"Teacher Tsunade, are you there?" Okamoto Dousuke called out from the doorway of office 314, located on the third floor of Konoha Hospital.
"Come in," Tsunade's familiar voice replied.
Okamoto Dousuke opened the door to find their teacher leaning back in her chair, balanced precariously on only two legs. Her feet were propped up on the desk, crossed at the ankles, gently swaying. She held a steaming teacup in one hand, taking a sip.
"Teacher, we are in the office. Could you perhaps be a little more attentive?" Okamoto Dousuke suggested cautiously, noticing the wide skirt that had slid up her thighs.
Having watched Naruto previously, Okamoto Dousuke knew Tsunade was a laid-back individual. However, it wasn't until becoming her disciple that the true meaning of a heroine became apparent.
"Hey, brat, I'm your teacher! When did you think you needed to lecture me? Do you take me for that old man Sarutobi?" Tsunade shot Okamoto Dousuke a displeased look.
Putting her legs down from the desk, Tsunade placed the teacup on the table, sat up straight, and asked, "So, what brings you here?"
"Well, teacher, it's like this. Today, the Konoha Guard brought us an injured ninja. According to their report, this ninja was ambushed during a mission and was the sole survivor of their team. He sustained severe injuries and was discovered unconscious near the village outskirts by a patrol." As Okamoto Dousuke spoke, they retrieved a sealed, transparent test tube from their pocket. Inside, a dark purple, viscous liquid swirled.
"I suspect this team was attacked by Sunagakure." Okamoto Dousuke placed the test tube on Tsunade's desk.
"And what makes you so certain it was an attack by the Sand Village? You must remember that not only the Sand Village but also ninjas from any village, even Konoha, utilize poison," Tsunade said, picking up the test tube and holding it up to the sunlight to examine its contents.
"The toxin in this test tube was extracted from the injured ninja's wound. My analysis indicates it's a mixed poison, specifically a combination of neurotoxins and hemotoxins. The hemotoxins will cause the injured ninja's wound to rapidly fester and decay. Furthermore, this poison contains a unique element often found in the venom of desert creatures adapted to arid environments. This characteristic likely evolved over centuries in the harsh desert." Okamoto Dousuke presented the test report to Tsunade.
"I understand the gravity of this situation. Since you've already treated the ninja's immediate wounds, I'll wait for him to regain consciousness before taking further action," Tsunade stated after reviewing the results.
"Teacher, even with treatment, it will take time for him to wake. I stand by my assessment. If Sunagakure has begun targeting our mission teams, it strongly suggests they are planning a significant offensive, possibly even a new war, Teacher Tsunade!" Okamoto Dousuke exclaimed, his voice rising.
"I comprehend. I will seek out the Third Hokage," Tsunade replied, looking at her disciple standing before her desk. For the first time, she recognized how much Okamoto Dousuke had matured.
In just three years, this child, who was once barely tall enough to see over my desk, has grown into this.
I remember his initial visit to my office – so timid. Yet, now he has the audacity to raise his voice to me. And from what I've heard around the hospital, this child has earned considerable respect among the villagers!
"You should return to your duties for now. I will consult with the Third Hokage immediately."
"Understood, Teacher. Thank you for your hard work," Okamoto Dousuke said, turning to leave Tsunade's office.
Is the war we finally managed to halt about to reignite? There's certainly no time for tea now! Tsunade thought, grabbing the test reports and sealed test tubes before hurrying out of the office.
That evening, after completing his final rounds, Okamoto Dousuke returned to the medical office, exhausted. He poured himself a cup of hot tea.
Beyond the usual demands of the day's patients, the injured ninja's situation weighed heavily on him.
Ever since Kakashi's graduation three years prior, Okamoto Dousuke had sensed the approaching Third Shinobi World War. This urgency fueled his determination to excel during the Academy's qualifying matches, which ultimately led to Tsunade recognizing his potential.
In the past few years under Tsunade's tutelage, he had not only mastered a wide array of ninjutsu but, more importantly, through dedicated effort at Konoha Hospital, had cultivated a strong reputation among the village's civilians and fostered positive relationships with various Konoha ninja clans and influential families.
In the eyes of outsiders, he was seen as more than just a disciple of Tsunade, one of the legendary Sannin. He was also known for his care for the common villagers and his ability to foster unity among the Konoha ninja clans. Remarkably, he even maintained positive relationships with many members of the Uchiha clan, despite their often-strained relationship with Konoha. The prominent mark of the Fire Release on his body undoubtedly enhanced his standing within Konoha. These factors had also contributed to Okamoto Dousuke's association with the Third Hokage's faction.
However, where there is light, there is shadow. Two years prior, the suicide of the "Konoha White Fang," Hatake Sakumo, had sent shockwaves through the five great ninja villages. It was unexpected that the man known for prioritizing his comrades over mission success, a decision typically not condemned as a failure in the ninja world, would not perish on the battlefield but instead choose to end his life quietly at home.
Okamoto Dousuke still vividly remembered the gentle touch of that man who had once stroked his head, inspiring him to strive to surpass Kakashi. At the funeral, Kakashi had appeared detached and indifferent. When their eyes met, Kakashi offered no greeting, his usual complaints seemingly silenced.
At that time, Okamoto Dousuke had silently apologized to Kakashi. He had been aware of the rumors circulating in the village, hinting at the White Fang's despair, but he had felt powerless to intervene.
Only by becoming strong can one truly control their own destiny and act according to their will. Okamoto Dousuke thought, finishing his now-cool tea in one gulp. He removed his medical ninja uniform, took the regular clothes from the hanger, and prepared to leave for the day.
"Dousuke!" Tsunade called out, pushing open the door. She looked at Okamoto Dousuke, who was in the process of changing.
"Teacher, what are you doing here?" Okamoto Dousuke asked in surprise, looking at Tsunade in the doorway. He had expected her to have already left.
"Dousuke, it's been too long since we've shared a meal. Come, join me for dinner!"
"Okay... alright, Teacher." Although unsure of Tsunade's intentions, Okamoto Dousuke agreed, as his teacher had asked.
In a small, meticulously clean sushi restaurant, Okamoto Dousuke and Tsunade sat facing each other in a private room.
The table, now cluttered with numerous empty plates and dishes, was a testament to the sushi chef's exceptional skills.
Okamoto Dousuke picked up the sake bottle on the table and offered a pour to Tsunade before reaching for another cup to pour one for himself.
Snapped.
"You little brat, you're not even of age yet; no drinking!" Tsunade smacked Okamoto Dousuke's arm.
"Hiss…"
"Teacher Tsunade, if you have something to discuss, please just tell me directly! You can't seriously intend for me to have dinner with you just for the sake of it," Okamoto Dousuke said, rubbing the spot where Tsunade had hit him.
Tsunade picked up her sake glass, took a sip, and then said, "I informed the Third Hokage about what happened today. The Third Hokage will dispatch a scout team to investigate Sunagakure. Sunagakure is particularly skilled in using poison. Dousuke, you are my disciple. Even at your young age, your mastery of medical ninjutsu surpasses mine, so I want you to join this scout team. What are your thoughts?"