Chapter 21: Chapter 21: Determining the Jonin Instructors

In a secluded residence within Konoha Village.

"Lady Mito, I’m back!"

Uzumaki Kushina skipped into the courtyard.

Hearing her voice, Uzumaki Mito emerged from the house.

She was the wife of Senju Hashirama—and the first Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

"How was your first day of school?"

Uzumaki Mito asked warmly.

"Pretty good."

Kushina said, then pouted. "Except for a few boys who were really annoying."

"Did they bully you?"

Mito’s gaze sharpened.

"I said I wanted to become Hokage, and they made fun of me."

Kushina waved her small fists. "If Natsuki hadn’t stepped in, I definitely would have beaten them up."

"Who’s Natsuki?"

Mito asked, watching her granddaughter’s fiercely adorable expression.

"A really good classmate."

Kushina began chattering endlessly. "He’s strong, good-looking, and he cooks amazing food."

"It sounds like you’ve made a good friend."

Mito smiled and made a mental note of the name.

A new week began.

Natsuki took a day off and accompanied Yakushi Nonou to Konoha Hospital.

The hospital had cleared out a large classroom specifically for the medical training program’s exam.

Natsuki stopped at the door.

He wasn’t a student of the program—there was no need for him to go inside.

"Nonou, relax. With your abilities, there won’t be any problems."

He reached out and patted her head encouragingly.

"Mm."

Nonou said softly. "I’ll do my best."

She turned and walked into the classroom.

Natsuki didn’t wait around idly. He headed straight for Tsunade’s office.

After knocking and receiving permission, he entered.

"You didn’t go to class today?"

Tsunade looked up, mildly surprised.

"I took the day off."

Natsuki explained. "I came to watch Nonou’s exam."

"You don’t need to worry about her."

Tsunade laughed. "Her performance will definitely surprise you."

Ever since Yakushi Nonou had joined the medical training program, her progress had been extraordinary.

Tsunade had already decided to take her as a personal student after graduation.

"Lady Tsunade."

Natsuki nodded, then shifted topics. "There’s a matter I’d like to ask for your help with."

"What is it?"

Tsunade leaned forward slightly.

Natsuki explained how Shimura Danzo had cut off funding to the Konoha Orphanage.

"That actually happened?"

Tsunade made no effort to hide her disgust. "That old snake Danzo is truly out of control!"

She clenched her fists. Her sharp expression, combined with the Jonin flak jacket she wore, gave her an intensely heroic look.

Although Natsuki preferred the more relaxed and generous version of her from the original timeline, she possessed a different kind of beauty right now.

"Teacher is far too lenient with him."

Tsunade snorted coldly. "I’ll speak with Teacher and have him restore the orphanage’s funding."

"Thank you, Lady Tsunade."

Natsuki bowed slightly.

"No need to thank me."

Tsunade shook her head. "This is fundamentally Teacher’s oversight."

You’re probably the only person who’d dare say that to his face.

Still, compared to her future self, she was remarkably restrained right now.

"The Director and I are planning to open an izakaya to help support the orphanage."

Natsuki handed her an invitation. "I hope you can attend if you have time."

"Who did you hire as chef?"

Tsunade’s interest was piqued.

"I’ll be the chef."

Natsuki replied.

Tsunade blinked.

She had never tasted Natsuki’s cooking. Her first instinct was skepticism.

But she kept that to herself.

"I’ll definitely be there."

Tsunade agreed.

After all, the invitation clearly stated that her expenses for the evening would be covered. In other words: free food and drinks.

To be honest, her pockets were perpetually empty.

It couldn’t be helped. Her greatest hobby in life was gambling.

But she lost every single time—earning her the infamous title of "The Legendary Sucker."

"Thank you for honoring us with your presence, Lady Tsunade."

A smile crossed Natsuki’s face.

His previous life’s major had been journalism. He understood the celebrity effect perfectly.

Inviting Tsunade was essentially leveraging her fame to promote the izakaya.

Especially since he was targeting the high-end market.

Time moved quickly into the afternoon.

The medical training program’s exam transitioned from theory to practical.

Natsuki scanned the room and realized Nonou faced stiff competition.

More than half the students wore Konoha forehead protectors.

They were already official ninjas.

Compared to Nonou, they had a significant advantage.

"The exam begins now."

The chief examiner was none other than Tsunade herself.

After all, she was in charge of the entire medical training program.

The practical exam required transplanting an organ into a fish.

In less than half an hour, Yakushi Nonou caused a sensation.

She had already completed the surgery.

"How is that possible?"

"She’s only seven years old—faster than us Genin?"

"What kind of talent is this?"

The classroom erupted into murmurs.

"Quiet."

Tsunade spoke firmly. "The rest of you, continue your exam."

Then she turned to Nonou.

"You may leave. Rankings will be announced tomorrow."

The corners of Tsunade’s mouth curved upward. She was extremely satisfied.

"Thank you, Lady Tsunade."

Nonou packed her things and exited the classroom.

She walked over to Natsuki, looked up at him, and waited.

"Truly amazing."

Natsuki pinched her cheek affectionately.

A gentle smile spread across Nonou’s face.

The next day arrived.

The medical training program announced its rankings.

Yakushi Nonou had taken first place.

In the Hokage’s office.

"Nonou’s talent as a medical ninja is truly outstanding—only slightly inferior to yours."

Sarutobi Hiruzen examined the rankings and chuckled.

The emergence of an exceptional medical ninja would have an immeasurable impact on Konoha.

As Hokage, he was naturally pleased.

"Mm."

Tsunade didn’t deny it. Then she brought up the matter Natsuki had asked her to address.

"I will not allow Danzo to interfere with the Konoha Orphanage’s affairs again."

Sarutobi Hiruzen’s tone grew serious.

"He’s overstepping. Teacher, you should rein him in more."

Tsunade spoke bluntly.

"Danzo knows his limits."

Sarutobi Hiruzen coughed lightly. "I’ll keep an eye on him. You needn’t worry."

Tsunade said nothing more.

"After Nonou graduates, will you serve as her Jonin instructor?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen changed the subject.

"I can."

Tsunade considered for a moment, then agreed.

The ninja world placed great importance on the master-student bond. She needed a disciple as well.

"Have Orochimaru be Nawaki’s Jonin instructor."

Tsunade paused, then added: "And make Natsuki his teammate."

"It seems you’re quite satisfied with Natsuki."

Sarutobi Hiruzen understood his student well.

For Tsunade to want Natsuki as Nawaki’s teammate meant she had already fully recognized him.

"I discussed this with Orochimaru previously. He said he needs to observe for a while longer."

Sarutobi Hiruzen continued. "Jiraiya returns next week. The three of you can discuss this matter thoroughly."

"Who will be Jiraiya’s student?"

Tsunade immediately caught on.

"I plan to have him serve as Minato’s Jonin instructor."

Sarutobi Hiruzen replied.

"I see."

Tsunade’s knowledge of Namikaze Minato came from Natsuki and Nonou. She knew he was a promising genius.

Next week?

That’s perfect timing. Natsuki’s izakaya will be opening. I can bring them all there.

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