Konoha: From the moment I was adopted by Tsunade

Chapter 30: The First Necklace Presented

He graduated in just two and a half years, simply because Natsume was too outstanding.

With the help of Uzumaki Ena and the Wood Release potion, his body is now in excellent condition, and in terms of chakra reserves alone, he is no less than an average Jonin.

His only weakness right now is his lack of combat experience.

After arriving in this world, Natsume had never experienced a life-or-death struggle, so naturally he had no experience.

There is actually a significant difference between experienced and inexperienced ninjas.

For example, Uchiha Itachi, after graduating last year, formed a team with Orochimaru's other two students, Mitarashi Anko and Uzuki Yugao.

The three of them have maintained a 100% mission completion rate so far, and have even exceeded expectations by completing several A-level difficulty missions.

They are now hailed as the strongest genin squad in Konoha, and have gained considerable fame.

Theoretically, Natsume could fight Itachi Uchiha, who had awakened the Sharingan, to a standstill using his Wood Release, but in reality, it would be very difficult.

This is the advantage that comes from experience.

Unless you're incredibly strong, bricks can fly.

With Naruto's massive chakra reserves, under equal conditions and with experience, he could defeat him in one move.

Regardless, although Natsume is a genin, his overall strength is no less than that of a chunin.

With further training, he can become a Jonin.

Only a few people, such as Itachi Uchiha, could match this speed.

"Natsume, congratulations on your graduation."

Tsunade had been waiting outside the examination room. When she saw him come out wearing a genin headband, she immediately smiled.

Although she knew that Natsume was bound to pass the test, as his 'foster mother,' she was still worried.

"I'm one step closer to becoming Hokage."

Natsume gave a thumbs-up, pointed to his headband, and said with great enthusiasm.

He had long understood Tsunade's personality and knew that doing this would make her happy.

It looks just like it, so much like it.

Tsunade recalled her appearance when she graduated from the Nawaki Ninja Academy, and her expression was similar to that of Natsume in front of her.

At that moment, at this moment.

"Today is your graduation day, and your sister has a gift for you."

"OK."

Natsume looked at her expectantly; he loved gifts the most.

Tsunade smiled, took off the First Hokage's necklace, wrapped it around his neck, and put it on him.

The necklace wasn't cold; on the contrary, it was very warm.

Natsume felt a chill run down his spine when he thought of the legend of the first necklace.

In the original work, anyone who wore it would die, including Naruto Uzumaki.

However, he is the protagonist, and he died and came back to life.

"This is a necklace left to me by my grandfather. It contains his Wood Release chakra, which will be of great benefit to you."

Tsunade patted his head and explained.

Natsume wanted to refuse, but she offered so much.

He remembered that this necklace could suppress even the Nine-Tails' chakra in the early stages, indicating that the wood-style chakra inside was not a small amount.

For someone who knows Wood Release, it's undoubtedly a fantastic power bank.

That curse of certain death? Natsume said, "I have a cheat code, what am I afraid of?"

"Lady Tsunade."

A member of the Anbu ninja suddenly appeared. "Lord Hokage, we wish to see you and Natsume."

Interrupted from their cozy moment, Tsunade looked displeased and asked coldly, "Old man, what is it now?"

"The Hokage didn't tell me."

The ANBU ninja gave her a cautious look and answered respectfully.

Tsunade waved her hand.

He disappeared immediately.

"Let's go."

Tsunade took Natsume's hand and said, "Let's go see what this old man is up to."

The Hokage's office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was startled by the sudden opening of the door. He quickly covered the crystal ball in front of him and patted the blush on his face.

"Tsunade."

He calmly tapped his pipe and asked, "Since when have you stopped knocking like Danzo?"

"Alright, I'm in a hurry. What's wrong? Tell me quickly."

Tsunade sat on the sofa with an air of authority, showing no trace of her gentleness.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, used to her personality, smiled and looked at Natsume, saying, "Today is my grand-disciple's graduation, so naturally I have to see him."

"Grandpa Hokage," Natsume greeted immediately.

"What a good boy." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in satisfaction.

For the past two and a half years, Natsume has consistently received perfect scores in theory classes.

He has a very deep understanding of the Will of Fire.

In some places, even Hiruzen Sarutobi himself felt enlightened after reading them, realizing that this was indeed the right thing to do.

This made him have a very good impression of Natsume.

When Itachi Uchiha graduated at the age of seven, Hiruzen Sarutobi commented that he was able to think from the perspective of a Hokage.

If it were Natsume, he felt he would be the perfect inheritor of the Will of Fire, possessing a thorough understanding of all aspects.

"Let's get down to business."

Tsunade glared at him with displeasure.

"Okay, okay, you've grown up and are starting to dislike me as your teacher."

After feigning a sigh, Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "Now that Natsume has become a ninja, it's customary to assign him teammates and a mentor. I have some preliminary candidates in mind..."

"Need not."

Tsunade interrupted him, "I'll be the team leader, and my teammates are Shizune and Kabuto."

"But you have hemophobia?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi knew about Natsume's hemophobia, which is why he planned to assign her a trusted Jonin.

"It's all better now."

Tsunade raised her head and made a cut with a kunai. Blood flowed out, but she did not react at all.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was overjoyed.

A normal Tsunade would have a huge impact on Konoha.

It was she who turned the tide of the battle against Sunagakure and defeated Granny Chiyo; otherwise, it wouldn't have been so easy.

This shows how important Tsunade is.

In fact, the title of the best medical ninja in the ninja world is enough.

Previously, he was unable to go to the battlefield due to hemophobia, which rendered him largely useless.

Why didn't you tell me sooner?

Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone was somewhat reproachful, but mostly joyful.

Konoha is now resembling its heyday.

The older generation, including him and Danzo Shimura, were still able to fight, and Fugaku Uchiha, Hiashi Hyuga, Shiki Aburame, and others were also present. Now, the Sannin have officially returned to their complete forms.

The younger generation, including Kakashi Hatake, Might Guy, Shisui Uchiha, and Itachi Uchiha, is gradually taking on leading roles.

Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly felt the pressure drop.

The situation is excellent.

"In that case, you will lead the team."

While pleased, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't care about Natsume's question. "However, I have to remind you that as a ninja, you have to venture out into the world. Shizune, Natsume, and Kabuto are all talented kids. If you protect them, you'll only be hindering their future."

"I know."

Although Tsunade was reluctant, she understood that Hiruzen Sarutobi was right.

If another ninja world war breaks out and Natsume and his companions join the battle, they will be completely helpless without any experience.

"The war between Konoha and Kumogakure is nearing its end. You can take them to see the world."

Hiruzen Sarutobi then suggested, "If you appear at the border, Kumogakure might negotiate peace ahead of schedule."

"That's your real purpose, old man."

Tsunade gave a light hum, but did not refuse, saying, "I will take care of it myself, you don't need to worry about it."

(End of this chapter)