After hearing Senju Nawaki's words, Uchiha Chiba knew his opportunity had come.
However, he did not immediately voice his struggles but instead displayed a hesitant expression.
"Chiba, tell us. Maybe we can help," Akimichi Choza suggested.
As a friend, it was only natural for him to offer his assistance when Chiba seemed troubled.
Nara Shikaku chimed in as well, "Yes, Chiba, let us know what's going on."
Uchiha Chiba felt a twinge of guilt. He only intended to trick Senju Nawaki into helping him, but he hadn't expected such genuine concern from his friends.
Initially, he wanted to stall further, but the sincerity in their voices made him change his mind.
"I'm trying to learn a new jutsu," Chiba admitted with a sigh. "But this isn't something you can help me with."
"What kind of jutsu could be giving you trouble?" Akimichi Choza asked curiously.
Yamanaka Inoichi thought for a moment before speaking, "It's not some kind of S-rank jutsu, is it? Chiba, don't do anything reckless. Learning S-rank jutsu can be extremely dangerous."
Hearing this, all their expressions turned serious. They knew S-rank jutsu were also known as forbidden techniques for a reason. These techniques often required sacrifices, be it physical, mental, or emotional.
As members of Konoha's most prominent clans, they were all well aware of the dangers associated with such high-level ninjutsu.
"It's not an S-rank jutsu," Chiba assured them. "I'm just trying to master the Mystical Palm Technique."
Relieved, Yamanaka Inoichi continued, "Oh, that's not as bad. But why are you suddenly interested in learning medical ninjutsu, Chiba? Are you planning to become a medical-nin after graduation?"
Chiba shook his head. Of course, he couldn't openly admit that he wanted to spend more time with Tsunade under the guise of learning medical ninjutsu.
He decided to provide a more practical explanation.
"After graduation, we'll be going on missions. If I master the Mystical Palm Technique, I'll be able to heal myself and my teammates if we get seriously injured during a mission. It's just a precaution."
Hearing Chiba's reasoning, the others nodded in agreement.
"That makes sense," Nara Shikaku remarked. "Even though the current era is relatively peaceful, it's not impossible to encounter enemy shinobi. Medical ninjutsu would be a great asset."
Akimichi Choza then asked, "But is it really that difficult to learn? You've always picked up jutsu so quickly. Remember when we learned the Three Basic Jutsu? You mastered them after just one demonstration."
"Choza, the Three Basic Jutsu are beginner-level techniques. You can't compare them to the Mystical Palm Technique," Senju Nawaki interjected. "Even though it's an A-rank technique, the Mystical Palm Technique is harder to master than some S-rank jutsu."
Nawaki's statement carried weight as the younger brother of Tsunade, Konoha's most skilled medical-nin.
"I tried learning it myself," Nawaki continued, "but I just didn't have the talent for medical ninjutsu. Even after a month of practice, I had to give up."
Akimichi Choza finally understood. "I see now. No wonder even Chiba is struggling with it."
Senju Nawaki turned to Chiba and said, "If you're serious about learning the Mystical Palm Technique, you should go to my sister. She's the best in the field and will definitely be able to help you."
Those words were exactly what Uchiha Chiba had been waiting for.
"Wouldn't that be an inconvenience? Tsunade-sama is busy with hospital work every day. She probably doesn't have time to teach me," Chiba replied with a hesitant tone.
Green tea Chiba was now officially online.
"Sister Tsunade?" Akimichi Choza and Yamanaka Inoichi were taken aback by the title, unsure of what to make of it.
Sensing their confusion, Nara Shikaku leaned over and whispered the context into their ears.
Meanwhile, Senju Nawaki thought about Chiba's words and nodded. "You're right. My sister might be too busy to teach you... but I'll ask her anyway. It doesn't hurt to try."
Chiba nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Nawaki. I'd really appreciate it."
Later that evening, at the Senju Clan Compound:
After dinner, Senju Nawaki approached Tsunade, who was relaxing with a sake bottle in one hand. He began massaging her shoulders, as he often did to curry favor.
"Sis, I wanted to ask you something," Nawaki said cautiously.
"What is it?" Tsunade replied lazily.
"It's about taking on a disciple. Are you interested?"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "A disciple? Absolutely not. If I have free time, I'd rather gamble or have a drink. Why are you asking this all of a sudden? Did someone put you up to it?"
Nawaki hesitated for a moment before answering honestly.
"It's Chiba. He's been struggling to learn the Mystical Palm Technique, so I thought you might be able to help him. But since you're not interested, I'll just tell him tomorrow."
Tsunade's hand froze mid-drink.
"Wait... Chiba? Uchiha Chiba wants to learn the Mystical Palm Technique from me?"
"Yes," Nawaki replied. "He said he wanted to learn it to ensure his safety and his teammates' safety during future missions."
Tsunade set down her cup and smirked. "Fine. Tell him to come to the hospital after school tomorrow. I'll help him out, but I'm not taking him as a formal disciple."
"Thanks, sis. I'll let him know."
After Nawaki left the room, Tsunade couldn't help but grin mischievously.
Originally, she had been searching for a reason to spend more time with Chiba, and now the perfect opportunity had landed right in her lap.
"Let's see how this plays out," Tsunade muttered to herself, her expression a mix of amusement and anticipation.