Hatake Tatsuya in Naruto

A few months later, near Tatsuya's cabin.

"Master Tatsuya, could you teach me ninjutsu?"

Gazing at the wide eyes before him, like twinkling rubies in the evening's crimson glow, Tatsuya fell momentarily silent. Confronted with the daughter of his old brother's friend, he found it difficult to dampen her enthusiasm.

He contemplated. Had Kurenai demonstrated any significant feats in the original timeline?

Most people remembered her only for the tragic scene of her defeat at the hands of Uchiha Itachi, right? Some even claim that after defeating Itachi in Genjutsu. She planned to drown Kisame underwater.

But Tatsuya's perception of this girl was even more straightforward, recalling her growth and enviable figure.

"Alongside illusions, you could also delve into medical ninjutsu."

After a moment's reflection, Tatsuya reluctantly crafted a response that would minimize any harm. In the latter phase of the Fourth World War, there were plenty of Jonin-level shinobi, and Kage-level was no longer the pinnacle.

One couldn't even claim the title of a Kage level without possessing at least a basic bloodline limit.

"Really? Then I should learn more from Tsunade-sama as well!"

Kurenai appeared content with this response, deciding to consult Tsunade on the matter when the opportunity arose.

Tatsuya couldn't fathom her true intentions.

Adding to the mix was Rin, who always trailed behind Tsunade with unwavering loyalty, and now another spirited girl was drawn to Tsunade's tutelage.

"Huh? Where's Master Tsunade?"

Kurenai turned around, scanning for Tsunade. The cohabitation of these two was a widely known secret in Konoha.

"She took Rin to the gambling establishment in the neighboring towns early in the morning."

Tatsuya's statement carried a sense of accustomed resignation.

Nonetheless, it appeared that Rin was already adopting a role akin to Shizune's in the original timeline.

The role of following in Tsunade everywhere...

"Hurry, hurry, Let's hide here for a while!"

At that moment, a girl of the same age burst out from a forest path. The one with a blond single ponytail exclaimed urgently, "Those rascals from the casino managed to locate my home. Thankfully, Nawaki is holding them at bay. Would you mind if I take cover here?"

Blond single ponytail, emerald eyes gleaming, exuding youthful beauty and temperament. From any angle, she was undeniably stunning. It seems she has learned how to scam those Money lenders with transformation jutsu.

She looked just like when she was a teenager. However, this seemed to suggest that planes could easily land on her plain chest.

And following closely behind this blonde teen was Rin Nohara.

Tatsuya paid little attention, choosing instead to pivot and make his way toward the training grounds. The inner voice had grown increasingly distinct and potent of late.

...

...

Two hours later, Nawaki approached Tatsuya, his expression one of utter desolation, his eyes seemingly void of tears, as he lamented, "My sister accrued a staggering debt of 5,244,000 Ryō this time. I ended up surrendering our grandfather's cherished emerald Buddha statue—something my father treasured—to secure her debts from those loan sharks."

"Those scoundrels must have cheated somehow, otherwise, how could I have suffered such massive losses!?"

The fiery outburst from the blond woman echoed Tatsuya's sentiments. Tatsuya and Nawaki fell into a subdued silence. Due to Tsunade's abysmal gambling skills, it seems that only the resurrection of Senju Hashirama could match her prowess in Gambling.

"Can you reverse the transformation now?"

Tatsuya's question was sudden.

"Oh, I forgot!"

The blond teen tapped her forehead and extended her index and middle fingers on both hands, curling them up and down to form a seal.

A burst of smoke erupted.

Upgrade from A to G in an instant.

Rin and Kurenai stood nearby, their eyes widening in disbelief.

Swiftly, they approached Tsunade, each pressing one side of her shoulders, their excitement verging on madness.

"Master Tsunade, what did you consume during your growth phase?"

"Have you developed any peculiar jutsu or medicine?"

"Or perhaps you've mastered a secret technique?"

"Please, enlighten us!"

Tsunade, rattled by the two girls and staring off into space, retorted, "You two have pushed me to my limit!"

...

...

Let's set aside the infamous trio's scene for now. Nawaki suddenly remembered something and cast a solemn look at Tatsuya.

"Aniki, there's been a new captain among the Anbu, replacing Mr. Sakumo. The code name is... Hikari?"

Tatsuya glanced sideways. These trivial details didn't hold his attention. Not that he was completely indifferent.

Rather, his inner thoughts had grown louder and more distinct over recent years. He was consumed by the exploration of kendo, spending every waking moment immersed in it. Trivial things can't interrupt his practice.

Even Tsunade found cause to complain from time to time.

However, Nawaki's next topic piqued Tatsuya's interest:

Kakashi applied for early graduation.

In truth, Nawaki needn't have brought up the matter. Tatsuya had learned of it from Sakumo long ago. While not as exaggerated as per the Original timeline where both enrollment and graduation happened within the same year.

But Kakashi, with his remarkable talent, had been in the Ninja School for three years.

There was little left for him to learn. Thus, he applied for early graduation some time ago. During the war, early graduation wasn't uncommon.

Most Ninja Academy students were around 10 years old upon graduation. If one waited until the sixth year, graduation would occur at age 12. It was a testament to one's ninja aptitude; nothing more.

Nawaki, however, had some intriguing news for Tatsuya. Several others had also applied for early graduation. Among them was Uchiha Obito.

Upon hearing of Kakashi's decision, Obito seemed to follow suit without hesitation.

Might Guy, the Second dead last, who boasted of being Kakashi's eternal rival, was also among the early graduates.

Hokage's second son, the future Jonin worth 35 million Ryo Asuma,

"Master Tatsuya, I've also applied for early graduation."

"Me too; Rin suggested it, and I agree. We both feel there's little left to learn in school."

The scene was joined by two stalwart figures, Rin and Kurenai, both of whom had received special attention from Tsunade.

"Things are becoming increasingly intriguing."

A faint smile graced Tatsuya's lips. Was it already the time near the third Ninja War? In this matter, he would need to make use of the opportunities for Tsunade to be the Next Hokage.

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