"Lately, you know all these people. Don't be too shy!"
After dealing with Naruto, Tsunade turned to Rin Nohara sitting across from her, speaking in a relaxed tone.
"Yes, I know! Tsunade-sama!"
Rin Nohara nodded. Except for Jiraiya and Shizune, she already knew everyone else here, so there was no reason to feel nervous.
The real reason she wasn't fully focused was because the past few days still felt surreal to her.
Working quietly in the hospital, she'd unexpectedly caught Tsunade's attention through her patience with patients and quick grasp of Medical Ninjutsu—eventually becoming Tsunade's disciple.
This was one of the Legendary Sannin, a figure in the medical ninja world who could rival even the God of Ninja.
Tsunade's Medical Ninjutsu had long been legendary among Konoha's Medical Ninja community.
Now that she'd become this remarkable senior's disciple, she finally had the opportunity to learn those incredible techniques.
It was a coveted opportunity for countless other medical ninja!
Even though it had already been officially confirmed that she was now Tsunade's apprentice, Rin Nohara still found it hard to believe.
"Rin Nohara, from now on, you must study diligently under Tsunade-sama! I recognized your potential long ago. Keep proving yourself!"
Kushina raised her drink without any ladylike manner and took a big gulp before encouraging Rin Nohara.
Although Kushina hadn't studied Medical Ninjutsu for very long due to her special constitution, her mastery surpassed ordinary people by far.
Therefore, she'd already become somewhat proficient in Medical Ninjutsu.
At least when it came to treating Minato Namikaze's injuries caused by training, she had no problems whatsoever.
While Rin Nohara was naturally cheerful, sincere in her interactions, and relatively calm-tempered, she indeed showed great potential to become an exceptional medical ninja.
"Rin Nohara, give it your best and don't disappoint Tsunade-sama!"
Smiling warmly, Minato Namikaze moved a piece of meat from Naruto's bowl—specifically the tenderloin Naruto had been eyeing—and placed it into Kushina's bowl.
"Ha ha, enough with the serious talk—let's eat!"
Jiraiya laughed heartily. If Rin put in serious effort, there was no doubt she could learn plenty. It wouldn't be difficult at all.
Remaining as calm as always, Shizune recently traveled many places gathering information about Saitama.
As for Tsunade taking another apprentice, this didn't really affect her much.
She'd been with Tsunade for a long time already, and had learned most of what Tsunade could offer.
But perhaps due to talent limitations, Shizune's mastery over many Ninjutsu remained incomplete.
Regarding the [Yin Seal] Tsunade taught her several years ago, she had spent years studying it but had barely grasped its basics and only just begun to understand some key points.
"I understand! Please continue guiding me, Tsunade-sama!"
Rin Nohara nodded, her two purple facial marks partially hidden by strands of hair falling beside her face.
"Let's eat! It's been ages since you had time to come out and enjoy a meal like this, Minato Namikaze!"
Kushina felt a pang of sympathy for Minato. Since he became Hokage, their family rarely had time to have a proper meal together like this.
At the time Minato took office, Konoha was embroiled in conflicts with other ninja villages, large and small. The village's situation wasn't very stable.
After some careful governance, things were finally improving, and Minato no longer found himself overwhelmed with work as he was when he first assumed his role.
But just when peace and development seemed within reach, an organization called Akatsuki recently emerged, plunging Minato back into that hectic state.
"Mm, good!" Minato patted Kushina's hand gently, flashing her a warm smile.
Then, his gaze shifted sideways. He noticed Naruto sitting beside Tsunade, glaring at him with deep resentment.
What did I do? I didn't even provoke him!
Minato felt puzzled. Then he carefully picked out several pieces of roasted tenderloin for Kushina before raising his eyebrow playfully at Naruto, silently conveying some paternal affection.
Although Kushina was a woman, she definitely had a strong appetite—her eating habits might not be particularly refined, but she'd never starve wherever she went.
This was actually one of the reasons why Minato liked Kushina; she was straightforward and genuine.
"Master Jiraiya, starting tomorrow, please keep a close eye on me!"
Suddenly changing the topic, Minato looked toward Jiraiya sitting across from him.
The training in Ninjutsu absolutely needed to resume ASAP—the pressure from unknown sources in the distance was growing clearer every day.
Furthermore, based on multiple deductions, this mysterious Akatsuki organization had their eyes set squarely on the Tailed Beasts!
Coincidentally, right by his side was a Jinchuriki harboring the most powerful of all Tailed Beasts.
Whether it was for the safety of everyone he cared about or for Konoha's peace,
He absolutely could not allow the Akatsuki to achieve their goal!
"No problem!"
Jiraiya responded after taking a hearty sip from his cup, his face already beginning to flush red. He straightened his neck and answered Minato.
Since Minato brought up training again, naturally Jiraiya would not treat it casually.
This period could also serve as an opportunity for him to sharpen his own Ninjutsu skills.
During their last encounter with two members of the Akatsuki, although he had managed to keep the enemy suppressed throughout, it had revealed certain weaknesses in his abilities.
He lacked a solid killer move—something simple but devastatingly effective.
His standard Rasengan and other powerful, flashy Ninjutsu with long casting times and equally lengthy cooldown periods
Faced with enemies of comparable strength, these limited methods felt like throwing punches at nothing—powerful but ineffective.
"Hey! Jiraiya!"
Tsunade tapped the edge of the grill nearest Jiraiya with her chopsticks, her expression showing obvious displeasure.
"Tonight is my apprentice-acceptance banquet. Don't the two of you talk about topics nobody else here cares about during such an occasion!"
"Eat! Eat! I want tenderloin!"
Naruto watched Tsunade's clear annoyance at both his father and that old pervert who always came to his house to stuff his face.
Combined with recalling how Minato had just snatched away the piece of meat Naruto had been eyeing, his irritation only grew.
So, Orochimaru chose to stand with Tsunade and loudly announced the theme of the day.
"Alright, stop whining. Here, take it!"
Kushina sighed, then placed a few slices of pork loin from her own bowl into Naruto's.
"Thank you, Mom!"
Naruto's face lit up. There was nothing quite like having a real mom looking out for you!
...
"It's already been a whole day! When will the reinforcement squad arrive? We've already crossed into the Land of Fire!"
Standing atop high ground, several Stone shinobi observed through their binoculars, tailing Orochimaru and Saitama closely.
Since Orochimaru wasn't in any hurry along the way and mentioned there was a base not far ahead,
their pace remained slow; they weren't rushing forward.
Orochimaru also used this journey to contemplate something.
From Saitama's perspective, Orochimaru really seemed deep in thought.
It must definitely have something to do with whatever he found earlier!
Saitama didn't care. Nor did he share Orochimaru's obsession for chasing after abstract and impractical knowledge.
His goals had always been clear: becoming stronger and unifying the Shinobi World.
Knowing some strange pieces of information wouldn't make him stronger. Only things that could substantially enhance his strength were worth his interest.
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