Naruto, my father's name is Uchiha Madara.

Page 189

Seeing Jiraiya's desperate attempt to avoid it, jumping around like a madman.

Tsunade's previously heavy mood inexplicably lightened, and a hint of disdain even appeared on her lips.

She rolled her eyes at Jiraiya and said irritably, "Forget it! Let that idiot who only knows how to peep and write smutty books be Hokage?"

"Konoha will probably be bankrupted in three days and destroyed in five! For the sake of the village's future, we should stop harming everyone."

"Hey! Tsunade! That's going too far!"

Jiraiya protested, but his voice lacked conviction, and his eyes held a hint of relief, as if he had been "saved."

The third generation chuckled as they watched the bickering couple, which eased the atmosphere in the office considerably.

He relit his pipe, took a puff, and slowly exhaled the smoke: "So, Tsunade, what's your answer?"

Tsunade took a deep breath and glanced at the Third Hokage's expectant face.

He glanced again at Jiraiya beside him, who, though lively, also had a supportive look in his eyes, before finally settling his gaze on Sasuke's calm face in the corner.

She remembered the valley breaking apart and the rope tree's last smile, and the vow she made when she buried them.

"I..." Tsunade's voice was clear and firm, "I accept."

These two simple words seem to carry immense weight, announcing the beginning of a new era.

The third generation's smile deepened, filled with a sense of relief: "Very good. I will arrange the relevant succession ceremony and procedures as soon as possible."

As if remembering something, he added, "By the way, Tsunade, before officially taking over, there's someone I'd like to introduce you to."

Tsunade raised an eyebrow, quite interested: "Someone that you, old man, would specially introduce? That's rare."

"Is he a genius from some family, or a newly discovered treasure?"

The third generation laughed and waved his hand: "She's not some family genius, just an ordinary girl who works very hard."

"But I promised her before that if I found you, I would introduce you to me. And..."

His eyes held an admiring look: "Her talent, especially in one area, is quite remarkable and may surprise you."

Tsunade's interest was piqued. Who could be a genin who could elicit such a high evaluation from the Third Hokage, who would even "agree" to recommend him?

Chapter 213 Sakura Becomes an Apprentice

Konoha Hospital was filled with a faint smell of disinfectant.

In a quiet hospital room, sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating a boy with a watermelon-shaped haircut, thick eyebrows, and big eyes lying on the bed.

It was Rock Lee, who had survived the battle with Gaara and suffered severe injuries to both legs.

At that moment, a pink-haired girl was carefully wiping Xiao Li's forehead with a damp towel.

Her movements were gentle, her eyes focused, and fine beads of sweat glistened on her forehead, indicating that she had been taking care of the patient for quite some time.

It was Sakura Haruno.

After Naruto and his friends left the village on Jiraiya's mission, Sakura, who was interning at a hospital, was assigned to take care of Lee.

The door of the ward was gently pushed open.

"Sandaime-sama!"

Upon seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi enter, Sakura immediately put down her towel, stood up respectfully, and bowed, a hint of nervousness on her face.

She noticed that there were two other people following behind the third generation—one was a mature woman with outstanding temperament, dazzling blonde hair, and wearing a green coat embroidered with the word "gamble".

The other one was Sasuke, whom she knew very well!

"No need for formalities, Sakura."

The third generation waved his hand gently, signaling her to relax: "How is Xiao Li doing?"

“It’s not good. The seniors in the medical team said that Lee’s bones were shattered, and many of them are distributed in his nerves. Although it won’t endanger his life, it may end Lee’s ninja career…” Sakura quickly replied, her tone full of worry for Lee.

"That's just right..."

The Third Hokage nodded, then stepped aside and solemnly introduced Sakura: "Sakura, this is my disciple, Tsunade, one of the Legendary Sannin of Konoha."

"Tsunade... Lady?!"

Sakura's emerald green eyes widened instantly, her mouth slightly agape, staring incredulously at the legendary figure before her.

She had seen this name countless times in medical books.

I've imagined what this legendary medical sage looked like countless times.

I never imagined I would see a real person so closely in this way!

The overwhelming surprise and nervousness left her momentarily at a loss.

Tsunade was also sizing up Sakura.

Pink hair, emerald green eyes, delicate features, and a clear gaze with an indomitable spirit.

She could sense that the girl possessed a considerable amount of chakra.

Moreover... she keenly noticed some subtle calluses on Sakura's knuckles, which were different from those on ordinary girls.

