socalfunplaces Chapter 131 Passing the Test?
Chapter 131 Passing the Test?
Chapter 131 Passing the Test?
"Whoosh!"
The paper door was yanked open, and Tsunade and Jiraiya, their figures still carrying the lingering tension, rushed to Gen Takuya's small table.
"Takuya-kun!" Jiraiya spoke first, his signature white hair slightly disheveled under the light, but his eyes were unusually sharp as he stared intently at Minamoto Takuya, his voice booming.
"Listen, you brat—don't you dare embarrass me!" His tone carried an unquestionable expectation and a hint of barely perceptible tension. "Hmm?" Yuan Tuoye's eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly, and a question instantly formed in his eyes.
Jiraiya's sudden declaration left him feeling a little bewildered. What on earth had happened?
What caused that seemingly sudden argument, and why did it lead him to it?
Almost simultaneously, Tsunade's scrutiny fell upon him. Her cheeks were flushed with a distinct rosy hue from the alcohol, as if she had applied the finest rouge. Her usual arrogance was tinged with a hazy, dreamlike quality in her drunken state, but beneath that hazy depths, her probing gaze remained as sharp as a knife.
"Hmph!" A cold snort escaped her nostrils, carrying an undeniable air of authority. "Want to be my disciple? Kid, it's not as simple as you think! Come with me!"
Her tone was resolute, as if announcing the start of a trial, yet it also carried an undeniable air of authority.
Becoming Tsunade's apprentice? Is a test about to begin?
The thoughts in Yuan Tuoye's mind raced.
The answer is obvious: no matter what lies ahead, he cannot and will not refuse.
This is not just a question of "whether or not," but a challenge that "must be faced."
Without the slightest hesitation, he put down his cup and followed along with Jingyin.
Shizune's gaze darted back and forth between Tsunade's announcement and Minamoto Takuno's composed reaction, her eyes filled with unprecedented astonishment and curiosity.
The two followed the backs of the two "Legendary Sannin," who were of great importance in the ninja world, and stepped into the deep night outside the izakaya.
The strong smell of alcohol mingled with the cool night air. Led by Tsunade and Jiraiya, two of the Legendary Sannin, the four of them finally found a relatively open space.
With no one around, it's the perfect place to verify certain things.
Tsunade staggered straight up to Gen Takuno, her hearty laughter tinged with drunkenness. She opened her mouth to speak, but first let out a loud burp, thick with the effects of alcohol.
The strong smell of alcohol hit him, causing the already sober Yuan Tuoye to involuntarily furrow his brow.
"That bastard Jiraiya—" Tsunade swayed, her drunken eyes glazing as she pointed at the equally unsteady Jiraiya behind her, her voice loud yet somewhat indistinct.
"—I've been nagging you eight hundred times! Telling you how amazing your talent is, how easily you can take over my mantle—"
-
"Hmph! I don't believe it!"
Her words were direct and provocative, her intense gaze fixed on Gen Takuno.
Gen Takuno bowed slightly, his tone rigid and steady: "Lord Jiraiya, you flatter me. I merely have some experience in the subtle control of chakra."
"Hmph! Stop with the pretentious modesty!" Tsunade waved her hand impatiently, her drunkenness seemingly dissipating slightly from the conversation. "That guy told me everything that happened in the medical room, like spilling beans. It's actually—quite interesting."
She paused, her eyes sharpening. "So, Jiraiya and I made a bet. One week! Kid, if you can learn my 'super strength' within a week, I'll admit you're truly capable!"
"I will do my best," Yuan Tuoye replied, his tone still firm and methodical.
"Tsk—not very old, but incredibly old-fashioned." Tsunade snorted with a hint of disdain, then decisively raised her hand.
In an instant, blue chakra light precisely condensed and flowed in her palm, every vein clearly controllable—this was precisely the teaching mode that deliberately slowed down the pace.
"Watch closely!" she snapped.
Gen Takuno's gaze instantly focused on Tsunade's palm, his mind highly concentrated, meticulously analyzing the flowing chakra trajectory.
He already knew the principles behind the "superhuman strength".
In essence, it is about achieving a perfect unity between the destructive and defensive power of chakra.
When punches and kicks are delivered with tremendous force, the resulting reaction force is equally terrifying.
Therefore, the key lies in using precise chakra control to accurately cover the corresponding muscles, bones, and even joints at the moment of exertion, forming an invisible and tough shield to ensure that the body structure is not destroyed by one's own terrifying power.
Once this foundation is laid, the next step is to mobilize the surging chakra within the body and, while ensuring the body remains unharmed, unleash an explosive burst of power.
As the most fundamental energy in the ninja world, chakra itself has the potential to split rocks and open mountains.
As Tsunade explained, she curled her index finger. The movement seemed casual, even tinged with a lazy, drunken air, as she lightly touched the solid ground below.
