Inside a small inn, Tsunade of the Senju Clan was suddenly bathed in a golden light. Moments later, a strange fruit—unlike anything she had ever seen—appeared in her hand.
As soon as Tsunade laid eyes on the Surgical Fruit, realization struck her.
Shizune, who was by her side, blinked and asked, "Lady Tsunade, is this the Surgical Fruit? It looks so... ugly. Is it even edible?"
Tsunade chuckled. "It may not look like much, but I already understand its power. If I eat it, I'll gain the abilities described in the scroll."
Shizune smiled. "Congratulations, Lady Tsunade. With this, your strength will rise tremendously—and you'll be able to save even more lives."
Tsunade replied, "Unfortunately, the powers of a Devil Fruit can't be passed on. Otherwise, as my disciple, I'd definitely teach you."
Shizune shook her head earnestly. "This is your destiny, Lady Tsunade. I don't dare hope for more. Hurry up and eat it—just in case anything unexpected happens."
Tsunade nodded, then began to eat the Devil Fruit in her hand.
Not long after—
She had devoured the entire Surgical Fruit.
Immediately, the knowledge of how to use the fruit's power became clear to her.
"We'll have to find a good blade before returning to Konoha," Tsunade told Shizune.
The Surgical Fruit's power required a blade to fully unlock its potential.
Until now, Tsunade had relied entirely on her raw strength and had never used a blade.
But now, in order to truly wield the power of the Surgical Fruit, she needed a proper weapon.
"What kind of blade are we looking for?" Shizune asked.
Tsunade had been wondering that herself. But the moment Shizune asked, a vivid image of the blade she needed surfaced in her mind.
Those who had watched One Piece would find the shape of that blade extremely familiar...
In the Chat Group
Orochimaru:
@OldLadyPretendingToBeYoung – I saw the golden light just now. You must've gotten the Surgical Fruit, right?
OldLadyPretendingToBeYoung (Tsunade):
Orochimaru, if you @ me again, you'd better be ready for the consequences!
Orochimaru:
@Shizune – I know you're with Tsunade. Looks like she's already eaten the Surgical Fruit?
OldLadyPretendingToBeYoung:
I've eaten it already. As for your little dream of dissecting it for research—swallow that idea back down where it came from.
Orochimaru:
A shame it can't be dissected... but what I care more about is—will you agree to cooperate with me? You've seen the power of the 12 Cursed Seals for yourself. If we join forces, it'll be a huge gain for both of us—and for Konoha too, don't you think?
OldLadyPretendingToBeYoung:
This group chat isn't the place for negotiating partnerships. If you're serious, wait for me in Konoha. I'm heading back now—we'll talk face to face.
Orochimaru:
Fine! I'll wait for you at the Chūnin Exam venue in Konoha. Not like I can leave right now anyway.
Orochimaru wasn't lying—getting out of the Chūnin Exam venue wasn't exactly easy for him at the moment.
Unless, of course, Danzo—who had basically burned all his bridges in Konoha—decided to work with him.
Haruno Sakura:
Lady Tsunade, you were already the greatest medical ninja in the shinobi world. Now that you have the power of the Surgical Fruit, no one will ever surpass you in medical ninjutsu!
OldLadyPretendingToBeYoung:
Sakura, I haven't agreed to take you on as my disciple yet!
Haruno Sakura:
Then once you return to Konoha, please test me however you like! I swear I won't let you down!
Shizune:
Don't worry, Sakura. I'll put in a word for you too!
Shizune said this sincerely.
She had seen the evaluation in the scroll. According to it, Sakura's achievements in the medical field would eventually surpass even hers.
And considering how skilled Shizune already was—having someone even better like Sakura would definitely be a good thing for Konoha.
Rock Lee:
So curious! Who's going to be ranked next? Could it be me? Wahahaha! If I could learn how to turn into light like my teacher, I'd be super powerful too!
Might Guy:
Lee! If you can become light one day, you'll definitely be strong. But this is the Five Kage Combined Ranking, so don't get ahead of yourself! Instead of dreaming, drop and give me some push-ups!
Rock Lee:
Yes, sensei! I won't rest until I finish 10,000 push-ups today!
After saying that, Rock Lee immediately started doing push-ups right in the Chūnin Exam venue.
Everyone nearby watched him with speechless expressions—except for Might Guy, who gave him a thumbs-up with a proud grin.
Lee's post sparked a new wave of discussion in the group chat.
In the Chat Group
Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki:
Do you think the next spot will still be a tie at #8, or are we moving to #7?
Fourth Raikage A:
Isn't it obvious? Each tie only had two people. The next rank has to be seventh!
Nara Shikamaru:
Not necessarily. It could still be another tie at eighth. Anything's possible.
Akimichi Chōji:
I agree with Shikamaru. He's always been super smart.