"You're the little girl the old man... the Third Hokage often mentioned, right?"

Tsunade spoke, her voice carrying a natural authority without being overly intimidating.

She took a few steps forward, her gaze falling on Sakura: "I heard that you mastered the technique of 'super strength' on your own, relying solely on your precise talent for chakra control, without any systematic guidance from anyone?"

Tsunade's tone was filled with obvious admiration and a hint of curiosity.

Superhuman strength—this is not some common ninjutsu.

It requires extremely precise control over chakra, which can be released instantly at a single point.

To be able to grasp its basic form without a teacher is truly an amazing talent.

Sakura blushed slightly under Tsunade's gaze and quickly lowered her head modestly: "Lady Tsunade, you flatter me! I... I was just lucky, it was just something I figured out by guesswork, and it's still very immature, and my control over the power is terrible..."

She recalled the embarrassing incident of accidentally breaking the training ground wall during a previous practice session.

Tsunade chuckled and suddenly reached out her hand, her movements so fast that Sakura didn't even have time to react.

The hand didn't land on her head, but rather with a gentle yet irresistible force.

He gently pressed on Sakura's shoulder, and then quickly pressed on several acupoints on her arm.

Sakura felt a warm current surge into her body, then disappear, as if the other party had seen through her completely.

"Chakra control precision is A-level, mental strength is excellent, meridian endurance... well, although it is slender, it is very resilient."

Tsunade withdrew her hand, her eyes filled with even greater admiration: "More importantly, the core idea behind this strange strength that was 'figured out by guesswork' is correct."

"It's just that the technique of exerting force and the way of chakra gathering are too crude, wasting too much power."

"To be able to do this without anyone's guidance is not just a matter of luck."

Seeing Sakura's somewhat bewildered expression, she suddenly revealed a smile radiating strong confidence and asked directly, "Since you have the Third Hokage's approval, and you've demonstrated talent in this area..."

"So... Sakura, would you be willing to become my disciple? To learn medical ninjutsu from me, and... the true essence of superhuman strength?"

"Huh? Me?!"

Sakura's brain seemed to freeze instantly.

The overwhelming surprise engulfed her like a tsunami, leaving her barely able to breathe.

Becoming Lady Tsunade's disciple?!

This is something I never even dared to dream of!

Her initial goal was simply to receive some guidance from this legendary medical sage.

Even just a single sentence would be appreciated!

She never dared to dream of becoming his personal disciple!

Overwhelmed by happiness and a sense of unreality, Sakura stood frozen in place.

Her emerald green eyes instantly filled with tears, her lips trembled, and she was unable to speak for a moment.

Seeing Sakura's expression, Tsunade deliberately put on a stern face: "What? You don't want to?"

"No! No!"

Sakura seemed to wake from a dream, so excited that she was incoherent, and tears finally welled up in her eyes. She abruptly lowered her head.

With all her might, she shouted, "I do! I do! Lady Tsunade! I...I...I really, really do!!"

His voice trembled and choked with emotion, yet it was filled with unwavering determination and joy.

Seeing Sakura's tears of emotion, a hint of tenderness flashed in Tsunade's eyes.

She seemed to see herself again, just as excited and bewildered, in front of her second grandfather, Tobirama Senju.

She reached out, this time with the gentleness of an elder, and gently ruffled Sakura's pink hair.

"Alright, stop crying. From today onwards, you are my disciple, Tsunade. Remember, my requirements are very strict."

Tsunade's tone was tinged with amusement, yet it also revealed an undeniable seriousness.

"Yes, Lady Tsunade! I will do my best! I will never let you down!"

Sakura forcefully wiped away her tears, straightened her back, and her eyes shone with an astonishing brightness, filled with unprecedented fighting spirit and goals.

Sasuke, watching this scene from the side, remained expressionless, but a glimmer of joy for his comrade flickered deep in his eyes.

The third generation stroked his beard with satisfaction, revealing a contented smile.

The medical tradition of Konoha has found a successor.

"Alright, we'll do the apprenticeship ceremony after that. Let me check on this kid's physical condition first."

Shortly afterward, Sasuke settled Naruto in and gave a brief report on the follow-up.

He then carried Naruto, who was still in a deep recovery coma, and left the Hokage Building.

He didn't return to Naruto's empty little house, which only contained expired milk and cup noodles.

Instead, he turned and headed towards the Uchiha clan's territory.

The Uchiha clan's settlement is located in a relatively quiet area of ​​Konoha.