Ryosuke wasn't surprised.
Before coming here, he'd already anticipated something like this.
Tsunade was of the Senju clan, and the Senju had been mortal enemies of the Uchiha long before Konoha was founded. Even after the village's creation, the two clans had never gotten along.
Around them, curious eyes turned toward the sudden commotion.
"Lady Tsunade, who says an Uchiha can only develop their Sharingan and not learn other skills?" Ryosuke asked in a calm, almost conversational tone.
Tsunade blinked, clearly not expecting this little Uchiha to speak to her like that. Her brows furrowed deeply, and she struck out without hesitation.
"Uchiha brat! Don't get cocky!"
Her massive fist closed in fast. Ryosuke's pupils shrank—instinct screamed at him to dodge. But reason won out, and he stood his ground. He knew Tsunade wouldn't actually harm him.
Sure enough, her fist stopped less than an inch from his forehead, the gust from it sending his hair into wild disarray.
He met her gaze, the faintest smile tugging at his lips.
With a sudden whump, Tsunade's scowl eased. She extended a single finger and tapped it against his forehead.
Ryosuke's expression stiffened. Not good.
A burst of chakra erupted from her, radiating outward.
Being closest, Ryosuke was sent flying a full ten meters before crashing heavily to the ground. No one else was thrown that far—her chakra control was razor-sharp.
Beside him, Shizune and Rin's hair was only lightly tousled by the blast.
Coughing, Ryosuke spat out a mouthful of dirt. Tsunade, I swear I'll pay you back for this one day.
The uneven ground had left him tumbling awkwardly, and now every bone in his body felt like it had come loose.
"Lady Tsunade, Ryosuke didn't mean any offense. He really does want to become a medical ninja!" Shizune blurted out quickly.
Seeing him in such a sorry state, Rin rushed over to help him up.
"Shizune, he's your classmate?" Tsunade asked, arms folded, her gaze shifting from Ryosuke to Shizune.
"Yes, Lady Tsunade."
Tsunade fell silent for a moment.
"Uchiha brat, since you want to be a medical ninja, I'll give you one chance. Tell me the second principle of the medical ninja's three rules."
She turned, taking two steps toward the platform.
"If you get it right, I'll personally teach you anything you want to learn about medicine and medical ninjutsu, no holding back. If you can't answer… then go back where you came from."
A confident smile played on her fair features. These three principles had been introduced only three days ago. They weren't about ninjutsu or techniques, just basic rules.
Any ninja or student who attended her lessons regularly could recite them easily—but this was Ryosuke's first time here. She was certain he wouldn't know.
If he failed, she'd have all the justification she needed: If you don't even know the rules, you've no business being a medic. Go play with your clan's eyes instead.
In her mind, an Uchiha becoming a medical ninja was laughable—especially under her, a Senju.
Rin, who had been worried at first, now brightened when she heard the challenge.
"Really?" Ryosuke's weary voice came from behind her.
"Of course," Tsunade said confidently, not bothering to turn back as she walked on.
"The second principle," Ryosuke replied without hesitation, "is that a medical ninja must never stand on the front lines."
Tsunade's stride halted. She turned sharply, her lips curling into a grin.
"Interesting. Very interesting."
In a blur, she was in front of him again, seizing the front of his shirt.
"Lady Tsunade!" Shizune's brief relief was gone, worry flooding back.
Tsunade glanced at her, gave a dismissive snort, and let a stream of green chakra flow into Ryosuke's body like fine threads.
The cuts and swelling from earlier healed almost instantly.
A moment later, she released him.
"Uchiha Ryosuke, I'll remember you. And as I said, I'll keep my word. If you want to learn, come find me."
She leaned down to murmur coldly into his ear before strolling back to the lectern.
"Today, we'll start with antidote preparation."
Picking up a vial from the table, she spoke with casual ease—as if the earlier display of force had never happened.
Veteran attendees in the front row took it in stride, pulling out their practice antidotes without hesitation.
The newcomers in the back, however, sat stiffly, afraid to draw her ire.
Ryosuke, Rin, and Shizune found new seats. Tsunade made no further trouble, and the class ended without incident.
By the time they left, the events of the day were already spreading.
In the Hokage's office, the Third sat smoking his pipe, studying a detailed record of Ryosuke's actions—everything from leaving home, to attending Tsunade's class, to inviting himself to dinner at Kakashi's.
"In a mission, making sure every comrade survives… that's your ninja way?" the Hokage murmured thoughtfully.
"A good seedling. Not the most gifted, focused more on taijutsu… but if he really pursues the medical path…" He drew on his pipe. "It could be a fine future."
Stepping out, he summoned several ANBU.
"From today, end the surveillance on Uchiha Ryosuke. Speed up the Academy's curriculum. And for students who tend to sleep in class—offer them extra help. Don't give up on anyone."
The ANBU bowed and vanished.
The Hokage stood at the window, gazing at the brightly lit village streets.
"Uchiha Ryosuke… don't let me down."
[End of Chapter]