The past two days had brought a big event to Konoha.
Tsunade Senju, the sole descendant of the Senju clan and granddaughter of the First Hokage, had taken on a new disciple.
And that disciple was none other than Hyuga Yuto, the recently renowned "Hyuga's Jewel"!
Civilians and ordinary ninja didn't think too deeply about it, simply feeling happy. After all, Lady Tsunade returning to Konoha to teach a new generation was a good thing. It represented the orderly inheritance of the village and the potential for another strong ninja in the future.
However, those who knew a little about the darker side of the village were somewhat surprised. The Sannin hadn't taken on disciples for a long time. This time, Tsunade's sudden high-profile return to the village and taking a young Hyuga as her disciple... Could it be that the village's high-level policy of suppressing the ninja clans had changed, or...
Openly or secretly, the name "Hyuga Yuto" appeared in many conversations.
The title of Hyuga's Jewel was now known throughout Konoha.
...
Hyuga Yuto, whose fame had soared, was currently in the Senju clan's territory.
He knelt on the tatami mat, dressed in a loose white robe, his soft long hair tied at the end with a red string. He appeared gentle, calm, and handsome.
Tsunade stood in front of him and tossed him a package:
"This is for you."
"Yes, Tsunade-sensei."
Hyuga Yuto opened the package. Inside were simple things, just a few pieces of clothing.
A trench coat, a vest, a jacket... The materials of these clothes were excellent. Hyuga Yuto tried to tear them with some force, but he couldn't.
More importantly, on the back of these clothes were the family crest of the Senju clan.
"These were bought from Kumogakure a long time ago," the blonde woman chuckled:
"Don't underestimate those guys as just muscle-heads who love taijutsu. They pay attention to detail in some areas, especially with their special combat fabrics. Their sturdiness is top-notch among the Five Great Nations... Maybe it's because they practice taijutsu so much that they need to wear more durable clothes?"
"You're only twelve years old. Although you're developing well, you're still growing. I searched for a long time to find these clothes that fit you. I'll prepare new ones when you grow up."
For some reason, Hyuga Yuto felt a hint of sadness in Tsunade's voice when she said this. After thinking carefully, the young man from the Branch Family guessed why – she probably thought of her younger brother who died young, or perhaps these clothes were even left behind by Nawaki Senju?
Hyuga Yuto sighed inwardly and picked out a large green coat to put on. Although he preferred red, in Konoha, white robes with red patterns or red robes with white patterns were exclusive to the Hokage. He was wearing the white kimono of the Hyuga clan, so he had to be careful.
"Hmm, very handsome," Tsunade patted Hyuga Yuto's shoulder with satisfaction: "How have you been feeling these past few days?"
"Very good," Hyuga Yuto said sincerely: "More people in the village know me now. Although I know most of them don't recognize me for myself but rather for the Senju of the Forest and your prestige, sensei, it's still very satisfying. The feeling of being trusted and expected... is fascinating."
"As disciples of the Sannin, we naturally have to bear such attention. Ever since that guy taught Minato Namikaze, the village has had high expectations for our disciples."
"I won't disappoint you, sensei."
"Oh? Do you have the confidence to surpass Minato Namikaze?"
"...To be honest, not at all. Lord Minato is a true genius, I'm far inferior."
"Yes, those who master the Flying Thunder God Technique are that terrifying, so..." Tsunade smiled and rubbed Hyuga Yuto's head: "So, just be yourself, don't mind others."
Hyuga Yuto suddenly wanted to laugh – the Senju clan's chakra was full of vitality and warmth. Tsunade had her back to the sunlight at the moment, giving Yuto a strange feeling, as if a big golden retriever was petting him...
Don't be rude, Yuto, the woman in front of you just gave you new clothes. Yuto took a deep breath and sat up straight.
"Don't be nervous, Yuto." Tsunade retracted her hand and looked at her disciple seriously: "Tell me, what are your goals? Don't say things like becoming Hokage, that's a dream, it takes too long to achieve. In the short term, what do you want to do?"
Hyuga Yuto thought for a while and carefully said:
"Sensei, I know that war is coming soon. More and more intelligence tells me that the world is brewing with drastic changes. Konoha, Kumogakure, Kirigakure... It seems that all the ninja villages are accumulating something."
"As a ninja of Konoha, a member of the Hyuga clan, and a disciple of the Sannin, there's no reason for me not to go to the battlefield."
"Therefore, my only thought now is to protect my comrades in the village during the war. Even if it costs my life and these eyes, I will not retreat!"
Tsunade was slightly stunned, suddenly remembering what her teacher had said the night before, "That child can think from a higher perspective... What he sees is not just the corner of the Hyuga clan."
Could a twelve-year-old child already see the turbulent changes in the world?
Tsunade sighed and said softly:
"If you want to protect your comrades, you need to do two things... First, at least have a basic understanding of medical ninjutsu. Second, have the strength to fight the enemy."
She looked up at the window. The vast Senju clan's territory was empty, not a single figure in sight. In fact, at this moment, only she and Hyuga Yuto were present in the Senju clan's territory.
"As you probably know, the most powerful force of the Senju of the Forest is the Kekkei Genkai [Wood Release]. But unfortunately, including myself, no one in the world possesses this power anymore... I can't teach you the secret techniques of the Senju clan. What I can give you is only what I have learned myself."
"What Tsunade-sensei teaches is naturally the best."
"You really know how to flatter people... As expected, men are the cutest when they're young," Tsunade laughed: "For the next period of time, I will teach you the basic knowledge of medical ninjutsu and the few ninjutsu that I am good at. I will adjust the teaching speed based on your progress."
She touched her chin and thought carefully:
"I saw your fight that night. You have good physical condition, a solid foundation in the Three Basic Jutsu, and the ninjutsu you developed yourself has potential. It might be good to use it with superhuman strength..."
The blonde woman suddenly slapped her thigh hard.
"Forget it, what's the point of saying so much? We're both taijutsu types, so I need to get to know you better to understand what kind of teaching is suitable for you."
She took out a rope, tied up her hair, and then took out a bell and hung it on her waist.
Hyuga Yuto immediately understood what she was going to do. It was the traditional bell stealing game between master and disciple in Konoha.
"Come on, Yuto." The blonde woman cracked her knuckles, like a Valkyrie standing tall:
"The location is limited to the back mountain of the Senju clan's territory."
"From now until sunset, you have half a day to take my bell."