"Who is this pretty little kid?"
Lady Tsunade asked with a gentle smile, "Is he yours, Nono?"
As for Hanekawa's gaze, she didn't pay it any mind. Just a kid, not worth getting upset over. If it were Jiraiya, she would have punched him immediately.
"His name is Hanekawa. He's from the orphanage," Nono Yakushi explained softly.
"Hanekawa?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow, "Is he the one who defeated Asuma?"
Nono Yakushi glanced at Hanekawa subconsciously. Though Asuma Sarutobi was the Hokage's son, children's duels couldn't have spread widely, so she wasn't aware.
"I was just lucky," Hanekawa replied with a humble smile.
Nono Yakushi was surprised by this revelation. She now understood why Sarutobi Hiruzen had taken Hanekawa from Danzo Shimura. It was certainly worthwhile, but at the same time, she felt concerned. The more outstanding Hanekawa was, the less likely Danzo would be to give up.
"Is there something you need from me with this little guy?" Tsunade chuckled softly.
"Hanekawa is a fan of yours and wanted to meet you," Nono Yakushi said as she patted Hanekawa's head.
"You're a Genjutsu Ninja; why are you my fan?" Tsunade asked curiously.
I'm your fan, but I can't say that outright. Hanekawa spoke up, "Because I think medical ninjas are amazing; they can save lives."
"Is that so?" Tsunade was momentarily stunned. Suddenly, she sighed, "Studying medicine can't save the ninja world."
You're like a Senju tree, aren't you? Hanekawa wanted to make a witty comment but didn't know how.
"Little guy, anything else you'd like to say?" Tsunade stretched lazily and said, "It's about time. I need to see a patient."
Hanekawa hesitated before shaking his head. What could he say? Get down on his knee and pledge to her like a warrior?
He was only able to converse with Tsunade thanks to Nono Yakushi's connection. Although Hanekawa wanted to learn medical ninjutsu, asking to become her disciple would be too bold.
Meeting influential figures requires either a strong background or wealth. Currently, he had neither remarkable Yang Release talent nor financial means to become her debtor.
"Then, see you next time," Tsunade waved and turned away.
"Director," Hanekawa feigned curiosity, "Does Lady Tsunade usually perform surgeries?"
"She does," Nono Yakushi nodded slightly, "But she won't handle minor injuries."
This piqued Hanekawa's interest. It seemed she wasn't suffering from hemophobia. In the original work, Tsunade developed hemophobia after witnessing Kato Dan's death.
Without that, fate had altered its course. While Hanekawa didn't understand why, he was sure to learn the Secrets of the Six Paths as he grew stronger. Tsunade staying in Konoha meant he only needed to show his Yang Release talent to attract her attention.
If she were wandering as before, there'd be no opportunity.
Hanekawa wanted Tsunade to be his mentor, not because he was a fan, but for safety. Being in Konohagakure, he needed protection.
Sarutobi Hiruzen paid him some attention, but not enough.
If Danzo ever launched a surprise attack, he couldn't defend himself on his own. He needed another layer of security, and besides Sarutobi Hiruzen, only the Legendary Sannin could stand against Danzo Shimura.
Orochimaru, a dangerous and alluring villain, could make him his experiment. Jiraiya only took on the Child of Prophecy, and he already had Minato Namikaze as an apprentice.
Comparatively, Tsunade was the best choice—noble, yet alone.
"Director, can you teach me medical ninjutsu?" Hanekawa asked Nono Yakushi.
"Medical ninjutsu?" Nono seemed surprised. Was it because he admired Tsunade?
"You're still young; you should focus on studying genjutsu," Nono advised.
"Genjutsu doesn't require much effort," Hanekawa shook his head, "I can learn three genjutsu a day."
"...?"
Nono was stunned. Is he even human? She knew Hanekawa was talented with Yin Release, but she didn't expect this level of aptitude. It made sense he'd defeat Asuma.
"Medical ninjutsu isn't as simple as genjutsu. Before starting, you need foundational knowledge," Nono pulled out a scroll, "Since you wish to learn, give it a try. Geniuses always get preferential treatment. If he learned, that'd be great, and if not, he could still be a Genjutsu Ninja."
"Thank you, Director!" Hanekawa sighed in relief. There are still good people in the ninja world.
Hanekawa opened the scroll to find a list. He flipped a few pages, still seeing a list. Where was the actual content?
"This is a catalogue of medical books you need to study," Nono explained.
"Huh?" Hanekawa looked up instinctively. It's not just one book but a list of many? You call this a basic introduction?
He finally understood the saying 'advising others to study medicine will bring a thunderous fate.'
"You can come to Konoha Hospital to read whenever you have time or borrow a few books to study at home," Nono said with a gentle pat on his head.
"..."
Tsunade's words echoed in Hanekawa's mind. Studying medicine can't save the ninja world. Well, he's doing it for the greater good.
After borrowing two medical books, Hanekawa left Konoha Hospital with Nono Yakushi. With so many books to read, there was no hurry. He'd begin with the simplest.
[E-rank Talent Entry: Fleet-Footed (Unattained).]
[Trigger Condition: Reach the highest speed of an ordinary Genin.]
[Current Progress: 30%.]
The E-rank entry 'Fleet-Footed' was necessary to synthesize the C-rank entry 'Innate Strength.' Its condition was simple: running.
After two weeks of consistent running, Hanekawa was already 30% there. Coupled with the stamina recovery from the E-rank entry 'Robust Physique,' he figured he'd soon meet the requirements. Stretching a bit, Hanekawa prepared to run.
The streets had too many people, not suitable for running. After some thought, he headed north to Training Ground Four in Konohagakure.
Training areas are public. Hanekawa scanned the area and saw a familiar face, Kakashi Hatake. He wasn't practicing ninjutsu or physical training but sparring swords with a white-haired youth.
Sakumo Hatake, perhaps? Hanekawa mused. In Konohagakure, there was also a ninja unafraid of Danzo Shimura—Sakumo Hatake.
His reputation surpassed the Legendary Sannin, ranking just below Sarutobi Hiruzen.
His name alone terrorized the ninja world, known as Konoha's White Fang. But in a few years, he would commit suicide after a failed mission.
Hanekawa didn't disturb them, choosing to run around the training ground instead.