Chapter 118: Bet You Didn't Expect—I'm a Jonin (Smirk)
After leaving Yu's home, a series of questions left Naruko somewhat unable to sort her thoughts.
Why did Sasuko suddenly want to leave Yu and become a ninja?
Why didn't she want Yu's help?
Most puzzling was that Sasuko had actually called Yu "big brother"—Naruko clearly remembered Sasuko personally saying that many years ago she'd stopped seeing him as an older brother.
What was going on today?
Halfway there, beneath a tree's shade, Naruko finally couldn't suppress her curiosity and gently tugged Sasuko's sleeve: "Sasuko, what's really going on today?"
You had to know, though Sasuko always maintained a cold appearance before outsiders, she was completely different around Yu.
If her smiles totaled a thousand portions, nine hundred ninety-nine belonged exclusively to Yu.
Looking at this gossip-filled little blonde, Sasuko's heart inexplicably flared with anger.
Not long ago she'd felt victory assured, even planning the future proposal and children's names.
Whenever she imagined future scenes, she'd blush and roll on her bed hugging a pillow.
Who knew overnight everything would return to square one? She had to stand at the same starting line as this foolish blonde girl again.
Most disheartening was that this time Yu was serious.
No matter how she cried or pleaded, he never wavered, still looking at her with gentle firmness.
Honestly speaking, though Sasuko promised Yu she'd become independent, have her own hobbies, pursuits, and friends—
She'd long had these—her hobby was researching Yu's preferences, her pursuit was being with Yu, friends... Naruko barely counted as one.
Now the only thing she could work on was the "standing on your own" requirement.
Thinking it over, in this era to prove someone's capability, according to the Academy, the village, and Father's past teachings, the most direct method was becoming a qualified ninja.
And what counted as qualified? Naturally proving it by completing mission after mission.
According to Konoha's ninja ranking: Genin, Chunin, Special Jonin, Jonin. Sasuko calculated internally that to truly gain Yu's recognition, she needed to reach at least Jonin level.
(Ahem, supplementing the setting:
Genin: Fresh graduates mainly executing D-rank missions.
Chunin: Backbone selected through Chunin Exams, capable of leading teams on C-rank to B-rank missions.
Special Jonin: Experts with Jonin-level expertise in specific fields.
Jonin: The village's core combat strength, qualified to execute A-rank and even S-rank high-danger missions.)
Seeing Naruko still fixated on earlier events, Sasuko didn't plan to elaborate, only answering casually: "Nothing much. Just felt directly calling his name wasn't quite appropriate, and I can't always depend on him."
Naruko blinked her azure eyes, saying playfully: "Sasuko, I smell lying~"
Sasuko's brow furrowed as she made to pinch her face again.
Naruko quickly protected her cheeks with both hands, laughing: "But I choose to believe you!"
Watching this little blonde's foolish appearance, that slight displeasure in Sasuko's heart also dissipated.
She could tell Naruko was deliberately cheering her up.
Sasuko exhaled lightly, changing the subject: "By the way, little blonde, what rank ninja are you now?"
Naruko immediately showed a mysterious expression: "Bet you don't know~" She proudly patted her shapely chest. "I'm a Jonin now! Quite a few people have to call me senior/senpai."
Surprise flashed through Sasuko's eyes. She truly hadn't expected this seemingly reckless little blonde to have already advanced to Jonin.
"You?" She raised an eyebrow slightly. "When did this happen?"
"Last year!" Naruko straightened her back proudly. "I passed an assessment personally conducted by Lady Hokage!"
This fact left Sasuko's mood somewhat complex.
These years she'd lived entirely around Yu, essentially abandoning all self-improvement opportunities. Yet Naruko had unknowingly already reached such heights.
Naruko placed her hands on her hips, face carrying slight pride: "First, strength must definitely meet standards! Must master at least two chakra nature transformations, command A-rank or higher jutsu, and have the ability to independently lead squads completing missions."
She continued counting on her fingers: "Then you must pass combat assessments by Lady Hokage and the Jonin Commander, proving sufficient judgment and adaptability. Most importantly—"
She suddenly straightened her chest, expression turning serious, "You must have unwavering determination to protect your comrades."
Sasuko carefully noted every requirement Naruko mentioned.
Naruko watched her focused expression, lips curving upward.
---
Konoha, Hokage's Office.
Tsunade reclined in her office chair, brow furrowed as she gazed at the sky. Shizune held Tonton standing to the side, similarly worried.
"Several days have passed and the moon remains that way." Tsunade said heavily. "Like someone forcibly carved out a huge chunk."
Shizune responded softly: "The astronomy division says orbit and gravity show no abnormalities, with truly no effect on daily life. But such obvious damage really doesn't let one feel at ease."
"Something's wrong." Tsunade turned, fingers lightly tapping the window frame. "In my long career, I've never seen such a strange occurrence. Shizune, have ANBU strengthen nighttime patrols."
"Yes." Shizune paused. "You think this might be man-made?"
"Can't say for sure." Tsunade's gaze sharpened. "But the moon suddenly becoming damaged is certainly no good omen."
"That can't be, right? That's the moon—so far from Earth..." Shizune still couldn't imagine what person could render the moon like this.
"Tap tap."
Knocking sounded.
Tsunade: "Enter."
An ANBU ninja quickly walked to her side with a low report.
Tsunade's expression changed after hearing, inwardly shocked: Uchiha Sasuko was on her way to the Hokage building, with Uzumaki Naruko beside her.
How long had it been quiet? Sasuko's graduation from the Academy scene remained vivid—that Genin graduation exam's scale was more solemn and tense than Hokage selection, with Konoha's major and minor clan heads all attending.
Why was she suddenly coming today? For what matter?
She turned to instruct Shizune beside her: "Prepare three cups of tea using fine leaves, and bring over two armchairs."
Though somewhat puzzled, Shizune complied.
Tsunade walked to the window and indeed saw two familiar figures heading toward the Hokage building.
Unease involuntarily rose in her heart—anything related to that man was never a small matter.
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