"Alright, no need to see us off!"
Time passed.
Having completely accepted defeat before the monstrous talent that was Akira Ren, Tsunade and Shizune finally came downstairs after refusing his continued hospitality.
Tsunade, however, was in an exceptionally good mood.
Originally, she had even wanted to take this newly accepted disciple to a barbecue restaurant for a meal.
But Ren had already promised Yūhi Kurenai that morning that she would come by later to cook dinner after buying groceries.
So he could only politely decline the offer from his new teacher.
"It's rare for me to come back to Konoha. Shizune and I will stay here for a few days."
Tsunade smiled warmly as she patted Ren's head.
She handed him two scrolls.
"These contain some of my notes on basic medical ninjutsu, along with case studies and treatment methods."
"Take them and study them first."
"If there's anything you don't understand, come ask me anytime."
"In a couple of days, I'll bring you to Konoha Hospital for some practical training."
Having taken in such a genius disciple—
When she ran into Jiraiya again in the future, she'd finally have something to brag about.
Back then, that guy had raised Namikaze Minato.
Ever since then, he had been constantly boasting about it to her and Orochimaru.
The smug look on his face had irritated her countless times.
She had wanted to beat him up more than once.
But now—
So much time had passed, and things were no longer the same.
Originally, Tsunade had no intention of staying in Konoha.
However, she knew exactly how terrible Akira Nao's condition was.
The old woman had only managed to hold on because of Ren's chakra—rich with vitality—sustaining her body.
She had stubbornly clung to life just to wait for one of the Legendary Sannin to return and secure her grandson's future.
Now that her wish had been fulfilled—
Once that final breath of willpower faded—
It would likely only be a matter of days.
At the very least, Ren should accompany the old woman through the final stage of her life.
After handling the funeral matters and settling everything—
Only then would Tsunade take him away from Konoha.
"Thank you, Sister Tsunade."
Ren's eyes lit up.
He accepted the scrolls and nodded.
He showed no disappointment that the scrolls didn't contain advanced ninjutsu or new medical techniques.
He wasn't that shallow.
Nor was he that impatient.
A towering building begins from the ground up.
All of Ren's current medical knowledge had been obtained through self-study.
The notes left behind by his late parents had already been memorized countless times.
Aside from treating small animals, occasionally healing Rock Lee or other classmates' injuries, and using his unique chakra alongside the Mystical Palm Technique to nurture his grandmother's body—
He had almost no clinical experience.
Especially since he deliberately kept a low profile.
He lacked real opportunities for practical application.
Now that he had become the disciple of Tsunade, one of the Legendary Sannin—
With such backing—
As long as he didn't reveal his Wood Release, even if his talent appeared a little monstrous and attracted attention from the village leadership—
He no longer needed to worry.
"Good."
Watching his reaction, Tsunade felt even more satisfied.
There wasn't the slightest trace of disappointment on Ren's face—only genuine excitement.
Such a mindset was rare.
Unlike other children his age who became restless and impatient the moment they found a famous teacher.
Many of them immediately demanded to learn powerful ninjutsu or forbidden techniques.
Dreaming of instant success.
Without understanding that the foundation was the most important part.
Especially for medical ninjutsu, which was completely different from ordinary combat techniques.
It required endless study, practice, and an accumulation of real clinical experience.
The knowledge and case studies compiled by predecessors over long periods were invaluable.
They allowed future medical ninja to advance far more quickly.
Of course—
With Ren's astonishing talent—
He was destined for far more than merely becoming a medical ninja.
But Tsunade believed that possessing such a strong foundation would allow him to go much further.
His abilities were more than enough to support learning medical ninutsu alongside mainstream combat techniques.
A truly balanced path.
"Junior Brother Ren, we're heading off now!"
Shizune waved with a smile, holding Tonton in her arms.
Seeing her handsome junior disciple, she felt genuinely happy.
She didn't feel the slightest pressure from suddenly having such a genius junior.
Because she knew very well—
Her own talent had limits.
She could never fully inherit Tsunade's legacy.
Ren's appearance had relieved one of her biggest worries.
At the same time, she couldn't help but feel curious about how far he would go in the future.
After all—
She had just witnessed how monstrous he truly was.
Perhaps—
He might even become a great ninja like the First Hokage.
"Oh, right."
As she walked away with Shizune, Tsunade waved her hand without turning around.
"If you don't feel like going to the Ninja Academy anymore, you can just stop going."
"Just remember to go there sometime and file for a leave of absence. Tell them it's under my name."
"There's nothing left there that can teach you anyway."
"Understood."
Ren nodded.
He knew very well—
He probably wouldn't stay at the Ninja Academy much longer.
Whether he attended or not no longer mattered.
Coincidentally—
He still needed to spend some time building a real combat puppet for Tenten.
And not only Tsunade had noticed Akira Nao's condition.
Ren himself, who treated and cared for his grandmother every day, understood it even more clearly.
He wanted to accompany the old woman who had loved and protected him wholeheartedly—
And walk with her through the final moments of her life.
Let her leave the world without regrets.
At the same time, he knew exactly how much Tsunade currently disliked staying in Konoha.
Yet she still chose to remain for a few days because of him.
A warm feeling rose in his heart.
He couldn't help but feel a deeper fondness toward her.
"Then, Sister Tsunade, Senior Sister Shizune—take care!"
Watching their figures gradually disappear at the end of the street—
Ren played with the scrolls in his hand and smiled.
Having gained a beautiful teacher and a senior sister—
Life in the future would surely become much more interesting.
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