Chapter 0033: Strength Test
Despite the confusion, I knew now wasn't the time to zone out. Scratching my head, I started my introduction, "M-My name is Hiroto Yūhi. I'm eight years old, and I like grilled meat and ramen. My dream... is to protect everyone I care about."
"Huh? Isn't Hiroto's dream actually..." Shizune gave Kurenai a peculiar look.
"Kurenai, just listen this time. Best not to talk too much," she shot a sharp look back, not wanting any embarrassing rumors about me to resurface in front of the new teacher.
"Ah, o-okay." Shizune quickly nodded, flustered.
They whispered quietly, but I was too focused to hear them. "I guess my strongest skills are kenjutsu and lightning-style jutsu. And the thing I hate the most? Anyone who dares to harm the people close to me." My voice became more serious as I spoke those last words.
But instead of focusing on my determination, Tsunade seemed to be evaluating what I'd said. She muttered, "Kenjutsu and lightning-style? Interesting..."
I froze for a moment. Yesterday, when I fought that Uchiha brat, I didn't use lightning or kenjutsu at all. She must've noticed I wasn't using my full strength... What is she thinking?
Tsunade's expression remained unreadable, but I could sense her curiosity. An eight-year-old with skills beyond even a Tokubetsu Jōnin? That's what she must've been thinking. My abilities were beyond what people expected at my age, but even I knew that, compared to someone like Tsunade, I was still just a kid.
The more I thought about it, the more my nerves started to rise. She's a legend, an actual Sannin! What am I going to do if she tests me for real? I don't want to get crushed today...
Tsunade's calm voice pulled me out of my thoughts. "I have a good sense of your abilities now. So, next up… it's time for the strength test."
"Strength test?!" I practically choked. No way, she was serious? There's no way we'd be fighting her, right?
"This test will be different from what other Jōnin use," she said casually, stretching her neck as if preparing for a workout. "I won't use my full power, but I'll attack seriously. So, if you want to stay alive, I suggest you give me your all."
I felt a wave of panic ripple through my body. Was she really going to test me for real? I glanced at Kurenai and Shizune, but they looked equally shocked. They know how strong she is too.
Tsunade began stretching, and her eyes locked on the two of them. "Kurenai, Shizune. You're a genjutsu specialist, and you're focused on medical ninjutsu. You won't be participating this time."
I almost coughed up blood. So it was just me? This entire buildup, all this talk, was just to single me out for the test?
No way… This can't be real.
I quickly tried to salvage the situation, forcing a nervous smile. "Uh, teacher... Can I pass on this test?"
I know exactly how strong I am.
Sure, I can hold my own against a couple of regular Jonin if I go all out. Maybe, if everything goes right, even win. But that's only when it comes to regular Jonin.
Tsunade, though? She's a true Kage-level powerhouse. A literal human wrecking ball who can split mountains with her bare hands. Going up against her is practically a death wish!
"No, you can't," Tsunade said flatly, cutting off my thoughts. "I believe this is the best way for me to truly understand my student."
"Is Tsunade-sensei deliberately targeting him?" Kurenai whispered to Shizune, clearly worried.
"I... don't think so?" Shizune answered hesitantly, her voice full of doubt.
From the sidelines, it definitely looked like Tsunade was singling me out. I mean, she only picked me for the test while completely ignoring the other two. If that's not a sign, I don't know what is.
"Should we say something for him?" Kurenai asked, clearly concerned.
"It won't help," Shizune sighed. "Once Lady Tsunade decides something, no one can change her mind. And, like she said, it's just a test—nothing serious should happen. Probably."
"Probably?! Why did you add that at the end? Now I'm even more worried!"
"I-I don't know! She's just acting really different today!"
"Wait, you already know her?" Kurenai looked surprised.
"Yeah, she's family, sort of..."
While they got sidetracked with their conversation, I was left drenched in sweat. And just when I thought things couldn't get worse, that cursed system popped up with its usual nonsense.
[New options generated!]
[Host, choose one of the following options:]
[-> Option one: Before the fight, gauge Tsunade's strength by grabbing her chest with both hands.]
[-> Option two: After the fight, pat her behind and see if she's built well for childbirth.]
[-> Option three: Strip down and challenge her to a one-on-one, in bed.]
[Note: On failure, your penis will decrease to half it's size permanently.]
I felt my stomach drop. What kind of insane choices were these?!
Author's Note:
5 chapters mass release is confirmed for Monday, because you guys completed 10/10 paid readers in p@treon. During that, I had given 2 more goals - 350 powerstones by Sunday, and 15 paid readers in p@treon.
Status:
Powerstones: 164/350 - for +5 chapters mass release.
Paid readers: 12/15 -> 3 more to go and you will get +10 chapters mass release.
For +30 chapters, check out p@treon: https://www.patreon.com/NarutoWriter