Early Morning.
Recently, there were no missions involving chasing after stray cats and dogs. Tōshirō hadn't had the chance to go out and complete Elder Itachi's tasks.
Once he gets the Kusanagi Sword, Tōshirō plans to train in swordsmanship, combining it with his ice release.
Sasuke was able to infuse lightning chakra into the Kusanagi Sword, developing the Chidori Blade, which adds a paralysis effect to his attacks.
Theoretically, by infusing his ice chakra into the Kusanagi Sword, Tōshirō should also be able to develop a corresponding attack style. An attack imbued with freezing effects could achieve a similar paralyzing outcome.
He also has an A-rank ninjutsu in his arsenal, Ice Spirit Palm, which has an attack style somewhat similar to Chidori and Rasengan. He felt it could serve as a foundation for further development.
As Tōshirō wandered the streets lost in thought, he bumped into a familiar face.
After exchanging greetings, he walked past her.
Tsunade turned around and called out, "Hey, is that it for you?"
"What else?"
Tōshirō replied nonchalantly, "I still have to train."
"The usual spot?"
She was referring to the cliffs below. Since Tōshirō preferred not to be disturbed, he often trained there. Occasionally, Tsunade would be there too.
"Yeah."
"Perfect, I need to train too." Tsunade seemed to be inviting Tōshirō. Realizing her words might sound awkward, she added, "Don't get the wrong idea. I've been practicing combination jutsu recently."
Tōshirō inwardly retorted, You wouldn't have caused any misunderstanding if you hadn't explained.
He asked, "Why do you need me for combination jutsu? We hardly ever go on missions together. Wouldn't Jiraiya or Orochimaru, who often work with you, be better suited?"
Combination jutsu, as the name suggests, involves fusing two types of jutsu into an advanced technique.
When successfully combined, its power is far greater than the sum of its parts.
However, it's incredibly challenging to train in combination jutsu due to the need to account for the nature of the two techniques.
For example, a classic case is combining wind and fire techniques, as wind enhances fire.
Apart from that, the ratio of chakra used for each jutsu must be carefully balanced, or the fusion will fail.
Thus, even partners with strong synergy may not necessarily succeed in performing combination jutsu.
To even attempt it, both individuals must be at least at the jōnin level.
Tsunade explained, "First, they're both busy with missions right now.
"Second, Jiraiya's and Orochimaru's preferred jutsu don't complement mine. I specialize in water release. Jiraiya specializes in fire, which obviously clashes. Orochimaru's wind release is slightly better but still falls short compared to your ice release.
"Third, considering overall ability, after searching the village, you're the most suitable candidate."
Tōshirō nodded. Her reasons seemed valid enough.
But he wasn't so easily fooled.
He was well aware of Tsunade's feelings for him. He suspected she was using this as an excuse to get closer to him, hoping the collaboration would make him develop feelings for her.
"Just now, you mentioned water release. How come I've never seen you use it before?"
Tsunade replied, "Just because I don't use it doesn't mean I don't know it. Have you forgotten what the Second Hokage, a water-release expert, means to me?"
Tōshirō suddenly understood and thought about it for a moment. "Sounds interesting. Alright, since you're so sincere, I'll graciously help you."
The two of them were quite close, something no secret in Konoha. Occasionally helping her train didn't seem like a big deal.
It was also a chance for him to learn some water-release techniques from Tsunade.
Tsunade scoffed, "That's my line. You should feel honored I'm asking for your help."
"Oh, is that so? Then I must really thank you for thinking so highly of me."
The two exchanged sarcastic remarks, bickering as usual.
"You two are always like this—arguing every chance you get. Truly worthy of the Senju and Uchiha clans."
As they walked, someone teased them. Tsunade and Tōshirō turned to see a young woman about their age. Her sharp eyes and two prominent red, upside-down triangular markings on her cheeks made her instantly recognizable.
Beside her was a large dog with thick, snowy white fur, sharp teeth, and powerful claws. The creature resembled a Samoyed but more imposing.
This was Inuzuka Ran, one of their classmates.
A member of the Inuzuka clan, her family was renowned for their exceptional sense of smell, rivaling that of dogs. Many of their jutsu were based on canine abilities.
The dog at her side was her partner.
"Oh, it's you."
Tōshirō greeted her lazily.
"Woof! Woof!"
Inuzuka Ran hadn't even spoken yet, but the dog beside her couldn't stay still. Emboldened by its owner's presence, it barked madly.
Tōshirō wasn't one to be intimidated. He glared at the dog and threatened, "What are you barking at? Believe it or not, I'll butcher you and make dog stew."
