Two years have passed. It feels like a lifetime, yet the days have flown by faster than I imagined. These last two years, I've been pushed beyond what I thought my limits were physically, mentally, and even spiritually.
Tsunade and I… we've grown close. When I first began training with her, medical ninjutsu felt like a distant mystery. Healing wasn't just about fixing wounds; it was about understanding the very essence of life, the flow of chakra in the human body, and the delicate balance between injury and recovery. Tsunade never made it easy. She was strict, demanding precision, memorization, and endless practice. But behind that hard exterior, I saw a mentor who believed in me.
She often said, "Izuna, a shinobi's strength isn't just in his fists or jutsu, it's in his ability to protect life." I held onto those words, letting them fuel my will to keep improving.
For months, I struggled with medical ninjutsu, but Tsunade's constant guidance helped me get better. The seal technique of my fuinjutsu was still unfinished. It demanded more patience and finesse than anything I'd trained before. Kushina once told me how long it took her to reach the level I was nearing now. Somehow, I managed to advance quickly, though the goal of becoming a grandmaster in sealing still seemed far off.
Beyond Tsunade's lessons, I trained with the best: Minato and Sakumo. Each taught me something unique, Minato with his unparalleled speed and calm and Sakumo with his unwavering honor and strength. I trained with Kakashi, I can say he is stronger. My jutsu grew sharper; I learned to adapt, to think on my feet, to blend technique with intuition.
Shisui, now a proud chunin and Kurenai, thanks to our training, graduated from the academy ahead of schedule. I helped her refine her genjutsu and shurikenjutsu, seeing her succeed was as rewarding as any victory in battle.
In these years, I also created some of my unique jutsu techniques shaped by my experiences and instincts. They aren't just tools; they are extensions of who I am.
Secret missions became routine, mostly dangerous, and often solo. Each mission tested my skills and spirit, leaving marks I don't easily forget. I faced enemies and challenges that reminded me why I fight to protect those who can't protect themselves.
One day, walking through the village, I caught sight of Tsunade and Shizune walking side by side. Our eyes met, and she smiled warmly, a silent encouragement that meant everything. Our bond had grown beyond mere teacher and student. She was like family now.
Tsunade suggested we go to Ichiraku Ramen.
We sat down at a wooden table, the steam from the hot soup swirling around us. Tsunade ordered her favorite bowl, and I watched her speak with a warm tone.
"Izuna, you have a great talent for medical ninjutsu. Why not choose that path? You could save lives, help people… That's not a weakness, you know."
"Tsunade, I understand what you're saying, but this isn't just about me. The shinobi world is dangerous. You always have to be ready. I can't just sit and heal while danger is waiting."
She nodded, understanding. "I know it's hard. But sometimes, protecting your team and village means saving those who are hurt. It's not just medicine, it's power."
I took a deep breath, "I still want to walk my path. I'm not ready to rely on just one thing; I have to be ready for everything. Thank you, Tsunade, for believing in me."
She smiled, but there was worry in her eyes.
"Just be careful, Izuna.
—————
The late afternoon sun filtered through the trees, casting golden shafts of light across the quiet clearing.
I stood with my arm extended, palm open, as chakra violently spun in my hand. Lightning crackled along the surface of the Rasengan, giving it a jagged, unstable form.
"Still not stable," I muttered to myself, focusing harder. Come on… hold it just a little longer…
The chakra sphere shuddered violently, then exploded with a loud crack!, sending a burst of wind and static in all directions. I stepped back quickly, shaking off the sparks that danced across my cloak.
"Still training, huh?"
I turned around slowly, smirking before I even saw the face.
Kakashi.
He stood casually with one hand in his pocket. His silver hair spiked more wildly than usual, but what stood out most wasn't the hair or even the mask.
It was the jounin jacket.
I raised an eyebrow.
"Took you long enough, welcome to the club."
"Well, I'm not a monster like you, Izuna."
I grinned and tightened my grip. "Check this out."
With a sudden burst, I launched the Lightning Rasengan forward, the crackling energy slicing through the air. Kakashi nodded, impressed.
"You're not the only one trying out new moves. I've got something new too."
He raised his hand, and instantly, blue lightning gathered around his fingers, sparking wildly. "This is the Chidori. A powerful lightning jutsu, sharp, fast, and deadly."
I watched as he moved his hand swiftly, the Chidori humming with lethal energy.
"Looks like we both have something new," I said, feeling a rush of excitement