"Boom!"
A muffled thud suddenly erupted, as if an earth dragon had turned over!
The ground beneath our feet trembled violently, shook, and tore apart!
Amidst the billowing dust, a jagged chasm several meters long and bottomless suddenly appeared beneath everyone's feet!
Jiraiya quickly steadied his swaying body and nodded in admiration, his expression slightly drunk.
Despite the many years that have passed, and despite the pain and despair, Tsunade's control over the core of her power has not diminished in the slightest.
Although their fighting spirit in actual combat may not be as strong as it used to be, their foundation in "passing on knowledge and teaching skills" is more than enough.
"Did you understand?" Tsunade asked wearily after yawning, clearly expecting the other party to ask her to look at it a few more times.
"I understand." Gen Takuno's answer was calm and certain.
These three simple words caused the other three people present to fall into a brief silence.
"You brat—you really understood it?!" Jiraiya was the first to react, his tone urgent as he reminded him.
He winked and gestured at Yuan Tuoye, meaning that Yuan Tuoye should quickly change his tune and try to get more of these valuable learning opportunities.
"Your eyes are practically rolling to the sky!" Tsunade glared at Jiraiya, then turned to Minamoto no Takuya, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, but quickly replaced by a sense of challenge. "Since you understand, I'll give you seven days to prove it."
After a moment's thought, Yuan Tuoye unexpectedly said, "No need for seven days, I think—we can try now."
The air seemed to freeze at that moment.
The silence lasted only a moment before being broken by Jiraiya's hearty laughter: "Hahaha! Young people are so impulsive! He doesn't know how difficult this is—"
"Heh, a man in his thirties, he's no longer a greenhorn, is he?" Tsunade's drunkenness seemed to have been completely dispelled by the young man's "arrogance."
Her sharp gaze scrutinized Yuan Tuoye. His expression was calm, his eyes focused, and he didn't seem to be speaking carelessly. Could it be—that she had really seen through him at a glance?
"Very well," Tsunade's lips curled into a playful smile, "Since you're so confident, then—right here, let me see what you've got."
Her tone carried a subtle provocation; if he failed, her mockery would be even more satisfying.
"Sigh!" Jiraiya sighed heavily, glaring at Minamoto no Takuya with a look of disappointment.
He had considerable confidence in Gen Takuno's chakra control, but to say "I understand" after only seeing it once and then immediately demonstrate it was far too arrogant!
Yuan Tuoye remained silent, his gaze fixed on the ground, as if recalling every detail of how Tsunade had gathered her chakra.
Of course, this was just a performance; he was already very familiar with the principles and practices, and he was simply deliberately suppressing his proficiency at this moment.
After a few breaths, he took a deep breath, clenched his right fist, and his immense chakra began to surge and compress wildly towards his fist!
"boom!!"
Takuno Minamoto's heavy fist slammed down! This time, the force was far more terrifying than Tsunade's "light touch" just now!
Like a meteorite impact!
The entire earth groaned in despair, and the more violent tremors spread outwards like a tidal wave, causing the soil beneath our feet to churn and crumble like waves!
Caught off guard, Jiraiya cried out in surprise, nearly falling as he stumbled! He stared in astonishment at the center of the impact. This kid, really caused such a commotion in one go?!
Tsunade, who was prepared, had already appeared beside Shizune like a phantom as soon as the tremor began, and shielded her.
Smoke, dust, and gravel filled the air, blurring the view.
As the dust settled, Yuan Tuoye's figure was revealed.
He frowned slightly, looking down at his right arm. The clothes on his arm were torn, and his skin and muscles showed irregular bruises and purple marks, clearly indicating that he had endured a great burden.
He seemed puzzled as to why he hadn't achieved perfection.
Tsunade stared at the ruins and Minamoto no Takuya's injured arm, remaining silent for several seconds with an extremely complex expression.
Finally, she gave a low but clear diagnosis: "—At the moment of exertion, there was a slight deviation between the protective chakra coverage and the point of impact, failing to achieve perfect dynamic balance. This is the most delicate part."
"Reduce your power slightly, get used to the rhythm of your bursts a few more times, and you'll find that balance."
"I see," Minamoto Takuno said, his eyes suddenly understanding. Despite the pain in his arm, he immediately bowed deeply. "I was too eager for quick success. Thank you for your guidance, Lady Tsunade!"
Tsunade stared intently at Minamoto no Takuya, her gaze seemingly piercing through his calm facade.
Without even needing to investigate personally, the fact that this person could achieve such power on their first attempt, and only suffer such minor injuries, based solely on the principle of precise replication—this person's chakra control is terrifyingly powerful! It's probably close to her peak level back then!
Jiraiya was not exaggerating. Even without his own instruction, as long as Jiraiya was willing to put in the effort in taijutsu, mastering superhuman strength was only a matter of time for him.
