NOVEL NEXT Chapter 12: Tsunade as Tsuna
With way the Kage-level left before I officially join the academy, I decided to focus my training on improving my other chakra affinities and diving into Medical Ninjutsu under Tsunade's guidance. I've started calling her "Tsuna," a playful nickname I hope will bring me a bit closer to her heart. Sure, our age difference is vast, but to me, age doesn't matter in matters of love. I don't see it as a barrier; in fact, I've already set my mind on something bold.
One day, with all the determination I could muster, I told her, "Tsuna, I'm going to marry you when I reach the age of marrying," which I assumed would be around 18. Naturally, she brushed it off as a child's fantasy, laughing it away. But what she didn't realize was that the conviction in my eyes only grew stronger. I wasn't going to back down.
In the meantime, I've figured one of the best ways to win her over is by becoming her student. If I can convince her to teach me her Medical Ninjutsu and become my sensei, it will not only strengthen me in battle but also deepen our bond. Training under her is a step toward both my personal and shinobi goals. After all, learning from one of the greatest medical ninjas would only push me closer to my dream of becoming a Strongest shinobi—and maybe even closer to her heart.
Even though I could easily learn Medical Ninjutsu with Aurora's help, I decided to take the harder path for a reason—to become closer to Tsuna. I knew I had the talent to pick it up quickly, but this wasn't just about mastering the jutsu. It was about building a connection with her, learning under her guidance, and showing her my determination. So, my training began with my lovely sensei, Tsuna.
"Alright, Naruto, show me how good your chakra control is," Tsuna said, her voice firm yet encouraging.
Even though I was only at an intermediate level in chakra control, it was good enough to help me in this new training. When Tsuna asked me to demonstrate, she showed me how to release chakra from her hand, the signature green glow of Medical Ninjutsu. Taking a deep breath, I focused and mimicked her action, creating the same green chakra that fully enveloped my hand.
"Oh, I see you've got excellent chakra control," Tsuna remarked, a smile on her face though her eyes betrayed a hint of surprise. "At your age, I wasn't nearly as good as you are. You really are a genius, Naruto."
Grinning, I couldn't resist teasing her, "Ahahaha, with this kind of talent, do you think I can marry you?"
She laughed softly but replied, "No, you've still got a long way to go."
With that, the real training began. Just like in the original medical ninjutsu training, she had me work with a fish, reviving it after it had died. This was more than just an exercise in chakra control—it required precision, patience, and a deep understanding of how life and chakra intertwined. As challenging as it was, I threw myself into the task, determined to prove myself.
Aside from the practical training, I also immersed myself in studying medical books under her guidance. I learned about herbs, poisons, treatments, and the vast intricacies of the human body. Tsuna made sure I understood that Medical Ninjutsu wasn't just about healing; it required a sharp mind and an understanding of medicine and biology.
But while I focused on medical training, I didn't neglect my other skills. I continued to strengthen my chakra nature affinities, refine my combat techniques, and push my limits. Balancing all this wasn't easy, but I knew every bit of effort was bringing me closer to becoming the shinobi I needed to be—and maybe even closer to Tsuna's heart.
Though Tsuna still treated me as a child, dismissing my conviction as youthful fantasy, I decided to confront her directly. "Tsuna, if I were the same age as you, or even around 20, would you marry me?"
She paused, thinking for a moment before replying, "Yeah, I think I would have accepted your proposal."
Hearing this only strengthened my resolve. "Then wait for me to grow up. Don't even think of marrying someone else. If you try, I'll kill any bastard you marry," I declared with absolute determination.
She was taken aback by my boldness but eventually smiled, amused by my stubbornness. "Alright, Naruto. Do your best to make me fall in love with you," she said, accepting my challenge.
I knew that, deep down, her heart was still clinging to the memory of Dan, the man who had made her the way she was. If he were still alive, I would have killed him without hesitation. His death may have left her broken, but it also worked in my favor—no one had been able to enter her heart after him. Even Jiraiya, despite his many attempts, had failed. Of course, with his perverted nature, Tsuna could never accept him. Still, I resented Dan for making her sad and thought bitterly, *Why did someone so weak dare to love her, who couldn't save his own ass?*
As the saying goes, "Without strength and power, the weak cannot choose how they die."
But that was all in the past. Dan was dead, and now it was my turn to make her happy. With her approval, my determination only grew stronger.
"Yes, Leo, you can make any woman fall in love with you," Aurora chimed in with her usual confidence.
"Thank you, Aurora, for your encouragement," I replied, feeling more driven than ever. The path ahead wouldn't be easy, but I knew I had what it took to win Tsuna's heart and surpass every challenge in my way.