perfect; it's truly remarkable!

Kakashi's lips twitched slightly.

Is it possible that Kyohiko's ideas and way of thinking are derived from the "Will of Fire"?

Although Kai is not weak, being on the same team as him is a real test of one's nerves.

but.

The orders have been issued, but what can be done about it?

Kakashi took a deep breath and looked at Minato Namikaze: "Captain, are we going to the lobby to receive our mission, or do we have some other duties?"

"We already have a mission."

Minato Namikaze's expression was serious. "Let's go, we can talk as we walk."

"yes!"

Everyone immediately became serious.

Passing through the mission hall means that today's mission was issued by the village.

……

"Captain, what's our mission?"

"Kyohiko should remember you, do you recall the Hizashi-senpai you saved last time?"

"Um."

Jingyan nodded.

Minato Namikaze explained, "Our mission objective this time is to track down the enemy who injured them before. According to intelligence, this person is likely Sasori, the rogue ninja from Sunagakure."

He then shared the information with everyone.

This information came from Sunagakure. Not only their team, but also the Ino-Shika-Cho trio participated in this mission. Because they were all very fast, they were included as well.

but.

Jingyan felt there was another reason—

Another struggle within the village may be about to begin.

The battle for public opinion!

There are many reasons for sending him away. Perhaps he didn't want to get involved, or perhaps Hiruzen Sarutobi had other purposes. In any case, it was just as Tsunade said.

No matter what, Hiruzen Sarutobi is a Hokage who survived a chaotic era, and he should not be underestimated.

of course.

It's possible that Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo were both waiting for an opportunity.

Waiting for an injured person who requires Tsunade's healing skills!

……

Beneath the tranquil surface of Konoha's waters, undercurrents were already surging.

As Jingyan and his group left the village and headed towards the border, a small team returning from elsewhere also hurriedly brought the wounded to Konoha Hospital. Before even reaching the hospital, they shouted loudly.

"Help! Help!"

Soon, the medical team arrived from the hospital.

They quickly checked the injuries, and then—

Snake Ci frowned.

The injury was severe; the bones near the right knee were almost shattered, as if caused by being compressed by an earth-style ninjutsu. The most troublesome thing was that they had returned from the border, and two or three days had passed in between.

Some injuries have become adhered together, with bone fragments and stone debris integrated into the flesh and joints, and many areas showing signs of infection.

Such injuries are extremely difficult to treat!

If not handled properly, the best outcome would be amputation, but then it would be very difficult to continue serving as a ninja.

"Carry them inside!"

Snake Ci shouted, directing the medical team.

Once inside, the Jonin who had brought him grabbed Snake Ci's hand, his face filled with tension.

"Can Zhenlong be saved?"

"this……"

Sheci hesitated, finding it difficult to give a definite answer.

At this moment, the person next to him said, "Didn't Lady Tsunade go back to the village? Can't she go too?"

"Dazhu!"

However, the Jonin who had just grabbed Snake Ci turned around and reprimanded the other party.

He hesitated for a long time before finally saying in silence, "Please, do your best to save Zhenlong. His parents and wife died in battle, and he has children to raise. We absolutely cannot..."

At this point, tears streamed down his face.

His companion lamented, "Gongdao, weren't you and Lady Tsunade on the same team? Why didn't you ask her for help? I think she would definitely heal you!"

Mokumu Kōdō was taken aback upon hearing this.

He did indeed carry out missions with Tsunade and Dan Kato, but that mission also led to Dan's death.

He was reluctant to recall it.

but.

If Tsunade were to take action, she could definitely cure this illness!

He hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and looked at She Ci.

"Tsunade, is she... is she in the hospital?"

Snake Ci hesitated for a moment, then said, "Yes, but Lady Tsunade is currently researching an important medicine and is unable to treat him. We will do our best to save your companion's leg."

"Where is she? I'll go beg her, I'll beg her to help me..."

Mokume Kōdō got impatient.

At this moment, someone nearby sighed.

"Don't even think about it. I heard that Lady Tsunade had an accident a long time ago and is no longer able to participate in surgery."

"What?"

Mokume Kōdō was shocked.

"I heard that after Lady Tsunade returned to the village, she didn't perform a single surgery."

The "kind-hearted people" in the hall sighed, "What a pity, I wonder what happened..."

Lady Tsunade...

Unable to treat it?

Mokumo Kōdō recalled the time when he, Tsunade, and Kato Dan were on a mission, and then Kato Dan died unexpectedly.

And then there's the rope tree...

He vaguely understood.

Tsunade may have really encountered a problem and was unable to participate in the surgery, which is why she left Konoha for a time after Nawaki's death.

but.

Why did she come back?

is not it……

Just as the hall was filled with discussion and Snake Ci was struggling to stop it, a voice rang out.

"What's wrong? Oh, Gongdao, you're back... What happened?"

Hearing the commotion, Tsunade came out of her lab and went downstairs, where she saw this scene.

of course.

She actually knew about the commotion downstairs much earlier, but the reason she came out now was because she didn't want to drag things out for too long and delay her treatment.

"Tsunade, my comrade is seriously injured, but your condition... I heard you can't have surgery right now?"

Mokume Kōdō's eyes revealed a look of reluctance.

As a witness to Dan's death, he knew very well how heartbroken Tsunade was back then, so after guessing some of the inside story, he felt somewhat reluctant and couldn't bring himself to ask for help.