ImmatureKidWhoLovesTsunade:
I'm siding with the Raikage. So far, every rank had two people tied. Makes sense that we're moving up.
Deidara:
No point debating that. Let's guess who'll rank next instead—more fun, hmm!
Fourth Raikage A:
I'm guessing the Fourth Hokage. Don't ask me why—just a hunch.
Chiyo (of the Sand):
Could also be the Fourth Kazekage. Sure, he got ambushed by Orochimaru—but in terms of skill and power, he wasn't weak.
Uzumaki Naruto:
Can't be my dad. He's too cool. He'd rank way higher!
Uzumaki Kushina:
Naruto's right! My Minato is so handsome—he has to rank higher!
Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi:
No matter who shows up next—it won't be me.
Second Hokage Tobirama Senju:
Of course it won't be you, you damn monkey. You've got no business being on the list!
Third Hokage:
Come on, sensei! I may not be the strongest Hokage, but in terms of contributions to Konoha—I've done a lot!
Fourth Raikage:
Here's a joke: "The Third Hokage made great contributions to Konoha." Hahaha!
Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki:
That's actually a good one.
Third Hokage:
Anyway, I'm telling you—it won't be me. Just wait and see.
But just as Hiruzen finished speaking—
The scroll in the sky began to tremble.
Everyone instinctively looked up.
Sure enough, golden light burst forth from the scroll once again.
Then, a semi-transparent screen appeared in front of it.
Everyone—whether in the living world or in the Pure Land—could see it clearly.
By now, no one found this unusual.
As everyone held their breath in anticipation...
The Five Kage Combined Ranking displayed a new name.
[#7: Third Hokage – Hiruzen Sarutobi]
A grandmaster of ninjutsu with deep expertise in its study. A true all-rounder, proficient in ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu.
Master of all five elemental releases.
Possesses the deadly sealing jutsu [Reaper Death Seal] capable of mutual destruction.
Summons the powerful Monkey King Enma, who can transform into an indestructible adamantine staff.
Personally chosen successor by the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju.
Longest-serving Hokage in Konoha's history.
Teacher of the legendary Sannin, renowned throughout the ninja world.
Gifted leader.
Reward: "Guaranteed Staff Catch" – Target will raise their hands and kneel to catch the staff when attacked.
(Note: Even Uchiha Madara would kneel from a single swing!)
As soon as the new ranking was revealed, the chat group exploded.
Fourth Raikage A:
Another joke for you all: "No matter what, I won't be the next one on the list." Hahaha!
Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki:
Another banger! A, how did I not realize you're such a comedian?
Fourth Raikage A:
Ōnoki, I didn't know we shared such a comedic bond, haha!
Third Hokage Hiruzen:
Impossible! How could I only be ranked seventh?!
Second Hokage Tobirama:
Honestly, I'm just shocked you even made it on the list... and above my grandniece Tsunade, no less.
First Hokage Hashirama:
Kind of annoying, not gonna lie. Why are you stronger than my beloved Tsunade?
ImmatureKidWhoLovesTsunade:
@OldLadyPretendingToBeYoung – Shame on you! You actually ranked lower than the Third Hokage, who only managed to seal Orochimaru's arms at the cost of his life!
OldLadyPretendingToBeYoung (Tsunade):
@ImmatureKidWhoLovesTsunade – You little brat! Are you dumb? How dare you mock me! Don't forget—you ranked even lower than me!
ImmatureKid:
Ugh! That's what gets me! How could I rank below you?! But at least I got a great reward—those 12 Cursed Seals are amazing! Especially the one that lets me stay young forever—the Dog Seal! It's so awesome! I'm so mad—but also kinda happy!
ImmatureKid:
@OldLadyPretendingToBeYoung – Why so quiet, huh?
OldLadyPretendingToBeYoung:
Tch. You're the most childish brat I've ever seen. First person I've met who's happy about ranking low...
ImmatureKid:
So what if I ranked low? I got the perfect reward for me—my very own Dog Seal!
While Tsunade and Mei Terumi were bickering as usual in the group chat—
Uchiha Madara suddenly @'ed the Third Hokage.
And what he said got everyone's attention.
Uchiha Madara:
@Hiruzen Sarutobi – "Even Madara would kneel from one strike"? You got a death wish?
Uchiha Izuna:
@Hiruzen Sarutobi – Big words! You think a single swing will make my niisan kneel?
First Hokage Hashirama:
@Hiruzen Sarutobi – I'm curious too. Would I kneel if you swung that thing at me?
Second Hokage Tobirama:
@Hiruzen Sarutobi – You trying to tell me your swing would even make your own teacher kneel?!
PS : I've been consistently releasing chapters for many days now, and If you want to support my work and read the complete fic (all chapters ), you can check out
my P@treon. -> patreon.com/Sagamaster789
◇ BONUS & SUPPORT ◇
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comment!
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 70 chapters ahead on P@treon → patreon.com/Sagamaster789