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>>3795936

How exactly did things turn out like this? Currently you stood against one of the rails of the Tanzaku Castle railway halls staring at what appears to be a blond haired woman about to drop an axe kick down upon your face. All because you had the instant to follow and observe the woman to gather if she was the legendary sannin Tsunade Senju or not. And with this feat of superhuman prowess there was no doubt about it now. Of course, knowing about it now only made your current situation all the more dire. If you weren’t careful you may very well be ending up taking a trip to the hospital. Therefore, you begin to enhance your mental thought process through the use of flowing chakr directly through the brain thanks to your level of chakra control. With your heightened senses and chakra amplifying your mental capabilities everything felt it was moving at slow motion.

In your head you begin to break down all the possible solutions to tackle the threat in front of you. On one hand there was the part of you that wanted to test your skills with what you assumed was Tsunade Senju. You been trained by countless individuals including your sensei Lady Nekoma. In their efforts of drilling you to the current incarnation of yourself you weren’t a mere hatchling as you fought jounins as a Genin. Granted you had your teammates to assist you but that was nearly a year ago. On the other hand, even with your achievements as a chunin exam finalist and ANBU member you kept yourself from getting a big head. Whether or not you hold the skills to go toe to toe with her didn’t matter. What mattered was diffusing the situation and preventing any unwanted destruction. Last thing you needed was to be putting same as an ANBU kunoichi or ruining your chances to infiltrate Tanzaku Castle later.


Instead of dodging the upcoming attack you decide to embrace yourself for it. If she mistook you for a mere brooker then she shouldn’t be using the full extent of her legendary monstrous strength. At least you strongly believed that she wouldn’t be so reckless to kill a single ninja brooker or stalker by going all out. Regardless, you stomp your foot against the ground and brace yourself accordingly. Through the Tiěshān (Iron Shirt) and Xīshōu Dǎjí (Absorbing the Blow) you prepared your body to withstand and cushion the blow, absorbing any kinetic force and air pressure in addition to the raw power. In all of your battles if there was one thing you were exceptionally good at its tanking blows.

>>3795948

That said you took additional measures by using the Chōtai Henkei no Jutsu (Body Length Deformation Technique) to temper your musculoskeletal structure and exoskeleton buried underneath your skin to further fortified your natural defenses. Just in the nick of time as the axe kick finally lands on your right shoulder. The force alone was enough to force your planted feet to sink deeper into the rooftop plates. Even with your natural defenses you felt like your shoulder was about to dislocate itself cushioning and absorbing the full blow. While you refused to buckle down and give weight, you did however grit your teeth as you took the attack. The mysterious woman looked at you with a mild confused look on her face. She was surprised that she met someone in her long life that would openly take one of her blows.

“It’s not what you think! I’m not here to fight or to collect any money from you.” You said gruntingly, gripping both of your hands against the blond woman’s leg by the knee. The mysterious woman continued to keep her skepticism despite you holding her leg. She was still holding the advantage in this confrontation.

“Then what are you after? You have my attention to be able to withstand one of my blows, especially with just Taijutsu. You’re clearly not an average ninja despite your appearance.” She remarks, keeping her heel deep against your shoulder with the possibility of changing her kick to a sweep if needed. You really couldn’t afford to let down your guard.

“I just wanted to know if you’re Tsunade Senju.” You asked, looking at her with sincerity. She gazes at you for a moment, looking deep into your green eyes. She could see through your subtle transformation jutsu application to your eyes to notice the slit pupils. But before she can say something about it she caught the presence of someone else.

“Lady Tsunade there you are!” Said another voice as she stood at the other side of the scenery. A fair skinned woman with onyx eyes and jet-black hair. In comparison to Tsunade who reeked of booze was far more mature and composure. As she made her way to the sight she catch notice of you and nearly freak at the confrontation with her pet pig equally having an exaggerated shock face.

>>3795951

“It’s alright Shizune. This person isn’t an enemy. Are you?” She asked, waiting for an answer now that her identity was fully known to you. You simply nodded at Tsunade before letting go of her leg for proof.

“R-Right. My name is Sakura Haruno. It was all just a misunderstanding. “ You replied, feeling Tsunade taking her leg off from your shoulder. You briefly rubbed it still feeling the stress and lingering effect from the kick.

“Sakura Haruno. That name is familiar. But where did I hear that before?” Tsunade remarked, putting her index finger on her chin as she pawns.

Shizune jumped up to the rooftop while holding on to her pig Tonton rather tightly. Arriving right beside her she started to look at you before turning to Tsunade. “Lady Tsunade. Isn’t she the one that Lord Hiruzen wanted to see during your last meeting with the Hokage?”

“Ah yeah that’s right. He even sent me a huge sum of money to teach her some medicinal techniques after evaluation.” Tsunade reflected. “But when I came during my trip she wasn’t there. So we planned on rescheduling since I still took the money anyway.”

"I'm sorry about this. Judging from her demeanor Lady Tsunade is still intoxicated. So how may we help you?" Shizune asked despite ignoring Tsunade's attempt at trying to prove that she was sober. This was the legendary Sannin and mother of the current system medical ninjutsu. Honestly you were rather disappointed despite seeing first hand how strong she was.

>Apologize for the inconvenience and leave in order to head back to the castle.
>Point out Tsunade's obligation to teach you through Lord Hiruzen's payment.
>Dodge the question by asking why Tsunade and Shinzue are here in this town.
>Ask for a spar to test your strengths
>Other [write-in]

>>3795955
>>Point out Tsunade's obligation to teach you through Lord Hiruzen's payment.

>>3795955
>Point out Tsunade's obligation to teach you through Lord Hiruzen's payment.

>>3795955
>>Point out Tsunade's obligation to teach you through Lord Hiruzen's payment.

