Night.
Inside the archives of the Senju Clan, a pink-haired girl sat quietly at a desk, absorbed in the materials laid out before her.
The desk was piled high with documents on Yang Release.
Among them were notes and reflections on Yang Release written by Senju Tobirama himself, as well as the insights and comprehension of various generations of Senju clan leaders. Some documents were even signed by Senju Butsuma.
But notably, there was one person missing—there were no records from Senju Hashirama.
Most people only knew that Yang Release enhanced the effectiveness of medical ninjutsu. But strictly speaking, Yang Release techniques acted directly upon the physical body, using life energy as their core. It breathed life into form—imbuing it with vitality, raising it from mere structure into something alive—enhancing its essence through life energy.
The Akimichi Clan's Expansion Jutsu was a classic example of Yang Release in action.
Currently, the ultimate wielder of Yang Release known to Sakura was Naruto, who embodied the power of pure positive chakra. Even Might Guy, who was doomed to die after opening the Eighth Gate, had been miraculously saved by Naruto's Yang energy.
And then there were the tailed beasts—creatures created by combining Yin and Yang Release with the chakra of the Ten-Tails, all orchestrated by the Sage of Six Paths, Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo. Yin-Yang Release stood as a pinnacle power—far beyond the reach of most.
But to Sakura, those things were distant dreams.
Her current goal was far simpler—to use Yang Release to survive the deadly Sage Pool of the Shikkotsu Forest.
In the original story, we've seen the Sage Modes of Mount Myōboku and Ryūchi Cave. But Shikkotsu Forest's Sage Mode? That had never been revealed.
Given how nearly fatal the Sage Pool was known to be, one could guess its danger. Jumping in might very well be a one-way trip.
As Sakura flipped through Senju Tobirama's insights on Yang Release, the library door creaked open slowly.
"…Karin?"
"It's so late—why aren't you asleep yet?"
Karin stepped inside cautiously, holding a steaming bowl of porridge. She placed it on the table in front of Sakura with a smile.
"I saw you were still up reading, so I figured you must be hungry. I made you a little something in the kitchen."
Sakura looked at the steaming bowl of meat porridge. The savory aroma reached her nose, and she gave it an appreciative sniff. It smelled really good.
"Thanks, Karin. Has Lady Tsunade gone to bed yet?"
She accepted the spoon Karin handed her and took a mouthful of the hot porridge.
Salty and flavorful—the taste was unexpectedly pleasant.
"Lady Tsunade had a little too much to drink. It took everything I had just to get her into bed," Karin replied with a helpless smile.
"But I have to say… Lady Tsunade is really beautiful."
"I just didn't expect the famed Princess Tsunade of the Hidden Leaf to have such a quirky personality…"
Karin plopped down next to Sakura, casually complaining about Tsunade.
It was clear she found it a bit baffling that someone of Tsunade's age could still act so… childishly.
Sakura quietly sipped the porridge while listening to Karin's rambling. Although Karin spoke with an exasperated tone, the soft look in her eyes revealed how well she was getting along with Tsunade.
"You really seem to like Lady Tsunade, huh?" Sakura said thoughtfully.
"Eh… It's not that big a deal," Karin replied, scratching her head, clearly embarrassed.
"It's just… I didn't expect her to be so easy to talk to, you know?"
Sakura stirred her porridge slowly, her tone casual yet intentional.
"If you like her that much, maybe you should ask to become her student."
"Eh??"
Karin stared at Sakura in shock.
In her mind, just escaping the horror show of the Hidden Grass Village and arriving in the Leaf was already more than enough. If she could pass the upcoming exams and join Sakura's team, she'd be thrilled.
She had never even dared dream of becoming someone like Tsunade's apprentice.
Who was Tsunade?
The granddaughter of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama.
The greatest medical-nin in the ninja world.
A title heavier than even some Kage.
---
That night… the wind blew cool beneath a pale, full moon.
A beautiful woman with long, golden hair sat alone atop the archive building's roof.
Her deep brown eyes were bright and clear—there wasn't the slightest hint of drunkenness in them.
Tsunade let her silky blonde hair fall loose as it fluttered gently in the breeze. She raised a sake bottle and took a hearty swig, the cold liquid sliding down her slender white throat into the shadowed valley below.
With a satisfied sigh, she wiped her mouth and stretched out fully on the tiled rooftop.
Her slightly dazed eyes gazed up at the bright moon. Half-drunk, half-sober, she almost thought she saw that gentle red-haired woman again—the one who used to pinch her cheek and call her a "little rascal."
"Grandma Mito…"
She reached up and gently touched the corners of her eyes. Though they bore no crow's feet, her fingertips came away moist. A soft sigh drifted into the cool night air.
"…Is it raining?"
---
The Next Day – Clear Skies
At the Gates of Konoha
"Take care out there!"
Karin waved enthusiastically at the group preparing to depart.
"Head back soon, Karin," Sakura called as she turned back to glance at the redhead. "When I return, I expect you to have passed that exam."
With that, Sakura stepped forward—setting out for the battlefield.
Accompanying her were Kakashi, Kurenai, Sasuke, Kiba, and…
Oh, right—Shino, too.
"Heh, just wait! Once we get to the front lines, it's time for yours truly to show the world what I'm made of!" Kiba announced proudly.
"Woof woof!"
Akamaru barked in agreement, perched on his partner's head.
"Kiba, war is no joke. With that kind of attitude, you'll be the first to die," Kurenai said sternly, brows furrowed as she looked at her student.
"She's right," Shino added. "And do you know why?"
"It's the instinct of my insects."
"With an attitude like yours, Kiba… the consequences could be fatal."
Shino, who normally took an eternity just to string together a sentence, surprisingly offered a full warning this time. Clearly, even someone as composed as him was feeling the pressure of heading to war.
"Ugh…"
Kiba winced, as if someone had just dumped cold water all over his enthusiasm. He turned his eyes toward Sasuke, who remained aloof and silent.
That cool expression again.
Kiba clicked his tongue, then turned toward Sakura, hoping for at least her support.
"Right, Sakura? I mean, c'mon—I'm pretty awesome! I'm totally gonna make a name for myself in this war!"
Sakura gave him a look, scratched her head, and replied seriously:
"Don't worry, Kiba. When you die, I'll make sure you're buried in a spot with excellent feng shui."
Her words made Kurenai chuckle softly. She reached out and patted Kiba's head gently.
"You hear that? Be good, keep your head down, and live through this."
Kiba looked around, crestfallen.
What the heck?
Not only Shino and Kurenai-sensei, but even Sakura was treating him like this!
Seriously, what was with this team…
---
(End of Chapter)