Unaware of the deeper machinations at play, Tsunade was quite pleased with her efforts. Reiki, Shisui, and Nozuki had won eight consecutive matches before finally being defeated in the ninth. Despite their loss, their performance showcased their strength and teamwork, proving that even medical ninjas could hold their own in extended combat.
"See? Medical ninjas aren't weak in battle, right?" Tsunade smiled triumphantly.
"Yeah, yeah, your medical ninjas are strong—no doubt about that," Jiraiya admitted with a laugh. "But I think you might be giving a few of the other ninjas a bit of a complex."
Jiraiya couldn't help but be a bit envious; he had trained many talented students, but Tsunade's team was in a league of their own. Even her medical ninjas had redefined what was possible on the battlefield.
"Oh, Tsunade, where did Reiki and his team go?" Jiraiya asked, hoping to watch them in action.
"They headed back," she replied. "And by the way, Jiraiya, keep an eye on the training for me. I'm going to take a rest."
Jiraiya was left standing there, bewildered. "I came here to watch, not to supervise!"
But he knew better than to defy Tsunade. If he tried to slip away, he might find himself nursing an injury tomorrow.
At that moment, a familiar voice called out. "Teacher, I'm back! I heard there was some training here...Wait, Minato!?"
Just back from a mission, Minato had come to see the training for himself. But as soon as he saw Jiraiya's intense expression, he hesitated, sensing trouble.
"What are you afraid of?" Jiraiya said with a mischievous grin. "Since you're here, why not lend a hand? Just help me watch the battles, make a few notes, and maybe learn something from this new combat style. And hey, let your students try it out too."
He handed a notebook to Minato and quickly slipped away.
"Am I just here to be put to work?" Minato murmured, holding the notebook. It seemed Jiraiya had managed to hand off his duties.
As he glanced at the notebook, Kakashi, one of Minato's students, looked over curiously.
"What's in there, teacher?"
"Not sure. It should be my teacher's notes," Minato replied, handing it over. "Kakashi, why don't you handle the registrations and refereeing?"
"Of course, teacher," Kakashi agreed, flipping open the notebook. His eyes widened at the title: *Intimate Heaven Manuscript, Chapter One: The Secret of the Hot Spring Hotel.*
What kind of "notes" were these?
In that instant, Kakashi unwittingly stumbled into a whole new world.
---
Meanwhile, Reiki, Shisui, and Nozuki had retreated to the office for a much-needed break. Their consecutive matches had taken a toll, and the team was finally able to relax.
"Teacher," they greeted as Tsunade entered the room.
"Sit down," she instructed, turning her attention to Shisui. "Shisui, I wanted to ask you—are you planning to join ANBU?"
Shisui nodded. "Yes, I'd like to start by chasing down rogue ninjas and work my way up. ANBU seems like the right path for me."
"So you've already passed the assessment?"
"Yes, this last mission was part of it. I was tasked with hunting down a Chunin who had defected," he replied confidently.
"ANBU, huh?" Nozuki murmured, concern evident in her eyes. "My brother advised me not to join for now, saying I should train with him first. Plus, I've heard ANBU missions are quite demanding."
Reiki looked at Shisui thoughtfully. "Let me guess—the Hokage personally invited you to the ANBU assessment?"
"How did you know?" Shisui's surprise was evident. He hadn't even told his family yet.
Reiki exchanged a knowing look with Tsunade. As expected, Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn't let a talent like Shisui slip back to the Uchiha clan. And Shisui, with his trusting nature, was an ideal candidate to be swayed by the Hokage's influence.
"Well, since you've brought it up," Reiki said, turning to Tsunade. "I assume you have something to say on this matter?"
"ANBU could be good training, no doubt," Tsunade began. "But, Shisui… could you explain how you ended up joining?"
Shisui didn't hesitate to recount the story. "I happened to encounter Lord Hokage while accepting a mission. He praised my dedication to the 'Will of Fire' and invited me to the assessment. The mission itself served as the test, and I passed. Now I'm waiting on the final procedures to join."
As Shisui finished, Nozuki looked on, clearly impressed. But Tsunade and Reiki were both serious. To them, this was no coincidence—it was a well-orchestrated move by Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Tsunade, having been close to Hiruzen for years, recognized his tactics immediately. And Reiki was already aware of the Hokage's ways.
This was no mere invitation; it was a carefully designed pull to bind Shisui more closely to the village's inner circle.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 360 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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