>>3795974
>>3796426
>>3796735

“No, no. It’s really unnecessary to try and make it up to me. After all, I was the one who was tailing her. So really it’s oka-” Cutting yourself off from finishing your polite apology you suddenly reflect back to what Tsunade said about accepting money. First off it says a lot about her character that she needed payment to get involved regardless of the reason. But that’s not what got your attention, no you saw first hand exactly what Lord Hiruzen wanted to leave as another memento in case the worst scenario came to being.

Thinking about it closely you take the time to realize the opportunity that stood in front of you. Here lies Tsunade the greatest medical ninja of the leaf if not the entire world. Sure you learned a lot from Kabuto and picked up skills that can only be taught by a true master. And your time in the ANBU gave a better understanding of the human body to know how to truly influence to your will. But both of them would pale in comparison to the skill hierarchy that Tsunade. Not to say that learning from other medical nin prior didn’t hold any merit. Especially since this means that you can skip the basics and get right down in the meat of Tsunade’s medical knowledge.

“Actually I like to change my last statement. There is something that you can help me with.” You asked, placing your hand on your elbow and another on your chin.

“And what is that, pray tell?” Shizune asked while keeping her polite tone. Tsunade on the other hand merely raise a minor eyebrow as she slowly return her gaze from the surrounding to you.

“I like you to teach me everything you can about medical ninjutsu.” You asked, showing a sense of seriousness as Tsunade looked deeply into your eyes. Shizune was naturally flabbergasted by your boldness, leaving Tsunade to deal with the ordeal in front of her.

“Excuse me?” Tsunade asked, almost looking down at you with signs of her remaining drunken state disappearing to return to a state of soberness. “You can’t really be serious to think that I would take another student under my wing. I’m not exactly an active doctor much less a ninja. Haven’t been in years.”

>>3796845

Just like that you were met with noticeable resistance. Through her drunken state you felt like there was something troubling Tsunade. Or she could just be in a bad mood due to her gambling habits mixed with her heavy drinking. What it was you haven't truly grasped it and you didn’t think that using empathy sensing was worth peeking into her heart. Although, there was a lingering feeling that you couldn’t put your finger upon it as to why that wouldn’t be a good idea. Either way, Tsunade’s actions wasn’t really enough to serve as a detriment to back down in your stand against the legendary sannin.

“Well from where I stand you were accepted a job and taken payment in advance. Thereby, you are more or less obligated in order to complete the directive assigned to you. And that job again from what it sounds like is to teach me.” You explained, demonstrating your intelligence despite coming off being blunt and fill of stubbornness. You were harnessing your previous experience dealing with drunks aka Princess Koyuki to Lady Tsunade.

“Aren’t you a cheeky brat” She continued to stare intently at you. Looking deep into your green eyes as you continue to hold your ground and show just how stubborn you are. Seeing what was essentially a splitting image of her past self and Kushina Uzumaki made Tsunade advert her gaze before sighing. “Fine. A deal is a deal.” As Tsunade says this her eyes looks back towards Shizune. She didn’t say a single word but her attendant immediately picked up on the act.

“Yes Lady Tsunade?” Shizune asked, snapping herself out of her moment of shock. Briefly holding Tonton a little bit tighter as the pig showed a look of worry.

“You’ll handle teaching this little upstarter in medical ninjutsu. She’ll give you something else to do besides looking after Tonton and accompanying me during my gambling runs.” Once again Tsunade threw another curve ball to poor Shizune as Tonton was emoting for the both of them. Shizun herself was caught off guard as sh held a deadpan face while Tonton let out an exaggerated “Eeeeeh?!” at the idea.

“Are you trying to weasel out of your commitment?! I asked to be taught by you, not by anyone else..” You angrily demand, not taking Tsunade’s decision to leave it to her assistant very kindly. Tsunade noticed the glowing hue in your green eyes as she was unflinching at your glare.

“She may not look like it but Shizune is a very talented ninja. She is my student after all and I taught her everything she knows which includes the majority of my own skills. So it’s still fits completing my obligations. And I take it you;ll like it better than just reading some scrolls and learning on your own.” Tsunade smiled in between her explanation, irking you at her not being wrong. But the act was still rather sleazy for you since you wanted the original source.

>>3796847

"Or...if you don't find that to be acceptable. Then you can prove your skills to me directly by fighting me. I might be rusty in comparison to how I was in my prime. But even in my current state I don't think I'll have any trouble in handling a little squirt like you. Puberty or not." Tsunade said, making a serious face for a brief moment before going back to talking you down in a condescending tone.

"Lady Tsunade please! You shouldn't be acting like this." Shizune lectured Tsunade, not really bothered all that much being your teacher especially if it kept her master from doing something so childish by fighting you. "You'll have to forgive her. She's just joking. I'll be happy to teach you everything I know so just ignore her challenge."

>Accept Tsunade challenge and fight her
>Take Shizune's offer and learn from her for now.
>Ask to have some time to think about it
>Leave abruptly and go back to the castle
>Other [write-in]

>>3796851
>>Take Shizune's offer and learn from her for now.
she's gotta teach us at the village though

>Accept Tsunade challenge and fight her

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>3796852
>>3797249

Rolling to see how it goes

>>3797290

Hearing Tsunade’s words resonated with you in a negative light. Sure there was the part of you that relished at the sight of fighting one of the three legendary Sannin. The last time you fought against one was Orochimaru during his disguised as Shiore. A battle that took place months ago as it perfectly demonstrated to you just how vast the ninja hierarchy was despite coming off from the battle with Kajika. Valiantly you tried everything you can do to overcome the obstacle but the gap was far too wide. Now that was five months ago and you underwent countless changes, including multiple times sacrificing your humanity, your sense of self, your entire being to developed into the current incarnation in front of you. An act the old you justified as regaining full control and protecting your friends. But the current you knew better.

Regardless of your true intentions the fact of the matter is you were no longer the Sakura Haruno that started her journey, completely innocent and naive of the true depths of the ninja world. And while you might have lost something in your haste for the power and knowledge needed to enact poetic justice to the thorn that has been at your side since the Hero Water incident, there was no doubt that all your current benefits far beyond made such a sacrifice worth it. At least that what you told yourself currently. So despite the unreasonable act of facing another Sannin at this point in time. You were motivated by stubbornness and sprite with a hint of battlelust at the chance to prove that this was the right path.

