Talent System In The Naruto Universe

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"Shisui."

Hanekawa smiled and extended an invitation. "If you're free, we can train together."

Uchiha Obito was able to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan, so his talent wasn't bad, but his growth during his time at the ninja academy had been relatively slow.

As for Uchiha Shisui, in a few years, his strength would skyrocket during the Third Great Ninja War, elevating him to the rank of an elite jonin.

When choosing someone to hone Fire Release skills with, the choice was obvious.

"Sure, Hanekawa senpai," Shisui agreed without hesitation.

Unlike other members of the Uchiha clan, Shisui didn't shy away from interacting with ninjas outside of his clan.

Besides, Hanekawa wasn't an ordinary person. His identity and strength made him someone worth associating with.

"See you tomorrow."

Hanekawa didn't linger. After saying his goodbyes, he turned and left.

As he passed by a ramen shop under renovation, he stopped in his tracks.

Hanging at the entrance was a sign that read Ichiraku Ramen.

Was it about to open?

Hanekawa curiously glanced at the shop but didn't see the legendary Ōtsutsuki Ichiraku, only the workers handling the renovations.

Retracting his gaze, he soon returned to Tsunade's house.

Just as he was about to take out the key, he noticed that the door was slightly ajar, with a finger-width gap.

Tsunade was home?

He was a bit surprised.

Hanekawa pushed open the door and walked into the living room.

Tsunade's head was resting against the armrest of the sofa, her eyes half-closed, her lips soft and pink.

Her slender waist supported her full figure, the weight naturally tilting and putting pressure on her outfit.

Her hips sank deeply into the sofa, and her long legs were crossed, with her right leg on top, her fair, delicate foot gently swaying in the air.

Her toes were a soft pink, neatly aligned, looking adorable.

The only flaw was that her red nail polish had lost its luster and wasn't as vibrant as when freshly applied.

"Sensei," Hanekawa greeted.

"Hmm," Tsunade responded noncommittally.

"Is something bothering you?" Hanekawa sensed something different from her usual demeanor.

"Not really." Tsunade sat up and said, "I was just thinking about which mission to take."

"Huh?" Hanekawa was surprised. "You're taking a mission?"

"What's with that look?" Tsunade couldn't help but glare at him.

"I've never seen you take a mission before," Hanekawa blinked and replied.

"Would I tell you if I did?"

Tsunade retorted without batting an eye.

"Then why are you telling me today?" Hanekawa quickly caught the inconsistency.

"Because you're coming too." Tsunade chuckled and asked, "Scared?"

"Why would I be?"

Although the news was sudden, Hanekawa was somewhat eager. He had never left the village before.

Previously, he had avoided leaving the academy out of caution, wary of Shimura Danzo. But with Tsunade accompanying him now, it seemed safe enough.

"Missions aren't a joke." Tsunade reached out and flicked his forehead. "Just make sure you don't end up crying and clinging to me when you have to kill."

Hanekawa froze slightly.

He had never killed anyone, but a ninja who didn't kill would eventually be killed.

"Crying in my teacher's arms doesn't sound bad." Hanekawa tilted his head, eyeing her generous figure.

"Even crying has a time limit." Tsunade laughed, ruffling his hair. "There's no time for tears on the battlefield."

The battlefield?

Hanekawa's heart stirred.

He remembered that Sarutobi Asuma and Kurenai Yuhi had graduated at the age of nine, which marked the beginning of the Third Great Ninja War.

In other words, there's less than two years left.

"I won't cry," Hanekawa shook his head and said firmly.

After all, having lived two lives, his mental resilience was naturally stronger than his peers.

"Your current strength isn't bad, so I'll pick a slightly tougher mission," Tsunade said with a smile. "I trust you."

"Just not too tough," Hanekawa coughed lightly. "I haven't graduated yet."

"You sly little brat."

Hearing this, Tsunade ruffled his hair. She preferred this kind of personality—those who were too upright didn't last long on the battlefield.

"This is called being smart," Hanekawa corrected her.

"Sure, let's call it that," Tsunade said dismissively before adding, "I've already spoken to the old man about Sakumo Hatake's situation. It'll be resolved soon."

"As expected of my teacher!" Hanekawa immediately praised her.

"Fake," Tsunade withdrew her hand and said, "Now go make dinner."

"Yes, ma'am!" Hanekawa stood up straight and replied, "Mission guaranteed to be completed!"

Tsunade watched him walk into the kitchen, the smile on her face gradually fading.

She scratched her head, still troubled over which mission to take.

If it was too difficult, she worried Hanekawa might get hurt.

But if it was too easy, it wouldn't provide enough experience.

This was the first time she'd felt so conflicted over a mission.

"Teacher, dinner's ready!"

A moment later, Hanekawa came out of the kitchen carrying bowls and chopsticks.

"Anything happen at school today?" Tsunade asked casually as she sat at the table and picked up her chopsticks.

"Nothing major," Hanekawa said, grabbing a piece of tempura shrimp. "I sparred with Shisui."

"Uchiha Shisui?" Tsunade recalled. "I've heard Uchiha clan members at the Konoha Hospital mention him—an exceptionally rare talent."

"He is pretty impressive," Hanekawa nodded slightly. "He even knows Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Flower Nail Crimson."

Tsunade was momentarily surprised.

Being able to use Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Flower Nail Crimson wasn't extraordinary, but given his age, it was astonishing.

"Who won?" Tsunade looked at him and asked.

"Of course, I did," Hanekawa said proudly, lifting his chin slightly. "I wouldn't embarrass my teacher."

"Aren't you impressive," Tsunade chuckled, then asked, "So, does that mean your genjutsu and swordsmanship are at the level of a chunin?"

"More or less," Hanekawa said as he chewed on the shrimp.

"Is that so?" Tsunade mused. "Finish your meal, and I'll take you to meet someone."

"Who?" Hanekawa asked curiously.

"There are quite a few in the village skilled in the Konoha-style swordsmanship, and he happens to be one of them," Tsunade explained. "He's also integrated genjutsu into his swordsmanship, which suits you well."

Maruboshi Kosuke.

The name immediately popped into Hanekawa's mind.

He was a legendary genin.

In his youth, his impatience had caused the deaths of his teammates.

As penance, he swore to the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, that he would remain a genin for life.

Even the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, had tried to promote him to jonin, but Kosuke refused.

His true strength, however, was formidable even among jonin.

"Granduncle had a connection with him and even taught him Water Release ninjutsu," Tsunade explained. "Out of respect for Granduncle, he won't refuse to teach you."

If not for Hanekawa, she wouldn't have wanted to owe anyone a favor.

But an extra bit of strength meant an extra chance of survival.

"Thank you, Teacher," Hanekawa said with a nod.

A teacher's care was just as precious as a parent's love.

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