Tsunade's fingers trembled slightly.

Immediately, Da Zhu stepped forward, knelt down on the ground with a thud, and tears streamed down his face.

"Please save Maryu! He was ambushed by Iwa ninja! He has a child; he can't be without legs!"

"Lady Tsunade, you..."

Snake Ci looked at Tsunade.

A hint of fear flashed across Tsunade's face, causing everyone to sigh inwardly—

Sure enough, the rumors were true!

Tsunade's most respected medical ninja in Konoha is now in real trouble and unable to participate in the surgery. Otherwise, given Tsunade's personality, she would never hesitate like this.

Inside the hall, everyone remained silent.

Even the outside was surrounded by many passing villagers.

The next moment, Tsunade's lips trembled.

"To be honest, after the deaths of Duan and Shengshu, I did develop hemophobia. During this time, I kept forcing myself to adapt, telling myself that I must not give up..."

The entire room fell silent.

Daitake was in despair.

Mokume was filled with a mixture of despair and emotion, but soon, panic appeared on his face as he tried to stop Tsunade from continuing: "Tsunade, that's enough! That's enough! Jabami, stop her..."

"No, Gongdao, I couldn't save Duan and Shengshu, so I can't let everyone else sacrifice themselves!"

Tsunade scanned the area, finally fixing her gaze on Jabi.

"You go ahead first, wait for me to change, and I'll come to oversee the surgery immediately!"

"Lady Tsunade, are you really sure you can do this?"

Snake Ci was equally shocked.

She knew Tsunade might be unwell, but she didn't expect it to be the most deadly "hemophobia" for medical ninjas.

"No problem, go ahead, trust me."

Tsunade said gently.

"Yes! I'll go prepare!"

Sheci bowed deeply, then turned and entered the operating room.

Tsunade walked forward to the door, her tone firm and bold.

"Protecting the village and everyone was the lifelong goal of my grandfather, my second grandfather, and Duan and Shengshu, and it is the same for me!"

"I will protect everything in Konoha!"

After saying that, she strode forward and walked towards her office.

After a moment, Tsunade did change her clothes, followed by Shizune, whose face was filled with anxiety and fear, proving that Tsunade was indeed in bad shape.

but.

Tsunade resolutely entered the operating room.

At that moment, the entire venue fell silent.

Mokume Kōdō couldn't hold back his tears.

Dazhu knelt on the ground and refused to get up.

Outside, the villagers no longer had any intention of leaving after eating the melon.

Everyone wants to see...

Can Tsunade heal that ninja?

As time passed, and it was noon, the number of people at Konoha Hospital increased.

Many people came after hearing the news.

more than this.

Now, news of Tsunade's "hemophobia" has spread throughout Konoha, and everyone knows about her condition. However, the bold words she spoke before entering the operating room still echo in everyone's ears.

The First and Second Hokage, Dan Kato, Nawaki...

Tsunade lost too many family members.

Everyone is hoping for a miracle.

Inside the operating room, Hebi observed Tsunade, witnessing firsthand how Tsunade's initial trembling and fear quickly subsided with each deep breath.

Tsunade's hand, too, went from trembling to calm, and finally became incredibly firm.

Let's begin!

His tone was calm and gentle, making one unconsciously believe him.

She can do it!

Inside, time passes unnoticed.

This surgery was indeed very difficult; even Tsunade couldn't cure it easily. But her skills were undoubtedly top-notch: removing, extracting poison, repositioning, and treating...

The treatment proceeded smoothly, with the entire medical team cooperating quietly. Only Tsunade's commands were given in the operating room.

She is the queen here!

Inside the hall, everyone waited, while many of those outside had been dispersed, leaving only a few.

but.

On the streets outside Konoha Hospital, many people still stood waiting and watching, hoping to get a result as soon as possible.

at last.

Sheci emerged from the operating room and walked wearily into the lobby, her face betraying her suppressed excitement.

She glanced around and said softly, "The surgery was a success! But please, everyone in the hospital, don't make too much noise!"

Inside the hospital, everyone remained restrained.

soon.

"oh!!!"

The shouts echoed through the streets outside Konoha Hospital.

Most people were genuinely happy for Tsunade's return to the top, but some had different thoughts.

Tsunade is back!

but.

Their intention was not to help Tsunade announce her return under such circumstances.

The current outcome is contrary to their goals!

But with public opinion so overwhelming, how could they dare to speak out?

At this point, all we could do was cheer along.

Inside the hospital, after his initial excitement and joy, Kōdō was filled with concern and anxiety: "Snake-like Ci, is Tsunade alright?"

"The surgery was very mentally taxing, but Lady Tsunade persevered and completed it. Now she's exhausted and has fallen asleep."

Snake said softly, "Jonin Zhenlong's surgery was a great success, and his future operations will not be affected in any way! Apart from Lady Tsunade, no one could have performed such a perfect surgery!"

"Yes, thank you, and thank you Lady Tsunade, I, I..."

The three Konoha elites were crying and laughing, and expressing their gratitude so intensely that Snake Ci was overwhelmed.

She offered a few words of comfort, gave instructions on precautions to take in the hospital, and then turned and left.

otherwise.

Heaven knows what these guys are up to next?

Furthermore, it is Lady Tsunade who deserves credit...

It's not her.

However, thinking back to the scene just now, she couldn't help but feel admiration.

As expected of Lady Tsunade!

(End of this chapter)