“Prove it to you? After taking Lord Hiruzen’s money you expect me to just take this lying down and let you chimp out of your obligation by using your attendant as your stand it?” You asked, canines slowly elongating and claws sharpening. “I think you’re the one who needs to prove their merit to me. Unlike you I don’t have the luxury of wasting away gambling and drinking myself to the grave. So don’t act like you’re superior to me you washout.”

“S-Sakura?! That’s not exactly helping in quelling the escalating tension.” Shizune remarked, trying to give some comforting advice while trying to calm you down. She slowly turned her head towards Tsunade who was oddly quiet. “Lady Tsunade don’t listen to her. She’s just upset over your little joke. So how about we all go to a restaurant and talk thi-” Before Shizune could finish Tsunade turned her head to glance at her student. A single glare was enough to quiet Shizune and Tonton.

>>3797790

“Shizune, don’t try to talk me out of it. She knows exactly what she is saying.” Tsunade turned her attention back to you, staring at your glaring eyes with her own. “And I am the one who offered this option for her. It might be childish to fight a teenager over something as trivial as a contract. But I have always been a person of good judgment. I don’t need Hiruzen’s recommendations to decide whether or not this little girl is someone deserving to be my student. Especially after the last one…” Tsunade muttered that last part as she gave a somber look thinking about her former student. You briefly caught a glimpse of this before being met back with a cold if not heartless gaze.

“Likewise. Lord Hiruzen talked fondly about you but frankly I’m not impressed. So choose the battleground and let’s just see why you’re one of the legendary Sannin.” You barked, causing Shizune to tremble in anxiety with Tonton. Tsunade meanwhile was mildly impressed at your boldness. Quickly she takes you from the castle grounds to the outskirts of the city. Surrounded in a grassy field with several large rocks and pillars it made for the perfect battleground.

“Are you really sure you want to do this? Lady Tsunade while drunk and rusty is still one of the legendary Sannin. She boasts monstrous strength and natural prowess even outside of adding her hybrid bloodline as a Uzumaki and Senju into the equation. She’s a phenomenal kunoichi that was directly taught by Lord Hiruzen. She is the war vet that lead to the victory of the second great ninja war and the strongest kunoichi in the world.” Shizune explained, trying to be the reasonable one out of the bunch. That didn’t mean she didn’t think you weren’t a noteworthy kunoichi especially after learning that you’re in the ANBU but that still didn’t change her mind of what she believed to be a one sided slaughter.

Thinking about it for a moment, you can only smile at Shizune, exposing your dagger shape canines as more of your savagery was coming to light. “Thank you for your concern Ms. Shizune but it’s alright. I already fought a Sannin before. I know first hand how threatening one can be. But I’m still going through with this Ms. Shizune. I’m honestly upset that the woman that Lord Hiruzen has put on a pedestal is like this. Whatever reasons for it right now doesn’t matter. And chances are it won’t change my mind to do this ”
“Alright...just try to focus on defense. Her strength can literally obliterate someone effortlessly but is only the tip of the iceberg. Her chakra control is-” Once again Shizune find herself being cut off by her master Tsunade.

>>3797839

“Shizune. I think you talked enough. She isn’t the type to want to know what her enemy’s skills and talents through their own words.” Tsunade said, shutting up her attendant in a mature manner as she tosses her haori to her. You silently nod to Shizune before getting up from the ground and walking over to the other side of the field. You quickly begin to start to do some stretching to get your body into fighting form.

Tsunade looked at you with mild curiosity before pulling out her index finger. “With one finger. This will be enough to gauge your skill level.“

“Are you mocking me even now?” You asked, keeping up with the stretching but still obviously angry with the possibility of being belittled.

“On the contrary, I’m taking you very seriously. You are supposed to be a Chuunin exams finalist after all. Therefore, with this one finger I’ll demonstrate my full strength. Any attack or defense I’ll make will be made involving with this finger.“ As Tsunade said this you keep your eyes focused on her index finger. Seemingly showing no indication of any enhancements or any unnatural changes.

At the surface value you there was nothing out of the ordinary coming from the appendage. It would easily infuriate you more if your ANBU training didn’t do a good job of helping you controlling your emotions. Otherwise you would’ve missed the overwhelming pressure that Tsunade was ushering despite her current state. Your animistic instincts alerted you to not let down your guard. Drunk or not this was still Tsunade Senju you’re currently facing. Honestly the only time you felt something so suffocating from the thickly damp and heavy pressure was another Sannin and Lady Nekoma.

“To make up for this handicap I’ll let you make the first move. Personally I advise you to hit me with your strongest blow as I’m am only going to be playing defensive with your first blow. So don’t hold anything back. Cause you’ll only get this one chance to defeat me. “Tsunade smile as she boldly claims as victory was assured by the Sannin. And in a way she may be right.

>Reject this farce and demand that Tsunade fight you seriously even by force.
>Try to finish this with your strongest Okasho out of spite
>Enforce a handicap on yourself to keep things fair [write-out what]
>Don’t fall for her act and focus on observing as you exchange blows with Tsunade
>Other [write-in]

>>3797849
>Don’t fall for her act and focus on observing as you exchange blows with Tsunade

>>3797849

Use empathy sensing while asking what her type is then use clones to create a harem.

After distracting her transform into air mode, make your hair go into her lungs and rupture them by turning them into metal.

Alternatively get a book and repeatedly draw explosive tags on every page. Meme that we have the first move while this is going on. Then FTG it to her.