Hearing Tōshirō's scolding, the dog immediately dropped to the ground next to Inuzuka Ran, letting out a pitiful whimper, "Whine, whine…"
"Hey, Tōshirō, why are you being so mean? He's just a kid," Inuzuka Ran said as she comforted her dog.
Tōshirō twitched at the corners of his mouth. Your 'kid' weighs sixty kilograms.
Being from the Uchiha clan, which had close ties with ninja cats, Tōshirō naturally wasn't fond of dogs.
It probably didn't help that, during his free time, he wandered around the clan grounds playing with cats, leaving their scent all over himself. This must've triggered the dog's reaction.
At that moment, a passerby walked by with a dog resembling a tiny poodle.
The small poodle, noticing the large dog, suddenly seemed inspired by some misplaced courage. It barked at its owner, wagged its tail enthusiastically, and looked up at them with sparkling, hopeful eyes.
The owner chuckled softly and said, "Alright, alright."
With that, they picked up the tiny dog. "There, there, good boy."
The small dog grinned smugly and barked at the large dog, as if showing off.
The large dog, lying contentedly on the ground as Inuzuka Ran patted it, seemed to feel challenged. It couldn't let this slide, so it immediately stood up, signaling that it also wanted to be picked up.
But the large dog seemed to forget one thing—unlike the tiny poodle, its size was more akin to a small mountain.
If the little poodle's gesture of affection was like hugging its owner's leg, the large dog's attempt to do the same was akin to a landslide.
Its massive size nearly crushed Inuzuka Ran under its weight, leaving her gasping for air. But what could she do? This was all just a display of her dog's deep affection for her.
Luckily, she was a ninja and managed to lift it with some effort. If it were an ordinary person, even a full-grown adult would struggle to manage such a feat, let alone a petite girl in her early teens.
Tōshirō chuckled, finding the whole scene amusing. "Dogs will be dogs. They just love to compete."
Tsunade watched the scene unfold, her brows furrowing slightly as her thoughts wandered. She stared absentmindedly, lost in her imagination, until Tōshirō called her name several times.
"What? What's wrong?" Tsunade snapped back to reality.
With his hands casually crossed behind his head, Tōshirō teased her, "Judging by that blank stare of yours, are you thinking about getting a dog?"
"Uh…"
"Nah, I prefer cats over dogs," Tōshirō said offhandedly.
Hearing their conversation, Inuzuka Ran smiled and offered, "Tsunade, if you're interested in getting a dog, I can introduce you to some great ones."
After all, not only did she love dogs, but her family also bred and sold them.
Tsunade glanced subtly at someone nearby.
Tōshirō … I want a hug.
Ugh, what am I even thinking?
Tsunade shook her head vigorously, trying to clear the nonsense from her mind.
If anyone's doing the hugging, it should be Tōshirō .
Tōshirō … I want a hug…
There, there, good girl…
Yes, that's how it should go.
Hmph, just you wait, Tōshirō . I'll definitely make you fall for me. And when that happens, I'll tame you like a dog. Hehe…
Inuzuka Ran noticed Tsunade shaking her head and thought she was declining. Disappointed, she said, "Not interested in getting a dog, huh?"
I'd rather have Tōshirō … Snapping back to reality, Tsunade explained, "I'm too busy most of the time. I don't have the energy to take care of a dog."
Inuzuka Ran sighed, "That's a shame."
She wasn't wrong. Ninjas were always busy, and owning a dog required a significant amount of time and energy.
Tsunade's explanation made sense.
Some people bought pets on a whim, only to abandon them when the novelty wore off. It was better not to buy one in the first place than to treat an animal that way.
"By the way, where are you two headed?" Inuzuka Ran asked curiously.
Tōshirō casually cleaned his ear and replied nonchalantly, "Nothing much. Tsunade begged me to be her sparring partner, so I graciously agreed to help her out this time."
Tsunade shot back, "Don't get it twisted. I'm only asking you because I think you're good enough."
"Oh, really? I could've sworn I'm stronger than you," Tōshirō smirked.
"Ha! Only in your dreams."
"Tch, wanna settle this with a fight?"
"Bring it on! Unless you're all bark."
Before long, the two were arguing again.
Inuzuka Ran shook her head as she watched them. These two had been like this since their student days, constantly bickering whenever they were together.
Oddly enough, despite their quarrels, their relationship remained strong. They'd argue one moment and reconcile the next as if nothing had happened.
As for Tōshirō helping Tsunade train, Inuzuka Ran didn't think much of it. Tōshirō might have an eccentric personality, but his strength was undeniable.
Still bantering, Tōshirō and Tsunade eventually arrived at the cliff's edge. Without hesitation, they leaped down to the spot where they occasionally trained.
(End of Chapter)
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