After seven grueling days of memorizing chuunin materials and testing their limits, Reiki and Shisui handed in their exam papers to Tsunade. When the results came in—39 for Reiki and 41 for Shisui—their faces paled. Adding salt to the wound, Jiraiya, who happened to be visiting, burst into laughter upon hearing their scores.
Tsunade, however, was quick to remind Jiraiya that his first chuunin test score had been a whopping six points. That shut him up quickly.
Now, with their results in, the two boys stood before Tsunade, who was smiling in that way that only promised one thing: punishment.
"I warned you two that if you didn't pass, there'd be consequences," Tsunade said, her voice laced with barely restrained irritation. "And now, I'm going to make sure you don't forget the importance of study."
Reiki and Shisui's stomachs growled, and Tsunade picked up on it immediately.
"Jiraiya, I'm leaving these two in your capable hands. Make sure they remember this lesson—and yes, feed them. But they've been studying so hard, I think a 'special diet' might just be what they need."
Jiraiya's grin was wide as he clasped a hand on each of their shoulders. "You'll be in good hands with me, boys. Come along."
---
They were led to an outdoor area filled with training obstacles.
"Alright, first thing's first, boys. I know you're hungry, so here's your meal for today." Jiraiya gestured to a bowl of plain rice balls with a faint, unfamiliar green tint to them.
Reiki and Shisui looked at the rice balls suspiciously.
"Go on, dig in!" Jiraiya encouraged, his eyes twinkling.
The boys each took a cautious bite—and instantly regretted it.
"Is this… seaweed powder and wasabi?" Reiki choked out, tears in his eyes.
"Spicy, isn't it?" Jiraiya chuckled. "Gives you energy. You're going to need it for today's training."
After painfully finishing the rice balls, Reiki and Shisui had barely recovered before Jiraiya clapped his hands, signaling the start of their training. "We'll begin with 100 laps around the training ground, full sprint. And for every time you stop or slow down, I'll add another lap."
The two exchanged glances, already regretting the past week's lighthearted attitude towards their studies. They sprinted as fast as they could, but exhaustion quickly set in.
Finally, as the sun dipped below the horizon, their punishment ended. Jiraiya, still grinning, approached the two sprawled out on the ground.
"Remember this day, kids. Just because you're talented doesn't mean you can skip the basics." Jiraiya's smile softened as he helped them up. "Now, don't tell Tsunade, but I've got something a little more… filling back at my place."
The boys followed Jiraiya, hobbling and sore, but thankful.
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Gimme Power stones I'm Poor