>>3797849
>Reject this farce and make Tsunade take you seriously,even though force

>>3797849
>Don’t fall for her act and focus on observing as you exchange blows with Tsunade

>>3799397
>>3797887

By all accounts you should be reaching your boiling point from Tsunade nonchalantly saying she will only need a single finger to keep you at bay. You weren’t some wet behind the ears Genin who just came out of the academy. Heck, one can argue you that due to your connections that you weren’t at least an elite among the Genins during graduation if not close to Chunin level. Simultaneously, you begin to notice exactly what Tsunade was doing with her acts of provoking you. Only a well trained ninja wouldn’t let themselves get swept up by the actions of their opponent. Remembering to remain level headed despite the adversities was one of the basic teachings of ninja 101. Thus, you start to calm yourself by taking a deep breath before finishing up your stretches.

“Thanks but no thanks. How I fight is my decision to make and **only**mine. Make no mistakes I won’t drop my guard and underestimate you. But, I’ll defeat you on my own terms otherwise it won’t mean anything.” With that you took a stance and ready yourself for battle. Just like you to be the type to observe your enemy and memorize their pattern and characteristics before formulating a plan to defeat them. Some may deem it foolish to essentially “play around” but it was essential to your way of fighting. And no way were you going to change that.

“Well don’t we got a live one over here. Can’t say I don’t like your spunk, don’t complain to me if you get hurt.” Tsunade remarked, smiling a bit as she took a good look at you. As she looked at you you did the same. Not giving a single inch you and Tsunade waited until Shizune made the call before striking. Shifting her eyes to each of you, Shizune looked down to Tonton who nods in response. With both in unison Shizune soon made her call.

“Begin” As Shizune has Tonton move her hand downwards in a referee position did you and Tsunade commit to the battle. As Tsunade promised she didn’t move a single inch from her position and kept her index finger close. You on the other hand dropped down to kneeling on your knees as you crouched down against the ground.

Start with Red Lotus for now and throw some punches and kicks. Follow her movements and see how she fights. If she is anything like Lady Nekoma or Orochimaru, going anything less than my all will be suicide. Thinking hard on your first set of moves your legs begin to contract and expand considerably without notice. The bulging leg muscles was a testament to your finely tuned muscle control and combat experience during your time as the Niku. Even if you didn’t desire it each time you transformed more of that red ogre like attribute and characteristics strongly imprinted on to yourself. Truly you were becoming a demonic beast wearing human skin. Utilizing your spring like elasticity you lung forward with tremendous force as you arc your arm back to contract and expand your arm muscle.

>>3800109

“That was a good punch. I’m mildly surprised by how much force it was carrying. If I were to estimate it, that was roughly equal to fifty if not sixty percent of my natural strength. “Tsunade smile, observing the attack that came just millimeters from smacking her hard in the face. The only thing that was keeping your fist at bay was her index finger. Strangely having the jointed appendage pressing against your knuckles was creating some sort of affect on you. You weren’t sure if it was the pressure exerting from the finger or the state of shock but you find yourself unable to move your fist.“Of course it’s not anywhere near to the concentrated power that I’m exerting my one finger compared to spread out force as you see here.”

As much as you hate to admit it, she was right about her statement. If your fist was considered to be a hammer than Tsunade’s finger was a spear. A concentrated point held more power at that one point than a destructive wave pulsating through the entire surface to hit multiple targets. Upon further demonstration you saw Tsunade exerting more pressure into her index finger. In one swift move, she started to pierce through your thick hide and insert it through the flesh. Before it could reach your bones you instinctively pulled away from Tsunade, not flinching from the pain. Tsunade meanwhile glance to her finger noticing that her index finger had trouble breaking through your flesh to get to the bone before you escaped.

Okay Shizune wasn’t kidding about how strong Tsunade is. If I fought her a year ago that one poke would’ve been enough to break my entire knuckle joints, perhaps even my entire hand. You looked at the injury inflicted upon your hand while keeping your distance. Naturally your body was healing itself but you slowed down the process long enough to analyze everything you can. Yet again all of your experiences prepared you proper for this encounter as you turned your eyes back to Tsunade. Like you she was relying entirely on muscle control though refining it at a level you can only think back to Lady Nekoma pulling off during your rampage as the Niku.

“Well aren’t you full of surprises with that composition of yours. At first I thought I may have been overdoing it but it seems like I don’t need to worry. So..” With a simple step Tsunade disappeared from your eyes. At first you thought she was using the Body Flicker Jutsu but you quickly dash those thoughts away after hearing the sounds of her feet cracking deep into the ground. She was using raw leg muscles to leap at incredible speeds. Adjusting your senses to Tsunade’s moments you notice that she was noticeably slower than Lady Nekoma.

>>3800178

Putting that aside you arched your back to dodge Tsunade’s finger poke. It came close to grazing your body as you performed at a level of flexibility and fluidity that a master acrobatic/yoga specialist could achieve. Be that as it may you felt the tremendous force that came from Tsunade’s finger poke, causing your body to tremble in response. Before you had a chance to react Tsunade immediately lowered her arm in a slashing motion. You rotate your body to her left to avoid the strike and put some distance. Landing on your foot you lunch back to aim your punch directly at Tsunade’s elbow after seeing her finger easily cut through solid ground. Responding your daring move, Tsunade rotated her body to positioning her index finger directly towards your strike. As they clash you find your fist being deflected by the finger swipe.

Refusing to let up on your attack you switched to delivering a series of rabbit punches at Tsunade. True to her word Tsunade continued to use her index finger to deflect and block your punches. The ones she didn’t she casually maneuvered her body to dodging them. Despite being slower than Lady Nekoma she was able to anticipate and predict your next punch in just from the first exchange of blows. On your end you kept on guard to continue delivering punches in order to keep Tsunade from making a counter attack. No matter how many punches you threw Tsunade didn’t show a single ounce of using her chakra. Was she holding back like your sensei? Or was there a secondary reason unknown to you.

Thinking think about this answer Tsunade decides to make the next move by disrupting your next punch. Pushing her finger down at your left fist, she slanted its trajectory before starting to slip inside your sphere of influence. Although you manage to quickly regain your rhythm you were unable to land a single punch to Tsunade. Leaving her to reach you directly as she made a smug smile to your disgruntled face. “...there’s no need for me to be gentle with you.”

