More and more people arrived at the scene. Several squads from the Konoha Police Force had sealed off both ends of the street, and members of the Konoha Defense Corps had also arrived to maintain order.
The collapsed shops had been cleared away, revealing many injured individuals. Some had broken bones, severed limbs, or head injuries, while others had minor cuts and bruises. However, the most critically injured was only one person—Nagasaki Ichiro.
Nearby, a large inn had suffered severe damage on its fifth-floor exterior wall. A massive hole gaped where the wall had been struck, leaving the interior in shambles. Several ninjas had already rushed inside to assess casualties.
Tsunade and her two companions sprinted across the street toward the wreckage.
A group of over a dozen ninjas surrounded Nagasaki Ichiro, forming a loose circle. The atmosphere was eerily silent as they all watched intently.
A faint hum filled the air.
Tsunade immediately recognized the familiar sound—the chakra vibrations generated by the Healing Palm Technique. She exhaled in relief. It seemed a skilled medical ninja had already arrived.
"That's the aura of the Healing Palm Technique," the pale-faced, cold-eyed young man beside her stated coolly.
"Looks like everything's under control," the tall, white-haired young man on her other side said, stretching lazily and resting his hands behind his head. He glanced around at the damage to the street and nodded approvingly. "Not too bad. No major casualties."
Tsunade also felt reassured. Judging from the extent of the destruction, as long as a skilled medical ninja was on-site, no one should die—except for those who had perished instantly.
More than a dozen medical ninjas had already gathered, all of whom seemed busy.
"The sun is setting," the white-haired young man observed, looking at the horizon. He then turned to Tsunade with a grin. "Want to train together?"
"No," Tsunade smirked mischievously, placing her hands on her hips. "I have to find that brat and see if he's actually learned the Healing Palm Technique."
"That's impossible. Are you just messing with him?"
"Of course, I know it's impossible, but he's the one who made the bet. I didn't force him! If he dares to brag to me, he has to pay the price," Tsunade declared proudly.
"You're so petty. What's the point of toying with a kid? It's childish," the white-haired young man scoffed.
SMACK!
Tsunade jumped up and smacked the back of his head, making him stumble forward. She then kicked him for good measure, huffing angrily.
"Jiraiya! Are you calling me childish? Are you saying I'm stupid?"
"I-I was wrong! I was wrong!" Jiraiya cowered, clutching his head in fear.
"I'm heading back to train," the cold-eyed young man announced abruptly.
"Alright, Orochimaru! Let's train together!" Jiraiya quickly jumped up, latching onto his companion while sneaking a wary glance at Tsunade.
"I'm off to find that brat," Tsunade waved.
"See you tomorrow afternoon," Orochimaru responded.
"Got it!"
The three parted ways—Tsunade heading west, while Jiraiya and Orochimaru moved east.
"Let's grab a drink first! I know a great spot," Jiraiya whispered to Orochimaru with a sly grin.
"Not interested," Orochimaru replied coldly. He gave Jiraiya a side glance. "You should learn some restraint."
Jiraiya's penchant for visiting certain "establishments" was well known in Konoha.
"Eh? Eh?!" Suddenly, Tsunade gasped in shock, her voice filled with disbelief.
Both Jiraiya and Orochimaru stopped and turned, seeing Tsunade staring wide-eyed at the crowd gathered around the wreckage.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
The two immediately dashed over, appearing beside her in an instant. Following her gaze, they saw the crowd of ninjas, including members of the Anbu and the Police Force, standing in stunned silence.
Through the gaps between the onlookers, they spotted a bloodied man lying on the ground. Beside him, crouching with his hands glowing a soft blue, was a young boy, no older than eleven or twelve.
The Healing Palm Technique!
This boy was using it!
"No way. This is impossible," Tsunade muttered in disbelief before suddenly bolting toward the scene. Jiraiya and Orochimaru quickly followed.
The three pushed their way through the crowd, forcing some people aside with sheer strength. But no one complained. Their eyes remained fixated on the young boy treating the injured man.
Everyone was in shock!
Shinko, an Anbu member, narrowed his eyes in deep thought. This needed to be reported immediately, not just to his squad leader, White Fang, but directly to the Hokage. Learning the Healing Palm Technique in a single day? He needed to witness the full treatment before making his report.
Uchiha Mikoto stood frozen, feeling like the world had gone mad. She had heard the rumors about Haruto Saito claiming he could master the technique in a day.
"I need to report to my father. Stay here," Uchiha Fugaku murmured. "Haruto Saito may become an important target for us to recruit. Adjust your attitude."
Mikoto blinked, watching Fugaku disappear with a teleportation jutsu before she could protest.
On the other side of the crowd, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru stood together—one expressionless, one amused, and one visibly shaken.
"Such talent at a young age. His medical potential might even rival yours, Tsunade," Jiraiya remarked with a teasing smirk, sneaking a glance at her reaction.
Tsunade's clenched fists trembled. She was already contemplating whether she should just kill Haruto now. That bet was too dangerous!
If he won, she had to grant him anything he wanted!
And the entire village knew about it!
COUGH! COUGH!
Nagasaki Ichiro suddenly coughed violently. His wound had almost completely healed. Though it had been a severe abdominal injury, it had missed his bones and other critical structures. With the Healing Palm Technique, full recovery was possible.
"Phew…" Haruto let out a long breath, retracting his glowing hands. Sweat dripped down his face as he wiped his forehead with a cloth. "It's done."
Though he had only used the Healing Palm Technique for a few minutes, it had drained nearly 80% of his chakra, leaving him exhausted.
A strange tension filled the air.
Tsunade, still behind him, began stepping back cautiously. She feared Haruto would publicly demand something outrageous.
Several nearby ninjas shot her questioning looks.
"Tsunade, where are you going?" Jiraiya called out.
Tsunade wanted to strangle him.
Hearing his name, Haruto spun around.
Tsunade turned and bolted.
"Tsunade! Don't run! You shameless woman! Get back here!" Haruto shouted, dashing after her.
Just as he took off, a strong arm wrapped around his neck, pulling him back.
"Kid!" a deep voice chuckled. "Since you won, how about selling me that bet? I'll pay you 100,000 ryo!"
Haruto turned to see a broad-shouldered, white-haired man grinning at him.
Jiraiya!
"Not enough? Fine! 200,000 ryo! Final offer!" Jiraiya grinned eagerly.