"Do you need a reason for me to help you?" Naruto looked at Sakura with a puzzled expression.
"Isn't it necessary?" Sakura was equally confused.
While ordinary help might not require a reason, Naruto had assisted her to the extent that he hoped she would become a medical master surpassing even Tsunade.
If no reason was needed, then to what extent would he go to get the Holy Mother?
No, even if it were the Holy Mother, she couldn't be the only one!
Naruto scratched his head, as if this were also a concern for him.
Spreading his hands, he said with an innocent face, "If I must find a reason, one is that we are comrades on the same team, one is that I have always liked you, and another is that you will be the head of the medical department in the future."
"As a Hokage, of course, I want my subordinates to be as good as possible!"
"Medical Director..." Sakura heard the news and thought she should be excited, but she remained calm.
Feeling that Naruto's reasons weren't enough, she decided not to press further, just as she had done when asking about Sasuke yesterday.
"Okay!" Sakura nodded, whether she was convinced or not. She didn't continue the questioning.
They resumed their practice.
Naruto no longer tried to make her fall into the water on purpose. The waves he created were only slightly more intense than Sakura could handle.
Panic would grip her each time she faced this situation.
However, with her talent, she adapted quickly, making it difficult to fall into the water even amidst the increased difficulty.
Her control over chakra grew stronger and stronger, showing visible progress.
This delighted Sakura.
Though she hadn't reached the level Naruto mentioned initially, she could now withstand waves that would have caused her to fall before.
It's like she's making strides and might soon catch up to Naruto and Sasuke in this realm.
By the end of the half-day session, Sakura had made significant progress.
"Your talent is indeed very strong!"
Even Naruto had to admit it with a sigh. "If you keep this up, it won't take a few years for you to become the best medical ninja."
"Hehe!" Sakura laughed happily.
Although she was exhausted from today's practice, the results made her eager for the future.
With a goal, she had motivation. With achievements, she had confidence. Her entire demeanor had changed.
In less than a day, Naruto had noticed a remarkable change in Sakura since her early days.
It's no wonder she's the original story's heroine; her aura is quite substantial.
"Thank you, Naruto!"
Sakura was elated and didn't forget her main supporter.
She approached him and, under his suspicious gaze, she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.
"This is to thank you for helping me today. Don't get the wrong idea!" she said, blushing profusely before hurrying away.
It was an unusual gesture for her, something she had never done with Sasuke.
But for some reason, she felt this was the best way to express her thanks to Naruto.
A formal "thank you" would be given later, but this kiss was genuine.
Naruto was momentarily stunned before smiling. "Of course, I don't get the wrong idea. It's just that I chased you for so long as a kid, and now you're finally here."
He pointed at his mouth. "It's a sweet idea, but I don't know how to do it!"
Sakura rolled her eyes and dashed out.
The kiss had already made her blush furiously. How could she kiss him there?
Besides, no matter how much her feelings for Naruto had changed, Sasuke still held the top spot in her heart.
Naruto shrugged and followed her out.
"Ahhhh, there's a pervert!"
Before Naruto could step outside, he heard Sakura's scream, and then chaos erupted outside.
His heart racing, he swiftly scanned the area with his mental power, confirming his suspicion. There was no one else it could be at this time and place except that infamous uncle who was often dubbed a pervert.
There, standing before him, was an old man with white hair, looking extremely embarrassed as Sakura chased him. The man insisted that he was merely a novelist seeking inspiration, but his protests fell on deaf ears.
How could Sakura believe such nonsense? Even if Jiraiya tried to escape into the water, she would pursue him, thanks to her newfound ability to walk on water.
Naturally, with Sakura's limited skills, she could only engage in futile efforts.
The infamous party was none other than one of the Sannin, the Mount Myōboku Toad Sage, Jiraiya!
Naruto chuckled; it was just as he had expected. One of the reasons for arranging Sakura's training here was to anticipate Jiraiya's arrival.
The nearby female bathhouse, which had been Jiraiya's intended target, was now in a frenzy as well. Several women, both young and old, dashed out wearing large towels, heading straight for the commotion.
Upon witnessing the scene, they immediately grasped the situation and rushed towards Jiraiya, screaming and threatening all the while.
"Wow, I really didn't do anything!" Jiraiya exclaimed, clearly startled, and immediately took off running.
Surrounded by so many people, he had no choice but to flee.
"Damn it! This guy must be a ninja, he's too quick on his feet!" Sakura exclaimed in frustration as she struggled to keep up.
"Don't worry, he can't escape!" assured Naruto, smiling. Without waiting for Sakura's response, he swiftly picked her up and gave chase in the direction Jiraiya had fled.
Surprised, Sakura found herself carried away by Naruto's speed. She was too preoccupied with holding on to avoid falling to protest much.
"Put me down, already!" she demanded, blushing profusely.
"Don't worry, I won't take advantage," he replied casually, not slowing his pace.
Sakura was left with no choice but to cling to the corners of Naruto's clothes as he rushed ahead, her face a mix of embarrassment and determination.