By using her thumb she reels her finger back to its farthest point. Seeing that's more than a mere forehead flick you pulled back just seconds before the flick happened. Just brushing against your broad forehead you felt tremendous force of pressurized air and kinetic energy slamming against your entire body. The concussive force was enough to send you flying while you mingated the damage even after avoiding the worst of the attack. Just the after effects was enough to make your body shake violently. This was clearly the strength worthy to be called the strongest woman in the world. Grinding your feet against the ground you struggle to make sense of what happened. Somehow at that brief moment you felt traces of chakra coming from Tsunade’s finger tip before it transmitted itself directly into your body.

>>3800257

Before you got to chance to see what Tsunade did to you she proceed to make another flick with her thumb. Instead of the close range attack you dodged previously Tsunade went for a long range application. A single flick was enough to fire off an invisible bullet as it served as a warning shot. Just lightly grazing against your face you felt blood starting to drip from the cut. Seems like Tsunade wasn’t kidding when she said she didn’t need to be gentle with your composition as she soon shoots a wide volley of bullets. As you prepared to leap out of the way your legs started to buckle down. Followed by a sudden case of nausea you felt yourself undergoing vertigo as your equilibrium was thrown out of whack. Possibly through that brief moment where Tsunade’s index finger came a slight brush from touching your forehead she managed to use her chakra to mess with your system. Already she was thinking of the steps needed to capitalize on her next attack while removing your options from escape.

“Damn it!” You screamed, moving your arms to the best of their ability to deflect and block the condensed burst of vacuum coming your way. Relying solely on air current sensing you gotten a good estimate to where they were coming from. Leaving you to mentally do the calculations on their trajectory, travel speed and other scientific bases to best avoid the attack. Using your arms you were able to shield yourself against the attack with only getting some light cuts and bruises from the barrage. But as you feared you felt your entire lower body movements suffering the worst out of your disoriented motions. You needed to think fast as Tsunade continued on the offensive with another series of vacuum bullets.

>Pull back using Space-Time Ninjutsu to get out of there
>Revert to relying on your cat senses to make up for the vertigo and go on the offensive.
>Endure and withstand the blows while continuing to observe
>Transform into Shinsei Mahachisu and make your counterattack
>Other [write-in]

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>>3800257

>>3800268
>Transform into Shinsei Mahachisu and make your counterattack
Let's force her to make an attack that leaves her SLIGHTLY off balance, then pop a Renko for a cheeky hit.

>>3800268
>>Transform into Shinsei Mahachisu and make your counterattack

>>3800294
>>3800849

Continuously you kept blocking the next barrage of vacuum bullets with your arms to the best of your ability. Despite being disoriented you managed to keep your vitals from taking a hit from the onslaught. Unfortunately, this only resulted in the rest of your body taking the full brunt of the attack. While it broke the skin it couldn’t fully penetrate your dense flesh. Not that it didn’t stop it from being incredibly painful but moot for someone with your high tolerance to pain. Still, there was enough holes drilled into you to make the threat of blood loss a serious concern. Steadily you exerted your body’s natural muscle strength to plug in the holes through contraction. Easier said than done as while it sound simple it required finesse and control on a level that would be considered only possible for someone who held completely supremacy over your body function and the medical knowledge to know how much force needed to safely close your wounds.

“Got to say I’m impressed. Not many would think to use the contraction of your muscles to close your wounds and keep yourself from bleeding out.” Tsunade praised you, holding out her finger to keep the looming threat hanging above you. What you did while impressive was only a temporary solution. You needed to act before Tsunade once again took the lead in this bout.

Thinking at it closely you recall your go to jutsu even after obtaining Anima and undergoing this path…..Shinsei Mahachisu. A jutsu that is essentially an advanced form of Chakra Enhancement. More importantly it was one of your first jutsus that you personally developed, making it all the more trustworthy. Surely the higher output of chakra flow and amplified chakra would reset your senses and get you back into control. Stomping your feet deep into the ground, you begin focusing your chakra pathway systems to increase the flow of chakra. Gradually building up the output you draw more chakra and circulate throughout your entire body. The magenta chakra started to seep out from your pores, linking itself to one another to create a visible layer of compacted chakra around your body.

>>3801001

Following suit your hair started to flicker from cherry pink to a snow white shade from the powerful output of you amplified chakra. Emerald green eyes slowly adopt a golden yellow hue, signifying that your transformation was reaching the zenith in just a single moment. Tsunade surprisingly enough took the incentive to watch your transformation rather than stop it. Shizune was in a similar manner as this was something unforeseen for the attendant and student. Quite possibly out of sheer curiosity, you decided to take full advantage of such acts. At least that was supposed to be the plan. What exactly happened shocked you as you feel the surging chakra strangely disbursing in front of your eyes. Your transformed characteristic receded and in its place was your natural traits. Looking at your current form you were left in a state of confusion and concern at this unforeseen result.

“What’s wrong? Having trouble keeping it up?” Tsunade asked, genuinely confused while still finding enough time to poke fun at you. You refrained from answering but deep down you were upset about this revelation. For some reason you find yourself unable to invoke Shinsei Mahachisu. This certainly set you back considerably but you force yourself to worry about it later to focus your attention back at Tsunade.

In spite of your case of vertigo and confusion you force yourself to begin walking before proceeding to jogging and then running. Pushing yourself through it all you finally find yourself sprinting halfway through your trek to Tsunade. It was telegraphed in a straight line but it was the best you can achieve in your current state. Responding to this, Tsunade merely flicks her finger to deliver another pressurize strike instead of the vacuum bullets to force you back. Holding on to your ground you pressed through the concussion force, enduring the blow and coming close to striking Tsunade.