"Hahahaha! What did I say, Tsunade!" Jiraiya forcibly suppressed the raging storm in his heart and let out a hearty laugh, trying to dispel the silence brought on by the shock just now.
"Is this kid, Gen Takuno, born to inherit your mantle?!"
"This talent—it is indeed astonishing." Tsunade finally spoke, but her voice carried a rare hint of hesitation. "But—"
'
"Tsunade!" Jiraiya's smile vanished instantly, replaced by a hint of anger. "You're not thinking of backing out, are you?"
He knew Tsunade too well; the refusal hidden behind that "but" was practically written all over her face.
Tsunade rubbed her throbbing temples in frustration; the intense hangover and the surging memories of the past made her head throb.
Damn it! I shouldn't have made that drunken bet!
While Yuan Tuoye's talent amazed her, at this moment, she had no desire to take on another disciple from Konoha, nor did she want to rekindle that deep bond with the land filled with complicated memories because of this relationship.
"If Lady Tsunade is in trouble—let's drop this matter." Takuno Minamoto's voice rang out at the right time, calm and composed, yet full of "understanding."
"Takuya Minamoto, you—" Jiraiya became even more anxious. In his view, if he applied a little more pressure, Tsunade's insistence might loosen, and it might even become the opportunity for her to return to Konoha.
"Hmph!" Tsunade suddenly raised her voice, interrupting Jiraiya with a resolute tone, "Who said I went back on my word? Who said I have to take him on as a disciple just because I won?! Does teaching him ninjutsu mean I have to be his master? I'll teach him!"
Her gaze was sharp as a knife, fixed on Jiraiya's question.
Jiraiya was completely stunned, his brows furrowed as he stared at Tsunade: "You—are you so resistant to having any further involvement with Konoha?"
Tsunade avoided Jiraiya's questioning gaze and turned to Genjiro, her tone quick and firm: "Listen, your skill in chakra control is so good that I don't need to give you any more pointers."
Wait a few days, and I'll compile all the medical ninjutsu I've studied throughout my life, along with some unique secret techniques, and hand them all over to you.
Take it back yourself and study it at your leisure!
This is practically equivalent to giving away all one's knowledge.
"Isn't this too hasty?" Yuan Tuoye was quite certain about this approach, but on the surface he maintained enough hesitation and apprehension about this "generous gift" as he cautiously inquired.
"Hmph! I said it's okay, so it's okay! Enough with the nonsense, it's settled!" Tsunade made the decision almost rudely, her words resolute and leaving no room for doubt.
After saying that, she pulled up Shizune, who was still a little dazed, without hesitation, and strode towards the town hotel without looking back, leaving Jiraiya, who looked astonished, and Minamoto Takuno, who looked respectful, behind.
Jiraiya watched Tsunade's resolute back as she nearly fled, and let out a long, helpless sigh.
Her final arrangement made Jiraiya realize that it was an impossible dream to persuade Tsunade to return to Konoha right now.
A bittersweet feeling, bordering on mockery, rose in Jiraiya's heart.
What a contradiction this woman is! She has unhesitatingly entrusted her life's work and the medical ninjutsu knowledge that can be called a war-changer to Minamoto no Takuno, who represents the future of Konoha!
This action itself proves the deep-seated concern she has for Konoha's future.
Once this knowledge spreads throughout Konoha, it could save countless ninja lives in future wars.
She never verbally admitted to caring, but her "giving" was more profound and clearly demonstrated the depth of her heart than any vow.
She just stubbornly refuses to admit it.
"Lord Jiraiya, what's next—" Takuno Minamoto's voice pulled Jiraiya back from his thoughts.
To be fair, he was quite satisfied with the result. Although he didn't object to having a master who was weaker than himself, he didn't like it either.
"—Since Tsunade has made this decision, let's do as she says." Jiraiya sighed again, his gaze falling on Takuno with some complicated feelings. "However, Takuno, you must remember this."
Having learned her skills, even without a formal master-disciple relationship, I hope you will respect her as your de facto teacher. She is simply—
Being stuck on certain things from the past doesn't mean you're belittling your talent or worth.
"You flatter me," Gen Takuno immediately declared solemnly. "I will forever remember Lady Tsunade's generous kindness in teaching me! Regardless of whether we have the title of master and disciple, in my heart, she will always be my guiding teacher!"
These words were half sincere and half a performance to portray himself as a "grateful person." Demanding that he make such a gesture was merely a superficial show of respect and did not cause him any loss.
"—Well, it's good that you understand." Jiraiya's wrinkles seemed to smooth out a bit, revealing a rare hint of relief.
After a moment of silent eye contact, the two turned around and silently began their journey back to the hotel.
The night was deep, and the noisy lights of the tavern flickered in the distance, casting their shadows, one tall and one short, their steps silent.