Unfazed by this Tsunade moved her index finger to take full advantage of your sluggish movement to strike directly at your chest. Of course you ducked down to dodge, continuing to keep your motion to pass through Tsunade’s legs to avoid any follow up. Jump backwards you turned your body in a 180 directional turn to prepare to strike at Tsunade’s back. Quickly turning to meet your attack with another finger swipe block, you were within range for Tsunade’s counterattack. Seemingly at Tsunade’s mercy as she came to performing her next move you can only smile in response. Your body was emitting the aura of Shinsei Mahachisu. Even if you couldn’t transform, there was still enough control to allow for a single jutsu.

>>3801003

“Renko (Lotus Light)!” You find yourself disbursing into a cluster of pure chakra traveling at instantaneous speeds. While not as fast as it was during Shinsei Mahachisu with its lightning fast speeds, it was still quick enough to have you instantly teleport right behind Tsunade as you reformed. She could only grit her teeth as she was still in motion to strike and left in a slightly off balance position.

“Shannaro” You cried,slamming your right fist directly against Tsunade’s face, pressing deeply on the cheekbone. Essentially delivering what can be considered as a sucker punch you took immense pride at finally landing a hit. So much in fact you didn’t noticed the delayed blows against your shoulder, chest and abdomen. Just when did Tsunade had the time to inflict such pinpointed blows with her index finger. Each one was the size of an actual fist, again demonstrating the deadly force she carries as you drop to your knees coughing blood.

“Lady Tsunade!” Shizune shouted, assuming that Tsunade went a little too far with her display as she watches her master brush the blood off her lips from your punch. Despite her concerns Tsunade purposely missed your vitals with her counter attack. Resulting in Shizune taking a sigh of relief as Tsunade blinked at the sight of blood on her lips.

“I really have gotten rusty. If it was at least ten years ago my body’s movements would have succeeded in effortlessly demolishing you before your could even finish teleporting much less have your fist come across my face. “ Tsunade stared at the blood stain on her thumb, slowly forming a smile on her lips. “In regards to that, had I use the chakra from the pores on my skin to block your punch, that would’ve meant that I broke the condition I established with this handicap. So let’s call this a draw.”

>Accept the draw for now but demand the next time you fight that she'll take you seriously.
>Reject the draw and continue the match
>Swallow your pride and admit defeat for using a sneaky move .
>Say nothing and leave while reflecting why you couldn't use Shinsei Mahachisu.
>Other [write-in]

>>3801008
>>Swallow your pride and admit defeat for using a sneaky move .

>>3801008
>Accept defeat as we were definitely outclassed anyway. Ask how she disrupted our chakra flow

>>3801085
I know it's Naruto but we are still a ninja. Sneaky is in the job description.

>>3801008
>Accept the Draw. Ask how she disrupted our chakra flow

>>3801008
>Accept the draw for now but demand the next time you fight that she'll take you seriously.

>>3801222
Support

>>3801085
>>3801222
>>3801600

Just like that you find yourself being given a draw by Tsunade Senju. In comparison to the previously untouched Sannin you were pretty beaten up from head to toe. To any outsider they would naturally declare her the winner despite the fact the fight was still not over. Gritting your teeth and clenching your fist, anger begins to swell inside of you. Before it could get any worse you simply punch the ground, creating a very large crater in the process. Naturally Shizune and Tonton were taken aback by this sudden display of ferocious strength. Tsunade on the other hand slightly raised an eyebrow as she observed you calming yourself down.

After taking a deep breath you advert your eyes from the ground and looked back up to Tsunade’s. Rusty or not, this was still one of the three Sannin so there was no shame in admitting that you still have a long way to go. “No, it was my defeat. If you weren’t held back by the rules and I didn’t take advantage of that through the use of my Space-Time Ninjutsu, then this match would’ve easily sway towards my imminent defeat. It’s as you said,I wasn’t fast enough to hit you without getting hurt in the process.”

“To be frank, I never actually established any rules for you. Therefore, I’m not going to criticize you for using a sneaky move. You saw the hidden meaning of our bet and came up with a sure fire way to momentarily close the gap between us and bypass the dangers.” Tsunade said, scratching her head a bit after listening to you break down everything you did wrong in that battle. She was slightly caught off guard at how mature you were being despite your age as it by itself was worth praise.” Despite being still wet behind the ears, I acknowledge your skills. At least enough of them to be worthy of being chosen as an ANBU member and a Chunin exams finalist.”

“That said you got yourself a pretty good teacher. Utilizing the motion of rotations to reduce the force combined with training the body to absorb and cushion the blow to mitigate most of the destructive power. I’m impressed, not many people can pull that off and go against natural instinct when driven into a corner.” As Tsunade says this she slowly offered her left hand to you. Respectfully you grasped the hand and have her help you lift yourself back on your feet.

“Everyone in the village helped me out. This strength I carry isn’t mine alone, but the one who I call my master is Lady Nekoma.” You answered, thinking back to every person that helped you on your journey. From the Jounin squad leaders of your generation to your fellow peers. Even Lord Hiruzen, Haku, and Kabuto were among the countless people standing beside you that pushed you forward and improve in the process. At the center was Lady Nekoma, the one who taught you the values of improving the foundation over taking shortcuts. And the one who helped you at your lowest point with Anima.

>>3801670

“So the Great Cat Sage of Takamagahara (High Heaven's Plain) has taken you in after all. That explains quite a lot actually. But tell me, in your time learning from the Rengoku no Shinsen (Sage of Purgatory) did she ever used chakra in her bouts with you.” Tsunade asked, taking a moment to reflect on your performance now with this piece of information added into the equation. You on the other hand didn’t say anything in light of her question.

Turning your face from Tsunade you briefly reflect on your experiences with your sensei. As if you could say that she didn’t need to as she could easily overpower you even at your strongest state with Anima and Shinsei Mahachisu combined at that time. Or more recently with you at Meiinfūinka (Netherworld Seal Transformation) and turning into a red beast aka the Niki (Vermillion Earth Ogre). She could easily kill you multiple times over throughout your training with just her wits and martial arts so her using chakra would be truly unfair. Much less using senjutsu especially given the true nature of Anima and the Meiinfuinka. Explaining it in full along with the ways of the Ninneko was too much of a chore for you to do. So you committed to keeping your mouth shut and let your expression do the talking.

“The look on your face tells me exactly what I needed to know. Just like her to hide her true fangs when teaching a student. She’s a traditionalist through and through. Because of this she thoroughly improved on your physical body. If one were to train the body then even without the direct use of chakra the can still perform superhuman stunts akin to legends. Very cost efficient in the long run especially when conserving chakra and improving the body to handle more of the flowing chakra from within. Effective if not old-fashioned from times long ago. “ Tsunade remarked, taking a moment to walk to your body and looking at it from all sides. She didn’t say anything else but you get the feeling she was looking at your sensei’s handiwork. In regards to that she caught a glimpse of your body naturally regenerating the cuts and bruises on your body. At first she was going to heal you for a job well done but instead you made that unnecessary.

“Not to sound rude but how exactly did you manage to mess with my system? I’m not a stranger to that kind of treatment but you managed to do it so easily that I didn’t even notice until it was too late.” You asked, honestly curious to know the secret now that the jutsu’s effects were now fading away.

>>3801734

“Ranshinshō (Body Pathway Derangement). It’s a jutsu that works by using the chakra to invade the brain and by proxy the nervous system to induce vertigo. Causing the senses to distort and trigger confusion among other symptoms such as nausea due to one’s equilibrium being thrown out of whack. But that’s just the surface level application. The Jutsu truly shines when you know how to convert your chakra into electrical energy. By creating an electric field you can essentially rewrite their entire nervous system, disrupting the connection between the brain and body to have the field influence how the body move in any way other than what the brain intended. It’s a high level medical ninjutsu that has disabled countless enemies back in my day.” Tsunade explained, already getting a strong understanding that you were able to follow the scientific rundown of this complex technique.

“Now then can you tell me what the human body is?” Tsunade asked, looking at you after finishing her analysis of your physiology. While she didn’t show it on her laid back demeanor, Tsunade was in deep thought over you in particular. Lady Nekoma’s work is one thing but there’s something positively abnormal about this girl. I can tell first glance her composition is naturally unusual but it has been altered tremendously. Far beyond what any natural birth condition can provide. Not to mention she has my grandmother’s mark. Just who exactly is she? Tsunade continued to ponder as you were too distracted with the question to notice.

“Isn’t it the physical substance of the human organism, composed of living cells and extracellular materials and organized into tissues, organs, and systems?” You answered, showing signs of minor confusion as that was basic medical training 101. Heck it was required to know the ins and out of the human body for the anbu, especially the root division.

“Correct. The human body is a brilliant collection of nerves and tissues capable of functioning through countless adversities inflicted upon itself. But even it keeps a constant effort to safeguard itself to avoid collapsing under its own power. “ Tsunade mentioned, subtly giving a lesson about the dangers of transformation in addition. Something that you knew first hand given your numerous experiences but you kept quiet for now and listen to her lecture.

“Without even opening the first gate, through the use of chakra one can momentarily exceed the limits that the human body can naturally achieve in order to reach the level of superhuman capacity. Similar to unlocking the body muscle’s natural 100% capabilities. At first it's only done unconsciously but in time it becomes conscious once one master the necessary chakra control training such as the chakra walking exercises. However…” Tsunade started walking past you towards a massive rock pillar. The rock easily towered several stories as it was just as wide as it was tall.

>>3801786

https://narutoversity.wordpress.com/2015/11/01/chakra-enhancement/ Also explaining the jump ultimate stars version of the body pathway derangement jutsu as it holds enough merits to be valuable as well.

>>3801786

“Even if one was able to master it, there is only so much they can invigorate and enhance the physical body safely. Going beyond your natural limits will only cause negative repercussions to your body and run the risk of tearing your chakra pathway system apart depending on the level of enhancements. Without the pathway system one loses the ability to wield and mold chakra. For ninjas that’s essentially a death sentence even if they survive the endeavor. That’s why rarely you ever see ninjas who can truly tap into the full extent of chakra enhancements like Might Guy or Lady Nekoma for instance. “ As Tsunade explained she took to demonstrate her point with the giant pillar.

With just her index finger she utilizes the Kyōkashiyō no Chakura (Chakra Enhanced Condition) to its fullest. You watched closely as Tsunade lifts the heavy structure effortlessly with just her index finger. Paying attention to the steps, you commit to memory Tsunade’s application moments before she tosses the rock high into the air with just her finger strength. Waiting patiently until it came back down, Tsunade timed her motion with the descending rock. Raising her arm towards it’s trajectory, you saw Tsunade tap her finger against the surface. In that split second the giant rock violently exploded as a ring of kinetic energy emerged from Tsunade’s finger tips. Without any effort the Sannin destroyed the pillar as the force causes the smaller rocks to crumble into dust.

The feat of monstrous strength was impressive especially for one who was deemed physically the strongest woman alive. What was truly captivating was seeing exactly how she did it. Somehow Tsunade was able to apply the full power of the Chakra Enhanced Condition just milliseconds before touching the pillar with her index finger. She did it without any conscious thought as she explained the method while destroying the rock. And Tsunade had the nerve to tell you that she was rusty/ If this was her when she was out of shape from two decades of not being on active duty then you didn’t want to imagine a prime Tsunade.

“Though I imagine in their cases it’s through brute force and a well trained body to handle the stress. Maximizing the output without wasting but the bare minimum to forcibly reach that summit. The only other method is perfecting the chakra control to achieve the same results, like Shizune over there.” Tsunade pointed to Shizune after brushing the dust from her haori. You turned your eyes to Tsunade’s student who blinked a bit before waving back on you. “The second method is for those who don’t have the powerful chakra and/or reserves to get away with burning a little excess chakra to pull it off. It’s aimed to perfectly balance the chakra and rationalize every little drop so that nothing is wasted. Course it takes more concentration and doesn’t have the same oomph as with brute force.”

>>3801846

“Okay I think I get it. But in that case, where do you fall under Lady Tsunade.” You asked, finally deciding to be respectful to the Sannin after she proved her merits to you. Tsunade looked at you briefly before scratching the side of her nose.

“Me? Well to be brutally honest, I mastered both methods and pushed them to their highest degree. But in terms of affinity, I’d have to say the latter is more my forte. After all, without it I couldn’t safely spent decades of my life triggering biofeedback on my musculature, manipulating the "Destruction and Rebirth” cycle until I reached my current level.” Tsunade said, laughing off the complex medical procedure that helped further developed her monstrous strength. At this point you weren’t sure who the real monster id, a gargantuan mythical white tiger or Tsunade.

"Now then Shizune will be handling teaching you everything I taught her including this. If you manage to be a good student and continue to improve...maybe I'll personally teach you a thing or two in my spare time. Till then, don't be giving my disciple any trouble you got that?" Hearing Tsunade actually considered the possibility of directly teaching you made you genuinely happy. Almost missing the fact she was threatening you as you came back to reality.

"Yes ma'am." You complied, realizing that it was best not to get on her bad side. Unlike Lady Nekoma she was far more short tempered and impulsive but on the plus side she wasn't questionably sadistic and indirect.

>Start training with Shizune right away
>Schedule a date for training before going back to finding Orochimaru's lab in Tanzaku Castle.
>Ask Tsunade [write-in what you want to know or ask of her to do]
>Head out solo and try to use Shnsei Mahachisu again
>Other [write-in]

>>3801855
>Schedule a date for training before going back to finding Orochimaru's lab in Tanzaku Castle.
This is part of our job after all.

>>3801855
>>Schedule a date for training before going back to finding Orochimaru's lab in Tanzaku Castle.

>>3801899
>>3801924

Although you were delighted to start learning from Ms. Shizune you reminded yourself precisely why you were on the trip in the first place. After going through some convincing you managed to setup a schedule with Shizune in regards to your first lesson. While you didn’t reveal your mission you did however emphasize the importance of it. Understanding your reasons Shizune didn’t press any further like Tsunade who was long gone to really get involved. With a small goodbye you parted ways with Shizune as you head back to business.

Arriving back at Tanzaku Castle you start to scout out the area. It would only take a couple of minutes before you map out the entirety of the castle.Lucky for you that there wasn’t anyone currently planning to take a tour around the castle grounds. It was to be expected considering that it was night time. Unwilling to take any chances you invoke the cloaking powers of the transparency escape jutsu.

On the surface the jutsu made you transparent to achieve a form of invisibility. Perfectly blending with your surroundings as your entire being was see through. Your form, shadow and even breathing was hidden to the unaided eye. The only thing that would lead to your discovery was other tells such as scent or the sounds of your moments. A factor that was removed through your training.

The ANBU Black Ops made you particularly good at masking your entire presence while the Ninneko took care of factors such as sound and scent. With these factors in mind, you were basically as silent as a night breeze. Effectively improving on the technique and mitigating its downsides, you were ready to infiltrate the castle Walking through the castle grounds gave a chilling presence especially at the setting being at night.

But this was all the more perfect as you weren’t sure who or what you would find at one of Orochimaru’s possible labs. Last thing you wanted was potential civilians getting involved or worse. Just another reason why it was beneficial for you to go at this alone. It might come off as reckless to the point of being foolish but there were good reasons for you to not want back up. One of which was merging your consciousness with Konoha’s most notorious enemy. And that was only one of the many questionable things you have done for the good of your village.

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27 KB JPG

>>3802583

Assisting your infiltration you activated the Hiding in Surface jutsu to phase through your surroundings. It only added to the yurei like vibes you gave with this jutsu combo. Once inside you adjusted your senses to the pitch blackness of the castle. With nobody inside there was no need to turn on any lights. For your own good you refrained from using any illuminating technique and just rely on your other senses.

Compared to Amanoiwato this was notoriously easy to navigate through total darkness. As much as you expected you were standing in a several stories building with many floors and different hallways Finding Orochimaru’s lab wasn’t exactly going to be an easy job. Nothing ventured nothing gained. Relying on your instinct you traverse through the hallways and eventually find yourself discovering a secret passage in the far ends of the castle.

It was a hidden floorboard opening up to reveal a set of stairs below. Underneath the pathway lead to a series of tunnels. What can be compared to that of a catacombs you start to find yourself arriving closer to what you seek. That said you took it rather slow in maneuvering through the dungeon, making sure to not set any traps in the process. Tank or not it was rather unadvised to purposely invite trouble.

At some point through your travel you find yourself arriving at what looks to be a massive laboratory. Surrounded with countless tubes and machinery you were convinced that this was exactly what you were looking for. There was a chance that this might be a trap but you couldn't turn back now arriving at a still functioning laboratory

>What do you do now that you arrived at your destination? .

>>3802615
>Check through Orochimarus memories for any traps/info about this place.

>>3802889

Sorry for the lack of replies. Been thinking of how to properly tackle this subplot and honestly I think I ran into writer's block. So I may take a break to get things in order, rethink some things and how I want to continue before getting back into this.

Again I'm sorry for the inconvenience.

>>3805103

Might take some Q&A or feedback to put things into perspective as well.

>>3805103

This might be coming off surprising since I only had a day to think about it closely. On the other hand its been something I been thinking about since "that nefarious" scene. And it's time I make a decision.

I'm putting a pin on this quest and rebooting it. Now this is something I didn't want but I can't help but feel the damage from previous choices and me letting it happen has ultimately hurt the state of the quest in terms of interest.

So with that in mind, I can't help but think for now it'll be best to put this into stasis and start again fresh. It'll be faster this time now that I know how to better manage events and progression. If the reboot doesn't work then we can come back to this version of the tale.

But for now this chapter of Sakura Quest is over. My condolences to everyone who has played so far.

and archived on sug. Now someone please archive this.